Two families attended the recent Big Lake Twp. meeting in order to speak on the township’s poultry ordinance. The ordinance, at the time, did not allow township residents who had less than two acres of land to own chickens. 

Jessica Price spoke against this ordinance, saying that chickens were allowed on fewer acres both in the City of Big Lake and even in Minneapolis.

The board members discussed the issue with Price, raising concerns about noise levels, the health of the chickens in a small area, the removal of manure, and the requirements of keeping the birds off of neighboring properties.

Price responded that the chickens don’t need tons of space in order to be healthy, and penning them in would keep them off of neighboring property. She also stated that she was only advocating to keep laying hens, not noisy roosters, and that the animals created less manure than house cats. Furthermore, animal cruelty laws prevent owners from keeping the birds in obviously unsafe or unhealthy situations.

Eventually, the board adopted an ordinance that would allow a maximum of six chickens on township properties under two acres, and board member Norm Leslie requested that information on proper care of chickens be added to the township website. Roosters, Guinea Fowl and Pea Fowl are not allowed under this new ordinance. 

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Ken Warneke reported that the fire board significantly increased their projected budget for 2026. In five years, the fire department hopes to purchase a new ladder truck. Warneke recommended increasing the township levy this year in order to avoid a drastic increase in the coming years. This will increase the township budget by 3.48% for 2022. The levy will be approved or disapproved by township residents during the reconvened annual meeting, September 8, 6 p.m. All township citizens are encouraged to come and vote on the levy at that time. 

In Other Business, the Board:

• Discussed snow removal on roads, especially considering their recent trade of roads with the county (the township now owns Co. Rd. 79 and the County took 219th.);

• Officially accepted the Midco cable franchise which had been tossed around for some time between township and Midco lawyers until both sides were happy;

• Approved a license agreement regarding a septic system on a 233rd Ave. property.