HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-12Falcon Heights Environment Commission
City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 9, 2012
Present: Commissioners Diane Ross, Brian Goodspeed, Peggy Hall, Nina Semmelroth, Ethan
Wagner, Jeff Connell, Rebecca Montgomery, Mayor Peter Lindstrom, Deb Jones (Staff).
Guests: Bill Stephenson of St. Paul Animal Control; Jane McHattie, St. Paul resident,
Falcon Heights Residents Deb Alexander, Lisa Lovdahl
Absent: Isaac Mielke
1. The meeting was called to order by the Chairs at 6:30. The June minutes were approved.
2. Chicken keeping
Mr. Bill Stephenson of the City of St. Paul’s Animal Control department spoke to the
Commission about the practical mechanics and challenges of administering their
permitting program for certain regulated animals, including bees and chickens (the
Commission’s focus this evening)
St. Paul’s program requires an initial permit with site plan approval and annual renewal
with site inspections. The basic provisions are covered by their city code. Detailed rules
and procedures for each type of animal are govened by administrative policies. Mr.
Stephenson provided copies, which are appended to these minutes, and answered
Commissioners’ questions.
The second invited speaker was Jane McHattie, resident of the Como Park neighborhood of
St. Paul, who has kept chickens for several years. She told how she and her family came to
be own chickens and how they built their chicken house and pen. She described her “life
with chickens” and answered many questions from those present.
3. Adjournment. Due to the length of time the Commission spent listening to the guest
speakers and asking questions, Ms. Ross suggeted tabling the model bee ordinance. The
other Commissioners being in agreement, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45
pm.