There were almost as many city officials at the public hearing on chickens Tuesday as there were members of the public.

Despite a lot of media attention, the event drew only about a dozen people to the Wayland Middle School cafeteria to express opinions about a proposed ordinance permitting raising of chickens within the city limits. Though council members said they’ve been hearing a lot of comments on the issue and through broadcast and print media widely spread the word, the attendance was sparse.

Most of the comments were in favor of allowing people to keep chickens, though two spoke in opposition.

Seth Schafer told the council, “I’d like to see it (the ordinance) pass. We’ve owned them in the past, but now they’re at our parents’ home in Dorr. They’re not hard to take care of if you clean up properly.”

Nancy VandeVoord, who said she has lived in Wayland for 25 years, said in her youth she helped raise chickens as part of a science project.

“They’re quieter than dogs… and if we want to keep our town young and growing, we need to do this.”

She asserted that only 1 percent of the 4,000 in population want to have chickens, so that’s only 40 homes, and if the city assessed a $50 fee for an annual inspection fee that would generate $2,000 in revenue to pay for the trouble.

“I don’t own them,” she noted, “but I do care for them. I go out and talk to them regularly,” referring to her visits to friends she visits in this area.

Ryan Desposito, who owns chickens just outside the city limits, said, “As long as chicken coops are maintained regularly, things like composting will eliminate the smell. And with only 1% (engaging in the practice), Wayland wouldn’t be overflooded with chickens.”

His wife, Jessica, insisted that complaints about salmonella are exaggerated and backyard checkens are less likely to be affected that commercial operations.

“There is a lot of testing and vaccinations to keep them healthy,” she added.

Joe Dressler said, “Chicken feces are high in nitrogen” and can be used as fertilizer.

He maintained that raising chickens is much like raising dogs and cats, good owners who take care will do a good job and be a good neighbor.

“I don’t think the cons outweigh the pros,” he added.

On the other side of the issue, Kelle Tobolic, chairwoman of the Downtown Development Authority, said she believe raising chickens within the city limits is unnecessary.

“It’s not like we live in a metropolis where you have to drive a long way to get fresh eggs,” she said. “I live in the city for a reason.”

Diane Smith said she isn’t really opposed to chickens, but, “We don’t have a lot of room. I’d like lots of rules and regulations to take care of them. And I’m concerned about the hot and humid summers and the smells.”

Councilwoman Jennifer Antel told the audience, “If we do approve the ordinance, the current draft will be changed quite a bit. There are a lot of people who won’t take care of the birds properly, so there will be a lot more regulations.”

Councilwoman Lisa Banas said she likes the idea of providing an activity for young urban farmers, but also promotes regulations.

“We’re putting a ot of time and thought into this,” she said.

Councilman Joe Kramer reminded chicken enthusiasts, “Your neighbors also need to have a voice on whether or not you can keep chickens.”

Another meeting on the issue is planned for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, at City Hall and rumors have it that someone from the Cooperative Extension Service at Michigan State University will be on hand.