Chickens in the town of Archer gained attention over recent months. Council earlier had set a limit on the number of birds allowed in town. Three hens and no roosters were set for the standards in the ordinance. The ordinance was reconsidered on Tuesday July 12. Concerns discussed by having chickens in town were the noise of roosters and flies.
At least 2 households in Archer raise chickens for the eggs. Mayor Nathan Mueller is one of those people. He says he understands the noise issue created by roosters but explains that when buying chicks its difficult to know if you are buying a hen or a rooster. After much discussion, it was decided to allow 6 hens and no roosters. That motion ended with a 2-1 vote. Stephen Mueller and Vanessa Harig agreed with the standards. Councilman Troy Iedema dissented. The ordinance will be on the agenda for its first reading on August 9. Councils can hold up to 3 readings of an ordinance or amendment. They can waive the 2nd and 3rd readings and adopt if they so choose.