DARRIN DOOD SAID NO TO CHICKENS, WHY?? THIS TOWN IS ONLY 1000 PEOPLE WITH LITTLE TO GROW FROM.... ..Good evening, Mr. Mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Michele Sonoma, and I am a resident here in our town. I am standing before you tonight to hand over a signed petition from members of our community who are asking for a reasonable, regulated amendment to allow backyard chickens. As you may know, our current restriction traces its roots all the way back to 1919, with only a minor update in 2007. For a town of 1,000 people that has experienced stagnant growth for decades, we need to look forward. Our children and families need more sustainable, local opportunities, and we should be proudly representing our heritage as a farming community. This change is also deeply personal for me and many others. Dealing with depression daily is an uphill battle. However, I have found that raising backyard chickens brings a profound sense of daily joy, routine, and mental wellness to my life. Watching my hens simply peck and play puts a genuine smile on my face, helping alleviate major mental health struggles. We are not asking for a free-for-all. We are asking for a smart, modern ordinance. Decades of data from hundreds of neighboring municipalities prove that controlled backyard chicken keeping poses virtually zero risk to public health or neighborhood noise levels when properly managed. By updating this law, you aren’t just allowing fresh, organic eggs—you are actively supporting a movement toward environmental sustainability, self-reliance, and vital mental wellness for residents who need it most. I respectfully ask that the council places a review of this ordinance on the upcoming legislative agenda so we can bridge personal well-being with responsible community growth. Thank you for your time and your service to our town."   On this last note, what came first the chicken or the egg?