06-11-2003 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 24, 1998 Chester suggested that the City look for alternative ways to manage the goose population, and reported on a study taking place in Michigan where this is being done by removing some of the eggs from nests. Fahey reported that the City has received a counter petition requesting that the City proceed with the goose management program. Linda Hatfield stated that continuation of the goose management program sponsored by the University of Minnesota is only a short-term fix and will require continuous participation. Hatfield indicated that there are many humane programs that could be tried. She indicated that Dr. Cooper from the U ofM is interested in the egg program. Hatfield stated that rounding up geese and sending them off to slaughter is only a short-tei,u solution. Hatfield questioned this practice which she felt was the result of nuisance poop. Hatfield asked what message this was sending and again stated that there were humane alternatives which could be tried. Hatfield reported that Michigan is conducting a five -year study on the egg program. Hatfield suggested working with residents to try humane solutions. Another option is the planting of grasses which are less palatable to geese. Hatfield stressed that round -ups are not the solution and the City will have to do them year after year. Hatfield urged the City to look at this from an ethical standpoint. Fahey did not feel the issue was one of ethics or morals and pointed out that there are good people on both sides of the issue. Fahey agreed that the egg study should be looked at at the time it is complete and findings are in place. However, right now the City has a nuisance problem and this is an issue that the Council has previously discussed. Fahey noted that residents cannot walk down City trails without watching where they step. Fahey felt there was a small minority willing to put up with the poop, and the larger majority feel it is a nuisance. Fahey felt the burden was on those advocating a different approach to marshal the resources. Fahey pointed out that the City Council has had this discussion on the goose issue and unless there is a desire on the part of the Council to make some changes, the program will continue. Fahey felt if there was a better solution, someone needs to point it out. However, the goose management program will not be discontinued at the expense of existing homeowners. Chester pointed out that regular birds poop on cars and on picnic tables. Chester asked what the difference was pointing out that no one wants to get ride of these birds. Morelan pointed out that it is the degree of poop that is involved. 17 -6-