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Home My WebLink About1994-01-11 Park Board Packety v � City of Edina EDINA PARK BOARD 6:30 P.M. January 11, 1994 MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM A G E N D A 1. Approval of December 14, 1993, Minutes 2. John Harris Drive - Braemar Park 3. Edina Golf Tournament - Fundraiser for the Edina Foundation 4. Deer Control Program in Edina 5. Aquatic Center A. Opening and Closing Dates B. Bus Schedule 6. M.P.S.A. "Presidents' Award" - Centennial Lakes Park 7. Forestry Report 8. Other NOTE: The Park Board meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461 oe7P tf� J, N�bRarOMI'v • REPORT/RECOMMENDATION To: KEN ROSLAND, MANAGER From: MARCELLA DAEHN, CLERK Date: DECEMBER 16, 1993 Subject: ORDINANCE NO. 1993-12 TO NAME ROADWAY FROM BRAEMAR BOULEVARD TO BRAEMAR CLUBHOUSE "JOHN HARRIS DRIVE" Recommendation: Agenda Item # IV.A Consent ❑ Information Only ❑ Mgr. Recommends ❑ To HRA ❑ To Council Action ❑ Motion Resolution ,❑1 Ordinance ❑ Discussion Adoption of Ordinance No. 1993-12 to name roadway from Braemar Boulevard to Braemar Clubhouse "JOHN HARRIS DRIVE". Info/Background: As directed by Council, Ordinance No. 1993-12 has been drafted which would name the roadway from Braemar Boulevard to the Braemar Clubhouse "JOHN HARRIS DRIVE." Notice of the proposed ordinance was published in the Edina Sun -Current on December 8, 1993, and was posted on December 3, 1993. A copy of the notice was mailed to the Normandale Post Office at 5108 W. 74th Street, the Edina Post Office at 3948 1/2 Street and the Main Post Office, Minneapolis. In contacting the Postmaster at the Normandale Branch (who handles the mail for the Braemar Clubhouse) there is no objection to using the address of 6364 John Harris Drive, Edina MN 55439 for the Braemar Clubhouse. Two written objections have been received to date and are attached. If adopted by Council as drafted, staff would recommend waiving Second Reading so that the ordinance can be published prior to January 1, 1994 when the ordinance would be in effect. ORDINANCE NO. 1993-12 STREET NAME ORDINANCE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS: Section 1. The roadway from Braemar Boulevard to the Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse is hereby named "John Harris Drive". Section. 2 Following publication, the effective date of this Ordinance shall be January 1, 1994. First Reading: Second Reading: Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk CITY OF EDINA 4801 TEST 50TH STREET EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1993-12 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Edina, Minnesota will meet on Monday, December 20, 1993, in the Council Chambers at 4801 West 50th Street to consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 1993-12. If adopted, this Ordinance would name the roadway from Braemar Boulevard to the Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse "John Harris Drive" and the address for the Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse would then become 6364 John Harris Drive, Edina, MN 55439. It is proposed that this ordinance would be effective as of January 1, 1994. No other properties would be affected by this ordinance. All comments and recommendations will be heard by the Council at the public hearing. Written comments may be submitted on or prior to December 20, 1994. • BY ORDER OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL. Marcella M. Daehn City Clerk (� � ��,,Q-�-'� � �� .:� ��;�.e. i'-�-��-'--�.�� .� � �. � .� .� �� z�� wt.�wL�G� r o—,-.� �, �� cam— � .,-�-�".�� Q ..�`�'-..� ;�% / ' "t �'� ��, _ � '� �� f �_ ��`'�-''—�v`�� c� ., -�� n �,y�.��,C�(j-- ��C.��.�L�cJ�—Q-- � �,� ��i-� �tiL"-Z't�CJ--�L .-y.— �� u-- � �f � �( 1 .�'�--� . t- FROM ADRAMS AND SPECTOR 12.15.1995 12:07 P. 1 RICHARD B. ABRAMS SUITE 800 • 6600 FRANCE AVFNUE SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55435 December 15, 1993 Mayor Fred Richards Via Fax: 927-7645 C/o city Hall 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424-1394 Ret Deer Ordinance and Braamar Boulevard name change My wife and I would be in favor of eliminating A.0 the deer in Edina. They eat our flowers, ruin our trees,, and in general constitute a nuisance. Reducing the hard is appropriate but elimination of the herd would be better as far as we are concerned. The Braemar golf facility is used by large numbers of citizens from outside as well as inside our city. To change the name of the road leading to the Clubhouse to John Harris Drive would in my opinion be confusing to those who