HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-0820 Documents Submitted
After -the study session, faster irorris, a' couple citizens, V9~
and I had'a discussion outside the community Development
i
Building.`This helped fill in my reflections regarding the
VRBB issue.
Mike continued along a thread that was a major part of the
last council discussion, the need for more data - economic
analysis - a flaw in the ordinance that PC brought to you,
that this analysis was missing.
Mly question is, how can there. be accurate informnation if it
resides illegally? " t,5r. VROB owner, please bring in your books
for us to study, and by the v.-ay, vle T111 use these in court."
One of the citizens reported 'that a good number of VROB
stays were transient in nature, not related to OSF. That sur-
prised--,me, but after sleeping on it, it made sense.. VROB's are
w great fit with technology, and does not take much imagi-
nation.to understand the appeal of VROBs.
Follow the evolution of travelers accorrs~ndations from the
start of the twentieth centuryt Horseback/ rail - Inns &
Hotels; higbray system develops - &iotor Inns. Filling in a~
nitch, particularly in tourist areas, B&B's, and as mentioned
because of technology,.another nitcht the VROB.
A: few years before the recession, I thought slot about B&Bs
and their effect on long tern rentals. }While I strongly support
the intent of supportive ordinances for B&Bs, were.too many
of them -being developed? Af.terall, I had lived in a few of
.them after high school.
This brings me back to " economic analysis VAlat vie
heard from the B&B community at first was rightfully wanting
alevel playing field. As the process has gone on, the empha-
sis has hvim focused on struggles B&-Bs are having due to in-
competition.
creased nstaan from.VROBS regardless of whether they come
into complaisance. 1,5y feeling is that it is the result of
market forces; too ?*any B&Bs,and a changing nitch need.
Finally, I agree with Dave Lohman Is remarks at the end of
separated
the study session, that R2 & R3 cannot be sapartvd from dis-
cussions on R1.
I don't have a horse in this race. I frankly liked what was
presented to council, but I have been on PC long enough to
not be upset when our work has been set aside. That is why you
get the big bucks, to make, the sometimes hard final decision.
T;iichael Dawkins
, P k~/10
Citizen Responses to Road'Diet - to date (Open Forum on Website)
Question Yes % No % Unknown-NA %
Improvement for pedestrians? 37 51% 22 31% 13 18%
Improvement for bicyclists? 52 72% 12 17% 8 11%
Noticable reduction in vehicular speed? 58 81% 11 15% 3 4%
Change in driving habits to other routes? 16 22% 56 78% 0 0%
Affect to side street traffic? 21 29% 38 53% 13 18%
Would like the Road Diet to stay 48 67% 22 30% 2 3%
Note: This table summarizes 72 responses to date 8-20-13
PO '8o%3257,41diland`O(t197520 541.708.1127 wrah@beegirLorg,
Mayor Stromberg
Ashland City Councilors
20 E. Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520
August 16, 2013
Dear Ashland City Council and Mayor Stromberg,
I am writing this letter in support of the practice of keeping bees in the City of Ashland. First of all, I
would like to humbly apologize for not appearing at the August 6`h Council Meeting. I was on a trip to
the East, traveling to West Chester, Pennsylvania, to assist in coordinating a "Kids and Bees" event at the
2013 Eastern Apicultural Society Conference, and then to Washington DC to meet with USDA staff and
advise on upcoming programs for honey bees. I was disappointed to learn that my assigned proxy did
not make an appearance at the August 6`' meeting to address your issues with the proposed keeping of
bees ordinance in Ashland. I am, however, optimistic about the future of beekeeping in Ashland, and
look forward to addressing any and all concerns at the upcoming August 20`h meeting.
I would like to address the proposed amendment for the permitting process. I understand your
concerns regarding the accumulation of bees on adjacent properties, as well as the allergy issue. First, I
would like to make two points. Honey bees are very often confused with their distant cousins, the
meat-eating picnic nuisance wasps. Honey bees strictly gather pollen and nectar from flowers and are
not interested in human food. Also, an allergy to a bee or a wasp (they are;eparate toxins) is more
often than not misunderstood. A local reaction to a bee sting, while painful and at times induces a
comical amount of swelling, is not lethal.
To expand on said points. Bees will not accumulate where there is not food for them, food being
gardens and flower beds. Citizens who plant flowers and grow gardens know and understand that their
hard work is without reward if there are no pollinators, such as bees. Honey bees, listed as some of the
hardest workers on the planet, will not accumulate in an area devoid of flowers. So those who don't
desire bees on their property, don't garden to attract bees, and the bees pass them by on the search for
greener pastures, so to speak.
