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7.1. SR 07-06-2021it ci Elk* River Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 7.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearings July 6, 2021 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner Item Description Reviewed by Conditional Use Permit: Private Kennel, 18857 Zack Carlton, Planning Manager Albany Street Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested The Planning Commission recommends denying, by motion, the Conditional Use Permit for the following reasons: 1. Standard #1, for insurance of a Conditional Use Permit, is not met. 2. The proposed use could detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity. Should the City Council move to deny the application, Council must note specific findings where the standards for approval are not met, and direct staff to return with a finding of fact denying the applications on July 19, 2021. Alternatively, should the City Council move to approve the application, staff recommends including the conditions noted in the Planning Commission Memo dated May 25, 2021, along with any additional conditions the Council deems appropriate. Background/Discussion Case Number CU 21-07 The property is zoned R1-c (Single Family Residential) where Private Figure Kennels require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The applicant is seeking a CUP to maintain a private kennel for five dogs over 20 pounds (10 animal units) at their property. The property is 0.21 acres in size and is within an established neighborhood surrounded by single family homes. The entire backyard of the subject parcel is fenced. Private Kennel means any premise wben more than six (6) domestic animal units over the age of six months, are harbored or kept. Domestic Animal Unit is a unit of measure for domestic animals. Domestic animals under 20 pounds, at full maturity, count as one (1) animal unit and domestic animals 20 pounds and over, at full maturity, count as two (2) animal units. The Elk River Vision P I I E I E o I i A welcoming community avitb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional [NATURE] service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated. August 2020 Planning Commission During the public hearing, two neighbors outlined their concerns with the proposal and staff had also received two letters expressing similar concerns. The applicant also spoke claiming several of the concerns outlined by neighbors were inaccurate and/or are based on other unrelated confrontations. The application also stated the dogs are inside most of the time and have been on the property for two years. The Planning Commission felt a fifth of an acre, with five houses backing up to the property, is too small for this many animals regardless of breed and demeanor. They were also concerned with the amount of staff time that might be generated from future complaints by neighbors. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended denial citing standard number one, for insurance a CUP, is not met and noted the use could detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity. Post Planning Commission Meeting The applicant asked about other private kennel CUPS issued by the City Council. Staff informed them that the city has issued a number of CUPS for private kennels in the past. However, each CUP is reviewed on its individual merits (neighborhood context, lot size, number, and size of dogs, etc.) and no one application is alike. Staff has received several additional email comments in support of the proposed private kennel which are attached. Financial Impact None Mission/Policy/Goal ■ Help, not hinder citizen quality of life ■ Ethical, efficient, and responsible ■ Opportunity to live, work, and play ■ Work with citizens to achieve goals Attachments ■ Planning Commission Memo dated May 25, 2021 ■ Emails/letters from the Applicant and Neighbors Request for Action Ciry nf Elk River To Item Number Planning Commission 5.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearings May 25, 2021 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner Item Description Reviewed by Private Kennel, 18857 Albany Street Zack Carlton, Planning Manager Conditional Use Permit for a Private Kennel Reviewed by Action Requested Recommend, by motion, approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth in Section 30-654: 1. The private kennel shall be limited to ten (10) animal units. Additional animal units will require an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit. 2. No more than six (6) animal units shall be allowed outdoors at once. 3. The removal of animal waste shall comply with Section 10-5. 4. No more than two (2) animals per supervisor shall be allowed outside of the fenced area. 5. All dog waste shall be cleaned up immediately when dogs are off -site. 6. The applicant shall receive a private kennel license from the city. 7. No dogs designated as dangerous or potentially dangerous are allowed to be kept on site, and the keeping of such dog shall be grounds for revocation of the permit. 8. The backyard is to be fenced with a six-foot tall 100 percent opaque fence and is to be maintained at all times. l z RR Figure • CR 33 CR 12 Background/Discussion The property is zoned R1-c (Single Family Residential) where Private Kennels require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The applicant is seeking a CUP to have a private kennel to have five dogs over 20 pounds (10 animal units) at their property. The property is 0.21 acres in size and is in an established neighborhood surrounded by single family homes. The entire backyard of the subject parcel is fenced. Private Kennel means any premise where more than six (6) domestic animal units over the age of six months, are harbored or kept. The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. pIIEIEI 11 NATUREI Updated. August 2020 Domestic Animal Unit is a unit of measure for domestic animals. Domestic animals under 20 pounds, at full maturity, count as one (1) animal unit and domestic animals 20 pounds and over, at full maturity, count as two (2) animal units. Incident Reports The Police Department has received complaints regarding the dogs on the subject parcel. The Incident Reports are attached. In general, they outline concerns/complaints of the number of dogs, continued barking, fighting amongst the dogs, welfare of dogs, and other animals on site. Applicable Regulations In approving a Conditional Use Permit, the council may impose such specific conditions with regard to the development or operation of the proposed use as it considers necessary to satisfy the seven standards set forth in Section 30-654 and the requirements contained in this article and to promote compatibility with and minimize any potentially adverse effects upon adjacent properties, the neighborhood or the city. The issuance of a Conditional Use Permit can be ordered only if the use at the proposed location: 1. mill not endanger, injure or detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other properly in the immediate vicinity or the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience orgeneral welfare of the neighborhood or the city. Without conditions, the use might endanger, injure or detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity or the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience, or general welfare of the neighborhood or the city. Any residential property in the city can have up to six animal units (3 dogs in this case) without needing to obtain a permit. The applicant is asking for four additional animal units (2 dogs), beyond what is allowed by ordinance, to be located on the subject parcel. As all property owners in the city are allowed six animal units (inside or outside), the applicant/subject property should only be allowed the same amount as others in the city. To protect the general welfare of nearby residents, staff recommends a condition stating no more than six animal units shall be allowed outdoors at one time. Additionally, no dogs designated as dangerous or potentially dangerous shall be allowed on site. 2. 1Vill be consistent with the comprehensive plan. The request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, which guides the property for residential uses. Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard. mill not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacantproperty. As the surrounding area is already developed, the use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property. Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard. 4. mill be served adequately by and will not adversely affect essential public facilities and services including streets, police and fare protection, drainage, refuse disposal, water and server ystems, parks and schools; and will not, in particular, create traf c congestion or interference nith traffic on adjacent and neighboring public thoroughfares. The property is adequately served by these facilities and will not adversely affect essential public facilities and services including streets, police and fire protection, drainage, refuse disposal, water and sewer systems, parks and schools; and will not, in particular, create traffic congestion or interference with traffic on adjacent and neighboring public thoroughfares. Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard. Vill not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation that twill be detrimental to any persons or property because of excessive traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare, odors, dust or vibrations. Barking dogs, animal waste, and running at -large animals are always a concern with private kennels. The use could involve uses and activities that could be detrimental to any persons or property because of excessive noise and fumes. To address these concerns, staff proposes the following conditions: feces be cleaned from the property as outlined in Section 10-5; no more than six animal units shall be allowed outdoors at one time; and no more than two (2) animals per supervisor shall be allowed outside of the fenced area. 6. 1Vill not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major importance. As no alterations to site are proposed, it will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major importance. Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard. 7. iVill fully coVywitb all other requirements of this Code, including any applicable requirements and standards for the issuance of a license or permit to establish and operate the proposed use in the city. The use will fully comply with all other requirements of this Code, including any applicable requirements and standards for the issuance of a license or permit to establish and operate the proposed use in the city. Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard. If denial of such a permit should occur, it shall accompany recommendations or determinations by findings or a report stating how the proposed use does not comply with the standards set forth in Section 30-654. Financial Impact None Mission/Policy/Goal ■ Help, not hinder citizen quality of life ■ Ethical, efficient, and responsible ■ Opportunity to live, work, and play ■ Work with citizens to achieve goals Attachments ■ Location Map ■ Applicant's Narrative ■ Aerials ■ Kennel Inspection Report ■ Police Department Incident Reports ■ Ordinance Section 10-5 75-4ii5 75-065- 45ia 80 75-465484 - �T5-der-Va7V $200 _ *,' Z __ 1~"11f' �ireeT TJcsrtkrrtf3r•t 75 a 1 U I F-A!, WPr L r p � j75113-111� _� ARIPW 75-13-111cr ,� »9 75 a 5-a1s okuT() _ 93-0110 75-4tfa310r 75-498-f312Q 75-498-D11Q Private Kennel Case No: CU 21-07 Elks Conditional Use Pernh't liver Conditional Use Permit for 18857 Albany ST NW, Elk River MN • What is being proposed is to allow the household to have a private kennel license. There are no plans to build or alter the property from its current layout as there is no changes currently needed for this. This is for Private pets on our property. • This is a private household so the pets would be there 24 hours a day. • There are no employees as this is a private household. • We currently have a 4-car driveway • Not sure what is meant by screening of the property. Currently no plans to change anything on the property just need CUP to have the kennel lic. • No building materials needed as nothing is being built • No signage is being posted • Outdoor storage is not done on this property as it is a personal residential property a 54{j5- 9 a ! AA81,7 U'S N N SST r r- w P �•' a a k I S ' S a y �� i+fir r �' 4. � ( � •. Name of kennel owner: KENNEL INSPECTION REPORT DBA N/A Address: 18857 Albany St N-kX7 Phone: Type of inspection: D'3ew E]Renewal Kennel Type: Private Commercial S. Satisfactory Best time for rnspectLoll: unknown 5 Fennel capacity: Dogs:_ U: Unsatisfactory S L7 Building construction, maintenance � ❑ Heating/cooling 1 Shelter I El Bedding 1 Lighting F Ventilation 1 ❑ Food storage F Waste disposal I ❑ Enclosure (size, floor) x ❑ Inspector remarks: Cats: The owners have five Pit Bulls/mixes. I met each one in the residence and each one was friendly-. The dog food is kept in sealed containers. The dogs have access to the entire residence and there are crates available for the dogs. The backyard is fenced with a six foot privacy fence. The north side fence just had a new fence attached to the length of it. Chwvners have a twice weekly sen7ice which picks up dog waste from the yard J. Prehatney, 667 5-14-21 Inspector: Date: Incident Report 19022947 - MN0710200 Page 1 of 2 9 ELIf RI (DER POLICE DEPARrxENT Pot. ICE DEPARrmENT I cIIPEAIT REPORT iCR# 19022947 I AGENCY ORI# MNO710200 I JUVENILE: Reported: 11-15-2019 1155 First Assigned:1155 First Arri+ved:1155 Last Gleared:1215 Committed Start: Committed End: Title: Animal Complaint How Received: Other Summary: Report of possible animal neglectihoarding. See report. Location(s) Address: PO Box 17370 LOT 532 City: St. Paul Stage: MN Zip: 55117 Country: Officer Assigned: Prehatney, Jeff Badge No: 3667 Primary: Yes MOC: 9560 Literal: Animal Complaint Statute: UGR: Involvement: Mentioned Name: Elk River Planning Department Address: (Government) 13065 Orono Pkwy NW City: Elk River State: MN Zip: 55330 Country: Supplemental Report IC R: 19022947 Title: Animal Complaint Last Modified: 06-17-2020 1213 Created By. Jeff Prehatney On 11-15-19, 1, CSO Jeff Prehatney received an email from the planning and zoning department advising that they had received a complaint of a possible case of animal hoarding. At about noon on 11-15,1 spoke by phone with the complainant, told me that the owner; -husband is deployed overseas at the moment, was concerned because knows has six Pit Bull type dogs, two of which are puppies. also has two cats, two fish tanks, two gerbils and two guinea pigs. continued that will sometimes forget to feed the dogs and one of the dogs is skinny further wondered if is having mental problems while her husband is away and that is contributing to the number of dogs in the residence. added that .isn't working at the moment. was also concerned with the amount of dishes and other items piled up on the kitchen counter. Before ending my conversation with I told; that I would took into the animal concerns but that might want to speak with an officer of veterans services regarding mental state. On 11-18-19 at about 1320 hours, I stopped at residence. I rang the doorbell and knocked on the door but no one answered. I could see two dogs in the house and believed that I heard three dogs barking. On 11-19-19 at about 0830 hours I again stopped at the residence and met , who was outside at the time. i explained the complaint and we went into the residence and she showed me her dogs. All of her dogs are variations of Pit Bull type dogs. Three of them are adult dogs belonging to her. They are a male and female aged nine years and a six year old male, An additional dog is a male about 1.5 years old and belongs to an acquaintance for whom is working on training to not be aggressive to other dogs. She. also has https:llpd.elkrivermn.govlletglApplicationslIncidentJReportControlsllncidentReport. aspx?T... 516/2021 Incident Report 19022947 - MN0710200 Page 2 of 2 an approximately six month old female dog which she wants to train as a service dog for herself. After showing me the dogs she returned them to the basement. told me that her husband is deployed until May of 2020. When he returns, she said they want to move out of the city to an acreage lot. I explained to that she had too many dogs per city ordinance. She was familiar with a private kennel license and we discussed that process. After leaving the residence I advised city hall staff of the situation and they sent an application for a private kennel. license. On 12-5-19 , city hall staff advised me that had not met a December 4th deadline to apply for a private kennel permit. On 12-6-19 I spoke by phone with and asked if she had received the letter from city hall. She told me she hadn't and we made arrangements for her to pick it up on 12-9 at city hall. During this conversation I asked � how much time the dogs spend in the basement. She told me that she puts them down there when company is over to avoid any problems with them. Otherwise the dogs are upstairs. also told me she has a contract with a dog waste company which regularly picks up the backyard. On 6-15-20 I called and spoke with - about her dogs. She told me she has the three adult dogs and three younger dogs which are now a year old. She said she is planning on finding a home for one of the one year olds. I asked if she planned on keeping the rest and she said that she is: After speaking with I called and spoke with her husband, I had learned from that he was home from military deployment. We discussed their dogs and he confirmed what I had been told shortly before and initially by Due to the confidential nature of Safe at Rome status, no further action will be taken at this time. End of supplemental. Jeff Prehatney, 667 http s.11pd.elkriven-un, govlletglApplicationslIncidentlReportControlsllncide ntReport.aspx?T... 51612021 Incident Report 21006148 NIN0710200 Page 1 of 2 iiELK RIVER P t lcE DEPARrmEAtrPoL1cE DEPARTMENT JNczoEIVT RE► oRT ICR# 21006148 AGENCY ORl# MN0710200 JUVENILE: Reported: 03-25-2021 1854 First Assigned:1825 First Arrived:1847 Last Cleared:1853 Committed Start: Committed End: Title; Animal Complaint How Received: Radio Short Description: Barking/fighting dogs Summary. Received a radio call for an animal complaint at the listed residence for 5 pit bulls that are aggressive. Complainant reported pit bulls are always barking at dog or are fighting amongst themselves. Attempted contact with the dog owner at the residence but no one was home, See report. Update: On 3-26 1 requested city hall staff to send the male owner a letter advising that he needed to apply for a CUP and a private kennel license. 