By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
In the midst of some lengthy and cumbersome discussions on road improvements, audits, energy rates, and utility bills, Flandreau City Council members recently found themselves lightening the mood with a more amusing issue thats come to their attention.
As you all know, we have chickens in town, but we dont really have an ordinance that dictates what you are allowed to do or not allowed to do with your chickens or if youre really even allowed to have chickens, said City Administrator Cohl Turnquist.
While the city has an animal ordinance, it mainly covers which animals are not allowed, rather than specifying which ones are. Chickens, it seems, arent mentioned at all. As a result, residents have begun asking for clarity on what they can and cannot do when it comes to keeping the birds.
Turnquist believes its time for the city to clarify its position.
I do believe that if you all wish to pursue this endeavor, there need to be guidelines in place for what is allowed: how many chickens, are roosters allowed, what kind of enclosures, how close to your neighbor, he said, adding that some cities also require licensing.
I think the majority that I surveyed do allow them in some capacity.
Councilors voiced support for allowing chickens, but agreed that guidelines are necessary.
My neighbors have chickens and you never smell anything, youre never bothered, you go back there and its as clean and nice as can be. Ive even gotten eggs from her, said Councilwoman Karen Tufty.
I do think we need some guidelines. I mean, we cant have a house with a whole flock of chickens in the backyard unrestricted, but Im all for it, it doesnt bother me at all.
Among the likely regulations: no roosters.
I would definitely say no roosters, Councilman Brad Bjerke added, laughing.
You dont want that sort of noisy, crabby stuff running around.
Most municipalities allow residents to keep up to six chickens without a permit. Permits are typically required for more than six birds, along with neighbor consent. Few cities permit roosters.
There are people in this town that have chickens, and you dont even know it, said Councilman Mike Fargen, offering his support for a new ordinance.
Turnquist plans to draft a proposal for discussion at an upcoming Flandreau City Council meeting.
Also heard at the most recent meeting of the Flandreau City Council:
The Second Reading of Ordinance No. 621, the budget layout for 2025, was approved.
The first reading of Ordinance No. 622, which outlines a new version of comprehensive zoning regulations for the city, was held. The second reading is set for Oct. 7, 2024. The proposed zoning ordinance is available on the citys website.
City leaders met with representatives from Moody County met to further discuss the future of the Moody County Ambulance and how best to continue to fund the service. The group plans to meet again on September 23rd.
The Mayor read a proclamation declaring October 6-12 as National 4-H Week.
An update on the last day of camping at City Park it will close for the season on October 15th.
There will be a City-wide cleanup day on October 5th. City crews and the National Guard will pick up metal items this year. Residents can begin placing items on the curb on October 2nd.
Missouri River Energy updated the council on water and sewer rates. A company representative said a recent survey suggests a 6% increase in water rates for January 2025, 2026, and 2027, citing rising operating costs and planned capital expenditures. No increase is recommended for sewer rates. No action was taken.
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