Hens prompt a closer look at council procedures

An executive order instituting guidelines governing both the content and manner of citizen participation during council meetings was sent to Lakeside Park residents three days before the anticipated April 14th City Council meeting, where a second reading will be held on an ordinance to un-ban backyard hens.   

“Municipal Order No. 02-2025 is a dystopian Order that would be better suited for a country like North Korea. It is totally inconsistent with the U.S. and Kentucky Constitutions regarding freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and rights of conscience,” said Senator Steve Rawlings, an attorney and legislative mentor to Lakeside Park City Councilwoman, Cassi Schabell. 

“Overall, I have had very positive interactions with the residents and I am concerned about this Order making our tax dollars vulnerable to litigation. The council meetings have seen an uptick in consistent attendance from residents since the beginning of the year, something that I am very proud of. I am happy to see new people get involved in the process and hold their elected officials accountable. I am disappointed in some of the behaviors exhibited at the meetings that are not respectful, but that is politics. Several constituents have reached out to me over the weekend, expressing their reluctance to speak at the upcoming meeting, fearing they will be removed for respectfully stating their opinions. I will be cautioning my colleagues to strike through a multitude of sections of this Order, and am hopeful we can collaborate to build a more reasonable policy that is reflective of the wants and needs of those we represent,” said Councilwoman Schabell.

Schabell encourages citizens to know their rights under Kentucky’s Open Meetings Act and not be intimidated from attending. “As long as they’re not causing a disruption or blocking others from seeing or hearing the meeting, they have every right to be there — no one can kick you out for wearing a hat or tell you how to dress. It’s a public meeting, not a fashion show.”

Check out Voices of Lakeside Park's Guide to Attending Public Meetings

The chicken ordinance: What to expect

For the ordinance to move forward, a council member must make a motion to adopt it, and another must second it. Without a second, the motion dies and the chicken ban remains. If seconded, the council can discuss and likely amend the ordinance. Given this is the first official discussion, significant changes are expected — meaning the ordinance will likely require a new first and second reading before it can be adopted. (More on this can be found here.)

Separately, changing the zoning code to allow chicken coops involves an additional process. Lakeside Park currently has one of the most restrictive policies on detached structures.

Who does the city attorney work for?

Under KRS 83A.130, it is the mayor's duty to supervise the city’s staff. Most municipalities collaborate to get a piece of legislation to its final form before a first reading, with the cooperation of their city attorney and mayor. Lakeside Park does not have a written policy for this. Councilwoman Schabell introduced an ordinance that is the same procedure Erlanger uses to ensure there is a collaborative and efficient legislative process to do the People's work. There has been some pushback from the Lakeside Park administration on this ordinance. 

“There have been conflicting legal opinions about the issue of this ordinance being appropriate or not, however, I wanted to see it go through the legislative process because it is in the best interest of the city and within my responsibilities and authority as a council member.” 

What do you think?

Key section of proposed ordinance 03-2025, establishing rules of procedure for council meetings.

Should the city attorney and mayor be required to work with your elected council members when drafting legislation on behalf of constituents?

• Yes
• No

The second reading of this proposed ordinance will take place at the April 14th meeting, along with the chicken ordinance. If there is a lack of a second, it will die.

Advice for meeting attendees

Arrive a few minutes before 7:00 PM and sign up to speak—even if you're unsure. You can always decline when called, but once the meeting starts, you won’t be able to sign up. Better to have the option than miss it.

For information about the structure of the mayor-council form of government, check out part of the presentation from VLP's April 7th Neighborhood Update meeting.