No Backyard Hens for Marshall: Council Blocks Chicken Ordinance in Tight Vote

Issue #154

13 Dec

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 16

🗞️ No Backyard Hens for Marshall: Council Blocks Chicken Ordinance in Tight Vote

🗞️ Marshall Mobile Home Park Closure Leaves Residents Seeking Options

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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

No Backyard Hens for Marshall: Council Blocks Chicken Ordinance in Tight Vote

Marshall's proposal to allow backyard chickens within city limits failed to gain approval following a divided vote by the city council.

The ordinance, which would have permitted up to five hens per household under strict guidelines, was rejected in a 3-2 vote. Opposing council members raised concerns about enforcement, public health risks, and limited community interest.

The backyard chicken ordinance was part of a broader effort to modernize the city’s animal regulations. Updates included removing restrictions on common pets like hamsters and guinea pigs and formalizing permissions for temporary petting zoos at local events.

However, the chicken proposal sparked debate, with supporters highlighting cultural inclusivity and opponents pointing to risks like avian influenza and potential neighborhood conflicts.

While the chicken ordinance failed, the council later approved an updated animal ordinance that omitted the backyard chicken provision in a 4-1 vote.

Marshall Mobile Home Park Closure Leaves Residents Seeking Options

The Broadmoor Valley mobile home park in Marshall is set to close next year, following a notice from its owners.

The park will cease operations as a manufactured home community on December 1, 2025.

The announcement has prompted the city of Marshall to begin the required process under Minnesota law, including holding a public hearing for residents affected by the closure.

The closure comes amid ongoing legal issues for the park’s owners, Schierholz and Associates. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office has filed a lawsuit against the owners, citing poor maintenance, excessive fees, and retaliatory actions against residents.

The suit also seeks civil penalties totaling $3.87 million, restitution for residents, and improvements to the park’s infrastructure. Recently, a judge ordered several issues in the case to proceed to a jury trial scheduled for early 2025.

Schierholz attributed the closure decision to the high costs of updating the park and financial constraints, despite receiving a $500,000 state grant in 2022 for infrastructure improvements.

Applications for additional funding in subsequent years were unsuccessful. The owners have sent required notices to residents and state agencies, and residents may be eligible for relocation assistance through Minnesota’s manufactured home relocation trust fund.

The future of the Broadmoor Valley property remains uncertain. According to the owners, a covenant may limit the land's redevelopment, requiring it to remain a mobile home park.

However, the park's closure, coupled with limited availability at nearby mobile home communities in Minneota and Cottonwood, raises concerns for displaced residents.

Marshall city officials are working to understand the implications of the closure and will oversee the public hearing process to ensure compliance with state law.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, December 13th
Saturday, December 14th
Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th

  • Prairie Dance Alliance presents: The Nutcracker 

    • At the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, Marshall Senior High School

    • Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM

    • Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

    • Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM

Sunday, December 15th
Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th
Wednesday, December 18th

  • Hope Harbor Christmas Open House at 219 N High Street in Marshall from 1:00 - 6:00 PM

    • Come and go as you please

    • Door prizes, house tours, tons of treats, hot chocolate and cider bar, Christmas carols, games, cookie decorating and lots of Christmas spirit.

    • No cost to attend, no registration required. Learn more at hopeharbormn.org.

Wednesday, December 18th

  • Jingle Mingle Holiday Shopping Open House at Evergreen Lane Events in Redwood Falls from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

    • An evening of festive fun and thoughtful gifting with up to 12 amazing vendors offering unique products perfect for checking off your holiday shopping list.

Friday, December 20th
Saturday, December 21st
Sunday, December 22nd

  • Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
    at 2:00 PM

    • Tickets are $5 and are sold at the door

  • Live reindeer at Volstead House Museum in Granite Falls starting at 1:00 PM

    • Meet Santa and get free reindeer food for your yard, so the reindeer can find your home 🦌

Saturday, December 28th
Sunday, January 5th

  • Light Up The Night takes place at Independence Park in Marshall from 5:00 - 9:00 PM every night. Starting November 29 through January 1st. Enjoy this beautiful Winter Wonderland!

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