Minutes - Council - 03/22/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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farm in Woodbury that would accept the droppings. He noted that he places an ad on Craigslist and people often pick up the droppings he has for use in farming. Dr. Phillip Nelson stated that he is a veterinarian and has raced pigeons since the age of 10. He noted that he often speaks in support of applications before City Councils. He noted that you are more likely to catch an illness from your dog or cat than you are from a pigeon. He stated that there are people that keep pigeons throughout the metro and typically you do not even know about the existence unless you see them flying. He explained how young pigeons are trained. He noted that when he first requested his license, he received comments in opposition from neighbors who have since changed their mind because they rarely even see the animals. He noted that the organization that oversees the sport also has strict regulations. Norm Archer, 15410 Jackal Street, stated that recently the applicant was conducting maintenance on the coop when he was also outside and the wind brought the awful smell to his property. He stated that the coop was constructed quickly on the subject property within two weeks of the closing of the property during the dark evening hours. He commented on the high acidity and toxicity of the pigeon droppings, noting that wild pigeons can also carry bugs and parasites. He stated that when the pigeons were first let out they went into and on top of his shed but noted that the birds have gotten better over time. He stated that pigeons can also cause thievery as there is a demand for the birds. He noted that the applicant is not even the actual owner of the property. He asked the responsibility of the City if the license is granted and there is negative situations that arise. Ralph Jacobson, 8240 154th Lane, stated that he had to jump through a number of hoops to obtain zoning that would allow him to construct an addition to his garage. He stated that the applicant has not met the neighbors nor have they followed the proper steps prior to constructing the coop and bringing the animals to their property. Mayor Strommen acknowledged that this item arose as a code enforcement. Mr. Ekblad stated that one of the other neighbors found a dead pigeon in their backyard a few weeks ago and disposed of the animal. He stated that he would have liked to have taken the animal to the University of Minnesota for testing. He stated that if the license is approved perhaps the City could require banding of the birds should the birds travel off the property. Mr. Feltenstein replied that each bird is banded with a plastic ring that identifies the bird and the owner. He stated that the applicant is not present tonight as he works nightshift. He noted that the applicant is in agreement with updating the coop and moving if needed. He stated that the coop simply has an extension cord. City Planner Anderson stated that if the license is approved the coop would need to comply with all the City codes. He noted that although an extension cord is allowed temporarily, similar with holiday lights, it would not be a permanent option. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if the applicant is the property owner. City Council / March 22, 2016 Page 6of11