Public hearing draws support for rezoning and animal-rescue uses at Miners Drive in Ely

Mayor Omerza called a public hearing at Ely City Hall at 5:15 p.m. on April 7 to collect comment on three proposed ordinances affecting 900 E Miners Drive.

The hearing covered Ordinance 397, a proposed rezoning of the 900 E Miners Drive parcel from P1 (a production/parking or other permissive district) to C1 (a commercial classification); Ordinance 398, which would add "animal rescue" and "dog/cat boarding" to the city's permissible and conditional uses list (to be allowed via conditional use permit); and Ordinance 399 concerning business park covenants. The city received one written endorsement and one speaker in favor during the hearing.

Theresa Floberg, board treasurer of Contented Critters, told the council that the organization intends to make Ely its permanent home and that the Miners Drive site is well suited because it is near the recreation center, a daycare and the Ely Veterinary Clinic. Floberg said Contented Critters has a vested interest in the property that is the subject of the rezoning and that all three ordinances relate to the group's plan to purchase and operate an animal-rescue facility. The hearing record also included a letter from Allison Pace, owner of Ely Veterinary Clinic, expressing support for allowing an animal rescue/boarding facility on Miners Drive.

Mayor Omerza asked whether any additional members of the public wished to comment; no one came forward. The hearing was adjourned at 5:19 p.m.

The public hearing record does not show any formal motions or votes taken at that session; the transcript records only public comment and the adjournment of the hearing.