After more than an hour of conversation - both for and against - the Wayne City Council voted against allowing Joe and Lindsey Whitt a permit to have chickens at their residence.
The Whitts came before council asking for an animal permit to have three hens on their property.
Joe told the council that the hens would allow for "the dignity of self-reliance and add to the quality of life. They would not be a disruption and would teach responsibility."
He said he had talked to all the neighbors and they were all "enthusiastic" about the chickens being in the neighborhood. He also talked about the cities across the country that allow chickens in their communities.
Council member Jason Karsky said allowing chickens would "open up the flood gates. I have talked to a lot of people in the community who don't want chickens. Right now, only 3% of communities in Nebraska allow chickens in city limits."
Mayor Jill Brodersen suggested that the council approve a special permit - not an ordinance - to allow for the chickens to be in the city on a one-year trial basis. She also proposed putting on hold any other requests that would come before the council in the coming years.
Joe Whitt said that he "liked the idea of a conditional permit and if, within the year, there are any issues, we would get rid of the chickens. We are responsible pet owners."
Council member Matt Eischeid said the Whitts were asking the council to trust them, while already violating the city ordinance by having the chickens in their yard already.
"This is the third time the subject of having chickens has come before the council and we have always denied the requests. The majority of the community is against having chickens in Wayne. We (the council) is part of the 'what if' in regard to preventing problems that might come up. We have to do what is best for the community," Eischeid said.
Following the discussion, Council member Parker Bolte made a motion to allow for the one-year permit.
Council members voted 5-1 against allowing for the chickens.
In other action, council members approved a resolution for an agreement with Certified Testing Services, Inc. for testing services for the Seventh Street Trail Project. The cost for this work will be between $6 - $9,000, based on the number of hours actually worked.
Ordinance 2025-9 was approved on second reading and the third reading waived. It amends the city code in regard to name changes for the Recreation Leisure Services Commission (changed to Parks and Recreation Board) and Advisory Audit Committee (changed to Finance Committee).
Two ordinances on Tuesday's agenda involved Black Hills Nebraska Gas, LLC dba Black Hills Energy.
The first established a franchise fee for gas companies doing business in Wayne. This is a continuing agreement and will be in effect for 25 years.
The second ordinance granted Blacks Hills authority to construct, operate, maintain and extend natural gas distribution throughout the city. This is also a 25 year agreement.
Ethan McBride was approved for membership to the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department.
Mayoral appointments included Mark Sorensen, Jason Schulz and Jessie Piper to the Planning Commission for three-year terms; Council member Dallas Dorey to the Facilities Committee and Council member Brittany Webber to the Finance/Audit Committee.
The final item on Tuesday's agenda was an update from Parks and Rec Superintendent Lowell Heggemeyer on Prairie Park and recent activities at the facility.
Heggemeyer told the council there have been several minor problems with the hydrants for the camper pads and several are still leaking. He said the estimated cost to replace/fix the problem would be $2,300.
He told the council that the bathhouse/shower facility is working well and has been well received. A fish 'vending machine' has been installed for visitors to purchase food to feed the fish.
Council members had a brief discussion on where the money brought in by the camper pad rentals will be used. No decision was made at the meeting and will be discussed again in the future.
The Wayne City Council will next meet on its new meeting time (first and third Monday's), Monday, July 7 in council chamber at 513 Main Street.
