Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The following is a staff-prepared summary of key discussion points and decisions from this meeting. For the complete official record, please refer to the approved minutes above.

Resident Water Bill Dispute – Gary Hamilton A resident appeared before the board to request relief on a water bill he believed was inaccurately high, citing what he described as meter-related errors rather than actual household usage.

• Mr. Hamilton reported receiving a bill of approximately $477 for a period he said his household of five adults could not have used the amount of water recorded (27,220 gallons in one billing cycle).
• Town staff explained that the meter at Mr. Hamilton's residence had been replaced multiple times. The original meter was replaced after an unusually high October reading, and bills for October and November were adjusted per town policy. However, the December bill — recorded under the new replacement meter — showed 27,220 gallons, and a subsequent January reading showed 11,240 gallons, both on newer meters.
• Public works staff confirmed they inspected the home and found no leaks inside or under the house. All three meters installed at the residence had at various times shown high readings.
• Town staff noted that the standard average usage is approximately 1,500 gallons per person per month. Mr. Hamilton stated his household's usage typically runs between 4,000 and 7,000 gallons per month, and that the current (third) meter appeared to be reading normally at around 6,000 gallons for the current period.
• The total amount owed at the time of the meeting was approximately $477.46 past due (with a $5 late fee) plus a current bill of $221.46, for a combined total of just under $700.
• The board agreed to a six-month payment plan for the past-due balance of $477.46 (approximately $79.57 per month), with the current bill of $221.46 to be paid by the 15th of the month. The board approved the six-month plan unanimously.
• The mayor indicated he would also reach out to an individual who may be able to assist Mr. Hamilton with the current bill amount.

Resident Comments – Backyard Chickens (Dellinger Family) A resident and his father appeared before the board to advocate for allowing backyard chickens on smaller residential lots, and to request that the town not enforce the acreage requirement against their household.

• The resident stated that his family keeps one rooster and ten hens in a fully enclosed coop and fenced run at their property at 2600 East Spencer Avenue, on two lots totaling approximately 29,800 square feet — less than the one-acre minimum currently required under the town's 2003 ordinance.
• He described the chickens as having therapeutic value for his daughter, who has been in counseling and has experienced significant family hardship.
• Both the resident and his father noted that backyard chickens were common throughout their neighborhood when they were growing up, prior to the 2003 ordinance, and questioned why the acreage standard was imposed.
• A neighbor from across the street (Mr. Engel) also spoke, clarifying that his complaint is not about the Dellinger family's chickens — which are properly cooped — but about a separate neighbor whose chickens roam freely. He stated that the Dellinger coop could serve as a model for proper chicken keeping.
• Board members noted that the Dellinger coop appeared well-maintained and suggested it could serve as a model standard if the ordinance is revised.
• The board directed the family to attend the Planning Board meeting the following Thursday at 7:00 p.m., where a revised livestock ordinance is under consideration. Staff noted the family's interest and agreed to add them to the agenda.

Continued Discussion – Fowl and Livestock Ordinance / Miss Clary Complaint (Second Street) The board continued its discussion of a code enforcement matter involving free-ranging chickens and multiple roosters on Second Street, stemming from a complaint first brought before the board in December.

• Town staff recapped the background: resident Evelyn Clary appeared before the board in December after receiving a notice to remove her chickens. The board at that time directed her to keep the chickens confined in a coop while a potential ordinance revision was considered. Staff indicated Miss Clary was notified that a final decision could be made at this meeting but was not present.
• Staff reported that following the December meeting, Miss Clary's chickens continued to free-range at all hours. Staff personally observed and recorded the chickens roaming freely on multiple visits over the prior two weeks, consistent with video evidence provided by neighbors including Mr. Engel.
• Staff noted that Miss Clary's property is less than two-tenths of an acre, and that even under a revised ordinance it would be unlikely that free-ranging chickens or multiple roosters would be permitted in that manner. Staff stated the situation is in direct violation of the town's animal control ordinance, which prohibits chickens running at large regardless of lot size.
• Staff recommended the board direct that Miss Clary's chickens be removed, and requested board action to provide relief to neighboring residents.
• A commissioner stated support for resuming enforcement action on the free-ranging chickens while the Planning Board continues its review of a revised ordinance.