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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes MINUTES Urban Wildlife Advisory Committee Meeting June 24, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLLCALL The Meeting was called to order at 4:47 P.M. Present: Michael Beeth, Grady Bullington, LorRae Crubaugh, Steve Cummings, Richard Hall, Nikki Hronis, Cecil Streeter, Steve Voss, Wendy Suzuki Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Cummings requested to add the word “not” to page 3, paragraph 9 of the May 24, 2010 minutes, to read: “Mr. Cummings suggested adding skunks to the list. Both his dog and him got sprayed once and it was not nice.” Motion by Hall for approval of the May 24, 2010 minutes, as amended. Seconded by Cummings. Motion carried 8-0. CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS There were no citizen’s statements. BUSINESS 1)Review monthly car accident reports from Police Department Ms. Wendorf reported that the Oshkosh Police Department still was unable to provide updated information in time for tonight’s meeting. She stated as soon as that information was provided, she would update the statistical spreadsheet. 2)Update on quarry owner cooperation with deer management Mr. Maurer reported that he had met with the local management of the Vulcan Quarry and it was a very positive meeting. The quarry representatives are willing to work with the City if all of the legal and liability issues are addressed and taken care of. Mr. Maurer will ask the City Attorney’s office to contact the Vulcan Quarry’s legal counsel to arrange a meeting. The Vulcan Quarry representatives estimate before the recent spring breeding season there were 15-20 deer in the quarry. From what Mr. Maurer could determine, some of the employees of the quarry like to see the deer in the quarry. There is a fine line of management and population. Discussion ensued as to what is the appropriate number of deer that could be maintained within the quarry. Mr. Cummings inquired as to when they expect to abandon the quarry? Urban Wildlife Advisory Committee Minutes Page -2- JUNE 24, 2010 Mr. Maurer stated it could be 7-10 years when the product runs out, but it is difficult to determine. 3)Discuss draft management plan Mr. Maurer stated that the draft management plan is not completed. Ms. Hronis stated that she visited the City of Ripon’s website and could not find anything pertinent. Mr. Streeter inquired about the Menasha quarry and if that quarry had any deer within their boundaries. Mr. Maurer stated he would check into that. 4)Brainstorming ideas for managing geese in parks Ms. Crubaugh stated she brought this brainstorming idea up since last month Ms. Hronis suggested the idea of having prisoners walk dogs and scare the birds. Mr. Maurer stated there are several issues, to-wit: there is a large body of water that the birds will go to the north and reside and then come back in a short period of time – harassment around waterways doesn’t work with the geese. Also, the issue with using prisoners in the parks system is that prisoners need to have a supervisor present. There is also a cost for utilizing prisoners. Ms. Hronis inquired as to South Park. Mr. Maurer stated that South Park might be an area where dogs might be of value as there is limited water there. A question arose as to water quality tests at Menominee Park. Mr. Maurer stated that there is a weekly test done by UW-O. If the count gets 235 or beyond, then a warning or advisory sign is erected. To date, the weekly water tests have not warranted putting up a warning sign. Ms. Suzuki inquired as to how many years has the UW-O faculty checked the water? Mr. Maurer stated he did not know and would have to check into the history. Mr. Maurer stated that the egg oiling and round ups have been very effective. Ms. Suzuki inquired as to how many eggs are oiled? Mr. Maurer stated staff oils all of the eggs that they are able to find. He will forward a complete report to the committee upon completion. Mr. Beeth inquired as to how the City Council knows what this committee is doing? Mr. Maurer stated the City Council representative could give oral reports at the City Council meetings and that the City Council members also receive a copy of the monthly minutes. Mr. Cummings inquired if leashed dogs in the parks would have an effect on the geese population? Mr. Maurer stated he is hesitant to say it would because there are quite a few dogs in the parks presently. Would it help a little? Possibly. 5. Topics for next meeting Mr. Maurer stated that he will attempt to follow up on some of the issues discussed at this meeting. He hopes to attempt to set up a tour at the Vulcan Quarry, continue to work on the management plan and get an update on the geese roundup. He will also try to contact representatives from Ripon and Menasha. Urban Wildlife Advisory Committee Minutes Page -3- JUNE 24, 2010 Mr. Voss inquired as to discussion on funding. Mr. Maurer stated it would be wise to wait on that until the management plan is near completion. Discussion ensued as to the July meeting and it was the consensus of the Committee to not hold a July meeting and that the next meeting date would be August 23, 2010. Mr. Hall stated that Lyme disease is more dangerous this time of the year. Ms. Hronis volunteered to help staff with any research that they require. Mr. Maurer stated that the Parks Operations Manager, Chad Dallman, will be assisting with this committee in the future as well. Mr. Streeter suggested a questionnaire to see what other communities are doing to alleviate their wildlife issues. Mr. Beeth inquired if the airport had a management plan? Mr. Maurer stated he would attempt to check that out. CITIZENS STATEMENTS Lori Neitzen, 1064 West South Park Avenue, stated she has a constant presence of deer in her back yard and requested that her name be added to the possible tour list of Vulcan Quarry. She stated her neighborhood also has a ground hog problem. Ms. Suzuki inquired as to how she feels about the deer in her neighborhood? Ms. Neitzen stated she has lived in her residence for 45 years and has had deer in her neighborhood for over 20 years, but they haven’t been a nuisance until approximately 10 years ago. She would ideally like to see them taken away some where. She recently had two fawns and the mother in her yard constantly and feels they are coming from the Vulcan Quarry. She inquired if it is the Quarry’s responsibility for keeping and maintaining the fence? Mr. Maurer stated it is their responsibility for the fence and noted that is why they do perimeter inspections. Mr. Voss stated if the Vulcan Quarry adds two feet to the fence then they are creating a refuge and the Quarry is not a refuge. Mr. Cummings stated chipmunks are also a nuisance. He stated he spotted some eagles nesting as well. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Hall for adjournment; seconded by Beeth. Motion carried 9– 0. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary