08-12-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 12, 2009 Moriarty suggested that the County could put archers on the Maplewood property to the south to help the program. Moriarty felt that if 20 to 25 does could be taken, it would be worth the effort. Blesener suggested that the City could work with the County on arranging for archers on the St. John's property. Moriarty did not feel the cemetery property was wide enough, but suggested that he meet with the bow hunters group and discuss it. McGraw asked if the City should require that hunters on private property carry insurance. Moriarty reported that a property owner would be covered by his/her homeowner's insurance. If a deer that was shot ran onto another property and caused damage, that property owner's homeowner's insurance would be liable. Moriarty again noted that there would be no cost if bow hunting permits were issued within the normal hunting season other than a $12 tag per deer. If a special hunt were authorized, there would be both licensing and deer processing costs. Blesener felt that the sharp-shooter option was too expensive, and noted that the City has other options it can consider. Blesener suggested that the City Administrator meet with the bow hunters group to review the St. John's property. He also suggested that a recommendation be put together on whether or not to issue permits to property owners and under what criteria. Blesener pointed out the Sculley, Meemken, and Gagne property. The City Administrator felt if permits were issued to private property owners, there should be some basic qualifications that must be met by the hunter. Moriarty noted that the bow hunters association requires attendance at the DNR's 8-hour archery safety class as well as an annual proficiency test. Both of these qualifications could be met at Bwana Archery located in the City. Moriarty also indicated that some cities require signed statements from neighbors relative to the hunt given the potential for a shot deer to wander onto a neighbor's property. Keis indicated that this is an on-going issue, and indicated that he would have no problem with taking 10 to 15 deer this year and then determine the impact. Blesener suggested that the City work with the bow hunters association fora 2 to 3 year period to try to get the deer herd to a manageable level over a period of time. There was additional discussion about allowing hunting by private property owners, and it was the consensus of the Council that the City Administrator develop a set of criteria that would have to be met. That criteria should include amount of land, DNR safety class completion, 9