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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022321 UA MINUTES CITY OF APPLE VALLEY URBAN AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES February 23, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Urban Affairs Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by Chair Sharon Schwartz at 6:01 p.m. Members Present: Ann Arens, Linda Blake, Sandy Breuer*, Pamela Sohlberg*, Walton Mahlum, Sharon Schwartz, and John Vegter. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist, Planner/Economic Development Specialist Alex Sharpe *Virtual attendee 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Schwartz asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist advised there were two additional handouts provided by the University of Minnesota added to the agenda. MOTION: Vegter moved, seconded by Mahlum, approving the agenda. Ayes - 6 - Nays - 0. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – NOVEMBER 17, 2020 Chair Schwartz asked if there were any changes to the minutes. MOTION: Mahlum moved, seconded by Blake, approving the minutes of the meeting of November 17, 2020. Ayes - 6 - Nays - 0. 4. ACTION ITEMS – NO ACTIONS REQUIRED A. Introduction to Animal Ordinance Review Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist gave a brief overview and introduction to the first presentation provided by Petitioner Rebekah Weum. Petitioner Weum gave statistics regarding the increase in signatures from residents who support the ordinance amendment to allow chickens in residential neighborhoods. Petitioner Weum also addresses some of the main concerns those who oppose may have such as property values, noise, odor, disease, and predators. Commissioner Vegter asked who would be responsible for setting the regulations for backyard chickens and would any inspections be required? Community Development Director Nordquist advised that best practices from other cities would become a guide and a drafting of the ordinance would need to be done with assistance from the City Attorney. A public hearing would also be conducted. University of Minnesota Extension Educator Wayne Martin provided the second presentation. Extension Educator Martin shared some of the benefits and concerns associated with chicken keeping. He also raised some considerations that would need to be made such as whether neighbor approval would be required, permit or inspection requirements, and possible consequences of violations. Community Development Director Nordquist raised a concern about dogs in neighboring homes to those who have backyard chickens and any negative situations that could occur. Extension Educator Martin advised this was not typically an issue as most with backyard chickens would have a fenced yard as do a lot of dog owners. Commissioner Vegter asked if people typically start off by buying chicks or do they get full grown hens? Extension Educator Martin advised there were a lot of options for hatcheries in the Midwest and that people usually start off with chicks as they can get a variety of breeds that way. Mature birds that are ready to lay are more expensive and difficult to find. Commissioner Vegter raised the concern of people choosing chicks who may end up being roosters and not hens. Extension Educator Martin said most hatcheries are able to sort the chicks so that they are hens. He also mentioned there were community groups that often rehome roosters when needed. Chair Schwartz asked what happens when chickens are done laying eggs. Extension Educator Martin advised it was up to the owner. Some will keep them as pets and they become part of the family. Chair Schwartz asked about space requirements for coops and number of birds. Extension Educator Martin said inside a coop a minimum of 3-5 square feet per bird of floor space. Birds would spend more time inside the coop during colder temperatures and can get aggressive when there is not enough space. Outside space should allow 10 square feet per bird. Chair Schwartz asked about where soiled bedding would be disposed of. Extension Educator Martin said most people dispose of it in the garbage otherwise some do use organic recycling/composting sites.