11-16-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 16, 2020 8 residents want chickens. In addition, based on the results, she stated she did not believe a standalone public hearing meeting was necessary. Mayor Grant questioned how many households completed the survey multiple times. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated there were 55 households that completed the survey twice. Councilmember McClung agreed a standalone public hearing meeting was not necessary. Councilmember Holmes agreed and noted a public hearing would be held by the Planning Commission when this item came forward for consideration. She thanked the public for providing the City with thoughtful comments. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla questioned if the Council supported staff drafting an Ordinance. Councilmember Holden supported staff moving forward with the drafting of an Ordinance. She explained she would only support a property in Arden Hills having up to three chickens. Councilmember McClung agreed staff should begin drafting an Ordinance. Mayor Grant agreed only three chickens should be allowed, no roosters and only laying hens should be permitted. Councilmember Scott asked what the city of Shoreview allows with respect to chickens and questioned how much their license was. Mayor Grant commented he was uncertain. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained residents in Shoreview can have up to four chickens. He asked if the Council supported the City having a formal permitting process for chickens. Councilmember Holden stated she was in favor of the City having a formal process because this would provide the City an avenue to address enforcement concerns. Mayor Grant reported the City requires residents to have a license for their dogs and he recommended the same permitting process be followed for chickens. Councilmember Scott questioned if staff had any information about the mutation of viruses from fowl. Councilmember Holden explained she had spoken to several vets and it was her understanding all of the studies show that COVID was not transmitted by domestic animals. She inquired what the timeline would be for approving a chicken Ordinance.