Agenda Packets - 2005/05/09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council April 25, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 8 spent approximately $9,000.00 to install a fence, which was for the safety of their animals, as 1 they do not want them in the streets. He stated that they dogs are not left unsupervised noting 2 that they are members of their family. He stated that their are never off their leash noting that if 3 the barking becomes excessive conditional behavior training is implemented. He stated that he 4 has already noticed many of the walkers in his area have their dogs off the leash, running ahead 5 and assured Council that this would not be the case with their dogs. He acknowledged the 6 neighbors’ frustrations and concerns noting that they have met the requirement for the number of 7 signatures needed for the permit. He stated that he also wrote notes to their neighbors asking 8 them to contact them with any problems at any time. He stated that he and his wife are new to 9 the area and are trying hard to work with their neighbors. He asked Council to give them the 10 chance to prove their honor. 11 12 Mayor Marty closed the public hearing at 9:25 p.m. 13 14 Council Member Flaherty clarified that what he is hearing is that they want a trial period with the 15 option, after 60-days, to determine if three dogs is working or not. He asked the neighbors to 16 verify whose dog is barking before making any reports. He stated that he is in support of tabling 17 this issue for the duration. 18 19 Council Member Thomas stated that she would be against tabling this request. She stated that 20 she does not think that a 60-day period would change the decision and postponing would not 21 accomplish anything during this timeframe. She stated that there is a fairness issue to be 22 considered as they have a resident with more than two dogs and neighbors with concerns about 23 the noise. She stated that she is concerned about neighborhood relationships adding that the City 24 has a process in place and the Council should make a decision tonight. 25 26 Council Member Gunn agreed with Council Member Thomas. She stated that she does not think 27 that a 60-day period would make much difference. She agreed that if there are other dogs 28 barking in the area that this issue should also be addressed. She asked if the applicant would be 29 able to keep all three dogs or would one dog have to be boarded until the kennel license is 30 approved. 31 32 Mayor Marty stated that if this request is tabled everything would remain status quo while 33 reviewing the request. He stated that in his view, tabling the application might give the 34 neighbors some peace of mind while they work this situation through. He acknowledged that 35 tabling this would leave the application open and pending and if they approve this application the 36 Council, at their discretion, can review the application at a later date. He expressed concerns 37 stating that he does not want to send the message to the residents that Council is not listening to 38 their concerns. He stated that he does not have a problem with tabling the application for the 60-39 day period. He stated that it is his hope that by the end of the 60-day period the situation will 40 have improved. He stated that he sees this as a potentially positive step for everyone concerned. 41 42 Council Member Gunn clarified that the neighbors would still have the same recourse to come in 43 and express concerns about the noise whether the application is tabled or approved. She stated 44 that she could see where both options are positive noting that the Residents are all aware of their 45