Goats hang out by the fence at Dale Bailey’s farm outside of New Ulm. The Bailey’s currently rent their goats out in St. Peter, and are interested in doing so in New Ulm if the ordinance passes.

New Ulm — An approved first consideration by the New Ulm City Council Tuesday is grazing a path for goats to be used for grazing purposes by citizens of New Ulm.

The idea came about in June at a City Council work session. Six property owners in the hillside area behind Oak Hills and Garden Terrace wanted to get rid of invasive species and noxious weeds, such as Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard, that have taken root on their properties They wanted to remove them as cleanly and effectively as possible.

The idea was also inspired by Flandrau State Park. The park began using goats for weed and growth control several years ago. Park officials reported to City Planner John Knisley the measures have been largely successful in accomplishing their goals.

Goats are currently not allowed to be kept in the city limits under the current city ordinances. The ruling from City Council at the time was to order city staff to create a draft policy and bring it for approval.

After being approved by the Park and Rec Commission on Monday, September 11, the drafted changes made it to City Council to face their first consideration. Knisley said they compiled resolutions from several sources to make their goat ordinance.

“The city staff has reviewed numerous other Minnesota city codes and their prescribed grazing ordinances,” he said. “That’s how we crafted our ordinance; based on those we felt would work well within the city of New Ulm. We’ve also consulted with the Department of Natural Resources and how they’re managing goats on their properties and addressing issues or concerns. The DNR has worked through those issues with us and they are in support of the city of New Ulm developing environments to manage these noxious and invasive species through the use of goats.”

Knisley said there are several key pieces of information within the changed ordinance. Those looking to use goats for prescribed grazing would need a permit. The property needs to be at least half an acre long to be considered. Those who have less than that can combine with their neighbors to submit a joint application. The animals cannot be a substantial nuisance, such as with bleating or an accumulation of manure.

The new ordinance also makes it easier to own chickens. Someone wanting to keep chickens would no longer need signatures of approval from adjoining property owners.

Schultz made the motion to approve the first consideration of the ordinance change, with Christian providing the second. After this successful first consideration, the potential ordinance change moves into second consideration and potential adoption at the next City Council meeting on October 17.