Resident urges regulated backyard‑chicken program with registration and ISU education

During the public‑comment period on May 18, a resident from 720 N 3rd St asked the council to adopt a regulated backyard‑chicken program. The resident recommended a simple registration process, a requirement that owners take an Iowa State University extension education course at their own expense, and suggested safeguards addressing avian influenza, noise, smell and other nuisance concerns. The speaker estimated participation would not exceed 5% of the city population.