Resident’s complaint about feeding geese, ducks prompts council to direct staff to draft ordinance

Judith Kohler, a Royal Palm Beach resident, told the Village Council that a neighbor has been feeding large flocks of Egyptian geese and Muscovy ducks, creating persistent feces on sidewalks and driveways, aggressive bird behavior and a perceived health hazard. Kohler said she had asked the neighbor to stop and provided the clerk with photographs showing flocks congregating and droppings across adjacent properties.

Kohler told the council she had contacted Fish and Wildlife and county health staff and cited federal concerns about avian influenza; she asked the village to strengthen its bird-sanctuary rules and consider stronger financial penalties. “It’s for both the health and safety of your residents and the birds themselves,” Kohler said.

Village staff acknowledged the complaint and said the current code does not expressly prohibit feeding in the way Kohler described. Community Development Director Rob Hill said staff has drafted an ordinance modeled on other Florida cities, and that immediate enforcement options are limited. Village staff described possible next steps including citations (the current citation range mentioned was about $25–$35) or an enhanced fine schedule that the council could adopt by resolution. The council voted by consensus to direct staff to complete the ordinance and bring it back at the earliest meeting cycle. Council members also discussed short-term outreach or targeted visits to encourage the feeder to stop while staff finalizes the draft.

The council did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting but instructed staff to return with a proposed ordinance and recommended penalty schedule for council action.