Havre Council nixes urban chickens

No urban chickens in Havre.

That was the decision of City Council Monday night, as council members voted 5-2 against the plan to allow people to keep chickens in their backyards with strict limits.

Council members, including some who voted for its approval in the initial vote, said they had heard comments from constituents opposed to the idea. Some reported an outpouring of opposition in the last two weeks.

Council member Jay Pyette, who said two weeks ago he had heard only limited opposition, said Monday he has received several complaints including a personal visit from people speaking against allowing chickens in the city limits.

Council member Pam Hillery said the proposal before council was too restrictive to please chicken owners, yet it upset people who didn't want chickens at all.

Terry Lilletvedt, who along with Hillery represents Ward 1, said many people she has talked to are afraid of what the hens would attract.

Lilletvedt said members of the Hill County Mosquito Control District Board she chairs are opposed to allowing chickens in the city because it may be one more thing that could attract insects.

“I have not had one positive comment on it,” she said.

Janet Trethewey, the only council member to speak for the resolution, predicted supporters would bring the issue back to council later. She suggested they used different tactics next time.

She said supporters should spend more time engaging neighbors in conversations over the proposal and talk about the advantages.

In other business at council Monday night:

Mayor Tim Solomon agreed to let Bob Sivertsen, president of the Highway 2 Association, make a powerpoint presentation before council about his group at a future meeting.

Sivertsen’s group has lobbied in favor of expanding Highway 2 from two lanes to four lanes across Montana. In recent years, the group has extended its reach to supporting other measures that the group believes would enhance the Hi-Line’s economy.

Council dropped the city’s membership in the group earlier this year.

Hillery said Sivertsen approached her about the presentation. She said she didn’t think she would change her vote, but as council members, “we should be listening to people.”

Havreite Bill Lanier once again asked Solomon about the status of the police chief search. Gabe Matosich has been acting chief for more than 18 months, and the mayor has given no clue about when he will make a decision on a permanent chief.

“Nothing to report at the moment,” Solomon replied.

“Will that be the continuous answers? Lanier inquired.

“I hope not,” Solomon said.

Voting in favor of urban chickens:

Janet Trethewey of Ward 2 and Allen “Woody” Woodwick of Ward 3.

Voting against urban chickens

Pam Hillery and Terry Lilletvedt of Ward 1, Jay Pyette of Ward 3 and Matt Boucher and Andrew Brekke of Ward 4.

Absent

Brian Barrows of Ward 2.