RIVER FALLS, Wis. - The City Council chamber filled with people for Tuesday night's meeting that addressed among other issues, laying hen chickens and liquor license renewals.
City Planning Intern Ryan Mathisrud gave an informational presentation on keeping chickens as pets and using their eggs. A vote scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, will decide if people can have up to five laying hens on their property.
Council Member Jim Nordgren asked how many people have expressed interest in having the birds, what happens to non-producing chickens and what problems have people experienced in other places?
Mathisrud said about four residents had inquired and that processers could turn a non-laying hen into meat, but most people would keep the chicken anyway throughout its 2- to 3-year life.
He said the problems he heard about in other cities included loose chickens and cock fighting. He doesn't think those would be issues in River Falls since the amendment would require a fully enclosed coop and would prohibit roosters.
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Council Member Scott Morrissette asked how much staff time would be invested into following up on the law?
Mathisrud said not much other than the permitting process.
He said Police Chief Roger Leque has expressed concerns about the time required for responding to complaints, but indicated he doesn't expect call volume to rise.
Council Member David Reese said the amendment should include a stipulation requiring permit applicants to notify their neighbors they'll have chickens. Mathisrud countered that people don't have to ask permission to keep other pets.
He said he's heard of notification being implemented but usually in larger cities and added that the amendment could be modified however the council wanted.
"Most people understand it's a privilege to have these things," said Mathisrud.
