Logan council hears 12 speakers on backyard chicken and livestock rules, continues ordinance to Nov. 2

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item 1 · Budget

   Budget adjustment, Resolution 21-51 (public hearing)

   Approved · 4-0

   The council approved $600,000 in committed radio funds for P25 radios, $19,500 in state emergency management supplies, a $250,000 after-school program grant and $116,010 in additional federal community development funds. Gail Yost asked why only four schools were named; Parks and Recreation Director Russ Akina said all six schools will receive funding at different times.

   • Purchase$600,000 P25 system radios. Paid from Committed radio funds
   • Grant$19,500 to State of Utah Emergency management supplies. Paid from State grant
   • Grant$250,000 After-school program at Adams, Bridger, Ellis and Woodruff schools. Paid from Parks and Recreation grant
   • Grant$116,010 to HUD Additional FY2022 CDBG funding. Paid from Federal CDBG

   Moved by Council Member Amy Anderson, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 4-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 4 council members present

2. Item 2 · City code

   Urban agriculture and animal keeping, Ordinance 21-22 (public hearing)

   Continued · 4-0

   Community Development Director Mike DeSimone presented amendments adding community and urban agriculture and standards for chickens, bees and livestock, which the Planning Commission recommended unanimously on September 23. Staff proposed about six chickens per lot and no roosters. Twelve speakers addressed the ordinance. Michael Timmons of Hillcrest opposed mini-farms next to a playground; Kim Johansen, Austin Elder, Andres Sinfield, Jorden Luke and a 4-H representative asked for higher limits or more latitude; Laverna Horne asked for balance; Ashley Kidd said it overreached; Jessica Vahsholtz raised enforcement concerns; John Shivik, a chicken owner, said the code can set good-neighbor guidelines. Staff said enforcement is complaint-driven and existing, continuously maintained uses would be grandfathered. Council Member Jeannie Simmonds raised outdoor slaughter in small-lot neighborhoods and Ernesto López asked why the chicken limit was not higher. Because this was the only hearing, the council continued the ordinance to November 2 for action and invited emails.

   • Planning Commission: recommended approval, September 23, 2021
   • Staff proposal: typical limit of six chickens per residential lot; no roosters

   Moved by Council Member Amy Anderson, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 4-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 4 council members present

   Follow Urban agriculture and animal keeping ordinance (Ordinance 21-22) in the development tracker →

3. Item 3 · Budget

   Budget adjustment, Resolution 21-53 (workshop)

   Discussed

   Staff presented $7,299 for police overtime shirt reimbursements and $106,465 in wildland fire reimbursements. It returned November 2.

   • Payment$106,465 Fire department wildland reimbursements. Paid from Reimbursements
   • Payment$7,299 Police overtime shirt reimbursements. Paid from Reimbursements

4. Item 4 · Other

   Housing, redistricting and storm response reports

   Discussed

   Mayor Holly Daines gave an update on cleanup after a recent snowstorm and described the state redistricting commission; Council Member Amy Anderson reported from the Utah League of Cities and Towns conference. Community Development Director DeSimone estimated current projects would add 1,200 to 1,500 housing units; López noted a statewide shortage of about 50,000 units. No action.

What residents said

Backyard chickens and livestock limitsEnforcement of animal rulesGeneral fund transfersStorm cleanup

John Shivik objected to a 15 percent increase in transfers to the general fund; Finance Director Richard Anderson said transfers are a set percentage of revenue and the increase reflects a 911 fee. Twelve people spoke on the urban agriculture ordinance.