Port Washington council discusses chickens, road closures

Port Washington Village Council discussed road closures, chickens within village limits and ordinance enforcement during its May 5 regular meeting.

Mayor Thomas J. Gardner presided over the meeting with council members Joe Bourne, Steve Adams, John Little, Jeff Gardner, Jeff McDonald and Brandie Bourne present.

Resident Alyce Archer raised concerns about road closures near the baseball field and said proper signage was needed at each end of the road. Gardner said the issue had been resolved and baseball league representatives would place proper signage at both ends of the road during games and practices.

Archer also asked whether removable speed bumps could be placed on Bremer Street to slow traffic near Port Elementary School. Police Chief Rocky Dusenberry said portable speed bumps could be a good idea and noted he would ask the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office to monitor the area when deputies are in the village.

Austin Menefee, representing the baseball league, requested an email address to submit two quotes for an addition to fencing at Bates Field. Council will review the proposals at a later meeting.

Resident Jacquie Price questioned why council decided not to revisit and revise the village animal ordinance to allow chickens within village limits. Price said there are more issues involving cats than chickens and argued chickens could be managed through restrictions in an amended ordinance.

Price and resident Jody Boring both voiced support for changing the ordinance. Council members discussed concerns including odors, rodents and enforcement issues.

Councilman Jeff McDonald said chickens can attract mice, rats, snakes and bugs and noted he has experienced odor problems from a nearby property with chickens.

Village officials said the ordinance currently bans chickens, but enforcement generally occurs only when complaints are made. Council also noted the village’s part-time police department lacks staffing to enforce additional regulations.

After discussion, Gardner directed Price to submit detailed proposed requirements and restrictions for possible consideration. Suggested guidelines included setbacks, limits on the number of chickens, banning roosters and housing requirements.

Resident Nate Penrod also addressed council regarding road closure signage, saying only village personnel should handle barricades because of liability concerns.

Penrod also complained about a village police officer spending time inside Tony’s Mart gas station and questioned how long officers remain there. Gardner said the village does not track such information and suggested the officer may have been conducting public relations activities.

Penrod additionally raised concerns about junk vehicles and tall grass violations. Price said the village needs to enforce ordinances consistently.

Dusenberry said he would review the village for junk vehicle and grass violations.

In other business, Street Commissioner Tim Bryant reported that spigots at the ballfield restrooms had been replaced and that “Workers Ahead” signs had been ordered.

Zoning Inspector D.J. Meek reported one zoning permit is pending for a swimming pool and shed. Meek also said bids for the sidewalk project were scheduled to be opened May 7.

Joe Bourne distributed the April Delaware Volunteer Fire Department report, which showed five calls handled, including two auto accidents, one lines-down call, one assist to Newcomerstown and one structure fire.

Village yard sales are scheduled for May 29-31.

Brandie Bourne reminded residents about the Memorial Day chicken barbecue at the fire department. Meals will cost $12.

Council entered executive session at 8:25 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and returned to regular session at 8:40 p.m. No action was taken.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. May 19.