MADISON TOWNSHIP — The Madison Township trustees did not have their ducks in a row on Monday night when it came to backyard-animal regulations.
Jamie Schmidt, a resident of Unity Drive, asked trustees for clarification after an anonymous email flagged her property — and 11 others — for having farm animals in a residential area.
In Schmidt’s case, the complaint referenced her eight pet ducks, who reside in a fenced-in coop in her backyard. Some even have names: Honey Bear, Alice, Howard, and Cujo.
“I’ve had them for two years and they’re my kids’ pets,” she said. “We also benefit from them having eggs.”
The issue raised a broader question: What counts as a household pet in Madison Township?
While local zoning regulations include language about chickens, they do not specifically mention ducks — and trustees admitted the existing rules are unclear.
Zoning inspector Chris Manley confirmed he visited Schmidt’s property and found the ducks housed in a proper coop with fencing.
“There’s nothing in the zoning regulations about ducks specifically,” Manley said. “We have chicken regulations, and under that, it says ‘household pets’ — but there’s no definition for that either.”
Yet trustees also acknowledged that even the township’s chicken regulations are unclear, including how many are allowed per lot size. Manley said the current rules are “backwards” and in need of revision.
Trustee Dan Fletcher admitted the board was unsure how to proceed.
“I’m at a loss,” he said. “I can’t answer your question, and it doesn’t sound like anybody up here can.”
Trustee Tom Craft noted that Franklin Township dealt with a similar situation and contacted the state zoning office for guidance on what constitutes a domestic animal. Madison officials plan to follow up there next.
For now, Fletcher said Schmidt’s ducks are safe.
“I don’t have a violation, and I’m not facing fines, so it could be worse, but it’s still not the answer I want,” Schmidt said after the meeting. “Hopefully I’ll get a little bit more clarification.”
OTHER BUSINESS
In road news, trustees approved a $132,716.40 chip seal contract to the Shelly Company and a $209,801.25 resurfacing contract to Kokosing Construction. Both projects are pending final funding confirmation before work begins.
Trustees also approved selling a 2017 GMC 2500 pickup truck on GovDeals with a $15,000 minimum bid.
Several residents praising recent progress in the zoning department and improvements to township communication. One resident described the board as “headed in the right direction.”