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Shafer City council met July 21 for a regular meeting.  Mayor Paula Hanson was absent.

In the open forum, Paisley Carty, who lives in Buffalo Ridge, spoke to the council.  She gave a thorough definition of hens, how they benefit families and how they differ from roosters.  The council was given a list of petitioners requesting an ordinance change allowing three to four hens per property within the city limits.  

A while back the city banned chicken keeping because there were a few residents abusing the ordinance keeping of other animals, animal neglect and public nuisances.  

When Carty finished her speech the council thanked her and commended her on a great presentation.  After a brief discussion, acting Mayor Nick Brehm asked the council if they would like to revisit the ordinance at a future meeting.  Council agreed on the August 17 meeting at 5 p.m.

Council next approved waiving a temporary liquor license for the Shafer Franconia Fire Department allowing liquor sales during Shafer Days.

Council then accepted Shafer Days donations from Shafer Contracting for $500 and PLC Towing for $500.  

Council approved an ordinance regarding cannabis retail hours of operation.  Brehm said, “The state of Minnesota keeps changing cannabis rules and regulations, this ordinance states we will abide with whatever the state recommends."

In the public works report, maintenance supervisor Brad Swenson told council he had received two quotes for the broken garage spring in the maintenance building.  Lake Country Door came in lowest with a bid for $1,117 which the council approved unanimously.

Swenson said he contacted Thein Well who does well inspections about inspecting Shafer’s three wells.  Swenson told council the company had reasonable pricing, charging $430 for all three wells.  Brehm asked Swenson if the company also does repairs if needed Swenson assured the council they do repairs as well. Swenson said at the rate given, he would like to see the wells inspected yearly.  He told the council there was no contract to enter into rather just pay as you go.

Council adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

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