Chicken ordinance moving forward despite petition

A petition signed by more than 200 residents wasn’t enough to stop the Glenwood City Council from passing the second reading of an ordinance that will allow citizens to harbor chickens and have chicken coops within the city limits.

The second reading of the controversial ordinance was approved by a 3-1 margin at the council’s Sept. 27 meeting. Council members Craig Florian, Jessie Lundvall and Jeremy Rodman voted in favor of the ordinance, while Dan McComb cast the lone “no” vote. Council member Susan Hirschman, who voted against passage of the first reading on Sept. 13, was absent.

Last week’s vote came after audience members voiced their opinions on the matter. Gary Cameron presented the petition signed by citizens opposed to allowing chickens to be raised in the city. Joanne Kohn questioned how the ordinance would be enforced, noting she believes the city is having difficulty enforcing ordinances it already has in place.

Former city councilman Ron Bales also expressed concerns about the city’s enforcement practices, noting he’s heard many complaints from citizens.

“The city looks like a dump,” Bales said.

Resident Stephen Hunt, who has spoken in favor of the ordinance at previous meetings, once again voiced his support.

“You have to represent all the citizens of Glenwood, not just the majority,” Hunt said.

Council member Jessie Lundvall presented fellow council members with results of a survey she set up online and promoted through social media. Seventy-eight percent of survey participants said they were in favor of allowing chickens in the city. Lundvall conceded the survey was unscientific.

“It was an attempt to touch anybody who wanted to have a say,” Lundvall said.

Lundvall said the survey was conducted on the honor system with participants asked to declare if they resided within the city limits.
Lundvall, who first brought the matter to the council’s agenda last spring, said she doesn’t believe local government should have the right to tell citizens what they can or can’t do on their own property.

The third and final reading of the ordinance is likely to be on the council’s Oct. 11 meeting agenda.