04-10-2012 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes April 10, 2012 • Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. He reviewed the standards for granting a Conditional Use Permit. He noted that staff recommends approval of the request with the conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Bell asked why conditions 6 and 8 are included, if these issues are already in the city code. Mr. Leeseberg stated that staffs intent is to reinforce the requirements. Vice-Chair Westberg opened the public hearing. William Kambeitz, 19246 Freeport Court NW -Stated he was not aware Mr. Peterson had dogs until after he moved into his home. He stated that when he is moving around his property the dogs bark. He stated there were ten dogs on the property at one point. Mr. Kambeitz expressed concern for issues related to his view of the property, due to the sloping of Mr. Peterson's lot toward his lot. He stated that the development he lives in is for seniors and objects to approval of the kennel. Darrell Anderson, 19236 Freeport Court NW -stated that he has not been able to have his windows opened for 2 -3 years because of barking dogs. He stated that since Mr. Peterson installed the boards on the back of the property, he doesn't hear the noise as much. Mr. Anderson stated that a private kennel should not be in this type of residential neighborhood. He stated that neighbors of Mr. Peterson also have two dogs that are always barking. He described an incident his wife had with this neighbor regarding his cat. He stated that he has to abide by the city's rules and others should have to also. Melanie Altringer, 11748 193rd Avenue NW -stated she was the one who told Mr. • Anderson's wife to keep the cat out of her flower beds. She stated she owns a 10-year old lab and a puppy. She stated she has lived in her home 13 years and has had no problem with Mr. Peterson's dogs. She stated the dogs are seldom in the front yard, except when he is training them. She stated that she and her two children have played with the dogs and found them to be well-behaved and friendly. She stated she fully supported Mr. Peterson's request for a private kennel. Troy Day, 11788 193rd Avenue NW -stated that his own dog is more annoying that Mr. Peterson's dogs. He stated the dogs do not cause any problems and that Mr. Peterson rarely has more than one of them outside at a time. He stated he supported Mr. Peterson's request 100 percent. Tim Peterson, 11760 193rd Avenue NW, applicant -explained that he trains dogs for Therapy Dogs International. He provided information regarding his association with the organization, where and how the dogs are trained, and where they are used. He stated that Officer Jeff of the Elk River PD has visited and played with the dogs and did not indicate a problem. Mr. Peterson explained that the life expectancy of the dogs is 10-11 years and the male is 9 years old. He stated that the French bulldogs are more difficult to train, but they are also being trained for therapy. He stated that he has tested over 4,000 dogs for therapy. He asked that the Commission support allowing him to keep the five dogs that he currently has. He stated that he works hard to not have the dogs be a nuisance. He noted that he keeps the yard clean so that his grandchildren can play there. Page 3 Commissioner Koneitzko asked if he has ever had more than the five dogs. Mr. Peterson • stated yes, when his son from out east visits, as he also trains dogs and may have 2 or 3 with him. He stated that he has no desire to have more than the five dogs. He stated that the