Council hears winter-operations update; asks staff to study duck-keeping rules
Summary
Public Works described winter operations and a move to five plow zones, staffing and equipment needs; Community Development was asked to research duck-keeping regulations (possible reduced caps, expert input) and return with recommendations in the spring.
Public Works Maintenance Manager Ross Junkin gave the council a seasonal operations briefing, reporting the department is staffed with 20 plow operators, new route planning and a shift from four to five plow zones intended to increase efficiency in residential areas. Junkin reviewed fleet status, de-icing materials (a city stockpile of about 700 tons), issues that slow plows (mailboxes, basketball hoops, roundabouts) and outreach efforts that include a "paint a plow" community program and an invitation for council to take plow rides to observe operations.
In a separate discussion, Community Development staff reported that current city code allows chickens (up to 10 hens) but treats larger poultry (including ducks) as livestock tied to larger lot sizes. Staff recommended further research of other cities’ approaches and potential numeric caps for ducks on smaller parcels. Council asked staff to continue research, consult subject-matter expertise where useful (zoologists, agricultural extension, peer cities) and return with draft ordinance language tentatively in May.
No regulatory changes were adopted at the meeting; staff received direction to prepare options for future council consideration.
