Yet another delay stalled final approval Wednesday for a special zoning exception for the petting zoo at Anello’s Torch Lite.
The Shawano Plan Commission for its third monthly meeting in a row seemed inclined to grant the special exception, but is still waiting for a license to be granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“I think it would be premature of us to move forward,” said Bob Kurkiewicz, alderman and Plan Commission member.
A USDA inspection of the zoo identified some issues that needed to be addressed, including the completion of paperwork involving the zoo’s veterinarian and changes to the zoo’s perimeter fence.
Another inspection is scheduled for Nov. 26.
The restaurant at 1276 E. Green Bay St. was informed in August that its petting zoo, also known as Cuddly Acres, was in violation of the city’s zoning ordinance. Anello’s was ordered to downsize its petting zoo to within the limits set by the Plan Commission in April 2003. According to minutes of that meeting, commissioners limited the number of animals that could be displayed to eight.
A recent inventory counted 54 animals.
The USDA got involved after claims were made by a Milwaukee girl that she was bitten by a fox at the zoo.
Owner Rita Mondus subsequently applied for a USDA license and submitted a new application with the city for a special exception to the zoning code, this time specifying up to 65 non-threatening animals.
There was a consensus at last month’s Plan Commission that the number of animals wouldn’t be an issue for the city as long as the petting zoo maintains a USDA license and conforms to USDA regulations.
The petting zoo will continue to operate as is in the meantime even though it is currently in violation of the city’s zoning ordinance.
The Shawano Common Council voted in September that the ordinance would not be enforced against Anello’s while its special exception request was pending.
“There will be no enforcement action until this is resolved,” City Attorney Tim Schmid said.
Nearly a dozen supporters of the petting zoo spoke on its behalf last month at a public hearing before the Plan Commission, asking that the zoo be allowed to continue operating, saying it has been an asset to the community and a tourist attraction for the city.
Categories
