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CASE #9 By: REVIEW HORSE ORDINANCE Mark S. Banwart, Community Development Director By: Bill Goodrich, City Attorney Background: On February 22, 1989 at a special joint meeting of the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and Park and Recreation Commission, Commissioner Shumway reviewed in detail the proposed amendment to the Horse Ordinance that was denied by City Council in 1988. At the City Council meeting of March 14, 1989, City Council directed staff to provide further information regarding amendments to the current Horse Ordinance to be presented at the March 28, 1989 Council meeting, for your information, attached is the following: A. Proposed Horse Ordinance Observations: During the joint meeting of February 22, 1989, a number of concerns were stated by the Commissioners and Council present. These included: Commissioner Hetland felt that the manure controls proposed by the saddle club were more specific and should replace those proposed in the draft ordinance. Some concerns were expressed regarding the enforceability of the ordinance. The City Attorney stated that the horse ordinance would be enforced similar to a nuisance ordinance; for which violation is a misdemeanor. City Attorney Goodrich also stated that courts were not set up to impound horses and that a Horseman's Committee as proposed in the draft ordinance could only be an advisory body to the City Council. It was also noted that animal owners are liable for damages caused by their animals and a discussion ensued regarding if current insurance should be something that the City require of horse owners. It was also stated that the Horseman's Committee would be required to maintain minutes pursuant to State Statute for any legally formed entity within the City. Councilmembers DeLuca and Pearson expressed concern with reducing the acreage requirements for keeping horses. The consensus of the Planning and Zoning Commission members present were to make modifications to the proposed horse ordinance before placing it on the City Council agenda for reconsideration. On April 4, 1989, the Planning and Zoning Commission directed Commissioner Terry Hendriksen to make a presentation to City Council. On April 25, 1989, the Ramsey City Council heard a presentation of Commissioner Terry Hendriksen. The Council consensus was that the initial acreage increment should remain at 3 acres. Councilmember DeLuca was of the opinion that no horses should be allowed on less than 3 acres South of the MWCC boundary. Council consensus was to place the horse ordinance review on the May 9, 1989 Council agenda for further discussion. On May 2, 1989 at the Ramsey Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Commissioner Hendriksen stated that he made a presentation to City Council regarding the proposed amendment to the horse ordinance. It appears that City Council is receptive to the idea of allowing two horses on 3 acres and scaling up at a rate of one horse per 1/2 acre over 3 acres. Council is also willing to consider allowing horses on 1.5 to 3 acre parcels with a site plan that has been reviewed. Commissioner Hendriksen stated that he will redraft the ordinance amendment based on the discussion with City Council, present that redraft to the Planning and Zoning Commission at the May 16th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, and approach City Council with the revised amendment at a later date. On May 16, 1989, the Ramsey Planning and Zoning Commission was presented with draft ordinance modifications by Terry Hendriksen. The modifications included: