04/27/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e e Mr. MacDonald asked that the council revisit this ordinance if problems arise in the regulation of medical transportation service providers. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and became Ordinance No. 19845. IV. PUBLIC HEARING: ANIMAL REHABILITATION CODE AMENDMENT City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the topic. Gary Chenkin, Planning and Development Department, presented the staff report. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the zoning ordinance be amended to allow, based on specific conditions, rehabilitation of certain sick, injured, or immature wildlife to a condition where they could be released into the wild or, if incapable of survival on their own, retained for educational purposes or transferred to another facility. This amendment would legalize the reha- bilitation of animals and birds in RA and R-1 zones based on a number of standards, including proper sanitation, site-obscuring fences, licensing, facilities subject to State and Federal inspection, a prohibition against commercial activities and breeding for sale, a limitation to wildlife natu- rally occurring in Oregon, and a prohibition against bears and cougars. He said Planning Commissioner Jenny Sirnio and staff were present to answer questions. Mayor Miller opened the public hearing. Louise Shimmel, 4580 Manzanita Street, introduced herself as one of the orig- inal founders of Willamette Wildlife Rescue. She said a number of animals and birds do not rehabilitate well in a facility such as the one at the Wayne Morse Ranch. She said that approximately 1.5 million animals nationwide are entered into rehabilitation centers annually. She said a significant cause of rehabilitation is the result of human assistance. In conclusion, she urged the adoption of the proposed amendment and offered to answer questions. Lorna Kuhlman, 1060 Willa Way, said she was strongly opposed to the proposed amendment, noting that she has had unpleasant experiences in her neighborhood resulting from residential animal rehabilitation activities. There being no other requests to speak, the public hearing was closed. Responding to a question from Ms. Bascom, Mr. Chenkin said the proposed amendment includes a prohibition on the rehabilitation of bears and cougars. Responding to a question, Mr. Chenkin said testimony received during the Planning Commission public hearing indicated that there are currently between 30 and 40 licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Eugene. He said the City has received complaints. Responding to a question from Mr. Green, Bill Gary, City Attorney's Office, said the City Attorney's Office feels that the City's liability in the adop- tion of the proposed amendment would be protected under the Tort Claims Act. MINUTES--Eugene City Council 7:30 p.m. April 27, 1992 Page 5