09 CC SEP 1998 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

identified the Gem Lake deer population problem as reported by various land owners and which offered a solution for abatement of the problem. Bohaty stated that his organization has been involved in resolution of similar problems in the City of DeIIwoo d and Town of Grant in past years. Bohaty also noted that all hides from hunts are donated to Hides for Habitat and that all meat taken in kills is used for a fund raiser for Pheasants Forever with unused meat donated to homeless shelters. Bohaty noted that all members of his organization are professionals with multiple tags issued by the MN DNR. He also presented owners approval form for hunting on private property. The Council discussed previous findings presented by the Minnesota DNR regarding deer population assessment, management planning and abatement of overpopulation. The Council recalled that the DNR had identified 2 methods of abatement in the form of bow hunter sharp shooters or trap and kill programs, the latter with a cost associated of $250 or more per animal removed or a total potential cost to the City of $5,000 to $6,000. It was noted that currently the City has no ordinance restricting deer hunting by bow and arrow. Bohaty stated that there are also no County or State ordinances/statutes prohibiting deer hunting by bow and arrow. Bohaty indicated that his organization had done a fly over of Gem Lake last winter which confirmed a deer population of more than 40 animals to which spring births must be added. The City Council acknowledged the problem of the increasing population of deer in the City due to pressure on natural habitat caused by surrounding development and the absence of natural predators and the damage to property being caused by overpopulation. Statements from the MN DNR were also noted that a manageable deer population for Gem Lake is approximately 20 animals. In as much as the City has no ordinances restricting bow and arrow hunting and in recognition of the number of complaints of damage to property by deer in the area, it was suggested that Mr. Bohaty's group contact land owners who have filed complaints to determine their willingness to allow deer hunting on their land. The Clerk noted that a list of landowners who have filed complaints is public information and could be compiled and provided to Bohaty;'s group. Mr. Bohaty requested the list be sent to him at his business address and agreed to keep the City appraised of efforts. The Clerk presented the 1999 Score Grant application from Ramsey County. Motion by Nielsen, Second by Kunin to authorize the Clerk to apply for 1999 Score Grant was unanimously approved. The Clerk then reported on election filings noting that incumbents have filed for reelection. Additional candidates include George Jungmann for City Council and Pamela Docken for Mayor. The Clerk then noted the sale of Tousley Ford and reminded the Council of it's previously stated desire to recognize Tousley Ford's civic contribution. research by the Clerk indicates the City has held meetings in TousIey's facilities for 26 years. Motion by Kunin, Second by Birkebak to adopt Resolution No. 9807 recognizing Tousley Ford's civic contribution was unanimously adopted and is attached hereto as Exhibit "F". Nordstrom presented the Treasurer's Report, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "G", and indicating a balance in the City's General Fund of $58,714.89 and in the City's Sewer Fund of $23,366.68. Motion by Nielsen, second by Kunin to approve the report was unanimously approved. Payment of bills for August totaling $ 17,813.88 and attached hereto as Exhibit "H" was presented. Motion by Nielsen, Second by Kunin to approve payments was carried unanimously. The next meeting of the City Council will be on Monday, 21 September 1998 at 7:00 pm. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm on motion by Birkebak, second by Kunin and unanimous vote. AUTHORED: 12 October 1998 APPROVED: 19 October 1998 ATTEST: Frederic C. Ma son .' City Clerk Paul R. Emeott Mayor file: ininutesl1998198sepm% Page 2 of 2