are not familiar with the location of the Clubhouse. Certainly Mr. Harris' golfing ability is to be commended but I would think the City could find other ways to honor him. Sinaexoly yours, � I Richard B. Abrams o e Z City of Edina, Minnesota f �° OFFICE FI E OF THE CITY CLERK 4801 West 50th Street • Edina, Minnesota 55424 • (612) 927-8861 RANSNI iTTAL X. DATE: 12/2/93 TO: Meridel Hedblom Edina Sun—Current FROM: Marcella Daehn RE: Official Publication ITEM(S): NO. DESCRIPTION 1 Notice of Hearing — Adoption of Ordinance No. 1993-12 PURPOSE: As you requested For your information For your approval REMARKS: 2 pages including cover Review and return Reply to sender Other (see remarks) 40 THE EDINA cuu CuAAricssult-) A .Proposal for a New Fundraiser for THE EDINA FOUNDATION TO TfID MAYOR AND MEMBERS o @ m OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL •`�• CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE EDINA PARK BOARD • OF EDINA COUNTRY r BOARD OF Dm •.. PRESIDENT AND MEAMERS /� OF THE INTERLACHEN COUNTRY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS \/ TUE FDINA CUD CfAAtDICNSUID Purpose and General Considerations Seeking to establish a highly productive fundraiser to build its endowment and support its philanthropic goals, City Manager Ken Rosland proposed that THE EDINA FOUNDATION Board explore the creation of a golf tournament. Capturing the Board's interest, Mr. Rosland formed an advisory committee to discuss and refine the proposal. This committee, whose members include Dick Blooston, Danny Boss, John Dovolis, Paul Faust, Joe Greupner, John Harris, David Hays, Bill Kidd, Doug King, Marty Lass, Bill Lord and John Valliere, met several times and identified the following general considerations: 1. The proposed tournament would have two primary purposes as follows: a. to provide a quality golf tournament for Edina golf club members and residents b. to raise money for THE EDINA FOUNDATION 2. To attract as many local golfers as possible, the tournament would take place on Edina's three regulation size courses, Braemar, Edina and Interlachen. 3. Approvals would be sought from the governing bodies of each facility. 4. While viable, the tournament would be held annually with proceeds going to THE EDINA FOUNDATION. 5. The tournament would be held in late August or early September when summer demands on the courses have subsided. 6. An operational board, made up of Edina Foundation Board members, the golf pros from each course and others appointed by the courses' governing bodies, would be formed to look after the tournament's ongoing administration. 7. To be eligible, a person would have a USGA handicap and be one or more of the following: • City of Edina resident • Braemar Patron cardholder • Edina Country Club member • Interlachen Country Club member 8. There would be two tournament events, Sunday evening hors d'oeuvres and Monday evening hors d'oeuvres and awards ceremony. 9. Registration forms would be sent out early and have an early deadline to allow timely team formation, tee -time assignments and dissemination of instructions. October 26, 1993 1 of 5 C .7 THE EDINA CUD CItAAtP1CNSHID About THE EDINA FOUNDATION Founded in 1977, THE EDINA FOUNDATION is a nonprofit orga- nization operated jointly by the Edina City Council and the Edina School Board. Its purpose is to provide a way for people to make tax deductible donations and bequests of money and prop- erty to Edina as a community. Foundation funds are dispersed exclusively for the welfare and benefit of the community and school district where funds are not otherwise available. To date, Foundation funds have primarily come from fundraising benefits, individuals, businesses, and oth- er foundations and organiza- tions. THE EDINA FOUNDATION Board has set an endowment goal of $250,000 to ensure its continued ability to respond to community and educational needs. October 26, 1993 Projects Funded by THE EDINA FOUNDATION SADD ............. $ 800 Teen Center ......... 1,800 "Everybody's Business Course, .......... 3,300 Computer/Room for Civic Organizations ...... 6,500 LIFE PACK V lifesaving equip- ment for Edina City Ambulance ........ 6,500 Computer Program for Elementary Schools . 8,000 Art Center .......... 11,000 Community Center ... 31,000 Historical Society ..... 4,000 ABC House Roof Security System .... 1,500 Sousa Band Uniforms .. 5,000 Storefront/Youth Action Phone System ..... 5,000 Woodworking Shop .... 4,000 Youth Development Books ............ 1,750 Edina Chorale ........ 2,000 Opportunity Workshop . 1,000 Year of the Family .... 1,000 Performing Arts Center .. 