DECATUR — After six months of research and changes, the so called "Chicken Ordinance" was finally adopted by the Decatur City Council during its regular meeting in the conference room at Decatur City Hall on Jan. 9.
Prior to the meeting, six members of the Decatur City Council took the oath of office, administered by Tena O'Brien, Benton County Clerk. Included in the ceremony were Sandy Duncan, Robin Holts, James Jessen, Linda Martin, Ladale Clayton and Bill Montgomery. Kim Wilkins, Decatur city clerk, also took the oath of office from O'Brien.
During the November and December 2016 meetings, the "Backyard Chickens" ordinance was passed on its first and second readings by title only. The third and final reading was Jan. 9, making the ordinance law.
Decatur residents will now be allowed to raise backyard chickens within the city limits. Under the new ordinance, single-family dwellings on less than one acre will be allowed to raise no more than six hens with no roosters. The chicken enclosure can be no larger than 110 square foot and must be placed at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings and property lines.
Decatur residents wishing to raise backyard chickens must apply to the city for a permit. Permits and copies of the ordinance can be obtained through the city clerk's office.
Bob Tharp, Decatur mayor, suggested the city council appoint a chaplain for city council meetings and other city functions. Under consideration was Justin White, pastor of Decatur Baptist Church. After a short discussion, the council voted to accept White as the first chaplain for the Decatur city council.
In other council action, the council approved the 2017 city, water and street budgets.
The Decatur City Council meets every second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the conference room at city hall. The first 30 minutes of each meeting is open for public comment from Decatur residents. For more information, contact the Decatur city office at 752-3912.
General News on 01/18/2017