A change to Columbus ordinances would ban the ownership of chickens and other livestock within the Columbus City limits. But that ban would include other animals such as chinchillas, teacup pigs and miniature horses as well. The final approval of the ordinance is scheduled for tonight.
When the ordinance first came up last month and passed 5-2, city councilwomen Elaine Wagner and Laurie Booher both voted against it. Wagner says that she thinks there are better ways to handle any problems than a blanket ban on all chickens and many other pet animals.
She suggested that instead, the city set a limit on the allowed numbers, such as the city already does for dog owners. Wagner said she has spoken to a lot of constituents opposed to the change:
Mayor Jim Lienhoop said that the important point of the ordinance change is to identify barnyard animals and to make sure they are not permitted in the city limits.
Because of an expected large crowd tonight, City Council will be meeting in the Cal Brand meeting room at Columbus City Hall, starting at 6 p.m.
In other business City Council will:
- Consider a change to the development plan for property near Tipton Lakes and Westhill Shopping Center that would allow for a convenience store near the CVS Pharmacy.
- Create a new fund to hold a new windfall of street improvement money. Lienhoop says that the city is receiving just over $3 million in local option income tax revenues, previously held by the state.