Council approves Crooked Fence Mill business license; applicant says operations will be low‑noise and low‑power

The Wellsville City Council approved a business license July 16 for Crooked Fence Mill, a small‑batch alpaca fleece processing operation that the applicant said will run from a shop behind his home.

Isaac Daniel Gugler, the applicant, told the council the mill will process mailed‑in alpaca fleeces into yarn using light machinery. "All the machines are 110 as far as the power goes," Gugler said, adding that the machines are "very, very quiet" in an insulated building. He said a fleece typically weighs about 9 pounds and that most customers mail fleeces rather than dropping them off.

Gugler said the business will be family‑run and does not expect to hire employees beyond family members; current estimates for the existing operation required about 40 man‑hours per week, which Gugler said four family members could cover.

Council members asked about odors, hours of operation and fire safety. Gugler said he washes fleeces with a mild detergent and does not expect smell issues. He indicated hours would not extend late into the night. The council noted that a fire inspection will be required under the city's business code and that the shop will have concrete floors and spray‑foam insulation, with regular maintenance to reduce fire risk.

A council member moved to approve the license; another council member seconded. The council voted in favor and approved the license. Staff advised Gugler to contact the city's business licensing official, Scott, to complete final steps.