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City Council Minutes <br />May 5, 2025 <br />--------- <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />4.6 Athletic Facilities Emergency Action Plan <br />4.7 Resolution 25-22: Summary Publication of Ordinance 25-05 <br />5.OPEN FORUM <br />Dan Abrahamson, 17936 Tyler Dr NW, stated they play cards at the senior center on Tuesdays and <br />Fridays. He expressed their concern about a comment they received about Dennis Heath's son, who is <br />42 years old, who was told he was not welcome and couldn't be at the senior center anymore. Mr. <br />Abrahamson explained that after seven years of being able to pay $5 to play cards with them, now they <br />are saying he is not welcome anymore. He continued to say that Mr. Heath's son was hurt by the <br />comment and believes this is an injustice, and wanted the Council to be aware of what happened. Mr. <br />Abrahamson expressed that it is a perk to pay $35 a year and have your child pay $5 to be able to join <br />their parent at the senior center to play cards. Mr. Abrahamson would like the Council to find out why <br />this was done and correct it. <br />Dennis Heath, 520 7th St NW, stated that it was seven years ago when he joined the senior center at <br />the old location. He explained that there was another person who brought their adult child to the <br />senior center to play cards, so he asked if it was okay to bring his adult son. He was told that they <br />would love to have younger people at the senior center, and was told the same thing by other seniors. <br />He further explained, when they moved into the new building, they told him that they would not allow <br />his son to attend the senior center anymore, but then a group of seniors got together to petition <br />against that policy, and staff decided to allow it since it was allowed before. Mr. Heath stated that about <br />a month ago, they put a sign at the check-in that said 55+, which is what it has always been, but he <br />knows of other seniors who have had their children pay $5 and come into the senior center as well. He <br />thinks that what was said to his son is wrong, and it should be addressed and corrected. <br />Anthony Pietrzak, 19040 Ulysses St NW, spoke regarding Section 30-803 - Animals regarding <br />keeping chickens on properties of 2.5 acres or more. Mr. Pietrzak stated they have a petition with over <br />100 signatures who agree with them to change the ordinance to under 2.5 acres. He stated they had <br />property that was less than 2.5 acres in the City of Elk River in the past, and had chickens, and did not <br />receive any complaints. He currently has a 0.5-acre lot. He encouraged that chickens are great pets, aid <br />in pest control, are ecologically good for the environment to reduce garbage from kitchen table waste, <br />and they provide a healthy food source for their family and friends. He argued that the current <br />ordinance makes it impossible for most city residents to enjoy the benefit of having chickens, which he <br />finds restrictive and unnecessary when the surrounding communities allow chickens on lots of 2.5 acres <br />or less. He continued to explain the many benefits of chickens, which include healthier lifestyles and <br />sustainable living. <br />Mayor Dietz would like staff to do research regarding chicken ordinances for neighboring cities and <br />bring it back to the Council. <br />6.PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION <br />Page 10 of 197