The Ostrander City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order with all council members present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance.
This month’s meeting started a little differently, with a zoning meeting held ahead of the regular session. The main item on the zoning agenda was public discussion on a proposed chicken ordinance. A number of residents turned out for the topic, which has sparked a range of opinions throughout town.
Brincks reported that she had sent out a survey ahead of the meeting to gather feedback. The results were evenly split, with about 50% of respondents in favor of allowing chickens within city limits and 50% opposed. A general vote held in the room showed the same outcome; six people in favor, six against.
Public discussion ranged from concerns about odor and coop placement to more technical aspects, such as how many square feet of yard space should be required per chicken. Other issues raised included keeping chickens contained using chicken tractors, preventing them from entering neighbors’ yards, and requiring neighbor approval if property lines touch.
Supporters cited benefits like chickens controlling ticks, fleas, and termites, as well as promoting sustainability. One elderly resident, who said she’s lived in Ostrander longer than anyone else, opposed the idea. “I don’t understand why every time new people move to town, they want to change everything,” she said.
With public input now on record, the zoning board agreed to move forward with drafting an ordinance for future consideration.
Also during the zoning portion, the board reviewed a request to rezone the property at 18104 County Road 1 from Residential to Residential Agricultural. No one within 350 feet of the property showed up to oppose the change, and the motion carried. The rezoning was later formally approved during the regular council session.
Following the zoning meeting, the city council convened and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
City maintenance requested four loads of rock to help maintain gravel roads, especially near the treatment plant, where mud has become a problem. The council approved the request.
The fire chief, Jason Rice, reported there was one fire call over Memorial Day weekend, which was a mutual aid response.
The council also discussed the property at 421 Minnesota Street, which has been in disrepair for years. The owner has made repeated promises to fix it but has not followed through. Property taxes have not been paid in three years, and a tree recently fell into the power lines attached to the house, requiring them to be removed due to safety concerns. The city plans to pursue hazard mitigation efforts to take ownership of the property. The council approved moving forward with that process. Once they determine the appropriate path, an open meeting will be scheduled to inform and gather input from residents.
A separate zoning meeting is scheduled for July 8 at 6:30 p.m. to consider a request to rezone 102 Minnesota Street from Commercial to Residential. The property owner wants to tear down the old salon and build a single-family home on the site. Residents living within 350 feet will have the opportunity to speak before a final recommendation is made. If approved, the owner can then apply for a building permit.
The council also scheduled a budget discussion and street expenses workshop for June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s city picnic will be held on August 5 at the city park.
Lastly, Brincks confirmed that the city’s new online payment system, AllPaid, is now working properly. Twelve residents have used the service so far. The system charges a 3% convenience fee to anyone paying city-related bills online, such as sewer and water.
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