After hours of public comment, council votes to form task force, hold town halls on allowing backyard chickens

The council opened a discussion — not an adoption vote — on whether to draft an ordinance allowing backyard chickens in city limits. Fourteen letters were included in the record (the mayor said 14 were on file), and several residents spoke. Madison Lemon (S1) said she and neighbors appreciated council consideration; “I just wanted to thank you guys,” Lemon said. Dan Berger (S18) said he supported allowing poultry and described local experience running a satellite location: “I’ve not seen any downside, and I’ve seen nothing but benefits,” Berger said.

Opponents warned of nuisance and density concerns. Jeff Hollinshed (S14) said small lots and transitory populations near the base increase the risk of neighbor conflict and urged careful study and possibly a citywide vote. Tracy Knight (S7) said she believed farm animals belong on farms, not in city limits, and described nuisance experiences in other jurisdictions: “They were loud. I thought they stunk,” Knight said.

City attorney Matt (S10) explained the initiative and referral process under state law: an initiated ordinance requires petition signatures from 5% of registered voters to trigger an election, or the council could draft and adopt an ordinance that would then be subject to referral by petition. After discussion, a council member (S3) moved to create a task force, authorize the mayor to appoint members, and hold at least one town-hall meeting; another council member (S13) seconded. The motion passed on roll call with six ayes and one nay (Councilmember Knight voted no). The mayor said he will contact residents and staff to assemble the task force and return with a recommendation.