To address the allergy issue, I offer words from Dr. Scott Camazine, quoted in The Bulletin of the
Entomological Society of America "Allergic reactions to penicillin kill seven times as many [people as bee
stings], and lightning strikes kill twice as many. In contrast the nation's largest killers are cardiovascular .
disease (100 people per hour) and auto accidents (one person every 10 minutes).
Oee G'~i ,
Pro Box 3257, ¢lahland`0`8 97520 c 541.708.1127 earah@beegirLcrg,
o4n. , :3
Ironically, one is more as risk of dying in an auto accident on the way to the hospital to be treated for an
allergic reaction that of dying from the sting that produced it."
I would also like to direct your attention to the current issue of TIME Magazine. The cover reads "A
World without Bees: the price we'll pay if we don't figure out what is killing the honey bee." Thanks to
the recent years' media blitz, it is no secret that our bees are dying. The survival of the bee, and human
health and survivability, are reliant on a more sustainable food system and the next generation of
beekeepers. As a culture, in this country and in this town, we need to support our beekeepers and
make this process an enjoyable endeavor and not one burdened by an overzealous permitting process.
A child of a backyard beekeeper in Ashland could be the next bee steward who brings his or her bees to
pollinate our crops and provide your food.
I humbly ask you to remove the permitting process from the proposed ordinance, and leave it as was
written previous to the Council meeting on August 6th. I stand by the original proposed ordinance as
good policy. I suggest any issues that may arise from neighbors be dealt with as a "nuisance". Honey
bees could be considered a "nuisance" if the following occurs: bees exhibit defensive or objectionable
behavior, interfere with the normal use of neighboring properties, swarm, do not conform to code,
abandoned hives. If it pleases the council, I might also suggest that you allow the proposed ordinance
through on a one year trial. If there is a great increase in honey bee nuisance calls, then apply the
permitting process. I would like to direct you to the document below, a letter that highlights the
amount of beekeeping issues that arise in Seattle, where urban beekeeping has been legal and
encouraged for over fifty years.
I was able to watch to video of the preceding for the August 6`h. meeting. I would like to thank you for
your openness and positivity towards the idea of supporting honey bees and beekeepers in the City of
Ashland, even in the absence of myself or any other honey bee and beekeeping advocates. Again, I look
forward to attending Tuesday's meeting, hopefully with a few friends in tow.
Sincerely,
Sarah Red-Laird
Bee Girl
Executive Director
OOQeG'~.,
POSm3257,¢IddancLUrR97520 t N 541.708.1127awaK@be*LOrq
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Davis, DlanaC <DlanaC.Davls@ssaltls.go Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 211 PM
To: Chelsea McFarland <chelss4honaylove.org>
• Hi Chelsea:
Here are the code provisions concerning beekeeping in Seattle.
We receive very very few complaints about lams or beekeeping in this department. I personally cannot recall any, over the ten years
or so that I've been associated with Code Compliance. My colleagua, who is a supervisor and before that was an inspector, could
remember only one rase, 6 or 7 years ago, involving the location of the bee Was up against the neighbors fence. Once the hives
were moved, that rase was dosed.
In other words, from the point of view of code enforcement, beekeeping has been a nomissue.
Good luck with your efforts In IA.
Sincerely,
Diane C. Davis
-Cade Compliance Manager
Gly or Seattle
Dept of Planr-im 8 Development
700 Sth Av, Sle 200C
P O Bar 34019
Searle, WA 98124-4019
206233-7873 (direct are)
906-615,1812 (fax)
dares dav'sRaggllle soy
From: Shelley Busby [mailto:shelleydylanl0@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2013 9:43 AM
To: council @ashland.or. us
Subject: Council Contact Form - Shelley Busby, - 8/19/2013
Name: Shelley Busby
Email: shelleydylanl0@gmail.com
Subject: Beehives
Message: I am hoping that you do not vote to allow beehives within
residential neighborhoods. My grown son, who visits regularly,
has a life-threatening allergy to honeybees, as do others I know.
I do not think I should. have to worry about his safety whenever
he comes to town. Many.people (he is just one example) do not
even know they have this allergy until they 're stung for the first
time. Seems like there's a greater likelihood of bee stings if there
are hives next door. Thanks for your consideration.
