A major portion of the meeting focused on a citizen petition concerning rooster noise in residential neighborhoods. Complaints have been lodged by residents about the disturbance caused by roosters, prompting the council to consider zoning changes. The current ordinance prohibits keeping roosters on properties smaller than five acres. Discussion emphasized the need for effective enforcement of this ordinance and ensuring that residents are aware of who to contact regarding such complaints. The Health Director, Michael Tho, was identified as the appropriate point of contact for these issues.

The council members discussed the complexities involved in enforcing the ordinance, particularly in cases where properties are subdivided. Some council members expressed sympathy for affected residents, while also recognizing the rights of those with appropriate acreage to engage in normal farming practices. The conversation highlighted the importance of mediating discussions between affected parties and the necessity for a collaborative approach to address the situation effectively. It was noted that a previous meeting saw the unanimous rejection of the petition, although a revised proposal could be presented in March.

In addition to addressing noise complaints, the council discussed logistical challenges regarding the installation of “Right to Farm” signs. The placement of these signs, particularly around the Bernon Road and Route 2 areas, was a key topic. Council members expressed a desire to position the signs as close to the town line as possible, but faced challenges due to unclear maintenance responsibilities for certain roads. The discussion revealed a need for coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to clarify these responsibilities and ensure compliance with setback requirements.

The council also considered potential locations for the signs, including areas near the Four Corners School and the triangular piece of land near the bridge from Deerfield. Visibility of these signs was deemed critical for raising community awareness about the right to farm. Despite some frustration over existing sign placements, there was agreement on retaining the sign near the rotary while exploring more visible locations for additional signs.

A motion was proposed to instruct the DPW to place the signs as close to the city and state lines as possible, while adhering to DPW’s findings on permissible placements. The council recognized the importance of working collaboratively to finalize these decisions and ensure the community is informed about the right to farm initiative.

Additional meeting discussions included the introduction of a local resident, Sid St. John, who plans to establish a flower farm on Highland Avenue. St. John announced her intention to seek a special permit at an upcoming zoning board public hearing. Her initiative was met with enthusiasm from meeting participants, who welcomed her contribution to the local landscape.