There are a lot of issues and seats to be decided in the Nov. 4 general election. One of those issues has to do with backyard chickens.
Could chickens soon be ruling the roost in the city of Cocoa? Voters will have their say on the November ballot because the City Council wants to hear from residents before it makes a decision.
Tim Mosebach, a 21-year resident of Cocoa, had chickens in his backyard until a few years ago when a neighbor complained.
"We've seen the benefits of what the chickens can do and the benefits they have for our property and for our food source," Mosebach said. "That's why we're really pushing to get them back."
And so, Mosebach went to the City Council to get his chickens back. But, as council members heard, not everybody is in favor of chickens.
Critics said they fear the chickens are too loud and they don't belong in areas of Brevard County like Cocoa Village, which is full of shops and businesses.
In an effort not to ruffle any feathers, the City Council decided to make the issue a nonbinding referendum on next month's ballot.
"We kind of sat there and listened for two hours of this one night," Cocoa Mayor Henry Parrish said. "When in doubt, go to the citizens. Even though we're the representatives, it seemed to be the right thing to do."
Unincorporated Brevard County and Rockledge both have passed ordinances that allow backyard chickens.
"They pretty much stay where they're at," Mosebach said. "You (put) them in a run or a pen, and they won't go anywhere. They stay where they're getting fed."
Parrish said he plans to follow whatever voters decide. And if the referendum does pass, then a group will be formed to look at where and how many chickens would be allowed.