Lind Council discusses chickens within town limits

The Lind Town Council met on May 24 with the discussion focused on the Animal Ordinance for the town and whether it will include chickens.

The meeting began with the approval of the claims. Councilperson Kathy White asked why procedure has included the Clerk/Treasurer for the town using her personal bank accounts to purchase items and then be reimbursed by the town.

Mayor Jamie Schmunk advised previously the town has held two cards for the use of the Clerk/Treasurer.

Schmunk started she would like to cancel the current credit card in order to open a new one with the Town’s current bank.

The council appoved the change with the second card being allowed for the Clerk/Treasurer’s use.

Schmunk advised the feral cat pick up program went well and 41 cats were taken to Portland to be neutered and given shots before being returned.

The Mayor also advised seasonal helpers have been hired to assist the current Town crew.

Numerous reports of swarms of bees have been reported in town and Schmunk advised they were working with local beekeepers to have them remove the colonies. She also stated they are honeybees and will not harm citizens.

Specific wording was then discussed in regards to Ordinance 16-02, which deals with animal permits.

The council has been discussing allowing chickens within town limits and the language to make this happen was given to the council to review.

They decided to allow four chickens and no roosters per household. Discussion as to the number of chickens to allow was detailed with Councilperson Craig Cooper arguing for the number of chickens to be higher.

A certain parameter for the size of the cages for the birds to be kept in was discussed and they chose to require a two square foot per bird. The ordinance will also require the enclosure for the chickens be 10 feet from the property line so as to not infringe on neighbor’s space.

The fee for the chicken permit will be the same as other animals, $25 for the first year and a $10 renewal fee thereafter. Since the year is halfway over the council decided to pro-rate the fee for this year for residents, which will require them to pay just $12.50.

The council approved this with Councilpersons Karissa Labes and Paula Bell opposed. The finalized ordinance will be presented at the next council meeting on June 14.