As the Fountain City Council met on July 11, 2018, the topic of residents keeping chickens in town was on the agenda, which has been the case for several months.
All council members were present at the meeting including Mayor Richard Kujath, Jim Schott, Bryan Ostby, David Gudmundson, Chad Wangen and City Clerk Ronda Flattum.
Listed in the fourth slot on the agenda, Mayor Kujath read Emily Root’s name and stated, “I’m not sure why you’re here because we told you why and we told you no last time,” as she addressed the council.
Emily Root approached the council with a petition to re-open the discussion on allowing chickens to be kept in town. According to Root, of 28 households she canvassed, 21 of the households support having chickens allowed in town. She also had an example ordinance written up for chickens that she shared with the council.
Michael Root then spoke saying, “I feel we went about it the right way,” explaining to the council what their plans were and what they would like to do. “We were hoping you guys would meet us halfway,” he said, adding, “obviously that didn’t happen.”
Colleen Foehrenbacher then voiced her support for allowing chickens to be kept in town, saying, “It’s not like we are reinventing the wheel — there are many, many towns in this area that have chickens and it’s going well.”
Resident Tony Foehrenbacher stated, “What’s the difference between one person having one chicken as a pet, or a parakeet, or a cat — what’s the difference — a chicken is no different than having any other domesticated bird if it’s living in your house — what’s the difference — just because you classify it as a ‘farm animal’ that has nothing to do with the issues that are surounded by owning one or the problems inherent in raising them or taking care of them.”
“We just want you to let us try,” stated Emily Root as the discussion continued.
“We are not going to change your guys’ minds at all,” stated Michael Root.
“Ultimately, though, your personal opinions don’t actually matter because you’re public servants. It’s not about what you want around your house,” said Tony Foehrenbacher, adding, “as a resident of the town your opinion matters — as a public servant you shouldn’t be considering your own opinions, you should be considering what the town wants.”
“That’s what we are looking at,” said Kujath, “you know, this is going to bring up a lot of other issues later on about different types of animals.”
“No it won’t,” stated Tony Foehrenbacher.
“It’s outlined in the ordinance that they are not allowed,” commented Emily Root.
“Somebody will be here just like you, persisting to have goats,” stated Kujath.
Tony Foehrenbacher answered, “That’s the same argument that people made about gay marriage, saying that how people are going to marry animals — like it’s a gateway thing and that’s so ridiculous. It’s the most closeminded, antiquated way of thinking.”
“We’re not here to talk aboutthat,” stated Ostby.
Tony Foehrenbacher answered, “No, but think about that in your own conscience, like, you know that you’re not thinking about this in an open-minded way. You shut it down before it hit the doorstep and you should be ashamed of yourselves as public servants for that. If you don’t want to deal with it then don’t be in your public service standpoint and let someone else step in and take over that role,” said Tony Foehrenbacher.
“What’s wrong with giving it a trial year and see what happens?” asked Sharon Miller.
“Step down,” stated Michael Root. As the conversation began to build in emotion, Michael said to the mayor, “I don’t want to single you out but your comment when she walked up there and said that, that is just wrong,” to which Kujath replied, “What’s that?”
The “I don’t know why you’re here,” (comment) — that is wrong,” stated Michael Root.
“No, it isn’t because…,” said Kujath as Michael Root interjected, saying, “Yes it is wrong — we are taxpayers in this town, we are taxpayers in this county — and we pay for your position.”
Kujath replied, “But the last time she was here we said we stand firm with the ordinance,” that the City of Fountain has in place.
Michael continued, “She is going to come to every single meeting until she gets you to listen to her — I know she will — I know as a fact — so you might as well put it right on the agenda every single meeting because she will be here and I will be here.”
Colleen Foehrenbacher then offered to go knock on more doors to get additional signatures for the petition. “If that’s what it takes to show you that the town supports this,” she said.
A motion was made and approved to hold a public hearing on the city ordinance concerning chickens.
The council directed the interested parties to appear before the zoning committee initially. The council will take into consideration the recommendation by the zoning committee and make the decision whether or not to hold a public meeting.
Heidi “Bly” Jones, who is running for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer, attended the council meeting to introduce herself to the council.
Fountain resident Sharon Miller and Gabby Kinnenberg with the Preston Chamber of Commerce attended the council meeting to offer a suggestion that the City of Fountain participate in a community flag project as Preston and many other towns have activated.
The community flag project would be a fundraiser for community projects. Flags would be “rented” to residents and flags and flag poles would be put up and taken down by volunteers to specific holidays selected. Start up funds may be available through a grant from the Preston Area Community Foundation. Sharon Miller will look for two additional volunteers to spearhead the project and will report back to the council at a future meeting.
Consent agenda items approved included minutes from the May 2, 2018, regular meeting, treasurer’s report, monthly bills, fire department bills, and MPFA – G.O. Bond payment.
Also approved were purchases of new overhead doors for the fire hall, a used plow truck from the State of Minnesota in the amount of $10,000, and a building permit for Keith Raaen for a shed.
Flattum will receive election training July 17 and 19, either attending in person or completing the training online.
Officer Matt Schultz noted there has been “a little uptick in activity” since last month. There was a discussion about the need for extra enforcement on Cty Rd. 8 past the ball field due to a high volume of people driving in excess of the speed limit.
Jackie Hrstka and Ron Huey requested a 10-minute parking sign to be placed outside their business, Huey’s Liquor, to keep parking spaces open for their customers’ convenience. A portable sign will be made available to Huey’s Liquor, which will be in place only during business hours.
A special event liquor license was granted for the 2018 Town & County ball games.
Things that make you say hmmm.... says
Gay marriage referenced to push a chicken ordinance? Great representation of Fountain!
And, as a resident of Fountain, I have to say that the way this petition evolved, many “yes” answers were recorded because people don’t want to make waves with their neighbors. I know because I said yes, but really felt coerced to support it. Anonymously, I would say NO! I support the council’s decision.
If you want farm animals, move out to the country.
Anonymous says
I agree – move to the country if you must have farm animals. The question was asked and an answer was given. Should be case closed.