9.A. SR 09-18-2006
City of Elk River
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Section Meeting Date
Staff U dates Se tember 18, 2006
Item Description
Modi S ecial Deer Hunt
Item Number
9.A.
Prepared by
Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by
Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator
Introduction
On September 5, 2006 the City Council voted to authorize a special deer hunt to thin the herds at
Woodland Trail Park, Hillside Park and the waste treatment land on 165th Avenue. This hunt was initiated
at the request of the DNR, which contacted the Police Chief to arrange the hunt. This request was
presented direcdy to the City Council, which approved the hunt.
After reviewing the plans for the hunt on September 13,2006, the Parks and Recreation Commission
voted to recommend to City Council that the hunt in the two city parks be postponed until fall of 2007.
After discussing this recommendation with Police Chief Jeff Beahen, staff is in agreement in requesting
Council authorization to delay the special hunt at Woodland Trails and Hillside Park until 2007.
Discussion
On September 13, 2006 the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the plans for the special hunt in
the two parks. The Commission recognized the need for thinning the herds in these two parks and was
supportive of holding the hunts. There were however, several concerns raised regarding the details and
timing of the hunts. Issues raised were:
. Education: Parks and Recreation Commission members think that there should be more time for
educating the public on the need to thin the herds in city parks. Similar hunts in other cities have
created drawn criticism from members of the public.
· Timing: Elk River High School has multiple cross-country running practices and meets planned
at these sites this fall.
· Permitting Process: The Parks and Recreation Department has received multiple calls from
hunters interested in participating. The Parks and Recreation Commission is interested in making
sure that the permitting process is open and transparent.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
None
Action Requested
Postpone special hunt at Woodland Trails Park and Hillside Park until 2007. The hunt at the land on
165th Avenue would not be affected.
C: \Documents and Settings \ tallard\Local Settings \ Temporary Internet Files \ OLKF\Special Deer Hunt Item.doc
Council Action
Motion by _
Second by _
Vote
Follow Up
C: \Documents and Settings \ tallard\Local Settings \ Temporary Internet Files \ OLKF\Special Deer Hunt Item.doc