CAMDEN — During a Camden Village Council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16, Camden resident Elizabeth Jones addressed the council regarding an ordinance forbidding the possession of chickens, poultry and livestock within village limits.

Jones represented 277 signers on a petition to reverse said ordinance, and advocated for Camden residents who have interest in keeping chickens and poultry.

“Thank you for your time. I appreciate the opportunity to speak here today,” began Jones.

“I am here on behalf of the community as a whole to discuss the village ordinance 664 section C that states, “no person shall keep any pig, horse, cow, goat, three or more dogs at least three months of age, or any other animal or animals, or any fowl or poultry in any pen, yard, lot, or other enclosure situated within 200 feet of an inhabited dwelling house, other than the house of the owner of such animal or animals fowl or poultry.’”

“This ordinance 664 is an updated version of ordinance 94.46 that was updated June 1983. Given it’s been 40 years and things have changed I would like for you to consider a new update. The population has grown, homes have changed and with the current climate of higher groceries and occasionally lower stock on shelves more and more people would like to grow gardens and raise their own food at home. Some people like myself just want pets with the added benefit of eggs. Raising chickens ensures you know where your eggs come from, and collecting eggs fulfills an instinct to provide our own food. Chickens also make great garden and recycling assistants. They provide fertilizer, eat pests, and chickens can even eat biodegradable kitchen garbage scraps, which can be beneficial for the community.

“Nonetheless there is a huge interest in Camden changing its policy. I posted an online petition only 2 weeks ago and it grew a lot of interest. I currently have 277 signatures. Many people have liked and shared my petition and I have received quite a bit of comments and messages agreeing we should get to have chickens. So, there is a want and a need.”

Jones continued, “After some research I discovered that Ohio law makers were trying to push a bill to make it law that Ohio residents can have small livestock on their property to exercise their right to feed healthy food to their families. It is currently stalled, but many communities across Ohio already have policies in place for chickens, poultry and fowl. This ranges from a specific limited numbers, to limits based on property size. Distance from neighbors is also a variety of options ranging from the property line, to the distance to neighbor’s doors and windows. But there is no one size fits all for every community in Ohio.

“I understand living inside the village limits we do not get the same abilities and privileges that someone who has a multi-acre farm does. I believe though that inside the village limits we should have policies that fit the community. Preble County is an agricultural community and with that, so is Camden. I also know that if we change the entirety of Ordinance 664 to say ‘livestock’ or even ‘small livestock,’ we will end up with a cow or a goat walking down Main Street.”

Jones added her opinion on how the ordinance could be changed to benefit those who desire poultry, and those who may have concerns.

“So, what I propose is this. We update the ordinance and add a section specifically for backyard chickens, poultry and fowl. I know that inside our community we have people that already have chickens and ducks not realizing they’re breaking ordinances and as long as no one complains nothing is really done. The fact that people in our community are overlooked shows me the community majority is in support of chickens already. I have much respect for the law as do most people. I would rather change the rule than break it and with that help everyone.

“I ask that for our community we establish an ordinance that allows around six to 12 hens per home inside the village residential district. Absolutely no roosters. And with most homes being right next to each other, we make distance somewhere at 15 feet from any neighboring residents unless signed permission from your neighbor for less. Chickens need to be kept in the backyard. No free-range hens loose in the community. They must be protected by proper coops or shelters. The structures must be adequate size for the animals. We must all agree that the property has to be kept clean and properly maintained for the safety and health of the animals and the community as whole.”

Jones concluded her presentation by saying, “I feel very strongly that if we as residents behave responsibly and respectfully, we should each be able to have a small flock of backyard chickens, fowl, and poultry. Thank you again for your time and taking this into consideration.”

Council member Kelly Doran remarked that he was raised with chickens. “Any time you have – and I’m not saying I’m against what you’re saying, I’m just playing devil’s advocate here. I like the concept. But anytime you have things that you feed, or anything that drops droppings, anything like that, it’s just like feeding birds. You look out there at night, you’ll have rats, mice, opossums, raccoons, snakes, you’ll have all kinds of vermin. It will be a multiplier.”

Several members of council expressed concerns that allowing chickens within the village may cause an infestation of rats, as dropped feed will attract all manner of rodents. Rodents, in turn, may increase the already existing abundance of stray cats within Camden.

“I will say, for what it is worth, the ordinances in the other cities you were talking about, I’ve seen that on TV a lot. It’s kind of a movement where the younger generation is getting more engaged with growing your own food and whatnot. So, a lot of cities now have ordinances where you can have a chicken coop in your backyard. But there are those rules you were talking about, like how many, how will it impact the neighbors,” added council member Kate Duskey.

Council members Carla Risner and Debbie Hickman also voiced concerns regarding neighbor interactions and village staff involvement.

“I’m torn with the whole thing. I mean, it is a great concept, and you hate to tell people they can’t have chickens for eggs. But at the same time, my concern is the first time your chickens get loose or somebody else’s chickens get loose, and the neighbor’s dogs kill the chickens, and then somebody comes out with a gun and then the police have to get involved. It’s a domino effect,” said Risner.

“My concern is also we have three men on our maintenance crew, and Rusty (Wilson) is very busy with property maintenance, and this is just going to be another thing. Because if you think everybody will take proper care, they won’t,” added Hickman.

Council president Judy Michael said she has had three neighbors within the village who maintained poultry, including chickens, and has never had any issue occur because of them.

Jones suggested individuals unwilling to care for their poultry in accordance with code should incur fines.

“For everyone to lose the ability to have it legally because somebody might do something wrong, I feel like is very unfair to those of us who would try very hard to follow the rules and guidelines,” Jones said.

Council made no official decision but has stated it will consider and review the ordinances mentioned and make an announcement in the near future.

In other business:

•Council accepted the resignation of Deputy Village Administrator, Benjamin Gunderson.

•After several months of deliberation, council decided to remain with First Financial Bank for fiscal purposes.

Camden Village Council meetings are public meetings held on the first and third Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m. at Camden Town Hall.

Reach Nathan Hoskins at 937-683-4057.