To: Garner Town Council We, the undersigned citizens of Garner, believe that chickens belong within the town limits in residential areas. The Town ordinance should be changed to allow less than 20 backyard hens for the following reasons: -- Chickens produce a rich fertilizer by-product, high in nitrogen, eliminating the need for petrochemical fertilizers. -- Chickens eat bugs, including ticks, reducing our backyard pest population, and allowing for reduced use of pesticides. -- Backyard hens provide an educational opportunity to teach children where our food comes from and demonstrate responsible pet ownership. -- Fresh, naturally raised eggs have an improved nutrient profile compared to conventional eggs. -- Chickens eat table scrapes, reducing municipal solid waste. -- A properly cleaned and maintained chicken coop poses no sanitation risks. By amending the Town ordinance to allow residents to keep hens in residential zones, the Town of Garner will encourage stewardship of the environment and food production on a household scale. Sincerely, The Undersigned