Council requests signatures for chickens

Three hundred signatures from property owning, taxpaying residents of Thermopolis is what’s needed before the Thermopolis Town Council will move forward with regard to possibly allowing chickens in town. That was the decision made at Tuesday night’s council meeting, following discussion on the issue that sometimes grew heated.

It began with Jeremiah Balius, who most recently proposed the allowance of in-town chickens at a council meeting a month ago. At this week’s meeting, Balius presented results he found showing one person wastes about a pound of food a day, on average 30 pounds per month. A family of four would waste an average of 120 pounds per month. On average, about 40 pounds of cat litter is wasted per month. Factoring in the cat’s waste, that’s about 50 pounds per month.

In contrast, Balius said the average chicken produces about 10 pounds of waste monthly, so eight chickens – which is what he’s asking for – would produce 80 pounds per month. Balius further noted this figure is for chickens that aren’t allowed in a yard, so if they are allowed to free range – wings clipped so they can’t fly away - the waste is less.

The point, Balius said, is that a family of four with eight chickens creates less waste than a family without chickens because the wasted food could be given to the animals.

As far as composting and waste from the chickens, Balius has spoken with the Red Dirt Master Gardeners, who said they would have some space for people to add their waste or compost for use at the community garden.

Balius also proposed partnering with the town to provide waste as fertilizer. Board Member Tony Larson noted he buys the fertilizer for the town parks, and would not use chicken waste on the parks. Another idea Balius has is setting a designated area for compost, for individuals to use.

Balius further addresses the concern of chickens running free or being lost. He suggested creating a list of everyone who has chickens so if they’re lost they can be brought back to owners. He also proposed banding the chickens so owners can be easily identified.

Contacting the mayors and town council members of Casper and Riverton, Balius learned that the issue of having chickens in town was very controversial at first, but in the time since it’s been allowed they’ve not had a single complaint. He noted Casper was thought to be doing away with chickens, but is in fact choosing to allow continued ownership of chickens in town.

Sharena Fruciano noted she actually had chickens in town prior to their removal being enforced. She feels she is throwing a lot more garbage away now, which previously had gone to the chickens, and that the waste they produced was minimal. Fruciano also had a list of the top 100 largest cities by population, and pointed out as of 2011, 93 percent of major U.S. cities allowed “urban hens.” She added Thermopolis might be a bit behind the times.

Another point Fruciano raised is that chickens are great at pest control, and she’s noticed an increase in bugs since her chickens have been gone. She also noted chickens are great for weed control, teach kids responsibility and provide fresh eggs.

Addressing the issue of chicken slaughtering, Darren Butcher said he would be against it and be for just the eggs. He added that slaughtering would likely not be a concern in a town where people hang deer and antelope in their garages. Butcher proposed the idea of allowing chickens in town about 18 months ago.

Butcher also addressed the point that people could have the chickens outside of town, noting that in his initial presentation he pushed for allowance of chickens in town for those who can’t afford to have them and care for them outside of town. Balius said his parents have property on Missouri Flat, and it was suggested he have the chickens there. With three kids and a business that closes at 5:30 p.m., Balius said adding a 30-minute drive twice a day, plus time to take care of the chickens, was not feasible.

Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby noted the approach to this doesn’t appear to be monetary, but more for education and farm fresh eggs.

Animal Control Officer Ame Longwell said banding would be a great way to track the animals, likening it to a license for chickens that would allow officers to better track them. She added there should be a permit, and that Animal Control should grant it based on housing, ability to care for the animals and, if renting, whether permission is granted by the landlord.

Butcher said the financial concern of additional time required for the Animal Control could be addressed by permit fees. Crosby said many of the complaints he’s had are about adding one more responsibility, and additional payment, to an Animal Control Officer who is already handling dogs, cats and deer.

A motion was made to have the town attorney look at the information presented and possibly change the ordinance to allow chickens. Prior to a second on the motion, Larson said he’s had three phone calls from people who are set against allowing chickens in town. The motion later died for lack of a second.

Balius asked council what it could take to push it forward. He noted there were three people at the meeting speaking in favor of it, evening out the three calls Larson received. Butcher was concerned that three phone calls could continue to oppose personal efforts of people who come to the meetings and present information.

Larson said his voice adds a fourth in opposition, and that he had several contacts from one person who was concerned about pests and varmints that are associated with chickens, as well as other issues. Butcher said all the concerns brought up have been answered, and the voices in opposition have no ground. He asked council if they would listen to the evidence presented or random complaints. Larson said the complaints came from people who used to raise chickens.

Larson said if they could get 300 registered voters to sign a petition, he would be more than happy to listen to it, but until then he’s dead set against it.

Also during the meeting, council approved moving forward with a grant from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security in the amount of $17,600. The money will go toward the purchase of P-25 compliant mobile and portable radios, installation and allowable accessories.

A memorandum of understanding between the Thermopolis Police Department and the Hot Springs County Community Prevention Program was signed. This will allow the police to provide prevention services in the county to benefit the community and align with the community prevention needs assessment. Services can include alcohol and tobacco compliance checks, enhanced enforcement of alcohol laws among youth, alcohol and drug enforcement at parties, bar checks, drug/alcohol/suicide related training and drug/alcohol presentations at school

Council approved substantial completion forms for three projects – the Springview sewer project, the replacement of the roof on the old fire hall and the recent chip seals. Town Engineer Anthony Barnett said walkthroughs were done on the chip seal and sewer projects, and both look good and are complete. There are a few items to still address on the old fire hall roof, which will be addressed. A bid was approved in the amount of $99,730 for the raw water bore for the golf course.