07-26-2023 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 26, 2023 9 2023 DEER CONTROL PROGRAM The City Administrator explained that this has been before the Council multiple times in previous years as deer control is a metro wide issue. He commented on some of the safety and other issues that arise when the deer population gets too large. He noted that the annual hunt process began in 2010, which led towards the partnership with the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base. He commented that there have been ongoing complaints related to deer within the last year as development has increased and room for deer has decreased. He reviewed the flyover amount that was last reported by the DNR is similar, even though there was a bow hunt the previous year. The Parks & Rec/Community Services Director provided an update on information he learned at the regional deer control meeting he recently attended. He provided comparison information from neighboring communities and the management plans that those communities use to aid in their deer population control. He provided more specific information on the program implemented by Roseville and the data that is provided to the city. Mayor Fischer invited a resident to comment. Richard Flip, 431 Brooks Avenue, commented that he frequently holds garden tours in his yard and unfortunately the deer population is an issue. He stated that the annual hunts have assisted in lowering that population. He commented that people fly in from across the country to see his yard and sometimes they are able to hold the deer off until after the tours have completed, but the deer continue to wipe out some of the vegetation in his yard. He stated that they found a product that seems to work relatively well along with the deer hunt when the population has been controlled. He noted that they spend hundreds of dollars a year spraying to keep the deer away from their plants, as they spray a few acres every time they water. He commented that he does not believe it should be a consideration annually and should instead just be something that occurs each year to control the population. He commended the Council for the way it handled the previous case about the Hookah Hideout. He agreed that is not a business that should be in the community and thanked the Council for the way it handles matters of that nature. He appreciated the work of the Council. He noted that both he and his neighbor have offered their properties for the hunt. Mayor Fischer asked if there should be a cap placed on the number of deer. The City Administrator commented that although they have set a cap in the past, he does not feel that is needed as the dates regulate the number of deer that can be removed. Kwapick introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2023-7-86 – AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL CONTROLLED DEER HUNT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SPOON LAKE AREA OF MAPLEWOOD ON OCTOBER 20 - 22 AND DECEMBER 1 – 3, 2023. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Fischer. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted.