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Showing posts with label In the Media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In the Media. Show all posts
Soap Lake drafting chicken ordinance
Soap Lake drafting chicken ordinance
Posted: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:00 am
Public hearing planned
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| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald Jennifer Peterson and daughter Brianna stand in the chicken coop being built by Peterson's husband, Frank. Peterson is leading the push for a rule change allowing chickens to be raised in Soap Lake. |
Posted: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:00 am
SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council voted 5-2 to consider an ordinance allowing chicken rearing within city limits.
Council members JoAnne Rushton and John Hillman were the sole opponents of a measure directing city staff to prepare a draft ordinance for council vote following a public hearing sometime in the next few weeks.
The city followed a similar route toward chicken rearing in 2007, drafting an ordinance to allow up to four hens per residence before council voted 5-2 to scrap the issue, citing potential problems with enforcement and attraction of wild animals.
No chickens can be raised within the city limits, although as many as 15 of the birds are allowed on property zoned Residential 4, a transitional zone that includes bordering property being brought into the city through annexation.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson brought the council a copy of her own draft chicken ordinance last week, a proposal she fashioned from language used by other cities.
Of Washington's 207 cities, Peterson said she found 137 allowing some form of chicken rearing.
"There are a lot of variations out there. We just have to pick one that fits us," she said. "If 137 other cities can do this, I'm quite optimistic that we can as well. We have many, many people here today who want chickens and are willing to jump through the hoops to get them."
Peterson ran down a list of common complaints against urban chickens.
Excessive noise can be averted through a no roosters rule, she said, and strong odors shouldn't be a problem if just one hen is allowed per 1,500 square feet, with no more than six chickens per parcel. She suggested fines or penalties for owners that neglect to keep a hygienic brood.
City Attorney Katherine Kenison highlighted another potential problem - dogs versus birds.
"I am a chicken owner myself but I live in the country," Kenison said. "Even then, my chickens are in a fully enclosed coop because we have too many dogs in our neighborhood. I challenge anybody to show me a dog that given the opportunity, no matter the size or breed, won't chase a chicken that's running across the ground in front of them."
Any dog showing aggression toward another animal is defined as a potentially dangerous dog under both the state and city statutes, Kenison explained. She encouraged the council to look at modifying their dog ordinance and making sure any chicken ordinance requires a fully enclosed coop and run to prevent chickens from escaping.
Peterson agreed the ordinance should include general rules regarding coop structures, but said the issue of dogs killing chickens is already addressed by the current city code.
"I think that we need to put responsibility on the ordinance," Peterson said. "Your dog isn't supposed to be running at large, nor is my chicken supposed to be running at large. If your dog is running after my chicken in my yard, well, your dog is not supposed to be doing that. If my chicken gets out and your dog kills it, well, my chicken wasn't on my property."
Regardless of what ordinances may dictate, Kenison said issues are sure to arise between dog and chicken owners. If chickens are allowed, she suggested an education campaign and initial inspections could result in fewer clashes and enforcement problems.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren agreed, suggesting chicken owners should be required to pay a nominal annual permit fee and have their coop inspected once a year.
Kenison noted the city of Bremerton included a one year sunset clause when they adopted a chicken ordinance in 2010. After the trial period they decided to extended the law, and chickens are still allowed in the city, she said.
Hillman urged his fellow council members to exercise caution before changing Soap Lake's law, and questioned how the city would effectively locate and penalize rule violators.
"We can write all the laws and we can make penalties but who's going to enforce it?" he said.
"Lets not forget that we are a small community," Peterson responded. "If two houses down you see that their chickens stink, they have too many, they have a rooster - there's something to be said for going up to the door and knocking on it. And if that doesn't work, you can report it."
Peterson's proposed draft chicken ordinance is available for viewing and comment at www.SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads.com.
Council members JoAnne Rushton and John Hillman were the sole opponents of a measure directing city staff to prepare a draft ordinance for council vote following a public hearing sometime in the next few weeks.
The city followed a similar route toward chicken rearing in 2007, drafting an ordinance to allow up to four hens per residence before council voted 5-2 to scrap the issue, citing potential problems with enforcement and attraction of wild animals.
No chickens can be raised within the city limits, although as many as 15 of the birds are allowed on property zoned Residential 4, a transitional zone that includes bordering property being brought into the city through annexation.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson brought the council a copy of her own draft chicken ordinance last week, a proposal she fashioned from language used by other cities.
Of Washington's 207 cities, Peterson said she found 137 allowing some form of chicken rearing.
"There are a lot of variations out there. We just have to pick one that fits us," she said. "If 137 other cities can do this, I'm quite optimistic that we can as well. We have many, many people here today who want chickens and are willing to jump through the hoops to get them."
Peterson ran down a list of common complaints against urban chickens.
Excessive noise can be averted through a no roosters rule, she said, and strong odors shouldn't be a problem if just one hen is allowed per 1,500 square feet, with no more than six chickens per parcel. She suggested fines or penalties for owners that neglect to keep a hygienic brood.
City Attorney Katherine Kenison highlighted another potential problem - dogs versus birds.
"I am a chicken owner myself but I live in the country," Kenison said. "Even then, my chickens are in a fully enclosed coop because we have too many dogs in our neighborhood. I challenge anybody to show me a dog that given the opportunity, no matter the size or breed, won't chase a chicken that's running across the ground in front of them."
Any dog showing aggression toward another animal is defined as a potentially dangerous dog under both the state and city statutes, Kenison explained. She encouraged the council to look at modifying their dog ordinance and making sure any chicken ordinance requires a fully enclosed coop and run to prevent chickens from escaping.
Peterson agreed the ordinance should include general rules regarding coop structures, but said the issue of dogs killing chickens is already addressed by the current city code.
"I think that we need to put responsibility on the ordinance," Peterson said. "Your dog isn't supposed to be running at large, nor is my chicken supposed to be running at large. If your dog is running after my chicken in my yard, well, your dog is not supposed to be doing that. If my chicken gets out and your dog kills it, well, my chicken wasn't on my property."
Regardless of what ordinances may dictate, Kenison said issues are sure to arise between dog and chicken owners. If chickens are allowed, she suggested an education campaign and initial inspections could result in fewer clashes and enforcement problems.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren agreed, suggesting chicken owners should be required to pay a nominal annual permit fee and have their coop inspected once a year.
Kenison noted the city of Bremerton included a one year sunset clause when they adopted a chicken ordinance in 2010. After the trial period they decided to extended the law, and chickens are still allowed in the city, she said.
Hillman urged his fellow council members to exercise caution before changing Soap Lake's law, and questioned how the city would effectively locate and penalize rule violators.
"We can write all the laws and we can make penalties but who's going to enforce it?" he said.
"Lets not forget that we are a small community," Peterson responded. "If two houses down you see that their chickens stink, they have too many, they have a rooster - there's something to be said for going up to the door and knocking on it. And if that doesn't work, you can report it."
Peterson's proposed draft chicken ordinance is available for viewing and comment at www.SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads.com.
Posted in News on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:00 am.
Soap Lake supports community garden plan
Soap Lake supports community garden plan
Slated for lot near Daisy Street
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| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald |
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| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald Jennifer Peterson addresses the Soap Lake City Council Wednesday regarding a community garden and the possibility of raising chickens within the city limits. |
Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:00 am
SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council approved the installation of a community garden on a lot near Daisy Street.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson spoke in favor of the concept in front of a crowded council chambers at the last meeting.
"This (lot) is visible from downtown and from the highway - it's an attraction both ways," she said. "The garden is meant to be a part of the community that everyone can interact with, residents and non-residents alike."
Peterson recently founded a group called Soap Lake Urban Homesteads in an effort to educate her neighbors on the benefits of a more self-sustainable lifestyle.
She asked the council to consider the garden as a park project and provide water to the site, saying she has rounded up community donations for other costs associated with the garden, which will contain about 10 to 12 plots.
While Peterson didn't have estimates for what it would cost the city to bring water to the site, Moses Lake Park Superintendent Roland Gonzales said that city spends about $1,300 a year on water for a community garden with about 70 plots. He added the cost is offset by a modest per-season charge to gardeners of $5-$25, depending on plot size.
Councilman John Glassco said he'd support the Soap Lake garden as long as the city puts a water meter at the site, which he estimated would cost about $300.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren was meanwhile concerned with how the garden would be protected from vandals, to which Peterson said the plan is to keep it open for now and look at installing a fence when funds become available.
"Moses Lake went for years without fencing. It was just this last year they started having problems with gleaning," said Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
Gravelle said he's spoken with a representative of the Samis Foundation, the group that owns the land, and received tentative approval for at least a portion of the lot to be used for the garden.
