The Hampton City Council held a workshop Monday evening to discuss a proposed chicken and livestock ordinance and a potential increase in police reserve pay.
During public comment, David Schmitt, retired State Veterinarian, expressed his opposition to urban chickens. He also recommended that if chickens were allowed in town to require a premises identification number as part of the requirements. Sarah Kolb spoke in favor of allowing chickens in town and the requirement of premises identification numbers.
Council members reviewed a draft of the ordinance and discussed possible wording changes. It was noted that special permission for livestock would apply to the property owner rather than the property itself. The council suggested wording changes to the draft ordinance. The updated ordinance is expected to be brought forward for its first reading at the council’s regular meeting on March 26.
The council also discussed increasing pay for police reserve officers as a way to improve recruitment and retention. Police Chief Mark Morrison requested the current rate of $15 per hour be raised to $30 per hour. The proposal is also scheduled for consideration at Thursday’s meeting.
The workshop minutes are below;
