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Backyard-chicken ordinance fails after split commission vote
Summary
After a public hearing with a resident in support, the commission voted on an ordinance to allow backyard hens; roll-call votes recorded two yes and three no, and the motion did not pass.
The commission considered a proposed ordinance to allow backyard hens inside city limits after a short public hearing. Resident Joe Geary, who said he was a Lovington resident and supported the measure, thanked staff for attempting a balanced draft; the commission then moved the item to the action portion of the agenda and took a roll-call vote.
During the vote the clerk recorded: Mayor Roberts (Yes), Commissioner Perry (Yes), Commissioner White (No), Commissioner Malone (No), and Commissioner Rodriguez (No). With more "no" than "yes" votes recorded, the ordinance did not pass. No amendments were adopted at the meeting and staff said they would record the result and next steps under the city's normal ordinance process.
The measure had been placed on the agenda for public hearing and staff said the proposed rules attempted to balance animal-health requirements and neighbor concerns. The commission closed the public hearing before taking final action and did not schedule a reintroduction at this meeting.
This report is based on the commission's on-the-record public hearing and roll-call votes recorded in the meeting minutes.