The space will be more than just a collection of rented plots, according to Peterson, who said it could be used as a gathering place for classes on topics like gardening or healthy eating, and it would house a regular farmer's market.
A certain portion of the land would be dedicated to growing produce for the Soap Lake Food Bank, she added.
Peterson was joined at Wednesday's meeting by Grant County Health District Administrator Jeff Ketchel, who said he was thrilled to learn about Peterson's efforts from Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
"I said, 'Wow, that sounds really exciting. That's something the health district really wants to be a part of,'" he recalled. "One of the aspects of a healthy community is healthy eating, and while healthy eating is often a personal choice, it is also a community choice."
Ketchel introduced Wendy Brzezny, a nurse with the health district who will act as a "healthy community consultant" to help organize projects such as the community gardens in Soap Lake and Ephrata.
Community gardens have proven to build healthier communities, Brzezny said, pointing to studies showing they increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, encourage activity and help provide food security and access to citizens.
"About 65 percent of adults in Grant County are either overweight or obese," she said. "We're trying to initiate things to help increase activity and healthy eating. (Community gardens) are ideal places where neighbors can gather to cultivate vegetables, fruits and friends."
In order to be sustainable, Brzezny said community gardens must have the backing of local governments.
Gravelle asked how many people in the audience, of about 40, were in support of the idea. Nearly everyone raised a hand.
"That's a pretty strong show of hands there," he said.
The council passed the measure unanimously with an amendment to have the Samis Foundation give their final OK before any ground breaking is planned.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson spoke in favor of the concept in front of a crowded council chambers at the last meeting.
"This (lot) is visible from downtown and from the highway - it's an attraction both ways," she said. "The garden is meant to be a part of the community that everyone can interact with, residents and non-residents alike."
Peterson recently founded a group called Soap Lake Urban Homesteads in an effort to educate her neighbors on the benefits of a more self-sustainable lifestyle.
She asked the council to consider the garden as a park project and provide water to the site, saying she has rounded up community donations for other costs associated with the garden, which will contain about 10 to 12 plots.
While Peterson didn't have estimates for what it would cost the city to bring water to the site, Moses Lake Park Superintendent Roland Gonzales said that city spends about $1,300 a year on water for a community garden with about 70 plots. He added the cost is offset by a modest per-season charge to gardeners of $5-$25, depending on plot size.
Councilman John Glassco said he'd support the Soap Lake garden as long as the city puts a water meter at the site, which he estimated would cost about $300.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren was meanwhile concerned with how the garden would be protected from vandals, to which Peterson said the plan is to keep it open for now and look at installing a fence when funds become available.
"Moses Lake went for years without fencing. It was just this last year they started having problems with gleaning," said Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
Gravelle said he's spoken with a representative of the Samis Foundation, the group that owns the land, and received tentative approval for at least a portion of the lot to be used for the garden.
The space will be more than just a collection of rented plots, according to Peterson, who said it could be used as a gathering place for classes on topics like gardening or healthy eating, and it would house a regular farmer's market.
A certain portion of the land would be dedicated to growing produce for the Soap Lake Food Bank, she added.
Peterson was joined at Wednesday's meeting by Grant County Health District Administrator Jeff Ketchel, who said he was thrilled to learn about Peterson's efforts from Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
"I said, 'Wow, that sounds really exciting. That's something the health district really wants to be a part of,'" he recalled. "One of the aspects of a healthy community is healthy eating, and while healthy eating is often a personal choice, it is also a community choice."
Ketchel introduced Wendy Brzezny, a nurse with the health district who will act as a "healthy community consultant" to help organize projects such as the community gardens in Soap Lake and Ephrata.
Community gardens have proven to build healthier communities, Brzezny said, pointing to studies showing they increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, encourage activity and help provide food security and access to citizens.
"About 65 percent of adults in Grant County are either overweight or obese," she said. "We're trying to initiate things to help increase activity and healthy eating. (Community gardens) are ideal places where neighbors can gather to cultivate vegetables, fruits and friends."
In order to be sustainable, Brzezny said community gardens must have the backing of local governments.
Gravelle asked how many people in the audience, of about 40, were in support of the idea. Nearly everyone raised a hand.
"That's a pretty strong show of hands there," he said.
The council passed the measure unanimously with an amendment to have the Samis Foundation give their final OK before any ground breaking is planned.
