The council meeting began with a proclamation read by the mayor, declaring the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The mayor noted, “Every day in the United States, 120 lives are lost to gun violence,” highlighting the stark reality of gun-related deaths. The proclamation emphasized that urban areas bear the brunt of gun violence, accounting for more than half of all firearm-related deaths. It also paid tribute to Hadiya Pendleton, whose tragic death in 2013 inspired the awareness day. The mayor encouraged residents to wear orange on June 2, 2026, as a symbol of support for gun violence prevention initiatives.

Following the proclamation, a local resident and mother expressed appreciation for the community’s engagement in raising awareness about gun violence. She announced an upcoming Wear Orange Night event at Nipple Park, featuring a resource fair where organizations like Moms Demand Action would share information. The speaker stressed the importance of collective efforts, stating, “We can beat this. We absolutely can, but we got to keep at it.” She advocated for legislative measures such as universal background checks and a renewed assault weapons ban, while warning about the implications of concealed carry reciprocity laws.

The meeting then transitioned to public comments, with Grant Patterson, a resident from Harvard Avenue, proposing the formation of a chicken advisory board. Patterson, along with a group of residents, highlighted the benefits of backyard hens, such as waste reduction and pest control. He emphasized that only hens, not roosters, should be allowed, noting their quiet nature and contribution to soil health. Patterson’s proposal aimed to address practical concerns and foster community engagement.

Cara Guerreri, another supporter of backyard chickens, shared her personal experience with hen keeping in Texas. She described how raising chickens had heightened her awareness of environmental factors and gardening, arguing that it could similarly enhance community bonds in Collingswood. Guerreri acknowledged health concerns, such as respiratory illnesses, and the potential for attracting wild birds, but remained optimistic about the benefits.

Local business owner Dan Devito joined the discussion, focusing on food security. He noted a shift in conversations from casual gardening to concerns about food scarcity. Devito advocated for backyard hens as a potential solution, citing the community aspect of sharing excess eggs. He remarked, “As it gets too expensive to buy, I get nervous that it’s going to be harder to find,” underscoring the urgency of addressing food security.

The council explored the idea of a backyard chicken advisory board further, referencing its implementation in Penn Township. There, an advisory board of eight residents meets biannually to ensure compliance with local ordinances on chicken keeping. Prospective chicken owners must attend an educational class and pass a quiz before a board member conducts a site visit. The board focuses on education and support rather than enforcement. This approach has reportedly led to only one significant complaint in eleven years, stemming from a personal dispute rather than legitimate chicken-keeping concerns.

A council member raised questions about chickens roaming freely, and it was clarified that chickens should not be unsupervised, drawing a comparison to the care required for young children. The use of “hardware cloth” for enclosures was recommended over chicken wire to ensure predator-proof coops. The council acknowledged the need for mentorship among new chicken owners, recognizing the value of collective experience and support.

As the meeting progressed, other community matters were addressed, including tributes to two prominent community members who had recently passed away. The council also discussed the upcoming opening of the borough pool, encouraging residents to be considerate of lifeguards, and updates from the library about summer programs and events.

The session concluded with a commitment to further research and discussion on the topic of backyard chickens. The council emphasized the importance of gathering community feedback and educating residents, ensuring that all voices, including those opposed to backyard chickens, are heard.