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KEARNEY — The question of backyard chickens being allowed in Kearney was brought up by a resident during the city council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Jeff Morgan, a resident of Kearney, addressed the city council and asked if a change in the city ordinance could be made to allow residents to own and keep backyard chickens.
If this was allowed, Morgan said it would be a great way to teach children about care for animals and show them where some of their food comes from. Chicken would also be a sustainable food source.
Morgan also noted that with prices increasing, especially eggs at the store, allowing people to own backyard chickens would help offset that cost. They would also help deal with any food shortages, given the avian flu that has infected chicken flocks around the state in the recent past.
Morgan noted that other municipalities in Nebraska, including Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln and Omaha now allow for chickens within the city limits.
It was mentioned that roosters obviously wouldn’t be allowed due to the noise, especially at untimely hours for many residents.
Jonathan Nikkila, council member, spoke and said while they couldn’t act on the matter during the meeting, he said he has long been supportive of allowing backyard chickens.
Mayor Stan Clouse noted that there would be new city council members seated following the general election and they may have differing thoughts on the matter than councils in the past.
City Manager Brenda Jensen said that the new council members would be sworn in on Dec. 10.
