Shelbyville City Council met Thursday night to vote on the new livestock ordinance, an aspect of City Manager Joshua Ray’s contract, and the 231 Business Park land purchase.  

Motion to defer  

The livestock ordinance, which would put into place fowl limitations and prohibit roosters within city limits, was deferred to a future meeting.  

Council member Marilyn Ewing made the motion to defer the ordinance, requesting that more discussion was needed. Exceptions like residents raising roosters for 4-H, Tyson Food’s industry requirements, and even the ducks at the Fairfield pond should be considered, she said.  

The motion was seconded by Council member Henry Feldhaus, who said this needed to be investigated deeper until everyone is clear on it. The motion to defer passed unanimously.  

This topic has been discussed in previous Council meetings over the last couple years, but, generally is deferred for further discussion by Council.  

New contract  

The only item Council agenda item which did not pass was the consideration to change the City manager’s contract from establishing a residency in city limits to establishing one within three miles of city limits.  

“Of course, the bleeding from the increased property taxes, that’s still going...The majority of people I have spoken with, they’re pretty much saying lead by example and, you know, we’re electing a little higher tax, but yet, your City Manager is going to escape those,” said Council member Ewing.  

In response to Ewing’s comment, Ray said, “I understand the complete point and I welcome the opportunity to look at it and desire to be within the city limits.” Ray then stated, apparently as a joke, this way he “could have trash collection.”  

City Manager Joshua Ray said he cannot find a house within city limits. He is looking at property that is half a mile outside Shelbyville City limits and said he could possibly purchase Ray told the Times-Gazette Friday that real estate prices are a big factor preventing him from moving into the City limits.  

He said moderate homes—those which could best accommodate his family of five—were $400,000 last year and are now around $560,000. He said other newly hired local leaders are also struggling with the same housing issues and are currently having to rent.  

The consideration of the motion passed with three yes votes and with Ewing and Council member Gary Haile voting no.  

Other business  

In other business, Council approved:  

• Consideration to purchase the 33 acres to add to the 231 Business Park.
• A presentation proclamation for the Keon Johnson Day, which is planned for Aug. 21. (See story and photo in Tuesday’s Times-Gazette.)
• No public comments were made during the hearings for the approval of the Global Crossing Subdivision or the annexation of the southeastern corner of 437 by-pass. Both motions passed unanimously.