Lindon resident Jeremy Stone, another local snake breeder, spoke in the Sutherlands' favor during the public comment period. Three residents also spoke, their comments ranging from strong objection to cautious approval.

Resident Dave Olson was the most vocal, saying that no matter how careful the Sutherlands are, accidents would happen.

"I'm a little concerned that we're considering letting this into our community," Olson said. "I don't want snakes here."

Commission chairman Paul Bradford, however, said he believed the Sutherlands would run a tight operation.

"With the type of value we're talking about with these snakes, I think they'll be mighty careful to see that they're taken care of," Bradford said.

Sutherland encountered similar objections in Mapleton, where he initially tried to set up his business. Residents there raised sharp objections to the Sutherlands' operation after it became public knowledge in August.

After drawn-out efforts to secure the necessary conditional use permit, Sutherland withdrew his application last week and applied in Spanish Fork.

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E-mail: jtwitchell@desnews.com