Alturas Planning Commission

Regular Meeting

City Hall Council Chambers

August 13, 2014 5:30 p.m.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Sharon Lee Carey at 5:33 p.m. Commissioners present: Tom Romero, Chris Lauppe, Bill Hall, Robert Dolan. Commissioners absent: None. Staff present: Secretary Cary Baker, City Planning Consultant Jennifer Andersen, Planning Director Joe Picotte, City Council Planning Dept. Liaison Mark Steffek, Administrative Asst. Bobbi Jean Kemper. Public present: None.

No one is present under the public forum.

MOTION by Commissioner Romero, SECONDED by Commissioner Hall to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2014 meeting. ALL AYES.

INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS: Zoning Ordinance Review – Draft Animal Regulations.

Planner Andersen explains the intention of this section of the zoning ordinance is meant to supplement the Animal Ordinance currently in the City Code Book. Police Chief Barnes will also be reviewing this draft.

Public Comment: Planner Andersen received the following comments from the public: Under section 28.31.030 A. Animals - Large, there should be a temporary allowance for horses or goats on smaller lots for grass/weed abatement issues as long as there is water and temporary shelter available. This could be done through the administrative permit process.

Some owners keep their animals on lots that are not close to their residence. This draft ordinance proposes that animals must be kept in close proximity to their owners; there have been problems with animals not being properly taken care of. Since we do have a lot of large animals already in City limits, and most of them are properly taken care of, the City could allow this through the administrative permit process, but proper shelter will be required for the animals.

Commissioner Romero discusses the proposal to have kids requesting animal permits to keep their 4-H/FFA projects in the city limits, come to the City Council meeting after the Jr. Livestock Sale is over and report on the outcome of their project.

Planner Andersen explains that kids with 4-H/FFA projects will still be required to apply for a permit, and obtain signatures from their surrounding neighbors to keep their animals in city limits; it will be handled as an administrative permit through Planning Director Picotte’s office. They will be asked to report back to the City Council in a timely manner, but it will not be mandatory.

Commissioners agree with the proposal for Animal Permits.

Commissioner Hall addresses exotic breeds of animals, and questions if the current proposal covers it.

Planning Director Picotte responds that the current City Code covers ferocious animals; some exotic animals would fall under this category.

Commissioners discuss enclosure requirements for dogs; this could be a dog run or part or all of a fenced yard. This is compatible with the City’s current Animal Ordinance.

Planning Director’s Report: Planning Consultant Andersen reports there will be some changes in the scheduling of the final draft of the Zoning Ordinance. There will not be a meeting on the 27th of August, and recommends moving the first public hearing to October 8th, at 5:30 p.m. If a second meeting is needed, it will be held on October 29th.

On September 11th the draft ordinance will be going out to the public on the City Planning Commission Blog, with hard copies at the Modoc County Library and City Hall. A hard copy will be available for purchase at City Hall. All comments received will be reviewed at the first public hearing.

With no further business to come before the Commission, MOTION by Commissioner Hall, SECONDED by Commissioner Romero to adjourn the meeting at 6:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cary L. Baker

Secretary