11-08-06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 dumped on the ground, and asked that the Council prohibit this dumping via an ordinance. Blesener indicated that he has had mice in his house and pointed out that to eliminate the problem, foundation holes have to be sealed. Collins reported that he has done this and has not had mice in the house recently, but felt that if wild animal feed is continually dumped on the ground, the problem will reoccur. Collins stated that he is not opposed to bird feeders installed at a certain height. He opposes the dumping of wild animal feed on the ground. Collins was concerned with damage that mice can do to wiring, etc. that could pose a hazard. Montour noted that it is not uncommon to have mice in a house, and it was noted that as the weather turns, mice will move indoors, if possible. Keis suggested that adopting an ordinance prohibiting the dumping of wild animal feed on the ground will not eliminate the problem. Collins felt that it would help if the source of food is eliminated. Allan indicated that she, too, has had mice in her house and does not have anyone within 300 feet of her dumping wild animal feed on the ground. Allan indicated that she walked Che Collin's neighborhood, and found that there are many people feeding animals in the neighborhood. Allan expressed concern with the enforcement of an ordinance such as the one being suggested by Mr. Collins. Keis stated that he did not want to adopt an ordinance to address a single issue, and was unsure that such an ordinance would be effective or the correct way of addressing the problem. Keis noted the location of the feeder, however, pointing out that it is not visible to the homeowner. He indicated that typically feeders are placed near windows so the homeowner can enjoy watching the wildlife. Allan again indicated that there are so many people in this neighborhood feeding animals, she questioned the enforceability of such an ordinance. Montour noted that the request is that the City not allow the pouring of wild animal feed on the ground. Collins agreed and pointed out that there is a difference in bird feed put in bird feeders and wild animal feed. The Council continued discussion of the issue and the consensus was that the ordinance being requested by Mr. Collins would not solve the mice problem at his home. The Council was also not in favor of adopting an ordinance to address a single problem. The City Administrator suggested that the City contact the property owner dumping the wild animal feed on 4