- Posted in News on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:00 am.
Soap Lake woman champions chickens: Part of 'urban homesteading' movement
Soap Lake woman champions chickens
Part of 'urban homesteading' movement
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| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald Jennifer Peterson is hoping the Soap Lake City Council will support backyard chicken rearing and a community garden project. |
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| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald |
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| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald |
Posted: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 9:00 am | Updated: 10:13 am, Mon Mar 5, 2012.
SOAP LAKE - A war on winter is underway at the Peterson family's home in Soap Lake.
Green seedlings soak up the mid-morning sun on a kitchen window sill and a well-marked garden catalogue lays open on a living room table. A few steps out the back door, a mostly-built chicken run optimistically awaits a change, not just in the weather, but in city law.
Jennifer Peterson and her husband, Fred, have always seen their annual vegetable garden as a way to maintain a little self-sufficiency. But they became ever more interested in the concept of "urban homesteading" as their family grew to accommodate five children - Brian, 15, Brianna, 10, Austin, 5, Marcus, 4, and Alexander, 1.
About 75 percent of her family's food comes from their own efforts, Jennifer says, thanks to the "back to basics" philosophy that espouses less consumption and a do-it-yourself mentality in city dwellers.
"It is a whole new mindset once you start on this path," she says. "You start with a garden. Then you want a bigger garden to preserve for the winter. Then you want chickens and other livestock for eggs, milk and compost."
Both she and Frank both point out the concept of urban homesteading is not new.
"Our grandparents were doing it," Frank says. "It's just developing skills that most people, in this society, have forgotten."
Frank, who grew up in a rural area, says his family produced for themselves nearly everything they needed. It's a knowledge he and his wife have tried to pass on to their children.
A few months back, Jennifer decided on a whim to expand that education to her neighbors by setting up a blog, a Facebook page and a Yahoo! group under the title of Soap Lake Urban Homesteads.
She sees urban homesteading as a vital option in an area with limited shopping options and in a time where there are regular recalls on animal products and vegetables alike.
"I want to know where my food comes from and I don't want it to come from Mexico. I want it to come from my backyard," she says. "I want my eggs to come from my backyard. I think it's a God-given right to be able to provide for your family without asking permission."
A big part of the reason the Petersons moved from Seattle to Soap Lake, a few years ago, was to start raising their own livestock. Jennifer says she was surprised and a little dismayed to find the city didn't allow chickens.
In 2007 the Soap Lake council drafted an ordinance to allow up to four hens per residence but ultimately voted 5-2 to scrap the issue, citing potential problems with enforcement and attraction of wild animals.
Several Washington cities allow residents to keep small numbers of chickens, including Seattle. Seattle recently raised the number of chickens allowed from three to eight, but they ban owning roosters, according to The Seattle Times.
"It was kind of surprising coming from Seattle where a lot of people have chickens and goats and pigs and rabbits - you come from a huge city that's well into the movement of knowing their food - into a community that's out in the country and there's nothing," Jennifer says.
The Petersons aren't alone in their quest for chickens. Jennifer said she's had several people approach her in support of the idea, and Soap Lake resident Trudy Black addressed the issue during the Feb. 15 council meeting.
"About four years ago an idea was presented to council to change the city ordinance for chickens and for some reason didn't go through," Black said. "I think that's something you guys should look at again. I think it would present a more wholesome picture to visitors to our community and it would help people who are on a fixed income to provide for themselves."
Jennifer's blog answers a list of common concerns about urban chicken rearing, including the noise and smell. Noisy roosters aren't needed for eggs and wouldn't be allowed within city limits, she says, and any aroma produced by an urban flock of three or four hens can be kept to a minimum with routine care.
She and others are also moving beyond chickens with a proposed community garden near John's Foods off Daisy Street. The garden, which Jennifer said city leaders are behind, will have 10 beds for rent, a few for the food bank and a weekly farmer's market.
Jennifer says what started on a whim as a personal project has snowballed into something with true momentum. She said she looks forward to seeing what this coming spring has in store for her fellow urban homesteaders.
"I just think everybody has the right to know their food," she says. "This is a step that should have been taken a long time ago."
The Soap Lake City Council will discuss the chicken ordinance during their regular meeting Wednesday before scheduling a public hearing on the issue and likely making a decision sometime in April.
For more information, visit www.SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads.com or call 509-312-9826.
