IM allows cows at ice cream business
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- An ice cream shop on North Stephenson Avenue will be able to have two cows on site after gaining permission Monday from Iron Mountain City Council.
By a unanimous voice vote, the council approved a special use permit for the Ice Cream Barn, which had violated a city ordinance last spring when it introduced the display. Although the heifers were ordered removed, the council decided 5-2 last June to explore a special use permit.
Objections to allowing the cows were raised then by council members Kyle Blomquist and Nathan Zemar. Both were absent Monday because of illnesses.
Last week, the city's planning commission endorsed Ice Cream Barn owner Bill Neuens' request for a special use permit to house livestock. "This is a one-of-kind top notch facility that has and will continue to enhance the area," Neuens said in his application.
The permit sets a number of conditions the business has agreed to meet, including a securely-fenced enclosure, liability coverage of $1 million and covered storage of manure and soiled bedding. Any dogs brought on site must be leashed and kept at least 10 feet from the pen. Security cameras have been installed to monitor the enclosure.
In March, when an ordinance change was adopted to make the attraction possible, dozens of people attended in support of Neuens.
The permit states any escape of the animals from their enclosure "shall be grounds to allow termination" of the permit. Neuens, however, has asked the city to take into account "circumstances beyond our reasonable control" such as sabotage or natural disasters.
Up to two livestock are permitted on site from May 1 until the Friday after Labor Day.
Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.