The revised livestock ordinance may be coming to a final vote next session, but not without opposition. Kevin Coleman was in attendance.
Jason Link again spoke against it, saying that his and others' input has been largely ignored, and he is unsatisfied that children with livestock projects are excepted.
He said livestock issues should be handled as nuisance issues, instead of creating a convoluted three-page ordinance. Link pointed out that the penalty for one too many goats is worse than 100 grams of marijuana possession.
He said he has tried to include Junior Fair members and parents to make sure 4-H and FFA concerns are heard.
Afterward, Council president Joe Gieringer mentioned that the language is mostly based on state law, and that some of the concern is about the possibility of the ordinance allowing cattle on one large lot in the city.
New 6th Ward councilman Jamie Brown tried to have the ordinance suspended and no further action taken, but that vote failed. Julie Preston, the sponsor of the revised livestock ordinance, had it not read so that its potential passage would be delayed until November 14th.
She also saw that her proposed criminal trespass ordinance, with the intent of controlling homeless camps, was re-tabled. She said it will die if nothing is done with it by the next council session.
Council also rescinded and revoted on several previous approved absences of council members.
Video of council sessions are intended to be available on their Facebook and Youtube pages.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom or Kevin Coleman.