SANFORD — A spat over an urban chicken ordinance cause a flare-up between two city councilors Tuesday, prompting one of them, Fred Smith, to call Alan Walsh “an angry man” and walk out.

Walsh, took exception to Smith’s insistence that he was “an angry man,” who “had been angry all day,” and said he had a right to ask questions about issues at hand.

The two councilors had pecked at each other over various issues during the evening. The squawk-up came as the council had a first reading on the urban chicken ordinance. A second reading will be conducted and a vote taken at a subsequent meeting.

A public hearing held earlier in the evening on the issue saw no comment.

Walsh was critical of the proposed chicken ordinance, pointing out that a clause requiring inspections and fines for violators would add more work to the Codes Enforcement Office.

Mayor Tom Cote said he’d like to see an evaluation of the workload and capacity of the codes office.

“I understand people want chickens downtown,” said Cote, adding he was willing to listen.

Smith said the Codes Enforcement Office had sent out notices to the violators of the current ordinances that govern the keeping of livestock and other farm animals, which doesn’t allow chickens in the urban area. Smith said the city later indicated no action would be taken at that time.

Smith said the letters were issued 20 months ago, and it was time the issue was “moved along a little faster.”

But others noted the matter had been before council subcommittee, of which Smith is a member, for some time, and that, at one point, the subcommittee had decided not to advance an ordinance. Later, it did.

In response to councilor questions, City Manager Steve Buck said the council has to make it clear whether urban chickens are allowed, or not allowed.

Walsh said he wondered who had indicated the city would take no action on those currently keeping chickens against the law. He said only the council has the authority to make policy.

Then, the discussion between Smith and Walsh became heated.

Smith left the council chambers.

“It’s unfortunate things got a little bit heated, but people are passionate” about the issues, said Cote.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].