Members of the Wayne City Village Board voted last week to allow chickens within village limits, updating an ordinance that previously banned chickens, turkeys, and geese. Roosters will still effectively remain prohibited under existing nuisance rules involving animals that disturb the peace.
The issue first arose in March after village police informed residents that chicken coops violated local ordinances. Trustees Stephen Buxton and Jared Peyton said residents currently keeping chickens have done so responsibly, while Trustee Roger Noe expressed concerns about possible future problems without clearer regulations.
In other business, Police Chief Jason Settle reported the village received a $6,989 reimbursement grant for recently purchased body camera systems. He also updated trustees on nuisance property enforcement efforts, saying some property ownership records remain difficult to verify.
Trustees discussed several vacant and nuisance properties, including the former grain elevator facilities and the abandoned “old hotel” building south of Village Hall.
The board also reviewed rising employee health insurance costs and tabled a decision until the June meeting while employees continue reviewing coverage options.