(Milford)– A Milford family that raises chickens for show purposes will be allowed to keep the birds in city limits.
The city council Monday voted three-to-one in favor of a motion allowing Eric Bilney and his family to keep the flock of nearly 20 chickens at their residence on “H” Avenue provided a fence is built to keep them contained. The city in the meantime will monitor any complaints.
City Administrator Brian Reed told the council the issue came to light after his office received a complaint of the chickens. City ordinance prohibits livestock from being kept in city limits unless the council grants permission.
Bilney pleaded with the council to be able to keep the poultry, saying the birds are being raised strictly for show purposes.
Councilman Mike Anderson voted against the motion allowing the Bilneys to keep the chickens in the city, saying the action could set a precedence.
The city council in the past denied a request from a resident who wanted to keep a pot bellied pig in town.
The motion allowing the chickens to remain in town followed a previous motion by councilman Rick Kilts to table the matter. That motion died for lack of a second.
Councilman Todd Schillinger was absent.
