12-16-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 16, 2009 them access to his entire property for hunting purposes. Schletty stated that he would like to see the third hunt continue. He also stated that he would like to see bucks included in the hunt as well. Schletty stated that he wanted the Council to know that people approve of the deer hunt, and indicated that the deer population in Little Canada is out-of-control. Keis asked Schletty how much land he owns. Schletty replied that he owns I 1 acres. He noted that he has lived on this land for 60 years, and has never seen the deer population this high. Schletty stated that his land is secluded and heavily wooded and the deer love the property. Schletty again stated his support for the deer hunt and conm~ended the MBRB. Eric Weisman, Edgerton Street, stated that he was present to protest the hunt, and felt that the 13 deer taken thus far was enough. Weisman felt that the fact that only 13 were taken in the first two hunts was evidence oi' the lack of deer in the City. Blesener pointed out Schletty's comments that there was still a serious deer problem on his property which is part of the hunt area. Blesener also noted that the MBRB estimate there are still 15 to 30 deer in the hunt area. Weisman stated that he is aware that other people have complained about the deer, but noted that there are other ways to control them so they will not damage plants and flowers. Weisman felt the deer add an ambiance to the City. He pointed out that he walks twice per day and has never seen more than 5 deer. Blesener agreed that the deer add to the City, but felt their numbers were too high. Weisman also indicated that deer whistles will work on cars, and the fact that there are deer in the City may cause people to drive slower. Blesener pointed out that some people claim the deer whistles do not work. He also noted the Ramsey County map showing the number and location of deer/vehicular accidents each year and pointed out that the numbers are increasing dramatically. The City Administrator reported that he has done some research on alternative deer control options and pointed out that estimates for contraceptive treatments range from $66 to $300 per deer treated. The contraceptives only last a couple of years and the deer would have to be treated again. Furthermore, it takes time for this method to reduce the population as natural mortality will need time to run its course even though lower birth rates may be occurring. Weisman felt that while the treatment is expensive, it is more humane. Elvie Day, Lakeshore Avenue, felt the current deer culling hunt was the wrong way to control the population. Day felt the idea of killing anything was totally abhorrent, and that the deer are as much a part of the 13