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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2008 Page 3 health." City Manager Mornson stated staff contacted Hennepin County Public Health and was told that approval of the request was under the City's jurisdiction. Councilmember Roth suggested an overall review of the St. Anthony Ordinance Section 1210 — Animals Prohibited as Nuisances. He noted the review is likely beyond the scope of the discussion on this specific request. 8 Ms. Sang Tran, 3121 Rankin Road, stated they look at keeping the chickens as a good 9 opportunity for their kids to take care of a pet. They chose Bantam Silkies because they are little; 10 her mom raised them in Saigon and kept them strictly as pets. She stated her position that it is 11 good to be culturally diverse and have different options in the City. 12 13 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Stifle, to approve Resolution No. 14 08-033, Request to Keep Bantam Silkie Chickens as Pets in an R-1 Zoning District. 15 16 A friendly amendment was requested by Councilmember Stille and was accepted, that 17 Resolution No. 08-033 be amended as follows: "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that 18 the City of St. Anthony has completed its consideration of the request for approval to keep as 19 pets, no more than three female the Bantam Silkie chickens..." 20 21 Councilmember Stille pointed out that they can try this situation and see how it works, and they 22 are not required to allow it somewhere else. 23 24 Councilmember Thuesen stated his opposition to granting this request. He stated he has talked to 25 a variety of residents; there is a concern that this will open up the gates with the potential for 26 animals such as potbelly pigs, ponies, pheasants, etc. He does not see chickens as a good pet for 27 the City and this could set a precedent for more people. He stated his agreement with a review of 28 the ordinance. 29 30 Councilmember Gray stated his position that the adoption of the proposed resolution is a good 31 way to proceed. He stated the person requesting this came forward and asked for permission, 32 while she could have gone ahead with the chickens and no one would have likely found out. He 33 stated the City has enough controls that this will not get out of hand, and the Council has the 34 ability to say no in the future for something that would be more intrusive. From what he has read, 35 keeping these chickens is nothing more than owning a cat or dog. 36 37 Mayor Faust stated he believes there is a reason they did not allow livestock in the community, 38 but on the other hand thinks that may be archaic. As far as this getting out of hand, even if the 39 ordinance is not changed everyone is required to come before the Council and request permission 40 for this type of situation. He stated his support of reviewing the ordinance. He pointed out that 41 there is a good faith effort on the part of this applicant. There are many people that come from 42 different backgrounds that need to be given opportunities. If this situation goes awry the 43 resolution can be rescinded, and in the meantime they can look at making situations that may 44 come up with animals like llamas or horses a little more difficult to handle. 45 46 Ayes — 4, Nays —1 (Thuesen). Motion carried. 3