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These performance measures combined with the physical inspection process would make the proposed ordinance among the most robust of those reviewed. Nonetheless, Mr. Weinstein laid out a number of restrictive measures that other cities have employed for the Council's consideration. He said staff felt the ordinance reflects good science and strikes a balance between allowing beekeepers to undertake their hobby while ensuring that it does not adversely affect neighbors. He reiterated that in speaking with other cities regarding their own experiences, staff has yet to find evidence that urban beekeeping has generated serious health or welfare problems. Conversely, staff found considerable evidence of the ecological, educational and community benefits of beekeeping as demonstrated by its success in crowded urban areas like San Francisco and New York City. Mayor Thome asked how staff would define a reasonable medical claim. Mr. Weinstein explained that staff would give considerable deference to the suggestion of an allergy to bees, life threatening or otherwise, and reject the permit. For non-medical claims, staff would encourage the applicant to work with neighbors to resolve any concerns. Councilmember Pentin noted that the background literature indicates that bees generally travel anywhere from 2 to 6 miles from the hive and asked what sort of proximity is appropriate to substantiate a reasonable medical claim. Mr. Weinstein explained that staff would generally expect to receive, and would give greater deference, to residents within the 100 foot notification radius. Mayor Thome asked if there is any authoritative association that publishes standards for beekeeping. Mr. Weinstein said "no," but that staff consulted the scientific community regarding effective principles. Councilmember Pentin noted that the configuration of his own property coupled with the required 5 foot setback would likely situate the hive right in the middle of activity or typical paths of travel. He explained that one side of his property has an 8 foot cinderblock wall and wondered if these types of conditions might allow for the setback requirements to be adjusted on a case by case basis. He inquired about the reasoning behind the 5 foot setback. Mr. Weinstein explained that staff examined a number of setbacks ranging from none specified to 20 feet. Staff felt that 5 feet would allow for reasonable access to the hive while effectively containing bees and seems to reflect what is known about bee behavior and how they move about. With regards to specific property configurations, Mr. Weinstein said that many people will find their yards are not configured in a way that could comfortably accommodate beekeeping. Councilmember Pentin's may be one example. He also stressed that as a result, there is not likely to be huge surge of permit applications, noting that despite New York City's rather flexible standards and population of 8 million people, only 200 hives existed in the city in 2012. Councilmember Pentin asked how one would go about replacing the queen. Mr. Weinstein explained that both queens and entire colonies can be purchased, although some prefer to capture wild bees. Many breeders will paint the abdomen of a queen to note the date it was introduced to the hive. Vice-Mayor Brown asked why, if bees are considered generally docile, the photo provided by staff depicted a beekeeper maintaining his hive in full regalia. Mr. Weinstein explained that the photo was of a member of city staff who suited up out what might be termed an abundance of caution. Many beekeepers do not suit up and are rarely stung. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 12 February 17,2015