2015.03.10 CC Packet Combined - Laserfiche WebLink

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Owk.city0f NVMCATrON the city that works for you Council Worksession February 24, 2015 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Absent: Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Janice Gundlach-Planning Director Guests in Attendance: Urban Farming Discussion Lotter explained the Council previously discussed the urban farming topic at a previous work session meeting. Staff reviewed a draft urban farming ordinance and requested comments and direction from the Council on how to proceed. Gundlach reported the draft ordinance was put together based on the recommendations from the task force. She reviewed the proposed ordinance in detail with the Council. Councilmember Burg noted that she missed the Council's previous discussion on this matter, but was up to speed on the topic. Mayor Jacobsen provided comment on the main points discussed at the last work session. He recommended that beehives be required to have a water source in Section 1. Discussion ensued regarding proper setbacks for beehives. Councilmember Bauman was in favor of setbacks being established and recommended that neighbors be informed that a hive was being installed. She did not want to see numerous hives in residential back yards. Mayor Jacobsen agreed stating that this would provide some level of protection for residents that were allergic to bee stings. He saw the value of beehives and noted some commercial beekeepers were choosing to locate in apple orchards. Councilmember Jacobsen stated he supported the draft ordinance as written by staff due to the fact it was based on the recommendation of the task force. He also understood the importance of having a water source for beehives. There was Council consensus to support the bee language as recommended by staff.