Opponents in Simi Valley’s Llama Drama Suggest Compromise : Neighborhoods: Residents at odds over animal propose that lone beast be allowed to stay. Plan adds goats, rabbits, chickens to the mix.

In the relative tranquillity of Simi Valley, few issues are divisive enough to draw more than a handful of residents to the weekly City Council meeting.

But in recent months, an over-the-fence dispute about a lone llama has exploded into a community crusade.

In three neighborhood surveys, nearly 80 letters and at meeting after meeting, residents have vehemently voiced their views on whether the doe-eyed beast should be allowed in the Bridle Path neighborhood, which is zoned only for horses and household pets.

Opponents argue that llamas spit, smell bad and frighten the horses. Supporters say the furry animals are gentle, docile beasts that don’t hurt anyone.

On Monday, nearly 100 residents showed up at the council meeting. Two opposing groups of residents proposed to the council a compromise--allow the llama already there to remain, but don’t let any more in.

Also, they said, the city should permit residents to legally keep goats, chickens and rabbits, now technically against the law.

Charmaine Pelter, owner of Fantasia the llama, said that although she would like to see llamas allowed throughout the neighborhood she would accept the compromise.

“We need a place in the city where you can have a decent house and some animals,” she said in an interview before the council meeting. “We’re not all criminals just because we want to have some animals.”

Lynn Wechsler, who helps run an equine program with her husband, Ron, said her main concern is that llamas will frighten the horses, making the trails unsafe and homeowners liable for injuries.

“As long as the llamas stay in their back yard, it’s fine with me,” she said. “It’s pretty scary when you’re on a horse. I personally have experienced (llamas) as a safety hazard.”

After listening to the public testimony, the council made no decision, sending the matter back to staff to iron out the details.

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Among the concerns were: how many and what type of animals should be allowed on each lot, how far back from the road barns and other animal dwellings should be built, and how restrictive the city ordinance should be.

Councilwoman Sandi Webb volunteered to help prepare the ordinance.

Councilman Bill Davis expressed concerns about setting rules that would meddle in neighborhood affairs better handled by a homeowner association. “This is a neighborhood squabble that has taken up a lot of city time,” he said.

“I think the ones who started this are the ones that should be coming up with a solution.”

Councilman Paul Miller, a resident of the Bridle Path neighborhood, abstained from the discussion.

Once the details are sorted out, this llama drama, which has been heard twice by both the Planning Commission and the council, will go back to the commission for a third review.