HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-13 Health & Public Safety, Zoning & Annexation, Personnel & Finance •
HEALTH &PUBLIC SAFETY
ZONING&ANNEXATION JANUARY 14,2013
PERSONNEL & FINANCE
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr., Valerie Schey, Dr. Fred Ferlic,
Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic,
Karen White
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Erin Blasko, Susan Gruetman, Karen Coleman,
Scott Palmer, Catherine Toppel, Christa Nayder, Catherine Pettijohn
Agenda: Bill No. 74-11 &Bill No. 64-12 "Urban Chickens"
Two separate bills, Bill No. 74-11 &Bill No. 64-12,both addressing the "Urban Chicken"
proposal were scheduled to be heard in a joint committee hearing of the Personnel &Finance and
Health and Public Safety Committees.
Dr. Fred Ferlic chaired the proceedings which he began by calling upon Christa Nayder to report
on the bills determination before the Area Plan Commission(APC). Christa reported that the
APC approved the technical aspects of the zoning requirements in the bill,but deferred a policy
recommendation to allow keeping chickens in the city to the Council.
Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski-Farrand interjected that if no action were taken by the Council
the zoning changes would go into effect by default.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr,the strongest proponent for allowing "urban chickens"made the
formal presentation. He started by saying the pros of allowing chickens to be raised in backyards
far outweigh the cons. He said approval would add South Bend to a growing list of forward
thinking cities emphasizing sustainability and"green initiatives." Appropriately regulated by the
location, size, and maintenance of backyard coops any fears of nuisance or negative effects on
property values would be benign. Henry also promoted the educational benefits for kids
teaching them responsibility and awareness of healthy eating. Councilmember Scott who along
with Henry co-sponsored the bills echoed Henry's comments.
Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic then opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak
in favor of the bills. Four supporters spoke. Susan Gruetman tried to allay fears of declining
property values saying there is no evidence to warrant that claim. Karen Coleman representing a
group called the Urban Chicken Alliance said the group will help the city implement and monitor
compliance. Scott Palmer and Catherine Pettijohn followed in turn touting the environmental
and health aspects of allowing"Urban Chickens." No one was present to speak in opposition.
Before bringing Bill No. 74-11 to a vote Dr. Ferlic called for approval of a few technical
amendments. Motions made by Councilmember's Schey and Henry Davis added the
amendments and secured a favorable recommendation of the amended Bill No. 74-11.
Dr. Ferlic then opened separate consideration of Bill No. 64-12 to which he proposed adding a
requirement for adjacent property owner approval as a pre-condition for issuing a permit. Dr.
Ferlic cited the positive experience of Raleigh-Durham North Carolina which has such a
provision.
Catherine Toppel, Director, Code Enforcement opposed the neighbor approval process citing the
administrative costs of implementing the process. Brief Council discussion followed before Bill
No. 64-12 was brought to a vote, without the neighbors consent added. Councilmember Schey
made the motion for favorable recommendation. Councilmember Scott seconded and the
measure passed by a vote of 4 to 3.
There being no further business to come before the joint committees, Chairperson, Dr. Fred
Ferlic, Zoning &Annexation Committee, adjourned the meeting at 4:44 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
Zoning &Annexation Committee