Resident urges Aurora to consider pilot program for backyard hens; staff asked to review packet

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Delilah Baccos, who identified herself as an Aurora resident, asked the committee to reconsider the city's ban on backyard hens and to consider a pilot program. Baccos said she had prepared a packet for the committee that included a two-week animal-control call log showing multiple calls about roosters, Cook County forest-preserve research on coyote behavior and attraction to garbage and pet food rather than hens, and an email from Sugar Grove's community development director describing a cost-neutral, manageable municipal chicken program.

Baccos recommended a pilot program that would allow hens (no roosters), require secure coops and fenced yards, impose permit limits and capacity rules, and enable the city to regulate and track outcomes. She said she requested follow-up from animal-control but was told to file a FOIA request for additional records; she asked the committee to review the packet and "consider bringing this back onto the agenda for discussion." Chairperson Bugg closed public comment and staff were directed, per the committee'established public-comment rules, to follow up with members of the public about concerns raised.

Ending: The committee did not take action on the request; public-comment rules require staff follow-up on issues raised and the resident said she would send an updated packet to committee members.