600 'Unlocking Your Potential' .......... 500 THE SECOND CENTURY . 5,000 Paramedic Training .... 2,250 Senior Citizen Van ... 25,000 AR Weather Track .... 7,500 Computer Room Junior High ....... 6,500 THE EDINA FOUNDATION Funding Criteria • The project should be in a area of high priority for the School District, the City, and/or community. • The project, which may be small and serve a limited population, should be of ulti- mate benefit to the entire School District, City, and/or community. • Proposed projects will be judged on the basis of the problem addressed: i.e., a potential money saver, more than a few people will be af- fected, and the need is imme- diate. • Some projects may continue over several years, but this shall not mean that the Foun- dation will necessarily fund such a project over each of its years. • A project that requires one- time funding will be given preference over a project that requires continuous funding. • Preference will be given to a request for a capital item as opposed to a operating ex- pense. • The applicant must indicate what reasonable efforts have been made to secure other funding. • Any project involving joint School and City activities will receive a high priority. • A project which would result in savings of tax money will be given high priority. 2of5 THE EDINA CUD Ct1AMDICNSHIP Financial Analysis and Assumptions The attached analysis predicts a net income of $31,584 produced from $69,400 in total receipts and $37,816 in expenses. These results are based on the following assump- tions: 1. 256 participants would pay $240 each in entrance fees. Raffle and prize drawing income is expected to be $10 per player. 2. To achieve income in addition to entrance fees, the Foundation would be able to sell sponsorships for the courses' holes. It is assumed that sponsorships would be sold for all 54 holes at $100 per hole. 3. The Edina Foundation would be the key sponsor and provide start-up funds until registration income is received. 4. The Foundation would provide volunteers to staff the tournament. 5. To insure smooth, professionally managed operations, Bill Kidd, Interlachen's retiring golf pro, would be hired as tournament Executive Director. A $4,000 stipend for his services is included in the analysis. 6. Box lunches would be provided when players rotate courses and partners for Monday afternoon play. 7. A substantial portion of entrance and sponsorship fees would be tax deductible. 8. Course income would continue during the tournament, primarily from three sources as follows: a. Food and beverage service for tournament events b. Food and beverage service for players and observers between tournament events c. Golf car rentals (Cars would be provided to all twosomes.) October 26, 1993 3 of 5 THE ELI?" Cup CRIA"VICNStilp Financial Analysis Updated - 26 -Oct -93 Edina Cup Championships Quantity Rate x (Particip.) Income: Total Registrations 256 61,440 Drawings 256 2.560 Potential Hole Sponsorships 541 5,4001 Total Income Expenses: Golf Carts Food: Box Lunch Sat Eve. Hors d'oeurves Mon. Eve. Hors d'oeurves Executive Director Tee Prizes Championship Awards Drawing Costs 7 Pro Shop Expenses Secretarial Promotion Printing Total Expenses Net Income October 26, 1993 $31,584 4of5 THE EDINA CUD CHAMDICNSHID Mode of Play 1. The tournament would consist of 54 holes -18 to be played on Sunday at Braemar Golf Course and 36 on Monday at Interlachen and Edina. 2. The tournament would initially consist of up to 256 players, each of whom would play at all three courses. 3. Participants would be organized into mens' and womens' divisions on four -member teams. 4. Each player would rotate among team partners and courses, playing each round at a different course. 5. Only best ball's of each twosome would count in team totals for the 108 holes played by each team. 6. Tournament winners will have the lowest total score of the combined team two- somes. 7. Players would be immediately advised of tournament standings at the conclusion of each round by a high-speed computerized play tracking system. October 26, 1993 5 of 5 • PROPOSED DEER POPULATION MANAGEMENT PLAN BACKGROUND The City Council has discussed the concept of deer population control on several occasions during the past five years. In 1988, representatives of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Hennepin Parks discussed deer population dynamics and movements with the City Council. These representatives noted that Edina's deer population is part of a larger herd which occupies Bloomington and Eden Prairie. They noted that population reduction efforts in Edina alone would probably be unsuccessful due to deer immigration for the other cities. In the winter of 1991-1992, the City of Bloomington, Hennepin Parks, the DNR, and the Fish and Wildlife Service initiated a deer control program within Bloomington. In 1991- 1992. 