7/24/13 - The Howell City Council was tied when it came to vote on whether or not to allow the keeping of chickens in the City. With member Jeff Hansen absent from Monday nightâs meeting, Council was locked at 3-3 on the issue of chicken-keeping, therefore deciding to postpone the decision. Council member Scott Niblock was opposed to the allowance of chickens, saying that he âchose to live in a city and if people want to keep chickens, they can go live in the countryâ. Niblock believes chicken-keeping is a fad and Council member Dawn Cooper agrees with him, saying Howell is ânot a farm communityâ. Shea Charles, the City Manager, says they are several ways to regulate the keeping of chickens which includes the number of chickens allowed, the restriction of roosters, permit requirements and requiring chickens to be penned. Charles tells WHMI this issue comes up frequently. City Council also passed harsher firework restrictions at last nightâs meeting which Niblock finds interesting that they would allow chickens in the city but not fireworks, as he finds them equally disruptive. The City Council plans to consult other municipalities on their chicken ordinances before making a final decision. They also plan to mock up an ordinance with two readings before the public so that community members can voice their comments and concerns. (DK)
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