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Council considers allowing targeted grazing with goats for vegetation management
Summary
Staff presented a proposed code exception to allow short-duration, vendor-run targeted grazing (goats/sheep) for vegetation control in creek and park areas; council asked staff and the city attorney to draft sample ordinance language and research Kansas examples before making any change.
City staff told the council about a growing interest in using vendor-hired goats or sheep for short-term vegetation management in creeks and parks and proposed a narrow code exception to permit targeted grazing under defined conditions (portable electric fencing, limited duration).
Staff noted examples from other communities and suggested sample code language that would limit grazing to short windows and require vendor controls and site restoration. Council members asked whether animals would remain overnight or come in and out during the day, and staff said vendor models vary; staff asked the city attorney to draft ordinance language and to collect examples from other Kansas towns.
Council members expressed cautious interest but stressed the need for clear operational rules, public-notice procedures and liability protections. The item will return for formal consideration after staff and legal review.