1 also spoke by phone with the complainant and asked to send me any video or photos of the dogs which could safely obtain. 667 Location(s) Safe At dome Address: Pa Box 17370 LOT 532 City: St Raul State: MN Zip: 55117 Country: US Officer Assigned: Studniski, Wyatt Badge No; 621 Primary: Yes MOC: 9560 Literal: Animal Complaint Statute: UCR: Involvement: owner Name: DOB: Age: E Address: (Residence) 18857 Albany St NW City: Elk River State: MN Zip: 55330 Country: Supplemental Report ICR: 21006148 Title: Info - Studniski Last Modified: 03-25-2021 1904 Created By: Wyatt Studniski On 3/25/21 at approximately 1.825 hours 1, Officer Wyatt Studniski #3621, received a radio call for dog complaint at 18857 Albany St NW. I called the complainant, , and asked what happened. was incredible upset over the issue during my conversation with over the phone. got mad, frustrated, and cried. . , , stated that has 5 pit bulls that are causing issues. Specifically, stated they bark at yellow lab if it is also outside, and try to fight with it. If the dogs aren't barking at dog then they are barking at each other, and/or fighting amongst themselves. Today were barked at by the dogs as well causing them to be annoyed. Lastly, today https:llpd.elkrivermn. gov/letg/Applications/lncidentIReportControtsllncidentReport.aspx"?T... 5/6/2021 Incident Report 21006148 - NfN0710200 Page 2 of 2 were also traumatized when they witnessed two of the pit bulls fighting each other. The dogs were biting each others necks and they had to be pulled apart by the dog's owner. Overall, is incredible frustrated due to this being an ongoing issue.' also mentioned that has made comments about wanting police to be defunded, and that she has the dogs to protect herself from the police. At approximately 1847 hours, I arrived at the residence and attempted to contact the homeowner. No one came to the door. I observed one white and light brown pit bull inside barking at me through the window. I then inspected the fence between the properties. While doing sty, I could hear what sounded like one other dog inside the residence, likely in the basement. The fence was approximately a 5 foot tall privacy fence constructed of wood, It appeared to be in good condition with no compromised area a dog could get through. There were spots where the pit bulls appear to be digging along the fence, but no where had they gotten under the fence, and a cinder block was, used to fill one hole. I cleared at approximately 1853 hours, resuming normal patrol duties. End of report. Wyatt Studniski Patrol Officer Elk River Police Department Badge #3621 Supplemental Report ICR: 21006148 Last Modified: 04-16-2021 1451 Title: Phone Call with- Created By: Jeff Prehatney On 4-16-21 at about 1615 hours,1, CSO Jeff Prehatney called and spoke by phone with dog owner _ regarding the number of dogs at his residence. I knew he had received a letter from city hall advising that he was in violation of city ordinance and needed to reduce the number of dogs from five to three or apply for a CUP through the city. We had a wide-ranging discussion that involved the dogs in the neighborhood Re told me that his neighbor's dog will run and butt against the fence when his dogs are outside. He has had to replace fence boards as a result. 1-le also said that there have been no more complaints since he put a camera on his deck. He pointed out that the camera is aimed at his backyard and not his neighbor's yard. I mentioned to hire that I had been directed to issue a citation for failure to have a private kennel permit. He mentioned that his wife had a note from her doctor that she could have the dogs. I told him I would wait on the citation until he texted me the note. I knew that was oin to be de toyed again and I asked him when that would happen. He told me he would be deployed We ended our conversation about 1630 hours. End of supplemental. Jeff Prehatney, 667 https;llpd_elkrivermn.govlletglApplicationsllncidentlReportControlslincidentReport.aspx'?'f... 516f2031 Sec. 10-5. - Nuisance animals. (a) It shall be the obligation and responsibility of the owner of any animal in the city, whether permanently or temporarily therein, to prevent such animal from committing any act which constitutes a nuisance. Failure on the part of the owner to prevent his/her animal from committing an act of nuisance shall be subject to the penalty herein provided. (1) Noisy animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor an animal which habitually barks or cries. Habitual noise shall be defined as barking or crying for repeated intervals of at least five minutes with less than one minute of interruption. Such barking or crying must also be audible off of the owner's premises. Repeated barking or crying due to intentional provocation by an unrelated individual residing off the property of the owner is not considered habitual for purposes of this subsection, nor is barking or crying related to a periodic external stimulus such as a nondomestic animal, machinery or unusual activity within the vicinity of the premises. (2) Excrement. The owner of any animal shall be responsible for cleaning up any feces of the animal and disposing of such feces. Feces on the property of others or on public property must be cleaned up immediately. Feces on your own property is required to be cleaned up. (3) Running at large. Any domestic or agricultural animal shall not be permitted by the owner to run at large within the city. For purposes of this section the term "at large" means any animal not restrained by chain or leash not exceeding eight feet, except: a. Police dogs; b. Animals restrained in a vehicle, fenced -in area, or building; c. Animals on the premises of the owner and under the control and direction of the owner so as to be effectively restrained by command as by leash. d. Animals accompanied by the owner and under the control and direction of the owner so as to be effectively restrained by command as by leash. e. Off -leash dog park. (4) Destruction of property. It is a nuisance for an animal to molest, defile, or destroy any property, public or private. (5) Vicious animals. It is a nuisance for an animal to bite, attack, or endanger the safety of humans or domestic animals. (6) Diseased or dangerous animal. a. Any animal displaying symptoms of being rabid may be seized and shall be confined by the animal shelter at the expense of the owner, until found to be free from rabies. b. If any animal appears to be diseased, vicious, dangerous, or rabid, or has been exposed to rabies, and such animal can't be taken up and impounded without serious risk, such animal may be disposed of if reasonably necessary for the safety of any person. (7) Non -domesticated animal nuisances. The city does not manage wildlife. Wildlife removal is handled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or a private pest removal company. (b) Disposition of seized animal. Any animal seized under the provisions of section 10-5 shall be taken to the animal control shelter and kept there to be reclaimed by the owner. The owner shall pay all fees related to impounding. An animal shelter shall maintain records in accordance with Minn. Stats. § 346.47, subd. 2. (c) Violations. No animal shall be permitted to be a nuisance. Any owner who keeps, harbors, or is in physical control of an animal that is a nuisance shall be in violation of this article. (Ord. No. 19-25, § 1, 12-2-2019) I am writing to voice my concern regarding our neighbors Jxxx and Txxx wanting a kennel license. I decided not to attend tonights hearing