Green seedlings soak up the mid-morning sun on a kitchen window sill and a well-marked garden catalogue lays open on a living room table. A few steps out the back door, a mostly-built chicken run optimistically awaits a change, not just in the weather, but in city law.
Jennifer Peterson and her husband, Fred, have always seen their annual vegetable garden as a way to maintain a little self-sufficiency. But they became ever more interested in the concept of "urban homesteading" as their family grew to accommodate five children - Brian, 15, Brianna, 10, Austin, 5, Marcus, 4, and Alexander, 1.
About 75 percent of her family's food comes from their own efforts, Jennifer says, thanks to the "back to basics" philosophy that espouses less consumption and a do-it-yourself mentality in city dwellers.
"It is a whole new mindset once you start on this path," she says. "You start with a garden. Then you want a bigger garden to preserve for the winter. Then you want chickens and other livestock for eggs, milk and compost."
Both she and Frank both point out the concept of urban homesteading is not new.
"Our grandparents were doing it," Frank says. "It's just developing skills that most people, in this society, have forgotten."
Frank, who grew up in a rural area, says his family produced for themselves nearly everything they needed. It's a knowledge he and his wife have tried to pass on to their children.
A few months back, Jennifer decided on a whim to expand that education to her neighbors by setting up a blog, a Facebook page and a Yahoo! group under the title of Soap Lake Urban Homesteads.
She sees urban homesteading as a vital option in an area with limited shopping options and in a time where there are regular recalls on animal products and vegetables alike.
"I want to know where my food comes from and I don't want it to come from Mexico. I want it to come from my backyard," she says. "I want my eggs to come from my backyard. I think it's a God-given right to be able to provide for your family without asking permission."
A big part of the reason the Petersons moved from Seattle to Soap Lake, a few years ago, was to start raising their own livestock. Jennifer says she was surprised and a little dismayed to find the city didn't allow chickens.
In 2007 the Soap Lake council drafted an ordinance to allow up to four hens per residence but ultimately voted 5-2 to scrap the issue, citing potential problems with enforcement and attraction of wild animals.
Several Washington cities allow residents to keep small numbers of chickens, including Seattle. Seattle recently raised the number of chickens allowed from three to eight, but they ban owning roosters, according to The Seattle Times.
"It was kind of surprising coming from Seattle where a lot of people have chickens and goats and pigs and rabbits - you come from a huge city that's well into the movement of knowing their food - into a community that's out in the country and there's nothing," Jennifer says.
The Petersons aren't alone in their quest for chickens. Jennifer said she's had several people approach her in support of the idea, and Soap Lake resident Trudy Black addressed the issue during the Feb. 15 council meeting.
"About four years ago an idea was presented to council to change the city ordinance for chickens and for some reason didn't go through," Black said. "I think that's something you guys should look at again. I think it would present a more wholesome picture to visitors to our community and it would help people who are on a fixed income to provide for themselves."
Jennifer's blog answers a list of common concerns about urban chicken rearing, including the noise and smell. Noisy roosters aren't needed for eggs and wouldn't be allowed within city limits, she says, and any aroma produced by an urban flock of three or four hens can be kept to a minimum with routine care.
She and others are also moving beyond chickens with a proposed community garden near John's Foods off Daisy Street. The garden, which Jennifer said city leaders are behind, will have 10 beds for rent, a few for the food bank and a weekly farmer's market.
Jennifer says what started on a whim as a personal project has snowballed into something with true momentum. She said she looks forward to seeing what this coming spring has in store for her fellow urban homesteaders.
"I just think everybody has the right to know their food," she says. "This is a step that should have been taken a long time ago."
The Soap Lake City Council will discuss the chicken ordinance during their regular meeting Wednesday before scheduling a public hearing on the issue and likely making a decision sometime in April.
For more information, visit www.SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads.com or call 509-312-9826.
Posted in Basin life, Community on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 9:00 am. Updated: 10:13 am.
Soap Lake woman champions chickens - Columbia Basin Herald: Basin Life
Yeah our story is in the paper online now!!!!!!!!! L@@K that's me!!
Soap Lake woman champions chickens - Columbia Basin Herald: Basin Life: SOAP LAKE - A war on winter is underway at the Peterson family's home in Soap Lake.
Soap Lake woman champions chickens - Columbia Basin Herald: Basin Life: SOAP LAKE - A war on winter is underway at the Peterson family's home in Soap Lake.
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