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Mayor Strommen asked if there is a comparison ratio for chickens to pigeons. <br />City Planner Anderson stated that he was unsure for pigeons but noted that chicken are equal to <br />.04 animal units. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau referenced the statement from the representative staff spoke with <br />today that compared this number of pigeons to three house cats. He asked if there is a concern <br />with droppings if the pigeons fly from the property to a neighboring property. <br />City Planner Anderson replied that it was explained to him that racing pigeons typically take care <br />of their bathroom business before the flight or when they return from the flight. <br />Mayor Strommen asked the number of non-traditional animal permits the City currently has. <br />City Planner Anderson replied that the City currently has zero non-traditional animal licenses. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated that while this is an unusual request for Ramsey the request <br />is not unusual in other communities in the metro area. <br />City Planner Anderson stated there are other communities in the metro that actually have a <br />pigeon license as pigeon racing is becoming more popular. <br />Mayor Strommen invited residents to make any comments <br />David Ekblad, 15401 Kangaroo Street, stated that pigeon droppings has a highly toxic content of <br />ammonia and therefore could not be used as fertilizer as mentioned in the application. He noted <br />that since the applicant has moved in to their residence there has been a decrease in songbirds <br />and an increase in predatory birds. He noted that pigeon droppings can also remove the paint on <br />a vehicle because of the high toxicity of their droppings. He asked who would monitor and <br />follow-up on the request as there would need to be enforcement to ensure that the conditions are <br />met. <br />Mayor Strommen noted that the written letter from Mr. Ekblad was included in the Council <br />packet. <br />Daniel Feltenstein stated that he is a resident of Fridley but his parents reside at 15161 <br />Quicksilver Street. He stated that he is on the Board of the Twin Cities Pigeon Concourse and is <br />present in representation and support of the applicant. He provided additional details on the <br />keeping of pigeons and noted that the intent is for the pigeons to fly and exercise themselves and <br />then return to the coop. He stated that the applicant prides himself on being a good pigeon flyer <br />that has done very well and has contributed to the sport. He stated that in Fridley he is allowed <br />to have 50 birds on one third of an acre. He referenced the health concerns that were brought to <br />the attention of the Council through a letter and noted that those instances are very rare. He <br />stated that the applicant would be scraping the coop two to three times per week and has a family <br />City Council / March 22, 2016 <br />Page 5 of 11 <br />