City Council Minutes 2017 12 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2017 Page 12 of 17 Councilmember Keany doesn't think there is a need for a management plan or permit, maybe simple registration. We shouldn't limit what people do with commercial sales. He asked Director Stevens if staff wants hives in open space. Director Stevens stated staff hasn't really discussed in depth, but the idea makes a lot of sense in some circumstances, perhaps not in parks or near playgrounds. He would like to discuss it with staff and the Parks and Open Space boards. Councilmember Maloney was cautious about open space and parks and high density. He supports making this an easy process and asked if a management plan would help the bee keepers in making sure there is not too much density in certain areas. Dean stated that can be a concern, it is important to know how many bees are in an area; to know if there is enough forage for the bees. Councilmember Maloney stated maybe that should be a consideration for deciding on the need for a management plan. Mayor Muckle asked for public comment. Allison Johanson, 615 Jefferson, chair of the Sustainability Advisory Board, noted the board is fully supportive of changing the code to all zones. Laura Leveque-Catalano, 642 West Street, noted bees and people can cohabitate When she got a hive she asked all her neighbors if they had concerns and realized there is a lot of misunderstanding of what is a bee, a wasp, a yellow jacket, etc Once she explained it, she has used the hive to educate and as a conversation point with the neighbors. It became a nice community building project. Mayor Pro Tem Lipton stated he has some concern about all distracts, particularly high density. Would it require the HOA to apply in high density or can an individual apply, would the property owner need to apply? For commercial property it is the property owner or tenant who is permitted to request a permit? Planner Dean stated a property owner would need to consent to the use. For multifamily we could require HOA approval Probably not support balcony bee keeping, best to be on a rooftop of multi -family, maybe a common area. Staff can bring back options for consideration. Mayor Pro Tem Lipton would like to be a bit cautious; would like some level of application to make sure the right party is requesting this and there are no other safety issues Need some oversight up front. Councilmember Stolzmann disagreed, there is no need to overregulate this. People who do want to do this will be committed. She supports the setbacks to regulate locations. She doesn't want to overthink this to address issues that will never come up. Mayor Muckle asked staff to work with the local experts in writing these regulations. Mayor Muckle supported allowing bees in all zone districts.