Council Meeting #1, 5/17/11 Epic Failure

We went to our first ever city council meeting on May 17, 2011. Its a shame that it had to be on such dire matters. Oh well. Funny though that we were the only people in the audience. The 3 of us. After the council hee-hawed around and finally got down to business, we learned some things. First, the city doesn't seem to appreciate political signs being left all over the place. In yards, in parking lots, etc. Secondly, "Gus" the K9 pooch had a new home made for him so he wouldn't have to sit in the cruiser. I was confused at this, cause I doubt he lives in the cruiser? I could be wrong. I was once before. Nextly, the council members decided to vote on the matter of spending $15000, yes 15 grand, on a new lawn mower. Does this mower have gold plated hardware? Anyhow.. I was allowed to speak.

I will admit, I was a little nervous. The police officer who raided our "Urban Farm" was there. Come to find out he was chief of police. I really didn't mind him, he seemed pretty reasonable. Of course when you have your service revolver strapped to your side, you are allowed to be considered reasonable. I just kept having visions of the meeting getting out of control, him ordering "Gus" to attack, the mayor and council being escorted to the safe room.

Anyways, I stated my argument about the joys of backyard chicken keeping. At first, I almost thought I made an impression. The mayor recanted a story of his childhood, about going to his grandparents for Sunday dinner. And slaughtering a chicken. Things started going down hill very quickly. Another council member decided to share his intricate knowledge of barnyard animals and how changing the ordinance will result in everyone else wanting an exception.

The meeting ended with the mayor stating, and I quote: "I'm not interested in changing the ordinance."

I really didn't have anything to add. The meeting ended. The journey had begun.

That night, May 17, 2011, "Chickens In Barboursville" became a living, breathing thing. Its a collaboration of ideas and determination. Its about having a few pet chickens. Nothing more, and we won't accept anything less.