06:13The most debated issue was the passage of Ordinance 2025-330, which amends Chapter 90 of the city code concerning the keeping of chickens within city limits. The ordinance introduced a new fee structure and amended setbacks for chicken coops, reducing the required distance from 30 feet to 20 feet. This change was part of a broader effort to streamline the application process and address residents’ concerns about the management and oversight of urban poultry.

04:55Public comments were notably highlighted by resident Barb Peterson, who voiced concerns about the potential health implications of chickens in residential areas. Peterson advocated for mandatory testing for bird flu, reflecting broader community health worries. Council members engaged in a examination of these concerns, with some suggesting a trial period to evaluate the ordinance’s effectiveness. The discussion revealed varying opinions on whether the ordinance should include initial inspections, which were perceived as essential by some to prevent complaints and ensure compliance.

28:35A notable proposal during the discussion was to model the fee structure after the St. Peter’s chicken ordinance. This approach aimed to mitigate enforcement costs while providing residents with clear compliance guidelines. However, the ordinance ultimately passed, with fees set differently, despite some residents expressing strong opposition to any fees on the grounds of personal rights and food security.

49:07In addition to the chicken ordinance, the council meeting acknowledged a $20,000 donation from the Ldale Snow Wizards to the fire department. This contribution was allocated to offset costs of a new ATV and equipment.

55:14The council also introduced Officer Haley Van Hublin, a new full-time police officer for the city, who was welcomed for her service background in the Army National Guard. Police Chief Jason Schmidz presented the annual police report for 2024, detailing staffing challenges and the department’s community engagement efforts. The report emphasized the transition to encrypted radios, supported by a $40,000 grant, to enhance officer safety and secure communication channels.

01:23:24Infrastructure improvements were also on the agenda, with discussions about a $6,160 water main patching project on Industrial Drive Southeast. The public works director outlined the necessity of contracting McNamera Contracting for the work, which fell within the allocated budget for repairs. The council also considered additional park improvements, including a new basketball hoop at Stikas skate park, following a proposal from a young resident advocating for increased recreational facilities.

01:29:12The meeting touched on the approval of various licenses and permits, such as a liquor license for Lonsdale Takaria LLC, which passed with community support despite concerns about alcohol consumption during events.

01:38:10A proposal for new city hall signage was discussed, with Scenic Sign Company contracted for $10,275 to supply and retrofit the city’s signage. The council emphasized the importance of clear and effective signage for public visibility and navigation, with the project scheduled for completion by mid to late June.

02:02:37Lastly, the council deliberated on selecting an engineering firm for future city projects, comparing proposals from ISG and WSB. The decision was deferred to a later meeting.