335 deer were killed by sharpshooters and sport hunters. In the winter of 1992-1993, 369 deer were killed. For this coming winter, a goal of 370 deer kills has been established. In future vears, lower numbers of deer kills will be required in order to maintain a deer population density of approximately 22 deer per square mile of habitat. • The Citv of Eden Prairie has established a committee for the purpose of recommending population control alternatives to the City Council. At present, the Committee has not completed its work. Due to Bloomington's program and Eden Prairie's possible program. a control program in Edina may now be more feasible. On September 20, 1993, the Edina City Council received the results of a survey concerning Edina's deer population that was included in the Spring issue of About Town. On October 4. 1993, the City Council directed staff to prepare a report and recommendation concerning deer population management in Edina. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION White-tailed deer are the most abundant and best-known large herbivore in the United States. Deer are extremely adaptable for co -existence with the human population and enjoy a high -rate of reproductive success even within major metropolitan areas. Edina's deer herd has increased significantly during the past 10 years. Winter aerial surveys flown by Hennepin Parks show the deer population in the Braemar Park area increased from six animals in 1984 to 52 animals in 1993. Hennepin Parks reported similar increases in neighboring cities. Increases in Edina's deer population coupled with the development of remaining lands have led to more and more contacts between deer and residents. Many of these encounters are welcomed by residents. However, as the deer and human populations have 1 Y grown, more and more of the encounters have become unwelcome. The following concerns have been expressed by residents: o Public Health Issues - Especially Lyme Disease o Plant/Landscaping Damage o Traffic Safety and Personal Safety A. Public Health/Lyme Disease Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria which can be carried by deer ticks. The disease is not usually fatal but can cause a variety of symptoms including fever, chills, headache, dizziness, muscle aches, joint pain and chronic fatigue. The disease also affects the cardiac and nervous system and can lead to arthritic conditions and/or heart arrhythmia. Early diagnosis of the disease aids in successful treatment using antibiotics. The deer tick is carried by a variety of warm blooded animals. Not only white- tailed deer but also mice, birds, woodchucks, dogs, cattle, and other animals are hosts for the deer tick. It is now believed that the adult deer tick will feed on a larger host such as a dog or deer before dropping off and laying eggs on the ground. The nymph stage is believed to feed on smaller animals such as rodents and birds. The nymph stage of the tick is very small, about the size of a pin head and is extremely difficult to detect. Birds may play a major role in dissemination of the deer tick. The mere presence of deer ticks in the environment does not mean the risk for Lyme disease is present. The tick must harbor the bacteria which cause Lyme disease and not all ticks have the bacteria. Some areas of the country have a very low incidence of the bacteria in the ticks (less than 10%) and other areas have as high as 90% of the ticks positive for the bacteria. The Minnesota Department of Health has conducted investigations of Lyme disease since 1982. During 1991 and 1992, 161 cases of Lyme disease were reported in the Twin Cities area. Only 22% of these cases had likely exposure within the metro area and most of these exposures occurred in Anoka and Washington counties which adjoin those portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin with the major concentration of Lyme disease harboring ticks. The results of the Department of Health surveillance confirm that the risk for acquiring Lyme disease in most of the metro area is less than one per 100,000 population annually. The risk is particularly low in the southern and western suburbs. Although Lyme disease must be continually studied, based upon the above data, the control of Edina's deer population as a Lyme disease preventative is not warranted. Some