The council will meet at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S.

In a report to the council, Assistant City Manager Ryan Maehl wrote that the inspectors are receiving complaints about chickens. He linked the apparent increase in chickens in the city to the recent surge in egg prices.

In response to those complaints, the council will consider the first reading of some new rules tonight.

Here are some of the key provisions:

Maximum of 10 birds on a property

• No roosters, geese or guinea fowl would be permitted.

• Birds would have to be in an enclosed area during the day and in a structure such as a hen house at night.

• Hen houses and chicken coops would have to be in the back yard.

• Hen houses and chicken coops would have to be at least 15 feet from the property line.

The chicken rules are not the only animal-related item on the agenda. The council will also consider the second reading of a proposal that would fine people who essentially abandon their pets by leaving them at the pound.

The penalty would apply when the animal control officer catches a dog or cat running at large and the owner is identified, but refuses to come and get the animal.

Someone convicted of violating this rule would face a fine of up to $750 for the first offense and a fine of up to $1,000 on a second or subsequent offense.

Updates to the plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fuel gas codes are also on the agenda.

There is nothing on the agenda about the plan to convert part of North 15th Street from four lanes to three lanes.