as I know is going to cause even more tension between these neighbors and myself. I will start out by saying, I know Txxxx loves saving animals mainly PitBulls. Over the course of 6 years, I believe they have had up to 8 pits. There has been nice ones and some not so nice ones. When concerns would arise, we would tell her about them. Not one time when voiced my concern has, she taken resposibilty for my concern. She either laughed it off, made a remark, or said it was our dumb dog that caused the issue. I don't have a problem with someone trying to save animals. I think that is great! But my concern is the aggressive behavior my family, our dog and myself has had to deal with. Since Txxxx moved in with Jxxx the number of dogs they had grew fast. Their dogs would escape from their fence, they have run out the front door. Shown aggression toward Joe, when he was leaving for work and thier dog was in our front yard. A kitten we were watching was killed by one. of their dogs. My dog was bit in the nose by one of thier dogs through a knotthole in the fence, he was bleeding pretty good. One of thier dogs, would sit by the fence when I have my grandchild outside and if the ball went by the fence it would bark at my grandson in an aggressive manner. I have done daycare at my home on and off for several years. I have even babysat Txxxxs son Tyy. The multiple dogs that have come and gone has put on a lot of stress on me and the children I watch. (Besides Tyy, the neighbor's son) Due to the nature of some of the dogs accross the fence. The past year the tension between our families has grown. Txxxx and I had an arugument last year about defunding the police. She told me she doesn't care for police and her dogs are her protection. I disagreed with her and that is what manley started the hate she has towards me. She told me "Nobody will come between me and my dogs" Because of our disagreement, I have been called names, harrasses by Txxxx, if she has company over they have harrased me. She loudly calls my dog vicious and blames us for every misshap that happens with the dogs. They have thrown objects over the fence at my dog,and if my dog would get too close to the fence line, Jxxx would squirt our dog with thier powerful water shooter. The tension and freedom of enjoying our yard has progressivley gotten worse. Joe my boyfriend of 10 years and who has resided here has always told me not to report these to keep peace and he would handle the situation. Joe and Jxxx would try to come up with ways to keep peace with the dogs. My concern wasn't about the dogs barking, it was about feeling safe in my own back yard with small children and how they lack accountability for their dogs' behaviors. The dogs barking was/is about a 10-20 second bark. No matter what the misshap was this family always has and still blame our dog, me or my family for their dogs' issues. Dog's barking, their dogs fighting, dogs showing aggression etc.... Txxxx constinday harrasses me and it has gotten pretty extreme. She blasts me on social media, texts my adult children, texts Joe, calls me names, yells at me to move out of my house etc..... I personally had to block their phone numbers from my phone and from social media... these being personal personal or regarding dogs. I only tell you some of this so you might understand the fear I live in daily with so much negative energy. It is a proven fact that Dogs feel their owner's energy, and I can tell you this, her dogs feed off her energy towards us. As I do daycare my question is, would you build a daycare next to a dog kennel where there is a shared fence? a history of dog aggression? I do daycare and this continues to scare me daily. Now I didnt want to talk about personal issues regarding our neighbors, but I feel the need to let you know our argument was that her dogs are her protection and the way I am harrassed and threatned and blamed for her animal's behavior has put even more fear in me and has added huge stress in my family. To protect us from furter accusations regarding the dogs, I have had to set up security camaras, we had to build a privacy wall on our deck, we need to look over at their yard to make sure their dogs are not outside, we have a stick handy just in case one of thier dogs get over the fence and attack our dog or worse a person. None of this will stop a bad situation, it will only show what happened after the fact. The past couple months, since their last dogs, dog fight, I have not seen the two aggressive dogs in their yard. The nieghborhood has been quiet. My fear is if this goes through and her dogs go back to her home, the dog problem will only get worse again. I don't feel comportable living nextdoor to 5 pitbulls who a couple of them have shown aggression towards our dog, killed a kitten, has put fear in each one of us at one point or another, and my grandchild shouldn't have to fear playing in our backyard. They have never taken any kind of resposibilty for any of the behaviors I have mentioned here. They either laugh it off or blame me and our dog. I truly believe it has been too much for thier family to handle at times and the stress has carried over to me, my dog and family. Thank you for listening to my concerns this evening, Victoria Taylor Hughes Hello, My name is Stephanie Hughes. I have lived at 18869 Albany St. NW in Elk River from September 2017 to March 2020 1 have moved back in May of 2021. During the time I have lived there, I have witnessed numerous dog fights, I have witnessed the dog's owner running around the neighborhood catching the dogs that have escaped from their house/yard. During one of the times, they have escaped, I was walking out of the front door with my at the time 3 year old son, when one of her dogs ran out of the their front door while the owner was opening it. This dog ran up to me and my child. I had to block my child as we froze in fear as the owner was yelling at her dog and holding it back from us. This has also happened to other family members of mine. There was also an occasion that 3 of her dogs escaped from their yard while I was getting in my car to go to work early in the morning. The dogs were running in all different directions in the neighborhood. The owner was no where to be seen, so I went over and knocked on their door letting them know their dogs were running around the neighborhood. The owner screamed for her young son and they both went running after their dogs. I have witnessed the child at the resident kicking and punching the dog with a closed fist. When we let the owner know about this, her response was, "That makes sense, that's why they are getting mean." The owner has also brought our dead cat that was mutilated over to our home saying he found her by Their yard. Earlier this year was the most disturbing incident, I was outside with my now 5-year-old and my mom when 4 or 5 Pitbull dogs were outside in their yard. 2 of the dogs began to fight. One having bitten down on the others neck. Both owners came out and started screaming at the dogs while kicking and punching these dogs with all their might to try to get them to let go of each other. One owner yelled over at us stating, "I can't take this anymore" while calling us foul names in front of my child. My child went inside crying and has had a fear of dogs since then. It was traumatizing to me the way the dogs were crying in pain, I cannot believe my child at such a young age had to witness that as well and not only see the dogs aggressing with each other and not letting go, but seeing the owners scream, cry, punch and kick their dogs with all of their force. A few weeks after this incident, my child was playing outside on his bike when the owner came out into their yard. My son asked the owner is she was happy now. (She was upset and screaming when her dogs were fighting) She then went inside her home and slammed the door before texting me threatening/foul texts. My son is five and was just trying to be nice. When we have made police reports, the police also advised us about the dangers of their dogs and had told us to carry a large stick or something similar outside when my child is playing outside in our fenced in backyard because the officer was aware of how aggressive the dogs are and explained the dangers of the locking of their jaws when they bite. With all of these incidents, they have verbally blamed us for their dogs behavior. Their reasoning is that when our dog barks on the other side of the fence, it upsets their dogs and makes them aggressive. We live in a neighborhood with many friendly -dog owners, dogs are always barking. But how our one dog can make 5 or more pit bulls aggressive from barking on the other side of the fence is unknown to us. It is why I and the rest of my household is opposed to allowing them permission to have more dogs than the City