residents have expressed concern regarding excessive feces produced by deer. Although this may present an occasional nuisance, no significant public health risks are associated with deer feces. B. Plant and Landscape Damage Deer predation of landscaping, especially ornamentals, is the most commonly received complaint with respect to deer. Although deer are not the only wildlife species contributing to such damage, they probably are responsible for most large scale predation. City staff provides written materials as well as a video to interested residents who wish to discourage predation. Preventative techniques such as fencing and repellents have been shown to be effective in reducing damage. However, these techniques, especially the use of repellents, require a serious commitment by affected residents. Normal residential fencing is not effective as a deterrent unless it is very tall. Other fence designs or electric fencing may be effective but might not be compatible with uses of adjacent properties. Some repellents are effective in reducing predation. However, constant vigilance is necessary to maintain effectiveness. Repellents must be reapplied periodically based upon weather conditions and the growth rate of vegetation. Given the cost, repellents are most effective for relatively small landscaped areas. If the City's deer population is reduced, will predation of landscaping be eliminated? Probably not, although the frequency and magnitude of predation should be reduced. Even if the City were to attempt to eliminate all deer from Edina, it is virtually impossible to effect this level of control. Therefore, even with an aggressive population control program, some predation will continue. Residents living in high deer population areas are best advised to design or modifv landscape areas to reduce the potential for predation. For its part, the City should make known to residents any advancements or improvements in fencing and repellent technology. C. Traffic Safety and Personal Safety Automobile/deer collisions are an on-going concern and the risk of such collisions increases as deer populations and traffic volumes increase. The area of greatest concern is Highway 169 and the Crosstown Highway west of Highwav 100 where the speed and volume of traffic contributes to more serious deer collisions, or collisions with other vehicles while drivers attempt to avoid deer. Although collisions also occur on City streets, the speed of vehicles in such settings reduces the chance of serious injury. Significant vehicle damage, however, can occur at even reduced speeds. Some residents have reported that deer have become extremely tame and no Ionizer flee at the sight of people. Some residents are concerned that such 3 deer may become hostile and present a risk to personal safety. Although deer may occasionally startle a homeowner, reports of attacks by wild deer are almost non-existent. (Attacks by captive deer seem more common.) POPULATION GROWTH AND CARRYING CAPACITY Deer are very successful reproducers. A mature doe typically produces twins annually and may produce triplets. The University of Minnesota reports an average of 1.33 fetuses per mature doe in a study of North Oaks, Minnesota. In the absence of natural predators and sport hunting, and with proper habitat, an area's deer population can increase rapidly. Hyland Park Reserve's population was estimated to have doubled in seven years immediately preceding commencement of a control program. The North Oaks population increased from 240 deer in 1976 to about 800 deer in 1993 even though population control programs were implemented in seven of those years. Deer populations eventually reach an upper limit based on the quality and amount of food sources as well as the availability of winter habitat. The upper limit at which deer remain in good physical condition is referred to as the Biological Carrying Capacity. As the Carrying Capacity is exceeded, the physical condition of the population and its habitat deteriorate. Although biological carrying capacity provides a proper measure of deer population and habitat health, it may not be an appropriate measure of deer populations in urban areas. As such, some have suggested the term "Cultural Carrying Capacity" as a better standard for urban areas. Cultural Carrying Capacity, or the maximum number of deer that can co -exist compatibly with local human populations, is a function of the sensitivity of people to the presence of deer. Cultural Carrying Capacity is understandably much more difficult to measure than Biological Carrying Capacity in that