HomeMy WebLinkAbout20031932 HEARING CERTIFICATION
DOCKET NO. 2003-53
RE: SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT
USR#1423 FOR A DOG KENNEL (NOT TO EXCEED 60 GREYHOUND DOGS) IN THE
A(AGRICULTURAL) ZONE DISTRICT - HEATHER WEIR
A public hearing was conducted on July 23, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., with the following present:
Commissioner David E. Long, Chair- EXCUSED
Commissioner Robert D. Masden, Pro-Tern
Commissioner M. J. Geile - EXCUSED
Commissioner William H. Jerke
Commissioner Glenn Vaad
Also present:
Acting Clerk to the Board, Carol A. Harding
Assistant County Attorney, Lee Morrison
Planning Department representative, Chris Gathman
Health Department representative, Char Davis
Public Works representative, Don Carroll
The following business was transacted:
I hereby certify that pursuant to a notice dated July2,2003,and duly published July 10,2003,in the
South Weld Sun,a public hearing was conducted to consider the request of Heather Weir for a Site
Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit USR#1423 for a dog kennel(not to
exceed 60 Greyhound dogs) in the A(Agricultural)Zone District. Lee Morrison,Assistant County
Attorney, made this a matter of record.
Chair Pro-Tem Masden explained the available options to the applicant with three Commissioners
present. Heather Weir,applicant,stated she would like to reschedule the hearing to July 30,2003,
at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Morrison stated the Chair ProTem might inquire whether anyone is present who
cannot attend at that time, in order to take testimony from them.
Kay Schmidt,surrounding property owner,stated she cannot attend next Wednesday,and she lives
west of the proposed site. She stated she is against the proposal,and she moved onto this property
because it was zoned Agricultural, and she wanted to be in an agricultural area. Ms. Schmidt
stated if she wanted to live next to a 60-dog kennel,she would move next to the Humane Society.
She stated since the applicant was not willing to change her application from 60 dogs to 50; she
doubts the applicant would be willing to squirt 60 dogs with water every time they bark. Ms.
Schmidt stated she is concerned about the dogs barking,and whether the applicant will be required
to pay the $800 school impact fee for the second caretaker residence. Ms. Schmidt said she is
worried about the dogs chasing cats and bothering the horses,and she has safety concerns about
her own animals. Mr. Morrison stated the impact fees are tied to Building Permits,therefore,the
Use by Special Review Permit does not exempt them.
2003-1932
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HEARING CERTIFICATION - HEATHER WEIR (USR USR#1423)
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Char Davis, Department of Public Health and Environment, stated they do not inspect kennels,
although they have been involved in some cases. She stated the Department of Agriculture does
enforcement on kennels,and there are a number of conditions and standards that cover noise,dust,
and waste, to mitigate concerns and make them good neighbors. Responding to Ms. Schmidt,
Chair Pro-Tem Masden stated if there are problems, she should start with the Departments of
Public Health and Planning Services.
Corrina Goff, stated she has known Heather 13 years, she is a Veterinarian, and she is testifying
in favor of the facility. She said Ms. Weir is also a Veterinarian, and she knows Ms. Weir will not
let the dogs bark,she will keep them quiet with both squirt bottles and bark collars,as appropriate.
Dr. Goff stated she understands the neighbors concerns; however, Dr. Weir will take whatever
steps are necessary to alleviate the noise. Dr. Goff stated because the dogs will be contained
indoors, and only turned out with people there to supervise, the noise will be kept down to a
reasonable level. She also stated the fencing and design will keep the dogs from getting out. Dr.
Goff stated Greyhounds do not tend to jump or dig,and are not as difficult as some other breeds to
keep inside; therefore, it will not be a problem. Dr. Goff stated Dr. Weir is committed to being a
good neighbor, and the dogs are her whole life. Responding to Commissioner Jerke, Dr. Goff
stated historically,there were between 10 and 20 dogs at a time living with her, and she did use a
number of options to control barking. Dr. Goff reiterated this is specifically a Greyhound facility.
Responding to Commissioner Vaad regarding Development Standard #18 that dogs should be
supervised at all times, means there would be a person present to watch the dogs.
Abigail Christman stated she has known Dr.Weir for about 7 years,and she is a veterinarian nurse.
She stated Dr. Weir has conducted herself appropriately and has dedicated her life to animal
welfare. She said at Colorado State University her primary job is spaying and neutering animals,
and she loves the animals dearly, therefore, it is important to her that they are properly cared for.
Ms. Christman stated Dr. Weir is responsible forgetting animals into permanent homes,and these
are animals that no one else wanted to take care of. She reiterated this is an animal rescue
program for Greyhounds, which are extremely docile dogs. (Changed to Tape #2003-29.)
No other testimony was given. CommissionerJerke moved to continue the request of Heather Weir
fora Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit USR#1423 for a dog kennel
(not to exceed 60 Greyhound dogs) in the A(Agricultural)Zone District,to July 30,2003,at 10:00
a.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vaad, and it carried unanimously.
There being no further discussion, the hearing was completed at 11:00 a.m.
2003-1932
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HEARING CERTIFICATION - HEATHER WEIR (USR USR#1423)
PAGE 3
This Certification was approved on the,,ay 02003.
APPROVED:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
EXCUSED
- AlW(1—`�( thaviong, Chair
1861 d County CI k to the Board 1�
111
Robert D. Maiden, Pro-Tem
Clerk to the Board EXCUSED
M. J. Geile
TAPE #2003-28 ߓ-29 t VIAL `
Willi erkei
DOCKET#2003-53
Glenn Vaad
2003-1932
PL1674
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