Back Print
RSS

Ordinance regulating the keeping of bees within city limits clears second reading

Posted: Mon, Nov 20, 2017 7:03 PM

An ordinance changing the regulation of bee hives within City of Decorah limits has won approval of a second reading, despite some opposition.

The 6-1 vote in favor of the new ordinance specifically allowing beekeeping within the city faced opposition from Decorah resident Sharon Del Vento, who said the bee hives would not be safe because of the aggressiveness of bees during swarms.  City council member Randy Schissel voted against the second reading, saying he was concerned about possible health issues and about the rules concerning notification of neighboring property owners

But Luther College professor Kirk Larsen, who keeps bees on his property outside of Decorah, said bees are docile during swarms and other cities have reported no problems with urban beekeeping.

The new ordinance will go into effect if the city council approves a third reading in December.