2015.05.12 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 12, 2015 making a motion to ban chickens, when this has not been voiced prior to this meeting. He inquired what the process was in moving forward since a total fowl ban was not addressed in previous worksession meetings. Mayor Jacobsen responded that he has been involved in this issue for the past four and one -half years. He believed the issues have been kicked down the road and residents were looking for a solution. He explained that comments made at worksession meetings were simply for discussion purposes and not to be used for decisions. He believed that the circulated flyer made personal attacks on him based on misinformation from the worksession meetings, which he did not appreciate. He indicated that he would take full responsibility for his decision this evening. He wanted New Brighton to be able to fully enforce its City Code. It was his opinion that a total and complete ban of fowl for the time being would be for the greater good of the community. Councilmember Stub appreciated the Mayor's honesty regarding this matter, but stated he would not be able to support the motion, as he supported urban fanning. Councilmember Jacobsen was saddened by the resident that distributed the inflammatory flyer without stating the source. He understood this was a divisive issue as some New Brighton homeowners have had chickens for many years. He believed that additional "guard rails" needed to be written into the Ordinance before common ground could be reached. He valued the differing opinions brought up this evening and was proud of the neighborhoods within this community. He encouraged the community to remain peaceful as the City resolves this issue. He appreciated the residents that have reached out to him and have provided their input regarding chickens. He thanked all of the residents in attendance this evening and for their comments. Mayor Jacobsen explained that the City was a republic. He reported that the City Council does not have the right to take away anyone's life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness, which was snaking this a very difficult to address. With this in mind, he does not take his decision lightly. Councilmember Burg appreciated the emotions expressed this evening. She too believed that the information within the distributed flyer was inaccurate and offensive. She apologized for not responding to the 63 messages she received today. She stated she was not willing to support a total fowl ban and indicated she was willing to work on a better compromise. She did not believe it was fair for the Council to consider a total fowl ban since this was not previously discussed by the Council at a previous worksession. Councilmember Bauman did not fear having chickens in the community, but rather did not want them due to the fact they did not belong. She believed that the tension in the City would be dismissed if chickens were banned. Mayor Jacobsen questioned how much longer the Council could kick this issue down the road. He wanted the bitterness regarding chickens to cease as it was growing like cancer. Councilmember Bauman called the question. 3 Ayes, 2 Nays (Burg and Strub) - Motion Carried Council Business 1. Consideration of Acceptance of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Auditor Communication Letter and Reports on Compliance for Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2014. City Manager Lotter indicated Finance Director Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Director Davitt reported preparation of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ending December 31, 2014, has been completed. She was proud to report that the City received a Certificate of Achievement again in 2014 for its financial reporting. She thanked her staff for their dedicated service to the City and its finances. She explained that Kern DeWenter Viere (KDV), our independent auditing firm, has completed their audit of our accounting records and financial statements. They have issued an unqualified, or clean, opinion that our financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. The auditors also have issued a Communications Letter and their Reports on Compliance with Government Auditing Standards and Legal Compliance. Prior to the regular City Council meeting on May 12th, a Worksession was scheduled to review the CAFR, the Communications Letter, and the Reports Page 9 of 13 Council Business 1. Consideration of Acceptance of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Auditor Communication Letter and Reports on Compliance for Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2014.