Zimbra https://zimbra.asWand.or.us/zimbra/lVprinbmssage?id=58472&)dm=1
21117 b ra goldmanb@ashland.or.us
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Beekeeping laws in Ashland
From : Becky Brown <outreach@thtiveoregon.org> - Mon, Aug 19, 2013 04:03 PM
Subject : Beekeeping laws in Ashland &2 attachments
To : brandon goldman <brandon.goldman@ashland.or.us>
f
Dear Planning Commission Staff,
I am writing today to ask the City of Ashland Planning Commission to reconsider the recent proposal to add a permitting process to the
current bee keeping proposal. As a resident of Ashland with a concern for the health of our local food sources and necessary pollinators, I
am in favor of the following:
Proposed amendment to 9.08.040 D:
The keeping or maintaining of bees, bee colonies, bee hives, combs, or containers of any kind or character
wherein bees are hived is subject to the following:
1. No more than three (3) bee colonies shall be kept or maintained on properties less than one acre in size.
2. No more than rive (5) bee colonies shall be kept or maintained on properties greater than one acre in size.
3. Bee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable frames, which shall be kept in sound and usable
condition.
4. For each colony permitted to be maintained under this ordinance, there may also be maintained upon the
same property, one nucleus colony in a hive structure not to exceed one standard 9-518 inch depth 10-frame
hive body.
5. In each instance where a colony is kept less than twenty rive (25) feet from a property line, a flyway barrier
at least six (6 )feet in height shall be maintained parallel to the property line for a minimum of ten (10) feet
in either direction from the hive. The flyway barrier may consist of a wall, fence, dense vegetation or a
combination there of, such that bees will fly over rather than through the material to reach the colony.
6. A constant supply of fresh water shall be provided for the colonies on site within fifteen (15) feet of each
hive.
7. Each beekeeper shall ensure that no wax comb or other material that might encourage robbing by other
bees are left upon the grounds of the property. Such materials once removed from the site shall be handled
and stored in sealed containers, or placed within a building or other insect proof container.
8. if the beekeeper serves the community by removing a swarm or swarms of honey bees from locations
where they are not desired, the beekeeper shall be permitted to temporarily house the swarm on the property
for no more than 30 days from the date acquired.
9. The sale of surplus honey or bee's wax produced on site shall be permitted on property where the keeping
of bees is permitted.
10. Africanized bees are prohibited.
It sounds tome like the concerns expressed by community members at the Aug. 6th meeting are highly unlikely and unwarranted in cities
with Bee Friendly initiatives throughout the muntry. I hope that our fair city, which prides itself on the support of local food and farms,
will do all they can to ensure the health of our food-shed by allowing bee keepers to do what they do best.
Sincerely,
Becky
Becky Brown
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Shocked at the proposed amendment to the new bee
ordinance.
From : Ellen Wright <ewright42@gmail.com> - Mon, Aug 19, 2013 07:12 PM
c
Subject : Shocked at the proposed amendment to the new bee ordinance.
To : brandon goldman <brandon.goldman@ashland.or.us>
To the Members of the Planning Commission and the City Council:
I was shocked and dismayed when I read the proposed restrictions to the new bee ordinance that came up at the last
council meeting.
The version of the ordinance that the Planning Commission brought to the City Council was skillfully crafted and very
thoughtful
The amendment now proposed to that version is not worthy of our enlightened city. Have the City Council members done
ANY research into the issues bees are facing, the importance of backyard beekeeping, and the precedents set by Seattle,
Portland, Eugene, London, New York etc etc.???
I did not view the meeting video, but it sounds like every irrational fear of bees was brought up and a restriction created to
cover that fear.
Please reconsider. A FREE permit or registration is reasonable. The rest of the proposed amendment should be scrapped in
its entirety. Support a rational and educated approach to beekeeping please. Our lives, our food system, depend on the
bees. Beekeeping is an old and worthy occupation, and not a high risk undertaking.
Regards, -
Ellen Wright
Ashland
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Beekeeping ordinance
From : Tessa Brinkman <archflutista@gmall.com> Tue, Aug 20, 2013 08:38 AM
Subject : Beekeeping ordinance
To : brandon goldman <brandon.goldman@ashland.or.us>
Dear Planning Commission Staff
I wish to add my support to the original amendment of 9.08.040 D (as below) to make Ashland a bee-friendly city. The current
amendment will set a terrible precedent for other uninformed local governments to follow, and adds to the confusion and fear around
bees, government fees and legislation from some of the general public.
Instead of a permit, have free registration. That way, the City has contact information if a problem arises, or if there is a swarm in
the neighborhood. Instead of encouraging the neighbors to complain, wait until an issue actually arises buy establishing a nuisance
clause. If the keepers bees become a nuisance, then the beekeeper is asked to be responsible for the situation.
Here is the better amendment to 9.08.040 D:
i
The keeping or maintaining of bees, bee colonies, bee hives, combs, or containers of any kind or character wherein bees are hived is
subject to the following:
1. No more than three (3) bee colonies shall be kept or maintained on properties less than one acre in size.
2. No more than five (5) bee colonies shall be kept or maintained on properties greater than one acre in size.
3. Bee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable flames, which shall be kept in sound and usable condition.
4. For each colony permitted to be maintained under this ordinance, there may also be maintained upon the same property, one
nucleus colony in a hive structure not to exceed one standard 9-5/8 inch depth 10-frame hive body.
S. In each instance where a colony is kept less than twenty five (25) feet from a property line, a flyway barrier at least six (6 )feet in
height shall be maintained parallel to the property line for a minimum of ten (10) feet in either direction from the hive. The flyway -
barrier may consist of a wall, fence, dense vegetation or a combination there of, such that bees will fly over rather than through the
material to reach the colony.
6. A constant supply of fresh water shall be provided for the colonies on site within fifteen (15) feet of each hive.
7. Each beekeeper shall ensure that no wax comb or other material that might encourage robbing by other bees are left upon the
grounds of the property. Such materials once removed from the site shall be handled and stored in sealed containers, or placed within
a building or other insect proof container.
8. If the beekeeper serves the community by removing a swarm or swarms of honey bees from locations where they are not desired,
the beekeeper shall be permitted to temporarily house the swarm on the property for no more than 30 days from the date acquired.
9. The sale of surplus honey or bee's wax produced on site shall be permitted on property where the keeping of bees is permitted.
10. Africanized bees are prohibited.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Best wishes
Tessa Brinkman
Tessa Brinkman
www.tessabdnckman.com
r
I oft 8/20/2013 10:05 AM
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FW: Bee-Keeping voicemail
From : April Lucas <lucasa@ashland.orus> Tue, Aug 20, 2013 09:14 AM
Subject : FW: Bee-Keeping voicemail
To :'brandon goldman' <brandon.goldman@ashland.or.us>
From: Diana Shiplet [mailto:shipletd@ashland.orus]
Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 8:14 AM
To: 'Carol Voisin'; 'Dave Kanner'; 'Dennis Slattey; 'Greg Lemhouse'; 'John Stromberg'; 'Michael Moms'; 'Pam Marsh';
'Rich Rosenthal'
Cc: 'Bill Molnar'; April Lucas; 'Barbara Christensen'
Subject: Bee-Keeping voicemail
Council,
I received a message on my voicemail this morning (at 6:59am) from a Gavin Kleinman (sp?) who wanted me to pass on
to the Mayor and Council his support for allowing beehives in Ashland. He stated that New York City has an ordinance in
place allowing bee keeping and they are doing just fine. He also stated that regulations should be common-sense and not
overly harsh. He left a bit of a garbled phone number, my best guess at is 541-621-0354.
-Diana
Diana Shiplet, Executive Secretary
City of Ashland, Administration Department
20 East Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520 -
541-552-2100 or 541-488-6002, TIY 800-735-2900
This email transmission is official business ofthe G'ty ofAshland, and is subject to Oregon Pub/ic Records law for
disclosure and retention. tf you have received this message in error, please contact me. Thank you.
1 of 1 8/20/2013 10:04 AM
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bees
From : maheshan@opendoorcom Tue, Aug 20, 2013 03:17 PM
Subject : bees
To : brandon goldman <brandon.goldman@ashland.or.us>
Hello Brandon,
I am aware of the pending decisions regarding bees in Ashland.
Without addressing all the ideas and issues currently being debated, the bottom line is that Ashland needs to be more supportive
of keeping bees. Instead, half a dozen hurdles are being proposed that will make it complex and difficult for many people to deal
with permits, notifications, etc. and will discourage people.
I believe the city should be paving the way for citizens to keep bees and encouraging it. This is in the interest of every human
being as bees pollinate 40% of our food. That is extraordinary even with a moments consideration.
I have been keeping bees for a couple of years now and find them to be gentle creatures that are not at all aggressive, they are
just part of nature. I can work around them with with high noise levels and lots of activity and they could care less. They are
just interested in getting to the next flower or plant for food.
These proposals and requirements being put forth are mostly fear based and not reality based. The reality is that bees should be
welcomed and encouraged.
How about malting bee education a priority. Once you really understand their behavior and biology even superficially, most of the
concerns have little basis for concern. For example, during a swarm event bees are extremely gentle. Recently I picked up an
entire swarm on a branch and carried it totally unprotected and they remained totally calm and hardly took notice of my
presence.
If the city would like to do more to protect and encourage bees, that would be more in line with keeping a quality of life that I
think Ashland promotes and aspires for in our beautiful city. Rather than make it so difficult to keep bees, how about creating an
ordinance that bans the pesticides that are killing our bees as evidenced in many prominent news events of late in our State.
That is where decision making should be In my opinion.
Thank you
Scott Allison
Ashland resident 13 years
1 of 1 8/20/2013 3:26 PM