Orrville City Council may reconsider restriction on raising chickens and rabbits

Shams Mustafa
·3 min read

ORRVILLE − On Monday, in a heartfelt appeal, Orrville resident Andrew Riedel urged the City Council to reconsider an ordinance restricting the raising of rabbits and chickens within the city limits.

“Unfortunately, I need it changed so I can provide food for my family instead of hunting or going to the store,” Riedel said.

Riedel, who is a truck driver, said he spends nights out on the road to be able to support his family. As it is sometimes difficult to provide food, changing the ordinance can support him easily getting it from his backyard.

In addition, Riedel said raising livestock helped his daughters to be responsible and made them interested in gardening, which is the core of Wayne County.

An Orrville resident is asking City County to revisit an ordinance prohibiting raising certain livestock within the city limits. DAILY RECORD FILE PHOTO
An Orrville resident is asking City County to revisit an ordinance prohibiting raising certain livestock within the city limits. DAILY RECORD FILE PHOTO

He read two letters written by his daughters to council stating how much they enjoy caring for their animals and how it increases their gardening skills.

Finally, he said the ordinance will benefit many kids in Orrville who are involved in 4-H projects and have a passion for gardening.

Last livestock discussion was in May

Councilman John Lorson acknowledged the unique perspective brought forward by Riedel, signaling a potential shift in the council's stance.

The proposal came previously in the May 16 council meeting, after several residents requested a change. The new ordinance would allow citizens to have livestock within city limits under some restrictions.

However, the Planning Commission voted the ordinance should remain as is and they don’t recommend changing it.

The council agreed to discuss the ordinance further and introduce it again in the future.

“It’s my hope in my short time remain that we may be able to reintroduce this,” Lorson said.

Other business

  • The American Municipal Power is giving away five $3,000 college scholarships for high school students of Orrville Utilities customers. For more information about the application contact the Utility Department at 330-684-5020.

  • A Ward 2 council position will be available in Orrville City after Councilman Kyle Shanklin moves to a council-at-large position. The council is seeking a new applicant to fill his seat starting Jan. 1,  2024. Candidates can send their resumes to Council Clerk Jeanne Gault at City Hall before Dec. 6.

  • City workers placed decorations downtown as a preparation for the Home of the Holidays event. It will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24. The route will begin at Main Street passing by Market Street, High Street, and ending at Sterling Avenue. There will be several activities for kids including scavenger hunt, giveaways, and ice sculpture demonstrations.

  • The council approved an ordinance to make changes in the Ohio Income Tax code. The changes are formatted to match the Regional Income Tax Agency legislation.

  • The City authorized purchasing services and supplies for the Safety-Service Department as a part of the 2024 resolution. Supplies included concrete, asphaltic emulsions, and liquid insecticide. Services included cell phone services, crack sealing, and Public Officials' Liability insurance.

  • The Utilities Department added two items to purchase for the 2024 resolution. The list included water well cleaning and roof repairs.

Next meeting, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at City Hall.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Orrville City Council to reevaluate restriction on livestock in city