1st reading of chicken ordinance approved by council

Set hearing on work projects

By PHIL MONSON
A first reading updating an ordinance to allow residents to have chickens on their property passed on a 3-2 vote by the Humboldt City Council at their meeting on Monday night, June 15.

Council members Joel Goodell, Matt Dominick and Ann Phillips voted yes. Council members John Sleiter and Kirk Whittlesey voted no.

Goodell, who made the motion for approval, along with the rest of the council, voiced support having the required three votes of approval before becoming final.

“Just a quick run-through of what we discussed at the past meeting, it has the rooster restriction, a limit of six hens, setback requirements, inspection and permitting process and the adjoining neighbor sign-off provision,” Humboldt City Administrator Cole Bockelmann said.

“Keeping the neighbor sign-off provision is important if we are going to pass the ordinance,” Sleiter said.

“Now that we have posted what we are thinking about doing, I want to allow for more feedback. If anybody wants to weigh in, they have the right to do so,” Goodell said. “It might change somebody’s vote one way or the other.”

In other action, the council approved a contract with Theia Management Consulting, LLC, to conduct a search for a new city administrator to replace Bockelmann, who has accepted a position with the City of Mason City. He’ll begin his duties there on July 6. Theia Management will be paid a fee of $18,750.00.

Officials with Theia Management will meet with Humboldt officials on June 29 for a preliminary meeting to begin the process. At the suggestion of Humboldt Mayor Walter Jensen, a sub-committee comprised of council members and city employees will work with the firm on finding someone who would be a “good fit” for the community.

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