07-24-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 24, 2013 and 30 deer in 2013. Deer counts of the entire City resulted in 109 deer in 2011 and 50 deer in 2013. Deer control efforts began in Little Canada in 2010. Waite expressed concern that it appears the City is saying that 20 deer would be sustainable in Little Canada, but the goal is to have no deer. The Administrator noted that the goal is not zero deer, but to maintain a population at a socially acceptable level, which appears to be approximately 10 per square mile or 40 deer. Waite then asked the Mayor to explain how the St. John's Cemetery property was included as a hunt site — did the City ask St. John's for permission to hunt this property or did St. John's ask the City. The Mayor explained that several years ago a private party asked the City to allow him to bowhunt the St. John's Cemetery property as he was concerned about a number of near deer- vehicle accidents on McMenemy Road. At a meeting before the City Council at which this request was considered, there were 2 or 3 representatives of the Cemetery Board present in support of the request. The request was denied. Blesener noted that approximately two years later the City organized the deer management plan through the MBRB, and given that the St. John's property abuts the Water Works property and given St. John's support for the individual who had requested a private hunt, the City approached St. John's asking to include the cemetery property in the hunt. St. John's agreed, and the cemetery property has been part of the organized hunt ever since. It was noted that it is only the cemetery property that does not have grave sites is part of the hunt. Waite questioned the City spending its money to help St. John's Church. The Council indicated that this is not the case, that the Church is allowing this property to be hunted for the benefit of the community. The Administrator noted that the only costs to the City in conducting this hunt are for some insurance coverage and posting of signage during hunts. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -7 -136 — APPROVING THE 2013 DEER CONTROL PLAN AS PRESENTED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. 12