Citizens of Iola are one step closer to having some new feathered friends allowed inside city limits. DEBBIE BEARDEN and Damaris Kunkler, both representatives of the possible Food Policy Council in the works, made a pit stop by the city council meeting Monday evening. IN OTHER NEWS:
Jacob Riebel and Levi Meiwes came before the council to present their case for an ordinance allowing chickens in Iola’s limits. The two students, both in fifth grade, listed several reasons for the inclusion, as well as addressed concerns by the council.
“We are missing out on a lot of lessons on responsibility and the friendship you can have with an animal,” Meiwes said to the council.
One major reason, however, are the economic benefits, Riebel explained. The cost of a store-bought egg is approximately $.21 per egg, while the cost of a home-grown egg is only around $.08.
Guidelines under their proposed ordinance:
— A maximum of six hens per residence
— No roosters allowed
— Minimum size for a shelter is one square foot per bird, one nesting box per three birds and a roost two feet off the ground
— Pens and runs must be kept clean to reduce odor
— Feed for hens must be kept in an impermeable container
— Pens must be no closer than 20-feet of property lines
— A $5 permit fee would be required
— No slaughtering inside city limits
— Noise ordinances and applicable animal codes will apply
As far as concerns for waste and noise, the two students explained that they do not produce any more than a medium-sized dog, which is currently allowed in the city.
“I did a lot of research on this before,” Council member Nancy Ford said, admitting an initial fear of birds. “I am a firm believer now, and my husband is already drawing up plans.”
Councilman Don Becker said chickens were removed from his hometown as a child, and it was “one of the best improvements” made to the city.
He said the current number of dilapidated homes and properties is proof that chickens and their coops would only add to the clutter. His was the only concern to warrant an “against” vote, however, as the remainder of the council members voted to have an ordinance drafted by City Administrator Carl Slaugh and Code Services Officer Shonda Jefferis. The ordinance will be brought before the council for possible adoption at a future meeting.
Jon Wells echoed the sentiment of many of the council members, by showing honest appreciation for the boys’ involvement. They collected more than 150 signatures in support of their cause.
The pair are visiting each of the city councils in Allen County to present their ideas for forming the food council. Its purpose would be to serve as a think-tank for ideas involving food access and improvement in the county.
“It’s like an umbrella over a wide range of food systems that we have,” Bearden said. “And to improve the availability of locally produced food.”
She said they received grant funding to create the council through Thrive Allen County, and are hoping to make improvements across the county and its rural areas.
“It’s a voice for all of our citizens,” Kunkler said. More than 50 percent of Allen County is in a “food desert,” Kunkler said, explaining a dearth of fresh food choices.
Initial goals for the council would be improvement of access to foods in communities such as Elsmore and Savonburg. Different goals would be tailored to each community’s needs. The council would be made up of government officials, private citizens, business owners and youth.
— Any plan for a pay and compensation study for city employees is on hold for the time being. The council tabled the matter to give more time for consideration.
Two bids were received for the services — the Austin Peters Group ($22,340) and Springsted Incorporated ($23,700). The study would compare the city’s compensation to other comparable cities, define the job descriptions for all employees and provide a report for changes that need to be made.
— Decisions regarding strategic planning, and its inclusion of an outside firm’s assistance, were tabled by the council as well. For a cost of $8,000 the Hugo Wall School for Urban and Public Affairs at Wichita State University would complete a strategic planning report.
The report would include other cities’ information, as well as surveys including citizens’ thoughts on what should be inside the city.
“I think we need a new strategic plan, especially with the citizens’ input,” Wells said.
“I’m personally in favor of small steps for now,” Becker replied.
— Council members adopted boundary ordinance No. 3428 to include a 9.5-acre plot into the city limits. The plot was annexed in 2013, and is owned by Iola Industries.
— A bid for a new Ford F-150 was accepted from Shawnee Mission Ford at a cost of $17,187 for the electric production department. The bid from Twin Motors was $19,300.
A ‘FOWL’ AGENDA – Council hears proposition on chicken ordinance