allows. They are not only dangerous, as I, my child and family and many others in the neighborhood have witnessed, but also the fact that they blame other neighbors for their own dog's action. If something more serious were to happen, I believe they will not accept responsibility, but try to blame it on others. We live in a neighborhood with many, many children. Seeing what these dogs can do is frightening as a parent who's child also resides in the neighborhood. To whom it may concern: My name is Amber and I have known applicants for years. I have lived with them when I have needed a place to stay a few times. This family will give the shirts off there back to any person or animal in need. All of their dogs are the sweetest most loving dogs a will ever meet. They love to be loved and snuggle. Their son cherishes them and treats them as his best friends they have slept with him every night and with my son and all the other kids at sleepovers. There has never ever been a worry or issue. They also love playing with my dogs which one is a tiny cockershon who loves to play with all of them. Applicant has taken care of my dogs when I have needed her too and my sons dog too. Their has never been a concern or issue. The issues that I have seen is their neighbor letting her dog out EVERY SINGLE time applicants are letting her dogs out. Her dog is viscious and NOT friendly at all. Her dog torments all the dogs at the fence every single day! One time my sons dog was out in the front yard with us and Vicki's dog viciously broke out the front door the minute it opened and came to attack him!!! We had to pull him away! Vicki has does nothing but torment applicant the whole time she has lived there and he about her and her family!! She not only video tapes Applicant in her back yard (which is a huge violation of privacy) she randomly yells things constantly through the day even when I have been visiting applicant. Do you think that helps someone that has gone through traumatic horrible events???!!! I know as someone who has worked in the field and been through my own it is very violating and intruding!!!! Enough of listening to the lies of this woman Vicki and her daughter. The applicants have done NOTHING but help people and animals, there is NO reason they should be tormented any further and if companion animals are a necessary in everyone's live, this family will do nothing but love and care for them as well humans. And they have done nothing but that! Amber N. Johnson Sent from my iphone Hello, My name is Carrie Schminkey and I am emailing regarding 18857 Albany St NW and their application for a kennel license. I do not personally know the people who reside here, aside from the quick, friendly neighbor hello. What I do know, is that they are excellent pet owners, in my opinion. Our family has lived in this neighborhood for almost 10 years and we have never seen any of their dogs running or roaming the neighborhood. I do see her out walking and working with her dogs. One at a time, she will walk them and is clearly very good with them. We spoke with them tonight, and were informed that one of the concerns was that the dogs would affect how we can enjoy our backyard. Our back yard is kiddie corner to their backyard, and our whole family is in agreement that them being approved for a kennel license will in no way hinder our enjoyment of our property. Honestly, if we hadn't seen her walking her dogs around the block, we would never have known that they had dogs just by being in our yard. They obviously keep up with the dog waste because never has their been a smell of any kind from their property, their is never persistent barking etc, it's actually a very nice and quiet neighborhood. I can honestly say that our family loves this neighborhood, it's beautiful and peaceful. The residents living at 18857 Albany St NW being approved for a kennel license in no way shape or form will alter that ... we actually hope they are approved. The only thing that will change by them being approved for the kennel license is that they will be in compliance with city rules. I truly hope that you will consider approving their kennel license, for the sake of these dogs who are clearly very loved by this family. Thank you for giving the time to read this email. Shane and Carrie Schminkey Zumbro St NW residents. To Whom It May Concern, My name is Janee and I am a family friend of the applicants. I met them due to their son, XXXX, is friends with our son, jayson 11 years old. We have known the family for almost two years and now they are truly great friends who provide our whole family with support as well. My input is two parts: 1) our kids trust our relationship with the applicants; and 2) our kids relationship and comfort with their dogs A little background.... Our kids are jayson make-11 and justice female-13 years old and came to us with early childhood trauma. They are Bob's grandkids. We are very specific and protective and thoughtful on who they spend time with for friends' and their families. It takes time and a strong person forjayson to trust. He is hyper vigilant and you can't get anything past him. Doesn't miss anything. After a few play dates and us spending time together, jayson was comfortable to go on his own and was confident he felt comfortable with them. That says s000 much if you know this kid. The applicant has watched the kids when we have had to go for appts or out of town. We have medical concerns and family stress the last year and this family is always available for us. I continue to check with the kids if they feel comfortable, safe and trust the adults in the home. They don't hesitant to say Yes. They love going there and trust both of them. I asked jayson again and asked if he has any worries.... He said only worry he has is "too much love for the dogs:)". He was sincere and happy saying it. All humans and dogs receive love there. This leads to my next point..... 2) Dogs. Both kids feel happy and comfortable with the dogs. When I pick them up they are snuggling on the couch. They describe them as babies and so cute. I am not a dog or pet person. I grew up on the farm. The applicants make a point to put away the dogs before I come in because they know I'm not as comfortable. My kids see how the dogs are family members and keep all safe. We now have a dog for 6 months. The applicant has a talent and skill with dogs and helps with ours. This is a coping skill or support/self care for her. I apologize for the delay with this email but found it important to get this in. My kids feel safe and trust the humans and dogs. Difficult to find that. They are happy and that's our goal. Please consider this information when you are making your decisions. If you have questions I can be reached at 612-816-9598. Hello, my name is Jo Singer, and my telephone number is 612-839-4143. I am writing in regards to the applicant's dogs that Resign in elk River. I have been going to the Applicant home for the past year now and for the last nine months I have been bringing my grand dog which just turned one and is a full beagle. Harmony which is my grand dog has a best friend at Applicants house by the name of Joon. Since I have been coming to their home I have never had a problem with any of the dogs nor has any of my friends that have been with me or even my grand dog. Harmony loves to come over and play with Calley and Duke and Abel and of course like I said her best friend Joon. I have been over to the Applicant house numerous times where I have heard the neighbor say sarcastic remarks to the applicant try to imitate the applicant and also talk crap to The applicant. XXXX which is their son has a remarkable bond with each and every dog. XXXX also has friends over and nobody has ever had a problem with any of the dogs that live in the Applicant home. all dogs in the Applicant home are treated like family and are loved to the fullest. Also I Have seen the applicants use pressure points on the dogs and also on my grand dog and they respond instantly with no problems at all. Their dogs are amazing and well took care of. