Not much scratch for chickens

During Tuesday night’s meeting of the Thermopolis Town Council, not much was presented on a topic that’s ruffled a few feathers this past month — whether chickens should be allowed in town.

At their March 22 meeting, council heard from Darren Butcher, who argued an ordinance should be put in place for people to have the animals within the town limits. Butcher was extensive in addressing various concerns people have brought up in past years, including noise, smell, responsible ownership and enforcement for those who had “chickens at large.”

Butcher further suggested the council allow for a small test area for the chickens — between Arapahoe and Amoretti from the railroad tracks to the river. Though some formal action was expected Tuesday night regarding a possible ordinance, councilmembers stated the public opinion for allowing chickens in town was generally negative.

Council also received information about ordinances in towns that do allow chickens, such as Lander, Worland and Douglas, which they were able to review. Animal Control Officer Ame Longwell also presented written recommendations to council that applications for chickens would identify items such as adequate housing, number of chickens per home, removal or disbursement of waste, health requirements and application and inspection fees.

Longwell further recommended an application date be identified for beginning a six-month trial period with outlined ordinances.

Councilmember Tony Larson said he’s spoken to people in town and most people are not in favor or open to the idea of allowing chickens in town. He noted if a test area were to be set up it might be near the town shop. However, Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle pointed out the open area near the shop is for contractors to store equipment and materials when they’re doing a job.

Councilmember Bill Malloy said he was a greeter at the recent health fair, and the question he was asked by at least 50 people was “You’re not going to allow chickens, are you?” Malloy also pointed out the towns that allow them do have very stiff ordinances.

Larson said Butcher’s idea is noble, but enforcement would be difficult and it seems the public opinion is to not allow the animals.

With regard to other animals, Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby suggested the council have Longwell present about feral cat issues, as she believes there could be thousands of the wild animals in the Thermopolis area.

In action at the meeting, council approved catering permit requests from Shorty’s for: The Gottsche summer kickoff from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 19, a wedding and Republican Party meeting on June 2, the PRCA rodeo June 22 and 23, and the rodeo dance June 23.

Council also approved signing a contract with Koerwitz, Michel, Wright and Associates for the annual audit.

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett reported on the water line improvement project, noting the upcoming schedule includes pulling the pipe through the river bore. The first milestone of the project, going from the water plant to Eighth Street and down to Sixth, is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Councilmember John Dorman, Sr. noted there were some light posts that were missing the small signs that have animals and other figures, and asked if they were considering replacing. Crosby said they’d identify how many they need, but also pointed out all of the streetlights except one now have LED bulbs.