Chickens and comedians were among Cambridge City council’s topics during its Monday, July 13, meeting.
Fowl
After being assessed fines for possessing a total of 14 chickens and ducks in town limits, resident Mitchell Stitt requested modified code to allow them.
Stitt shared research finding fowl waste and noise are less destructive than those of dogs. He said their manure is easily composted and poses less risk to water quality. Fowl noise is a conversational 60-70 decibels, compared to dogs’ 80-90 decibels that can rise to 113 when they’re alerted, which is up to 16 times louder.
He believes two dogs equal 14 fowl based on their waste, carbon footprint and noise produced.
Originally obtained for food, Stitt said fowl also offer emotional support to his autistic child, and they stay on his property.
Councilor Gary Cole said he’s concerned others wouldn’t be as responsible.
Council paused Stitt’s fines to review his research and nearby communities’ ordinances. Richmond allows up to three hens per lot over 1/5 an acre; more need a Board of Zoning Appeals variance.
More discussion is expected at council’s 6 p.m. Aug. 10 meeting in town hall, 127 N. Foote St. The public is invited.
In other business
- Council encouraged Public Works Superintendent Joe Webb to declare several properties unsafe after extensive communication efforts to reach owners: 307 W. Parkway, 311 W. Parkway, 314 W. Main, 125 S. Third, and at Third and Jones. Owners can refute findings at council’s Aug. 10 meeting. Councilors can approve, rescind or amend demolition orders.
- Councilor Jim King will contact state officials about increased semi and wide-load traffic on U.S. 40 because of Interstate 70 construction. King raised traffic safety concerns after watching a wide-load semi go through two red stoplights. Councilors agreed local police need additional support. Webb said INDOT soon will fill a sinkhole forming in the road’s center near El Mezcal Grill, 408 E. Main St.
- Pending park committee approval, Seth Hardin received permission to host two “Bob and Tom Show” comedians at Creitz Park Pavilion on Sept. 26.
- Council’s 2027 budget workshop will be 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at town hall. The public is invited.
- The third spay/neuter blitz during the previous week served 23 cats (total 77) paid for through donations. If half those cats had five kittens this year, that would have been 200 more stray cats. Additional contributions are welcome at town hall or new collection boxes (locations including Golay Community Center) to prevent future strays. Council approved Turpin Electric’s $200 donation.
- Council approved a one-year Western Wayne Schools’ resource officer contract, boosting pay 4%.
- Upon request from Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jeff Gabbard, Bowman & Thalls Insurance President/CEO Brad Bowman presented research on potential fire service charges. However, Bowman said most insurance companies require property owners to be billed and then reimbursed. Gabbard said he doesn’t want fire victims to face initial financial hardships, so he doesn’t favor pursuing those funds. Council approved Bowman’s $50 donation to CCVFD.
- Bever prepared a cease-and-desist order for ongoing tent dwellers at a residence.
- Marucci Softball received permission for a tentative Aug. 15 car show fundraiser at Creitz Park.
A version of this article will appear in the July 22 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
