Special meeting on chickens in city will be Sept. 25

The Wayland City Council will have a special meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the Wayland Middle School cafeteria to talk about permitting or banning the raising of chickens within the city limits.

The city more than a year ago began deliberations on the possibility of crafting a chicken ordinance, but the issue was dropped after former City Manager Tim McLean left. Current City Manager Josh Eggleston  last month told City Council members they should soon revisit the matter to decide yes or no one and for all.

Surrounding communities such as Dorr Township have adopted ordinances permitting chickens, but opponents say they are more rural in character and urban farming presents different challenges.

Eggleston said he hopes to have information providers on both sides of the issue available at the special meeting.