We have an agenda item!
At the June 7th meeting the commissioners will be having a discussion about backyard chickens. This is our time to make the voice for chickens a big one. We really encourage everyone to email their commissioners to say they're in support of backyard chickens and why, and anyone who is able, to come speak either at public comment at 9:05am or during this agenda item. There is also a 5:05pm public comment time, but a lot of times the BOCC meetings can end a lot earlier so that afternoon 5:05 time can come much much earlier. You have 3 minutes to speak at public comment, so it's helpful to write out ahead of time what you want to say to make sure you can fit it in that time frame.
There's always going to be opposition and it's very important to hear those with opposing thoughts, but it's our responsibility to make our voices heard too!
Here are the commissioners emails again:
Doug Smith- District 1- dsmith@martin.fl.us
Stacey Hetherington- District 2- shetherington@martin.fl.us
Harold Jenkins- District 3- hjenkins@martin.fl.us
Sarah Heard- District 4- sheard@martin.fl.us
Ed Ciampi- District 5- eciampi@martin.fl.us
All commissioners- comish@martin.fl.us
This BOCC meeting is being held at the Commission Chambers at 2401 SE Monterey Road in Stuart.
Along with explaining why we want backyard chickens, it's also important to explain why they're not a bad idea. Here is a link for a google slides presentation we've put together for education and information to support your position. Martin County Backyard Chickens Slide Presentation
The county has been doing their research on the subject as well, which is so great to hear, because that means the subject is being taken seriously to put the time and resources into this item. Do your best and remember that your voice matters and these are commissioners that do actually listen to the public and care to hear our thoughts. Make your voice heard!
If you need any help with formulating your email or your speech for public comment, feel free to reach out on our FB group or email me directly at adangelo625@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Amber D'Angelo