04-12-2000 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MAYOR Michael I. Fahey COUNCIL Beverly Scalze Jim LaVaile Steve Moreton Bob Pedersen 515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117 -1600 ADMINISTRATOR (651) 484 -2177 / FAX: (651) 484 -4538 Joel R. Hanson Email: cityhall @ci.little- canada.mn.us MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Fahey & Members of the City Council FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator DATE: April 7, 2000 RE: Goose Control Contract In 1999, we again participated in the goose control round -up program. However, a formal contract documenting our relationship with the University of Minnesota was not received until late in 1999. Therefore, to continue participation in 2001, we would need to approve the execution of this contract. The proposed contract amount is $4,506 for the two -year period ($2,253 per year). This amount has been partially offset by contributions from other entities interested in having the problem addressed in their area. Also attached to this memo is a letter dated October 18, 1999 from Dr. James Cooper that discussed the 1999 goose capture program. It also includes Little Canada capture rates. Ms. Bonnie Chester of 303 Savage Lane is concemed about removing all geese from Savage Lake. (She would like a pair of geese left on the lake.) She has asked us to look at other alternatives including chemical applications (see memo from Elizabeth Mursko dated March 16, 2000). Another option would be to allow egg addling which would involve shaking, oiling, puncturing, or freezing the eggs when they return to the nest so that the mother goose will not lay more eggs (see attached article from the Coalition to Prevent the Destruction of Canada Geese). The problem I see with the chemical application is the cost of the materials in terms of product and application. (Please note multiple applications are likely to be necessary.) Also, the area chemicals need to be applied to in order to provide the desired control would be fairly large. Without removal, populations will move from site to site and the nuisance will remain. Egg addling may be more viable, but the issue is who would conduct such an operation. These may also be issues of legal authority to conduct this activity. It is my recommendation that we once again participate in the goose control program and authorize execution of the contract as presented. Should the Council want us to pursue any other options to address Ms. Chester's concern, I would ask that you please provide such direction. cc: Bonnie Chester \ \C LCSRVOI \l IOM E \KrisP \CORRESP \2000 \Goose Contra Page 51