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call me or send me a text. I also have been left at the Applicant house by myself with the dogs and I have never had a issue or a problem and felt perfectly fine just sitting there chilling with them talking with them. If only you guys could see how amazing these dogs really are!! Ps. The owners are pretty amazing their selfs. Thank you, Jo Singer. Sent from my ipad Hello, my name is Kendra Newmarch, was kemna. I lived at 18857 Albany street nw in elk river from August 2018 until February 2019. While I lived there, I interacted daily with Kali, Duke and Abel, as well as any other dogs that had came through to be helped briefly before finding their "forever" family. I lived there with another lady, who was trying to get on her feet after getting out of a bad situation. She came with 2 mastiffs (100 plus pounds each). I watched the applicant and her try to rehome those dogs four separate times, and every time the men who laughed at her when she offered help would come back with the dogs and some story. Now this was kali, Duke, Abel, and two 100 pound mastiffs. It never got out of hand or dangerous. When we visited on the 3rd of April, I was reminded of the drama of the neighbor dog as he decided to attack the fence where my niece was walking. The applicant grabbed her phone and my husband David asked her to get our niece instead. Blake has always attacked the fence, it made no sense why she was going to record it now until we found out she is being accused of harassing people she has not initiated contact with since last august. Last summer the applicant expressed a want to get away from Vicki peacefully as Vicki had asked The applicant to let Blake play with her dogs but muzzle Applicants dogs and not Blake, who the entire household has acknowledged to be dog aggressive for the entirety of time I have known of them. I pointed that out to her this summer one day and she had forgotten it. That is a type of baiting from my understanding and I wanted her to know how serious the ask was. While I lived there, her son's room was across the hall from mine. With all of the years I have know XXXX, he has never hit his pets. He loves Abel and Rebel. They go to training together. He even had guinea pigs that he cared for the entire time. Sent from my iphone To whom it may concern, Hello, my name is applicant and I am going to write the e mail for my household mostly shared from my perspective. I am a four time SA/DV survivor and bully advocate. My advocacy started when I was volunteering at a pitbull rescue. I already had Kali and honestly, she intimidated me. "The killer dog with the lock jaw". Kathy was the one who taught me how pitbulls are a lot like battered women. There is not a want to help or understand them. After two days, I was madly in love and no longer afraid thanks to a collection of well rounded bullies in her rescue. I grew up with wolf hybrids, GSD's, huskies and just about any dog their humans could not handle. My dad would let people take our dogs if they liked them and just get us another one. I have been doing some form of doggie rehab since age 9 starting with a dog hit by a car. I am not sure when the last time I slept longer than four hours in a row was, but I can ensure it had been about 11 almost 12 years for sure. Meaning: I have not slept for more than 4 hours at a time in 12 years. These dogs, help me sleep even if only for four hours. Especially when my husband deploys. My ex used to break down the door in the middle of the night. Sadly, my anxiety is not misplaced. My doctors are all supportive of my dogs and always have been. Kali was given to me after someone stole a puppy Ella from us while she was being dogsat in 2011. She is a 63 pound boxer and American stafforshire terrier mix who is black in color and will be 10 in August. An accidental litter because some kid up by Bock took in a female dog who looked like she was shorted a lot of meals. The guy told the kid she was fixed and a few months later there were 10 puppies in the playhouse. He told us she was going to be 6 weeks on Monday and it was Sunday morning, so we should just take her now. When I called back for her birthday, it was on the same page of the calendar. My puppy was just 4 weeks old, while completely weaned, pups get a lot in those last weeks (should be 8-12 weeks). She has always been very socially well rounded and intelligent. At four weeks old, she was somehow completely cognizant of not pottying in the house. Maybe 10 accidents life long. As she got older, some of my physical challenges became more frequent, especially my sciatica. One day I grabbed her collar and just like them handles at the hospital, it increased and improved my mobility. I can take 45 minutes to get out of the bed with her and it's cool. She truly does not care at all. She knows where to stand instinctively and shows up every time I need her. She'll hear me cry in pain, an indication I am awake and walk from upstairs to the basement, sit next to my bed and wait for me to move. Her knees are getting bad in her old age, and helping me should not come at a cost to her comfort. She is more than happy to pass her mobility baton on to Joon and retire. A life I feel she deserves after 9 years of dedication to my ability to go to the bathroom and get out of bed with some level of dignity. She has been around every type of animal from guinea pigs, to birds, to horses and cats and we have never had an incident. Kali has skin growths on her neck and side. They are still spongy, which is fortunate, but they can firm up and become cancerous. Pitbulls, skin cancer, not fun..... Duke came to live with us in July of 2015. He is an American bully mix who is liver brindle and white who will be 10 in December. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur at his vet visit in 2020. We met Duke because Kali lived on a farm with chickens, pigs, horses, goats, cows and whatever other animals. Moving here, she was alone, and it was obvious she was out for a roommate. There was an elderly man on a mailroute in Brainerd who was looking to rehome Duke out of fear of people taking him. Old Jerome did not believe dogs should be allowed in the house, but he had agreed to let Duke sleep in the house. We met him, they were like an old married couple instantly. Duke is a solid dog. What we do know about him is he came out of California into Minnesota. It appears he was shorted meals based on the level of salivation when it comes to food. These two are so well trained, children are able to walk he and Kali on leashes through the neighborhood easily. He has always helped with my mobility as well, but at 10 with a heart murmur, we have decided he too should be allowed to lay in the grass and not worry about it. It takes a toll on his joints and there are days his shoulder buckles on the top step. It is like watching your super strong grandpa become a little old man. Abel came in march of 2016, because our son asked about his own dog. He is a rescue out of Louisianna who is afraid of water. He will be 8 in July and is grey in color with cropped ears. There was a point where this guy would wander. He has not taken off for a "run" in two years. When he did, a lot of people, from the older gentlemen on Boston and Concord, to Mr Vito up off of Xenia (I think), they all said the same thing when I would get there to get him "that is a very nice little dog you have there." We reinforced the fence gate due to a mastiff, who had been trained to open doors. What Abel does... When my BP spikes, before the migraine sets in and sometimes even starts, he finds a way to climb on my lap. Even in an office chair, like "hey lady, I know stuff is about to get real bad for ya. Maybe we just sit here and cuddle a minute." I compare him to a weighted blanket that has artificial intelligence, but it is organic. There are points in the year, where I will have 4-5 migraines a week. They are so debilitating, I need sunglasses in my basement. I have been working with doctors for years to manage them and they are at a loss. The blood pressure spikes are why I am on a leave of absence from work, so managing, tracking and preventing them is a part of the key to returning to functional life. He has graduated two of the three levels of obedience at PetSmart. He did not return for the third due to the trainer moving to Colorado and she was actually the one who told us Able already did all of the things that they cover in level 3, so we should save our money. Abel does well with all animals, from cats to cows to goats. Joon's real name is John Wayne Junior, he is a liver and white bully mix who turned 2 in April.. He was supposed to go live in a house full of chihuahuas. I intervened on that plan and helped the family find a better fit as inexperienced dog owners. He was not the "problem", they admittedly were. Joon is a bully who requires strong rules, boundaries and limitations. I knew right away he needed some retraining. It was actually an ERPD officer, who informed me that I needed to stop "trying to rehome him" and he was right. Joon is our dog. He is brilliant and literally does everything we ask of him. He will be the one to help with my mobility now that the older two are done. His energy level will allow him not to fire the same. He is adaptable enough to go to work with me downtown Minneapolis, riding the train and even to stores. He starts his first training class this coming Wednesday. He plays with dogs of all sizes and does very well with them all. Rebel is a 2 year old, tiny grey Gotti