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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—March 29, 2010 11 8.A. Request for Wild Turkey Control(continued) Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated on February 23, 2010, the City was contacted by Ms. Heiman, at 3635 Snelling Avenue North, regarding concerns with aggressive wild turkeys in her yard that were also causing damage to the landscaping. The resident asked the City to obtain a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to have the turkeys removed. Staff spoke with Ms. Heiman on March 9 and March 22. Ms. Heiman reported that the turkeys were in her yard on both days and that the turkeys were continuing to create a nuisance. She reiterated her request to have the City apply for a permit from the DNR to have the turkeys eliminated. She also extended her offer to pay for the turkey removal. There is no cost for the permit. Another resident at 1398 Arden View Drive also submitted a letter with pictures expressing concern about the increasing number of wild turkeys in Arden Hills, though they did not request the City to remove the turkeys. The turkeys will be difficult to remove at this time because it is spring and it is the start of their mating season and turkeys often disburse once the snow has melted. He also stated that there have been some concerns expressed about coyotes in the City. Councilmember Holden asked if Staff has been to the location to assess the problem in person. She has been by the property and not seen any turkeys. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated he had been by the property on three - occasions and had not noticed any turkeys on the property. Mayor Harpstead stated he has seen these turkeys and they are still in the area. Councilmember Grant stated he saw six turkeys this morning at this location and he has seen them on other occasions. Mayor Harpstead stated these types of requests would come to the Council from time to time. He stated the Council should wait to see if there are any chicks this year and then do something either in the fall or early spring next year if there is a problem. Councilmember McClung stated this is not a new issue and he felt that the only reason this was being brought to the Council at this time was because there had been a similar request in the newspaper for Shoreview. Councilmember Holden stated wildlife is cyclical. She felt that the turkey problem may be at its peak now and will start to lessen. As far as the coyotes, these are shy animals and will run from humans so she did not see a problem with them at this time. Councilmember Grant clarified this particular resident is not bringing this item to the Council because of a newspaper article about a similar situation in Shoreview. The animals can be fun to watch but having twenty or more in your yard could be a problem. Even though it is spring and they may be dispersing the issue will return either in the fall or next spring and it will need to be looked at again because it is an issue.