04-12-00 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 12, 2000 GOOSE The Council reviewed atwo-year contract with the U of M for goose CONTROL control services. Bonnie Chester, property owner on Savage Lake, appeared before the Council and reported that she is totally opposed to the slaughter of geese in Little Canada. Chester suggested that there are other ways to control the goose population including both chemical treatments for lawns and egg addling. Chester reported that efforts are also underway to encourage the Legislature to increase the limit on the number of geese that can be taken by hunters. Chester pointed out that last year the City spent $2,000 for goose control services and only 112 geese were removed from the City. She suggested that Dr. Cooper from the U of M was making money both from the City for goose control services and from game farms where he sells goslings that he rounds up. Morelan indicated that if there was a volunteer group that would do the egg addling, he would support trying it. He pointed out that the goose control program put on by the U of M works. It is an inexpensive program, and it is easy for the City to do. Fahey asked if the City has received many complaints about geese this year. The Administrator reported that there have been few complaints recently. Three years ago there were a lot of complaints. At that time, the City began contracting with the U of M, and since that time, complaints have dropped off. The Administrator reported that Dr. Cooper has indicated that unless the City continues with the program, the geese population quickly comes back. The Administrator also pointed out that Dr. Cooper will do an inventory to determine how extensive the goose population is in the City. The Council discussed the option of egg addling, and it was suggested that the City Administrator discuss this option with Dr. Cooper to determine if it is viable. Fahey noted that the City is trying to keep the goose population at a reasonable level, not totally eliminate geese in the City. Chester again pointed out the fact that Dr. Cooper sells goslings to game farms. Fahey suggested that perhaps some neutral information should be obtained from the DNR. The City Administrator indicated that Dr. Cooper is the undisputed expert in Minnesota on this topic, and noted that he has never pushed the City toward participating in the program. The Administrator felt that Dr. Cooper was an objective resource.