06/24/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 24, 2002 Councilmember Carlson noted Hardwood Creek crosses the southwest corner of the subject property. She indicated approximately one month ago, the Rice Creek Watershed District had been before the City Council requesting support for obtaining easements along Hardwood Creek in an effort to reduce the levels of phosphorus in the creek. She questioned whether City staff has discussed with the applicant the dedication of such an easement on their property. Community Development Director Grochala stated that such easement dedication has not been discussed with the applicant and he did not believe this could be required as part of the Conditional Use Permit. He noted the land through which Hardwood Creek crosses is pasture land. Councilmember Carlson suggested that paragraph h under City Ordinance Section 2, subd. 2.B.7, which states, "Will not result in the destruction, loss, or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major importance" could apply to this concern. Community Development Director Grochala responded that the impact on the existing land. He felt that to continue using the 1 impact on the creek than would a tilled field utilizing fertili requiring the dedication of easements as part of the Conditi It was the opinion of City Attorney Hawkins that the easements as part of the Conditional Use Permit. and State cases dealing with requirements of citie such a request would not relate to the requeste Councilmember Reinert asked if there we Community Development Director Gro related to this particular use. He not involved exotic animals, not farm ed use would not have an asture would have less not comfortable with Permit. uld clearly have no right to require such dicad there have been a number of Federal equesting easements and he concurred that al Use Permit. • problems associated with this type of use. ed City staff was not aware of any known problems oblems with other private zoos, however, they Community Development ro indicated City staff performed a fairly thorough review of neighboring cities that hav . si ' lar ses and the largest concern expressed was related to parking issues. He indicated st f attempted to address this concern by requiring on-site parking. He recommended perhaps an annua eview of this Conditional Use Permit to ensure there are no unforeseen issues. He noted the petting zoo would not be open to the public, rather tour groups would be scheduled for on-site visits. Councilmember Reinert questioned what types of animals will be kept at the property and whether there were limits to the types that can be kept. Community Development Director Grochala stated City staff was not recommending any conditions on the types of animals. He asked that the applicant explain the types of animals that will be kept on site. William Walton, 8140 20th Avenue, provided the City Council with his business card, which listed the types of animals he and his wife keep for their petting zoo, which included typical farm animals, lamas, ponies and miniature donkeys. 10