RazorEdge (companion line of bullies), was actually purchased to be my service dog and she would have done well until we had to start having her potty on leash. She originally refused to do so, which would be extremely helpful in the training process as it is one less thing I would have had to teach her. She attached herself to my son and has became his best friend and ESA. She does sit on my lap when I am anxious which is helpful in calming down. Until I am able to better self regulate to keep myself healthy (migraine and sciatica free), I am dependent on these guys for a lot. Can you imagine hearing this EVERY time you let your dog out? Or children play out there? Regardless of time of day? It is loud and he shakes the fence. It is like having someone bang on your door, scream a bunch of stuff at you and walk away. I am struggling to upload this and may have to e mail it seperately. We have communicated with Joe trying to alleviate some of the confrontations. We employed a flag system, which we all (in our household) used in an effort to prevent further confrontations. Joe openly admitted that HE would be the only one who would probably use theirs, but was willing to try. 6 • +1 (651) 755-6667. woula de on doarov mrmm- res m the past we have let the dog thin go on for a bit. This summer w used water guns to work on stopping the events. We get they happen some times on the occasion that we're out together. The reason we are asking for a solution to this is Tasha brought it up a while ago as she noticed almost every time she would let the dogs out that blake was out as well Burning the day well you were gone for the day. I have been home over the last couple weeks working from home and it is the same thing Burning the day as well. It makes it very difficult to let our dogs out to properly go as well. We appreciate that you are working with us. We would hope others in your house hold would try to move forward in a peaceful way as well. It is effecting both house holds at this point and none of us should have to deal with it this far forward from � what haonened. Sun, Nov 29, 20.44 Sorry so late, just got home a little bit ago. The flag thing works for me! I will design/build something harp in tha navt rn1 inla rlavc ISO) <• • .1 (651) 755-6667 > Sun, Nov 29.. C ... Sorry so late, just got home a little bit ago. The flag thing works for me! I will design/build something here in the next couple days. Thinking of a swing arm style that can mount to the soffit, or a pull up that can mount to the deck. Have a good night* Tue, Dee 1, 18:49 Sounds (<e a tip up! Hope t ings will go better for you. -- Sorry thought I sent this yesterday. Have Treat evening. Goin to menards in the mornin to figure out the flag thing. Hoping to have it all figured out later tomorrow. Fri, Dec 4, 21,51 as been a lot better. We'll get a flag out as well. I planned on making two so no worries there. That is nice. This is one our side too so don't want to put you out or IMI <0 • +1 (651) 765-6667 > Text Message Sat, Nov 28, 10 like talk to wo so ory a dogs so the 0 thing, stop with the fence. I will be thinking about this today. Unsure how to change anything yet. Differing thoughts on the situation. hat are your thoughts on it. We e wondering if time frames may Thanks Sun, Nov 29, 09:33 That might be ok, I was thinking about putting up a flag so you would know when Blake was out, or you have a flag so we would know. The biggest challenge is consistency. I would adhere to the guidelines we agree on, but i am not here a lot of the time, and cannot guarantee compliance from others here. There is a lot of animosity over things that were done and said. At one time it was ok for the dogs to yap at each other for the 20-30 seconds it usually takes to run its course, and now since there are hard feelings between people, it's not ok? I'm not a fan of the doggy confrontations by 0 ®) If someone came to use with concerns about our son's conduct pertaining to our dogs and training, etc. I can assure you we would not respond with "Oh, that's why they are so aggressive". We are pitbull advocates. In the past a neighbor child thought it was funny to watch the dogs run over one of our elderly dogs because she would bark at them. We informed him of what his conduct was doing to the dogs (he has autism) and his conduct changed completely. He is now the proud owner of his own escape artist Max. When the dogs got out, Stephanie was laughing when she came to our door and our gate was reinforced the same day. The dog who opened the gate has been rehomed and since passed away. There have been no incidents since. The cat. I am going to address this because this ties directly to a stigma that is not true. We have actually had three cats, three guinea pigs and four hamsters here in our home with our dogs and never a dead cat. Yes, our dog found a FROZEN cat in our backyard one morning. It was the neighbor boy's girlfriend's cat. The applicant let Vicki know and at the time, she chocked it up to Marie not letting the cat in at night. If our dogs had killed the cat, we would have known the night before when it happened and they were busy with that instead of coming in. I have several photos of our dogs with cats, but am struggling to find them. We have had CatDawg (norweigan forest cat mix) as well as Luna (manx) and Sherlock (manx) here in our home with the dogs. Vicki did our daycare until she decided we would pay $200 a week (in April with our child in school) instead of the agreed upon $100 applicable immediately without conversation. We lost $200 as we paid in advance for childcare and had to scramble to find childcare going forward. When the pandemic hit, I listened to all of the people who said to help out those who are medically at risk and I offered to help Vicki. Grabbing food for them from a church when I went, wine so she had it. In July, it started to become harder to get her to pay me back for the wine. She called me all kinds of names threatening my son and husband until I blocked her. I'm hopeful to live peacefully. Sadly, the video for this will also have to be sent seperately. My apologies. After that, her roommate Joe came over to the front steps of my home with $100 in August of 2020 to pay for the wine. He informed us then that he would be selling May 2021, that we should not sell (especially over one person who is being unreasonable) and that if he did not respond to my messages, that he is reading them, but she has taken to going through his phone and he still has to live there, he hoped I understood. After, I went into the backyard to chat with my son's friend's older sister and she came out screaming from her deck at me. I only got 8 seconds (there was actually three minutes or better, with witnesses). Those children came over again a few weeks ago and there she was screaming at me again. Their mother actually asked me if it is something to do with her children and I had to explain she is doing this with everyone and NOT coming over here is not fair to our children. I am hopeful she will tire and this will eventually end. While looking to find my "blocked list", I found another friend request from a secondary facebook. I accepted it, screen shotted the friends, verifying it was this vicki jo (I have a friend named Vicki Jo Mostad), and then blocked that profile also. She has been blocked on my phone since August 2020. 5:04 ail ^s ID• 5:04 Blocking < Blocking Blocked People Blocked People Once you block someone, that person can no longer see Once you block someone, that person can no longer see things you post on your Timeline, tag you, invite you to things you post on your Timeline, tag you, invite you to events or groups, start a conversation with you, or add events or groups, start a conversation with you, or add you as a friend. This doesn't include apps, games or you as a friend. This doesn't include apps, games or groups you both participate in. groups you both participate in. O Add to blocked list O Add to blocked list Vicki Jo Unblock Sarah Love Unblock Mike Mike unblock Vicki Jo Unblock Katlyn Ruhnau unblock Quentin Hoffius unblock MoonSammy Burk unblocks Delvon Bell t� Unblock Kay Ruhnau unblock Kayla Thompson Unblock Katlyn Ruhnau unblock Julie Marie Unblock Kay Ruhnau unblock Aaron Anno Unblock Stacey George unblock George Dahlman unblock Cody Hughes unblock L Jada Kodee unblock Stephanie Hughes unblock ® Rachel Persaud unblock As a family, we would never do something to hurt animals. Especially dogs. I am such a dog lover, they find me on vacation and now we have a standing trip to Puerto Rico to feed the stray dogs, I send $20 to a friend in PR to feed my buddy. I named him Playa Azul, as that is the beach he lives on in PR. I plan on reaching out to a local vet to see if I can convince them to do a spay neuter clinic for the strays to correspond