different individuals have different sensitivities to the deer population. RECOMMENDED POPULATION OBJECTIVES The Minnesota DNR recommended to the Minnesota River Valley Deer Management Task Force a deer population density goal of 15 - 25 animals per square mile of habitat. The Cities of Bloomington and North Oaks have established population goals of 15 - 25 deer per square mile of habitat. Based upon the experience of the DNR and other cities practicing deer management programs, staff believes that a goal of 15 - 25 per square mile of habitat is reasonable for Edina. For purposes of establishing population objectives, we have attempted to identify deer habitat within Edina. Habitat comprises adequate food, water, protective cover, and living space in a suitable arrangement to promote a healthy population. For population purposes, we believe that only those lands set aside as parks or open space, or large tracts of undeveloped private land should constitute deer habitat. Although deer roam widely and 4 utilize manv areas such as residential lots, we believe that such areas do not provide all of the necessary components of deer habitat and, therefore, should not be relied upon for population purposes. Similarly, not all parks or open space land should be viewed as deer habitat. This is especially true of land lying east of Highway 100 which is isolated from the primary habitat afforded by the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Braemar Park. In our opinion. that portion of Edina lying east of Highway 100 is highly urbanized and not well suited to support a deer population. Therefore, no habitat has been delineated in this area. The attached map illustrates Edina deer habitat. The area of this habitat is approximately 1250 acres or two square miles. Based upon a recommended density of 15 - 25 deer per square mile, this habitat is capable of supporting 30 - 50 deer. Based upon the 1992 and 1993 aerial population surveys, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimates that our Spring 1993 deer population was approximately 100 animals. The DNR has developed a model which is used to predict population growth. (See attached letter from John Parker, Area Wildlife Manager.) Based upon this model. the Edina deer population is projected to grow to 130 - 140 animals by Spring 1994. It should be noted, however, that the model would have predicted a similar increase in the population from 1992 to 1993. The aerial survey, however, indicates that the population remained stable during this time. This stability could be due to a number of reasons including: 1) higher mortality (e.g. deer/vehicle collisions), 2) deer movement out of the Sarea, and/or 3) imprecise aerial surveys. Even if Edina's deer population has reached an upper limit of 100 animals due to high annual mortality, this population is approximately double what should be supported by our habitat. In order to restore a better balance between the deer population and habitat, the DNR estimates that 60 - 80 deer may have to be removed each year for two to three years in order to reach a density of 15 - 25 deer per square mile of habitat. Given the uncertainty conceming the current growth rate of our deer population, a more conservative removal rate during the first year of a program is warranted. The DNR recommends, however, that no fewer than 50 animals should be removed in the first year to effect a population reduction. The population dynamics and removal recommendations could then be re-evaluated after the 1994 aerial survey. DEER POPULATION REDUCTION ALTERNATIVES Population reduction can be accomplished in a variety of ways: o Regulated Hunting o Trapping and transferring deer to other locations o Trapping and Killing o Sharpshooters o Birth Control o Allow nature to take its course 5 o Re -introduce Predators Some of these alternatives are probably not feasible for Edina's situation. Regulated hunting is clearly the most economical and effective method, but it simply is not feasible given our level of development. Likewise, the re -introduction of natural predators such as timber wolves or mountain lions is not possible in our area. Other techniques deserve individual discussion. A. Trapping and Transferring to Other Locations Trapping and translocating deer is often viewed as our acceptable alternative to control programs such as hunting or sharpshooting. However, a recent studv of a translocation program in Wisconsin concludes that translocation is difficult to justify as a humane alternative to other methods. Of the 12 translocated deer in the Wisconsin study that were equipped with radio- telemetry collars. 