We are residents of Mendota IL. We are aware of a few other beekeepers in town. However on 6/24/21 an anonymous complaint was filed after we were witnessed performing a routine hive inspection at which point it was brought to our attention by the MPD about a town ordinance  stating that bee hives cannot be kept in city limits. That same ordinance  is attached to a large list of dangerous animals that would serve no purpose to be within city limits. 
   I will be appearing before the city council to have this ordinance amended in a fight to keep our flower filled neighborhood and our gardens pollinated. It is my belief that a hive that is located near the center of a property and fenced off from access to the public is safe and within any restrictions that would require governmental interference. 

Current Ordinance

118-15 Private possession of certain animals.
K. No person shall keep or maintain any bees, beehives or apiaries within the City.

Proposed amendment to the current Ordinance

118-15 Private possession of certain animals.
K. It shall be unlawful for any person to establish or maintain any hive, stand or box where bees are kept or keep any bees in or upon any premises within the corporate city limits unless the bees are kept in accordance with the following:
(1) If bee colonies are kept within 50 feet of any exterior boundary of the property on which the hive, stand, or box is located, a barrier that will prevent bees from flying through it, no less than five feet high, shall be installed and maintained. The barrier may be either a plant or artificial.
(2) Fresh, clean water in facilities for bees shall be provided on the premises.
(3) The bees and equipment shall be kept in accordance with state law.

(***Proposed amendment was borrowed from the City of Peru Ordinance Section 14.6***)