with my visit and we already have a dog friendly air BNB. Why would I spend thousand of dollars to help dogs on a tropical island to come back here and hurt a dog who lives next door? We have had balls, nerf bullets and other toys come over our fence. We have most often just threw it back over, until these accusations. Now I am not even comfortable returning a 5 year old's ball, so we adapted and now it goes along side the houses, so he can get it back. He asks for his stuff back every time and often greets me with "hello neighbor" when I get out of my car or go on my back deck. I will always respond as more adults should. With a smile and a wave. The anxiety associated with dogs breaks my heart, but is well beyond my control. I tried to show vicki how to walk Blake last summer, she was uncomfortable as he is powerful and huskies have an instinctive pull response in my experience. She has always been afraid of Blake since he bit Joe the first 7 days they had him. They tried to bring him back and the Humane Society employee told them he would be put down so they kept him. He has since bitten Joe 2 more times. I can understand her fear, but the transference to my own dogs is not ours to carry. My dogs have never bitten anyone, they should not pay for the actions of another dog. The approval of this kennel license would actually alleviate a lot of stress for us. There will not be any eruptions of barking after it's approval because I am the one who wanted it to stop to start with. I just want to coexist as peacefully as possible. This gave us an opportunity to get out and meet our neighbors and we learned a lot of them are supportive of our dogs and family. There were two guys across the street who asked us about it. One was surprised there was a limit. The other was concerned it would be like Dakotah's. When I explained that they have always been here (2 years), his exact words were "I'm not going to stand in your way. Dogs are family". That is the bottom line. These are our babies as we may never have anymore. They are part of our Christmas cards every year. We bring them to socialize and meet all of their needs. I chose bullies because they handle anxiety and depression well. If I do not feel like a walk that afternoon, they are all perfectly happy watching Cruella. They love a good 2-5 mile walk, which is what we average when we are on good weeks. I apologize if this is choppy. This is very emotional for me as I type it. Thinking of the medical issues we face and how they contribute to the inevitable evolution of our family. I would also like to share, if there were a point where we sold, we would allow all permits and such to lapse prior to the sale to protect our neighbors and the city from a potentially challenging situation going forward. We appreciate your time. Have a wonderful day. Kindest Regards, The Applicants Also, is it possible to add There are no more fence encounters as we tie our dogs out on tie outs to potty. I plan on adding a snow fence about a foot from the wood privacy fence (easily removed for mowing and durable) to create an additional barrier. There have been several parties and bon fires next door without any incidents for years including 2021. Our dogs do not spend extended periods of time outside that would cause them to infringe on anyone's use of backyards, they never have. We have video recordings of our backyard that can show they go out one to two at a time and it takes all of 5-10 minutes to cycle them all out when we do. They just stink to send. We walk them (weather permitting), they all do great on the leash, some with adaptive technologies like different harnesses. They are socialized as that is important for the breed and all will complete obedience and canine good citizen training by age 4 as a household standard (would have been 2, but the Corona). Joon starts tomorrow and Rebel tentatively in September. Kali, Duke and Able completed these things long long ago as they are old. We have a clean up service and three different pet sitters with active retainers. My apologies. If I can't, I understand. This is so much. We appreciate all of the help from you all. Sent from my iphone This was an exchange with the homeowner of the property at 18869 Albany street NW. His name is Joe. We have not heard from Joe since he appeared to move out and pay for part of the fence. The reason why I feel it is relevant is because it shows we were trying to work with this man, and he had no problems (as the home owner) got several years. "Big Boy" was a cane corso mastiff named max. He also had no negative incidents under his collar and was rehomed to a couple up by izaty's as he needed more space than we had for him. m 3 0 Joe > Sun, Aug 9, 8:55 AM Sorry to hear that, I was unaware of this. Did you want me to say something? Tell her you texted me? Let me know... Thx Tasha! There's a white car in Ur driveway, 2 girls went in I think My cousins to let my dogs out. No, I just don't want you to think I am bad. I don't dislike Vicki at all. You and I are still cool, as far as I am concerned. Thank you for being so awesome!! Good. And anytime... C9 And I don't think you are bad at all! Seriously tho, did you want me to talk to her about that? Your call. I don't know. The following post IWe was going af#,dbrny dogs. ® Text Message 7:48 3 JN Joe Seriously tho, did you want me to talk to her about that? Your call. I don't know. The following post she was going after my dogs. The kids are terrified of them. Going to call and turn me in. Umm... I think we have a fence... #0 She is going to try to get them taken away. So I'm a little panicked. If she does, I would greatly appreciate your support, but understand if you can't too. She has a tendency to talk and not act. I wouldn't worry bout it. Other then the one day when bigboy got out, I've never had any issues with your dogs at all. And I will testify to that. I also don't know of any other incidents that would cause her to react that way towards them. ®� (Text Message Sent from my 1phone Conditional Use Permit Private Kennel Mpm LVI C �1 ' 75-165 -073 G /6 75 7465-CIB 5 r 75 -465-0{i70 i k Ik 135't?ti ven M,,NbRMwest 75-13.1=11i1 I �#L 75-132-1120 75-132-111fl 79�3-0[F20 7�— " 75-436-0' 10 75-4;3�-{]l20 Joshua l- . Nelson n Conditional Uelernm't 75 Ip ' 74j rs. r ft Y 75 47 3G — + aso: CU21-07 El . i e - Background ■ Requesting private kennel ■ Any premise where more than 6 domestic animal units (3 large dogs) over the age of six months, are harbored or kept ■ Requesting 5 dogs - each > than 20 lbs (10 animal units) ■ Private pets ■ Backyard fenced ■ No plan to alter property ■ Dogs kept inside most of the time ■ Dogs have been on the property for two years Background ■ Lot is .21 acres in size ■ Ordinance does not regulate animal units or private kennels by lot size ■ Having more dogs than allowed does allow the PC/CC to look at all existing conditions through the CUP process ST.T.K. /Yi s Fm 18869 JAC ST�NW� Vik I , iii ST Public Comments ■ 3 correspondences expressing concerns and opposition (same household) ■ 1 spoke at PC mtg ■ 1 person spoke on behalf of her mom at PC ■ Concerned with additional noise ■ Clarified the number of dogs have been there for some time ' Since PC meeting ■ 1 correspondence requesting denial ■ 5 letters of support Planning Commission ■ Stated the lot was too small (.21 acres) for this many animals, regardless of breed and demeanor ■ Concerned with CUP staying with property ■ Concerned with the amount of staff time that might be generated from future complaints ■ Unanimously recommended denial citing standard # 1, for insurance a CUP, is not met ■ Noted the use could detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity Post Planning Commission ■ The applicant asked about other private kennel CUPs issued by the City Council ■ City has issued CUPs for private kennels ■ Each reviewed on its individual merits (neighborhood context, lot size, number, and size of dogs, etc.) and no one application is alike Overview ■ 3 large dogs allowed — asking for 5 ■ Public comment process ■ 4 against ■ 5 support ■ PC recommended denial ■ Lot to small ■ Could be detrimental Action Requested ■ The PC recommends denying, by motion, the CUP for the following reasons: 1. Standard # 1 , for insurance of a CUP, is not met 2. The proposed use could detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity ■ Should the CC move to deny the application, Council must note specific findings where the standards for approval are not met, and direct staff to return with a finding of fact denying the applications on July 19, 2021 Action Requested ■ Alternatively, should the CC move to approve the application, staff recommends including the conditions noted in the PC Memo dated May 25, 2021, along with any additional conditions the Council deems appropriate