As a newfound member of the city with the traditionally rural farm animal playing a significant role in her family’s personal life, resident Julie Pugh spoke before the Canton City Council on April 12 in hopes of adding regulations to the current ordinance on raising chickens within city limits.
Pugh went on to note that many cities, including those of Lanesboro and Rochester, have allowed the confinement of chickens. In addition, she believes that as long as the owners are well-educated and take responsibility, the option would indeed be clean and provide a method for a more natural lifestyle.
Nevertheless, with Councilmember Charlie Warner and Mayor Donivee Johnson strongly voicing the views shared among the members, the council noted the problems of policing the issue, air-borne bacteria, the opinions of neighbors, and changing the city ordinance associated with permitting the subject.
While accounting the amount of possibly apparent setbacks, Mayor Johnson stated that “we have to consider the neighbors” and that “a conditional use permit would be the only option.” With that, the council agreed to table the topic, suggesting that Pugh herself check with all neighbors to determine their opinions before pursuing the matter any further.
The council commented on the need for rock on the shoulders of the city’s streets. However, with some citizens suggesting grass instead and Warner stating that he doesn’t “know if we have money in the budget to do it,” it was resolved with a decision to go to the bank, balance the checkbook, and focus on bills first and foremost.
Public Works Director Jon Nordsving revisited the topic of both an S-10 pickup and fire truck to be sold. Prices were briefly discussed before deciding to post each on Craigslist in hopes of reaching the broadest range of people.
Nordsving also remarked that the Legion agreed to finance additional sand needed for the softball field due to heavy rains last summer. Members further reflected on possible measures that could be taken to prevent the complication from happening again.
Considering it be a “no brainer,” the council approved the substantially more economical water meter bid of Dakota Supply Group as opposed to Minnesota Pipe and Equipment. The Rural Water Grant will further aid in funding the proceeding.
A fire coverage service fee increase set to take effect in 2018 was also discussed. Although the final decision does not have to be made until July and with the contemporary resolution to continue mulling it over, the suggestion of factoring in both acreage and the number of structures was accepted as possibly the fairest solution for all.
The prospect of adding onto the backside of the community center earned a considerable amount of debate. Measurements have been taken in regards to meeting obligations of the EPA, but action and ideas on possible construction or design alterations have since ceased to be brought to the forefront. After much review, common opinion held that an addition would not yield enough of an expanse differentiation to justify the cost. The feasibility of merely moving the lockers and rearranging meeting areas and offices in order to administer additional space instead. The council then tabled the affair, with plans to examine the area prior to the next meeting.
Carl Ernst turned in a minor animal control bill of $270.00 relating to the elimination of nine raccoons.
Warner also questioned the presence of a junkyard ordinance as he specified of some particular cluttered and unkempt town properties. City Clerk Lolly Melander helped in explaining the process during which the deputy will visit, record pictures, and send letters asking for cleaning of the apparent occupancies. If the troubles persist, an attorney will take over.
In respects to a loan necessary for the payment of a new fire truck, a means of combining a previous credit and the newly required one was opted for. The former was first acquired by the city in 2014 after taking it from the township in 2008. Due to this, Warner made, with all showing support, the proposal of redoing the allowance completely due to formerly high interest rates.
A motion was approved for future use of WHKS, an engineering firm, for city projects. Council members expressed gratitude in the company’s fairness, efficiency, and affordability with no yearly fee or retainer.
Preceding the meeting, verbal approval was given to the Fillmore County Victim Services’ request to again display teal ribbons among Canton lamp posts as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The council agreed to opt into MiEnergy’s Peak Alert Program & Rate Tariff. The program gives the cooperative the option to interrupt certain power aspects, helping not only them but Canton as well.
The deteriorating state of the old school was again assessed, all specifying of its hazards to one’s health, with falling bricks and mold.
The next Canton City Council meeting will be held at Canton City Hall on May 10 at 7 p.m
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