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<br />City Council <br />Meeting Minutes <br />June 2,2009 <br />Page 11 of 17 <br /> <br />honey bees do need a water source and if one is not provided they will seek out <br />any source of water, including outdoor hot tubs and pools. She recommended <br />the municipal code require a source of water. <br /> <br />Councilor Yarnell asked what if a resident decided to abandon their beehives. <br />She requested a provision on what a beekeeper should do to abandon <br />beekeeping. Ms. Conrey explained the Denver Code provides if abandoned <br />equipment is not stored outside, the issue of abandonment would be resolved. <br /> <br />The consensus of Council was to refer the matter to the Planning Commission. <br />Mayor Sisk requested Chief Goodman and Animal Control contact surrounding <br />cities for guidelines. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION/DIRECTION/ACTION - CHICKENS, POULTRY, FOWL - THE <br />KEEPING OF DOMESTIC CHICKENS <br /> <br />Mayor Sisk requested a Staff presentation. <br /> <br />Planning Director Wood explained the Louisville Municipal Code does not allow <br />keeping of domestic chickens in agricultural areas. The Code allows a resident <br />to keep up to 3 ducks, geese or turkeys, or any combination of the three, within <br />the City. The Departments of Public Safety and Planning coordinated efforts in <br />developing information on keeping chickens in the City. To pursue an ordinance <br />permitting keeping of domestic chickens, regulations would have to be written. <br />Several communities were surveyed about allowing chickens in residential area. <br />The City of Longmont Pros/Cons guidelines were reviewed as follows: <br /> <br />PROS <br />· Hens provide fresh, locally produced source of food to families at a time <br />when food prices are increasing in relation to increases in fuel, shipping, <br />and packaging costs. <br />· Hens eat food scraps, dandelions, mice and insects and may contribute to <br />reductions in the waste stream. <br />· The hen droppings may be used as a natural fertilizer, which may be used <br />in backyard gardens. <br /> <br />CONS <br />· The presence of chickens may attract predators and critters such as foxes <br />and raccoons into residential neighborhoods putting pet animals at great <br />risk of attack. <br />· May lead to unsanitary conditions due to owner neglect. <br />· Hens may take flight in short bursts and are capable of clearing a six foot <br />privacy fence. <br />· There may be an increase in complaints associated with roosters. <br />