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Jess Butler stated that this is their first home and they didn’t know. She said that when they were told they needed the permits they came and got them. She stated that they thought they could not have chickens because it says no poultry, and they did not know pigeons were considered poultry. They do not sell the feathers or keep the eggs to raise the birds. They do not race the birds or use them for meat—they are show birds. They are both part of the pigeon club and Butler is the president. Their goal is to get the birds back in the schools. They are planning a show at the Blasdell Fire hall. She stated that they do not breed the birds or allow them to have babies. She uses the eggs and their feces as compost for her garden. The compost bin is rodent proof. They have other rodent deterrents. She stated that inspectors have been out to her house without prior notice and it has been completely clean every time. Commissioner Falkiewicz asked how many pigeons they started with before they knew they could not have them. Ira Butler stated that they started with 6. Commissioner Falkiewicz asked over how long of a period. Butler stated 4 years. Commissioner Falkiewicz noted that in four years 6 pigeons turned to 32, and they didn’t think that would be a problem. Butler stated that it was not an issue when he has 29 birds, but again they were unaware that the Town Code has limits to how many pigeons they could have. Butler understands that he didn’t ask permission. He just acquired 6 more birds in the beginning of the year after a member of the Pigeon Club passed. These are included in the total of 32 birds. Commissioner Falkiewicz said that they already knew it was a violation and they still acquired more. Butler stated that they did not know the number of birds they had was a violation until April 2026 and they acquired the 6 additional birds in the beginning of the year. In November 2025 they spoke with Building Inspection about a violation for where they placed the shed/coop and not having a building permit. In April 2026 Building Inspection became aware about the amount of birds and that is when that violation happened. Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Skrzypek stated that in November 2025 the site visit was for the shed being built without a permit. A permit was obtained and the shed was moved where it had to be. That violation was closed as a shed. It was not until April 2026 that Building Inspection became aware about the birds. Commissioner Adrian asked how this was initiated. Skrzypek stated that it was from a complaint. Commissioner Falkiewicz asked if there were any open violations. Skrzypek stated that technically they have not seen the birds outside. Travis looked for bird seed and bird feces on the ground and he did not find anything. There was a complaint about the rats. Originally they thought the birds were Parrots, but then they found out they are pigeons when they started talking. Commissioner Chapman asked if he has any chickens. Butler said no. Commissioner Chapman asked if he has ever been cited for anything. Butler said no. Commissioner Chapman asked Skrzypek to clarify that everything was fine until April. Skrzypek said yes, April 2026 is when they learned about the pigeons. Butler was told he either has to get rid of them or try for a variance. Commissioner Yoder asked about the nature of the complaint. Skrzypek stated it was for rats and a disorderly yard causing rats. Chairman Dimpfl asked how many times building inspection