Madeira City Council faces a final vote Monday, Sept. 28, on an ordinance banning livestock within city limits. The measure stems from one resident's plan to keep a miniature horse named Jiggy.
Ordinance 26-08 would prohibit horses, cows, pigs, goats, alpacas and other livestock in Madeira but explicitly allow chickens. Council is scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The ban traces to a July 13 council meeting, when neighbor Pete Seremitis of Shawnee Lane raised concerns about manure, pests and odors from a plan to keep miniature horses on less than one acre. Council sent the issue to the Law and Safety Committee, which recommended the ordinance. It passed first and second readings Aug. 24 and Sept. 14.
At the Sept. 14 public hearing, horse owner Allison Arand of Shawnee Run Road urged council to vote no. She told council her horse "will not free roam without supervision" and stands just 34 inches tall, arguing the animal "may be less obtrusive than some dogs." She asked the city to rely on existing nuisance laws instead.
Two other residents opposed the ban. Jennifer Rice of Windridge Avenue said she bought her one-acre property three years ago partly because Madeira had no livestock ordinance. At the Sept. 14 hearing, she urged council to pass "legislation based on what has happened, not what might happen." Natalie Simkoff of Vistaridge Lane also spoke against the ordinance, citing her participation in 4-H.
Monday's agenda also includes a final vote on Ordinance 26-07, which amends the zoning code in three areas. The changes would let commercial redevelopments keep their current impervious surface ratio, drop screening requirements for commercial parking lots facing the right-of-way and set rules for temporary storage units such as PODS. The Planning Commission recommended approval after an Aug. 17 public hearing.
Council will also consider three resolutions on the consent agenda, according to the meeting packet:
- Resolution 63-26 certifies Madeira's property tax rate at 7.5 mills to the Hamilton County Auditor. The rate has remained unchanged under the city's Home Rule Charter because no voted levies are in effect.
- Resolution 64-26 authorizes a $12,500 contract with Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics of Maineville for the July 3, 2027, fireworks display, matching the 2026 contract price.
- Resolution 65-26 authorizes supplemental funding for the Madeira Chamber of Commerce to promote downtown businesses during the 2026 holiday season. Chamber Executive Director David Peterson is scheduled to address council Monday. The funding amount is not specified in the packet.
Flock Security cameras return as old business. At the Aug. 24 meeting, three residents spoke against the cameras, citing privacy concerns about data sharing and the lack of warrant requirements. Police Chief Schaefer said the system captures only license plate data and cited Silver Alert and car theft cases it helped solve.
The city is also navigating a leadership transition. City Manager Michael Norton-Smith is leaving in early October to become city manager of Centerville. Vice Mayor Ramzi Takieddine said at the Sept. 14 meeting that the posting had drawn a good response and that applicant screening was underway.
The next council meeting after Monday is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
