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<br /> <br />Minutes from Meeting of Representatives of the Animal Services Advisory Board & <br />Agricultural Preservation Board <br /> <br />5:00 to 6:30 p.m., September 24, 2012. <br />Present: David Stancil, Howard McAdams, Annette Moore, Kim Woods, Judy Miller, <br />Suzanne Roy, Bob Marotto, Kris Bergstrand <br /> <br />Nuisance Animal Noise: <br />Review and Discussion <br /> <br /> <br />1. Introductions and Subject Introduction: <br />Bob explained history of complaints of noise from rooster crowing from two <br />county residents, leading to creation of ASAB subcommittee investigation and <br />report. <br /> <br />2. Agenda Approval: Unanimously approved. <br /> <br />3. Report Background and Findings: <br />Suzanne gave summary of the subcommittee activity. Data collected from <br />other NC counties and input from attorney Annette Moore resulted in a <br />recommendation of no change to local animal noise ordinance to include <br />roosters, however, the subcommittee proposed that the situation be monitored <br />going forward, as it possible more issues like this will arise <br /> <br />4. Legal Considerations: <br />Zoning of much of the county is combined farm/residential, including locations <br />of property of concerned citizens. Annette explained the Sheriff’s decision not <br />to cite rooster owner for noise above 50 db as was measured in one case. Also <br />Dave described the broadening of the definition of “farm and/or farming” <br />during last two sessions of the state General Assembly. This, and the findings <br />of no consistent enforcement of animal noise-related laws in nearby counties <br />contributed to the decision of the subcommittee. As more folks move to <br />county, there will be more cases of “coming to the nuisance” and current laws <br />favor the farmers. <br /> <br />5. General Discussion: <br />APB members expressed appreciation for work done by the subcommittee and <br />agreed that this is an ongoing issue as more residential development takes place <br />in the county, however, since the laws favor the farmers, not much can be done <br />except encourage potential home buyers to be aware of how the protections <br />farm operations have in the county. While existing agricultural operations are <br />reluctant to give out information to the public inquiring as to potential noise or <br />odor issues, the tax office can give potential buyers information about use of <br />adjacent properties that could affect home sites they may be looking to <br />purchase.