Following a lively discussion with the townsfolk, the Mandeville City Council has decided not to move forward with proposed ordinance no. 24- 06 banning roosters in the city of Mandeville.
4/11 was a victory, not just for roosters, but for all lovers of individual freedom and property rights.
The Council attended public comments for what felt like an hour, before council member Danielson made a motion to table pending further study. The majority prevailed, and the measure failed in a vote.
In this, my first Mandeville City Council meeting, I found the representatives to be capable, fair, and open to the opinions expressed by those in attendance.
We’ll see how I feel when they arrive at an opinion different than mine. Anyway, the meeting opened with something like a prayer, then the pledge of allegiance (which was awesome)! Next, they designated a bunch of land “open space” or “green Space” or something. Then came a lively discussion, where residents shared stories of their experiences with backyard chickens, highlighting the joy they bring to families, the educational opportunities they offer to children, and the sustainable practices they promote.
Council members listened attentively to the diverse viewpoints expressed. Concerns about noise levels, property rights, and the cultural significance of roosters in Mandeville were among the topics discussed.
I used my 3 minutes to share a poem I wrote for the occasion:
North of the lake, beneath the towering pines,
lives a family of birds that are simply divine.
Since the day they arrived, we’ve met every need
In hopes that our family, one day they would feed.
As they forage and play, in our back yard serene
We gather their eggs – blue, brown, and green.
There’s Mohawk and Chopper, and the Amber Quartet.
Eyeliner, and Weirdo, and lest we forget…
The king of the hill, protector in chief
He’s Romeo Rooster, and here’s his motif…
He greets each day with a confident call,
And when danger is near, it’s made known to all.
His mission is clear, he defends our flock.
So please reconsider, don’t take my… rooster.
– Kevin Elliott
My wife says the poem was a hit! Then came the exciting conclusion…
After careful consideration and weighing input from the community and the mayor’s office, the council decided not to move forward with the proposed ordinance to ban roosters. Instead, they are exploring alternative solutions that address noise concerns while preserving residents’ rights to raise backyard chickens responsibly.
We applaud the council for their willingness to engage with the community and for making decisions that reflect our values and priorities. This outcome reaffirms the importance of civic engagement and collaboration in shaping policies that impact our daily lives.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the meeting and contributed to this meaningful discussion. Together, we continue to make Mandeville a vibrant and inclusive community for all.
#MandevilleCommunity #BackyardChickens #CivicEngagement