Batavia officials to talk chickens tonight

An ordinance allowing backyard chicken coops in Batavia is on the agenda for tonight's City Services Committee meeting.

Backyard chickens have become a topic of controversy in Batavia as supporters argue for sustainable, safe and organic living while those opposed expressed sanitary concerns and not wanting to see the city revert to a rural lifestyle.

If approved by the committee, the ordinance still has to be considered by the full city council. The next city council meeting is Monday, but it's unclear if it will be considered then because officials have said the ordinance would not come before the full council until the end of April or early May.

Tonight's meeting begins at 7:30 in the city council chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.