10 were dead within 231 days of relocation. Although relocation may be viable for reducing Edina's deer population, one should not assume that translocated deer live idealized lives in other locations. Translocated deer may also simply contribute to an overpopulation in their new locations. The DNR believes that deer are at their biological carrying capacity in all parts of Minnesota except the extreme northeasterly portion of the state. Therefore, there is virtually nowhere to which deer could be relocated that would contribute to the overall well-being of the population. B. Birth Control Birth control for deer may be a viable solution in the future. However, birth control is not currently available for free roaming populations. Although some contraceptives may be effective, none have been developed for deer population control. C. Allow Nature to Take Its Course In the absence of a population control program, the deer population will eventually reach the upper limit sustainable by Edina's habitat. It is difficult to predict what this upper limit will be or what will happen when it's reached. It is known that at such levels, populations are prone to disease or starvation and a general diminution of population health. Prior to reaching this point, it is likely that complaints concerning predation of plants will increase markedly as will deertvehicular collisions. D. Sharpshooting Sharpshooting has been used within the City of Bloomington since 1991. Sharpshooting has been conducted by law enforcement officers who attended training sessions prior to the start of the program. During the winter of 1992- 1993, sharpshooters killed 319 deer in Bloomington. The cost of . 0 sharpshooting in 1991-1992 averaged $68.23 per deer although the DNR estimates a total cost including disposal of carcasses to exceed $100/deer. Carcasses are turned over to the DNR which distribute meat to food shelves and other organizations. Sharpshooting is an effective method of population control in areas where hunting is not feasible. Safety is a primary consideration. In Edina, we believe sharpshooting over baited locations would be feasible within parts of Braemar Park. Other locations in Edina may be too intensely developed to sharpshoot due to safety considerations. These locations would have to be researched more carefully prior to sharpshooting. D. Trap and Kill The University of Minnesota oversees deer population control efforts in North Oaks. Live traps were utilized on 32 sites in North Oaks in the winter of 1992-1993. A total of 171 deer were captured using this technique. Deer were destroved following capture. The cost per deer was S131.00. Trapping and killing deer appears to be an effective method of population control, especially in a fully-deveioped area. However, it may not be as effective as sharpshooting and is clearly more expensive. The University has recommended that the North Oaks trapping program be augmented with sharpshooting in that sufficient numbers of deer cannot be eliminated through trapping alone to achieve population goals. CONCLUSIONS Based upon our review of the population data, the public opinion survey, review of the literature, discussions with wildlife managers, and discussions with representatives of other cities, staff concludes the following: o Edina's deer population is part of a larger heard which populates principally Bloomington and Eden Prairie. o The deer population in Edina is increasing relatively rapidly and appears to have exceeded the population density standards used by the DNR and other cities. It is impossible to predict if and when the deer population will reach levels which will result in severe deterioration of the health of the population. o The deer population in parts of Edina may have exceeded the cultural carrying capacity based upon the responses to our public opinion survey. However, residents have differing opinions as to the desirability of deer in their neighborhoods and methods which should be used for deer population control. 