12-05-12 Health & Public Safety and Zoning & Annexation

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Scott Palmer led a group of ten advocates. He related a story of an upscale Indianapolis neighborhood that had gone from opposition to support for the chickens citing sustainable living rationales. Scott also described"Naptown Co-Op"fostered in 17 Indianapolis schools. He said the City of Cleveland which recently passed a measure like Bill No. 74- 11 now had 40 permits. Susan Gruetman spoke to allay nuisance concerns by pointing to set-backs, cleaning requirements and limits of 6 chickens in the bill. Brian Hoover tried to alleviate health concerns by citing a report form the Center for Disease Control (CDC) which said chicken coops pose no greater disease threat than found keeping other pets. Karen Coman described the educational focus of the South Bend Urban Chicken Alliance which was formed to help the city administer the bill. She said the City of Bloomington, Indiana has had a similar bill since 2005. Miles Robertson spoke to social & environmental issues focusing on animal welfare. He described the positive economic social and environmental benefits of the practice. Delia Wilson, Joe, Rose and Maggie Coman all cited healthy food benefits. Three people spoke in opposition John Brady, a realtor, said there would be a negative influence on the value of adjacent properties. He suggested raising chickens on public property. He also said Fort Wayne had rejected the idea due to concerns of water runoff. Professor Hudak cited concerns including noise, smells, and disease. Jill St. John expressed the same concerns wondering if the bill opened the door to keep other animals like ducks or goats. Oliver allowed advocates a rebuttal. Susan Gruetman and Scott Palmer both considered disease concerns unfounded. Turning to Council comments Oliver Davis and Tim Scott asked Cathy Toppel, head of NCE,her opinion. She said the Urban Chicken Alliance was very cooperative that the enforcement would be complaint based and that a"neighbor waiver"provision would be too cumbersome. Tim Scott said Gavin Ferlic's support was dependent on some type of "neighbor waiver" system. Derek Dieter who expressed support for the bill said a waiver system was unnecessarily complicating. Henry Davis a strong supporter of the bill, wanted the bill to pass without creating delays prompted by endless "what ifs." Oliver Davis suggested consideration of only certain areas where chickens would be allowed.