02-27-2023 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council February 27, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 6 City Attorney Riggs discussed the proposed Ordinance in further detail with the Council and noted he was available for comments or questions. Amber Urlacher, 5406 Adams Street, expressed support for increasing the number of allowed chickens from eight to twelve. She understood chickens were not for everyone, but commented on the positive impact they have had on her home. She anticipated the rising price of eggs could encourage some residents to keep their own chickens in order to have free range eggs. She discussed how egg production varies throughout the year and explained her neighbors benefit when her hens were all laying. She described how she used her food waste for her chickens and noted the chicken waste was used in her garden. She thanked the Council for considering the increase to the chicken limit. Council Member Meehlhause recalled the City started at eight because the person making the request had four ducks and four chickens. Mayor Hull anticipated the coop requirements should be increased. City Attorney Riggs reported the proposed Ordinance did not address coop requirements, but rather only addressed the number of birds. Council Member Gunn supported the coop requirements remaining as is. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained there was a space recommendation for birds both inside and outside the coop. He reported if birds were over crowded there would be a pecking problem. He recommended staff review ordinances from other communities to see what the coop sizes should be for up to 12 chickens. Council Member Gunn questioned if the Council should table action on this item to allow staff to review the coop size language. City Attorney Riggs indicated the Council could take this action, or the first reading could be held and staff could be directed to review the coop size language. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1001, Amending Chapter 90, Section 90.005 of the Mounds View City Code increasing number of allowed chickens from 8 to 12 with the understanding staff would be reviewing the coop size language. Council Member Meehlhause explained he has been leery to support the chicken limit increase but he appreciated the fact staff would be reviewing the coop size requirements. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Council Member Lindstrom suggested Amber Urlacher be considered to fill the vacant seat on the Planning Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Meehlhause. To recommend Amber Urlacher fill the vacant seat on the Planning Commission for 2023.