Council hears dozens of proponents for backyard chickens; hearing left open

The Papillion City Council opened public testimony on a proposed ordinance to allow and regulate backyard chickens on March 4 and heard a series of proponents urging approval. Councilman Gaines introduced the ordinance; after roughly two dozen speakers in favor, the council left the public hearing open and said it will continue at the next meeting if needed.

Supporters emphasized education, animal-care practices and neighborhood notification. Steve Zivney, a resident who supported the ordinance, praised the inclusion of a required chicken "101" class and the ordinance's neighbor-notification provisions. "Anyone that wants chickens are gonna have to go through a class. They're gonna have to have a certification," Zivney said.

Cora Xtalas, a seventh-grade student, told the council chickens "are amazing for your lawn" and said they would teach responsibility. Mike Rexales, a veterinarian and owner of Papillion Animal Hospital, told the council the health risks are low when owners follow sanitation and biosecurity practices and pointed to local experience in nearby cities: "Having chickens present in your community does not increase your risk" of zoonotic disease for neighbors when proper care and education are used, he said.

Other proponents — including Mike Elkins, Marsha Lang of Double K Feed and Edward Winegar — described potential savings on eggs, compost and self-sufficiency, and cited examples from Bellevue, which has permitted backyard chickens for more than a decade and reports few enforcement complaints. Several speakers offered to provide training resources and classes if the ordinance passes.

The council indicated its intent to hear comments from people who cannot attend the next meeting first, then continue the public testimony at the March 18 meeting if needed. No council vote was taken tonight; the hearing remains open.