The Sartell City Council should let the Siemens family keep their three pet birds, which happen to be chickens. Some may think all this fuss over three chickens is much ado about nothing, but that is not how that family feels, and it is not how so many Sartell residents feel.
If the council has to approve an exception to its poultry ordinance, so be it. If it cannot do that, it should at least revisit the city’s “no-poultry” ordinance and possibly amend it to allow for pet chickens of a limited number. However, sad to say, at its Sept. 23 meeting, the council voted unanimously not to put the topic up even for discussion at any meeting in the foreseeable future.
The Siemens family is comprised of parents Molly and Ryan; their children Lia, 12; Adam, 9; and – not to forget – their three beloved pet birds: Ivy, A.J. and Clara.
Someone reported to the city the Siemens had chickens on their one-acre property just south of Second Street. Before that, the family had no clue they were not in compliance with a tiny part of the animal ordinance. Is it any wonder? How could they know that chickens even bordered on illegality or controversy? But because of that one complaint, the family had to place their chickens in the care of a couple who live in Grove City, a city like many in the state that does allow for chickens.
Twice the Siemenses appeared before the City Council, both times pleading to be allowed to keep their pet birds – the first time Aug. 12, the second time Sept. 9. They were allowed to present their views during the Open Forum segment of the council meeting when people can speak on an issue or concern for up to three minutes. Under the rules, the council members are not permitted to discuss anything brought up during Open Forum sessions, at least not during that particular meeting.
The Siemenses waited for a response one way or another from the council. None was forthcoming. Then the Siemenses requested to be added to the regular council agenda, where they and others could speak and share accurate knowledge. That request was nixed at the Sept. 23 meeting.
Do council members think allowing for some pet chickens would set off a cackling commotion of chickens here, there and everywhere?
The Siemenses have received “overwhelming” support from people who read about the pet chickens in two Newsleader City Council stories. They get constant positive comments from school students, teachers, coaches, neighbors and dozens of parents at football games.
The Siemenses told the council twice they would be more than willing to follow any city-imposed rules and regulations regarding their birds.
The pets are well-kept, clean, friendly to visitors and love the family, especially the two children, who now miss them very much. On some weekends, they all go to Grove City to visit their feathered friends.
Some weeks back, the Siemenses and supporters spent many hours visiting neighborhoods in Sartell, knocking on doors and asking people how they feel about chickens in the city limits. They found overwhelming support, with only one person of 96 residents definitely opposed.
“The council members may not be looking into this issue, but the community sure is,” said Molly, adding her family quickly discovered because of their plight that Sartell is filled with good people who love animals.
It is pitiful to see this good family have to beg for its pet birds. Dear readers, please write or call council members and urge them to put “chickens” on the agenda for an upcoming meeting discussion. Tell council members to please have a heart and give ‘em a break!
