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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—March 8, 2010 20 7.G. Wild Turkey Control in Urban Areas (continued) Mayor Harpstead asked if the homeowner would pay to have the turkeys removed if the city got the permit from the DNR. Acting City Administrator Iverson the homeowner has researched this particular issue and has talked with the DNR. The homeowner has indicated that they will pay to have turkeys removed. Councilmember Holden asked if the permit would be for a certain number of turkeys. Acting City Administrator Iverson stated Staff has not contacted the DNR directly so she is not able to answer this. The DNR will issue the permit to the City and the homeowner could contract with a registered archery instructor. Councilmember Grant asked when the last contact with the resident was and if the problem still existed. Acting City Administrator Iverson stated this would have been about two weeks ago. Mayor Harpstead stated Council could give direction to staff to explore this and reach an agreement with the resident. Councilmember McClung stated residents should stop feeding the turkeys. The turkeys will stay y where there is food and when residents feed them they do not leave. Councilmember Holmes does not agree with the Council and Staff contracting to have these turkeys killed. Councilmember McClung expressed concerns about moving forward with this because it may lead to other issues residents want the City to resolve such as geese, squirrels or other rodents. Part of the charm of Arden Hills is the wildlife. Councilmember Holden stated having a bird feeder does attract turkeys. In this particular situation the bird feeders have been taken down and the turkeys have not left. She clarified that she does not want to do this but the resident has the right to be able to walk to their car. If this resident is having significant problems then the City should help them. Mayor Harpstead stated a measured response would be to have Staff move forward and if there is a problem they can bring it back to the Council. Ms. Anita Larson, 1173 Karth Lake Drive, Arden Hills, stated she has 21 turkeys in her yard but they don't feed them. Turkeys do not stay in an area without a reason. She stated she would not want the City of Arden Hills to do what Shoreview has done. She believes that this particular resident may need help but since it has been a couple of weeks the problem may have resolved itself.