7 o Staff estimates approximately two square miles of suitable habitat in Edina. Based upon a population density of 15 - 25 deer per square mile, 30 - 50 deer can be supported by our habitat. Our current deer population based upon the 1993 aerial survey is approximately 100 animals. Based upon the potential growth rate of the population, a significant nun:r of animals have to be removed over the course of two to three years if the City wishes to reduce the population to a level more commensurate with its habitat. o Unfortunately, techniques for reducing deer populations without killing individual animals are not currently available. The most feasible techniques for deer population reduction are the removal of a predetermined number of animals by trained sharpshooters or live trapping animals and destroying them humanely. o Staff believes that trained sharp shooters could be employed in a safe manner in the westerly portion of Braemar Park during the winter months. (The City alreadv maintains a gun range in this area.) No other areas of the City appear to be feasible for sharp shooting due to the proximity of the human population. In such areas, trapping followed by killing of animals may be feasible. The most likely locations for a trapping program would be Bredesen Park, Van Valkenburg Park, and Todd Park. RECOMMENDATIONS Based upon our investigations, we recommend the following: o The Council should authorize a three year program with an objective of reducing Edina's deer population to 40 - 50 animals. If the program is authorized to start this winter, an initial goal of removing 50 animals should be established. Staff notes that it may be very difficult to reach this initial goal due to a late start for the program. (As the winter progresses, it will be increasingly difficult to attract deer to baited sites for sharpshooting or trapping.) As an alternative, the program could commence next winter with revised removal objectives based upon the 1994 aerial survey. If the Council authorizes a three year program, staff would proceed to develop specific sharpshooting and/or trapping strategies for implementation. o Staff recommends passage of an ordinance amendment prohibiting the artificial feeding of deer. Although feeding probably has little effect on the health or population level of the deer herd, it may attract deer into residential areas where they may then prey on landscaping or become more susceptible to vehicular mishaps. o The City and State should devise a better system of documenting vehicular 9 accidents involving deer. It is possible that many accidents occurring on the Crosstown. Highway 100 and Highway 169 may not be reported to us. This information is necessary to evaluate the relationship between our deer population and the risk of vehicular accidents. o The City should continue to cooperate with Hennepin Parks and other jurisdictions in the annual aerial survey of the deer population. This information is essential to measure the dynamics of the deer population and effects of population control efforts. o The ideal deer population for Edina is more a function of the cultural carrying capacity than its biological carrying capacity. As such, we must improve our methods of recording complaints/concerns that are received at City Hall regarding deer. As with the annual aerial survey, this would provide a method of measuring the effects of changes in the deer population. December 1993 G] ,612; 772-7981 12/02/93 ?iie : GaL:.TTM..: tr Area wildlife Office `Metro Region eaacuarters 1-200 Warner Road Saint ?au- AN 55106 Gordon 3dina Assistant City Manager 4801 w 50t:^_ S :feet _d-; na MN .:-5424 Dear :'= . =..g:^es . At your reauest, 1 zave examined Zdina's aerial deer from 1-992 and :993. .ave used ...is data in our deer ,:ode_ :o cet a ro c : _ :a_cat_cn o_ :.nu numoer or ::eer nave 7o ce re::over- ;_ =e aec,des Rat :owu_ati,.n needed. survey data poau-ation wnicn would Control is estimated z ne cre-fawn 1993 ! April -:lav) o_ oguiatior. to be 100. ._.is is oasec on survev counts of 95 in1-992and 84 in 1-993. e s e counts seer.: zo � naicate a stable popu-ation. Our model would predict an increasing pope-ation. Starting wit-'-- a poouiation o: 1-00, and assuming re,ati-.e,y low reproduction, a nonu;ation of 100 in -993 mould grow zo aDout 1-30 zo _40 oy Apr-- 1994. -he staoii_ty could be due ^o "-4gner pan expected mortai;ty (aeer- venic-e col=isions) , aeer movement out of t::e area, or imprecision in t ne survey. You :_ave _dentifiea _:ie potentia, aeer ao.tat is 3dina to consist of aoout 2 scuare r.:1 --es. --*--.e zi)opuiation density would be at Least 0 der square ::_-e of ::aorta t . = would consider ...is to oe a nig. dens,ty ana = wou-d expect mroo,ei:s suc : as damage to commercial, =esidentia-, ana nat::ra- egetation, ana .ign fates or venicie col-isicn s. .he :::Z and :S is:^ s: wiidiife Service :zave estao--sned a deer popu,aticn density goal of 1-5 to 25 deer per scuare __a _n t ne = ort S :e,1-_ ng State -ar:. °:innesota Valiey Reruge a_ea. �..L_ EMOVAL. _ode_-_rg = esuits _ndicate ::at our popuiatlon coins ce _eauced -:o aoou. -0 tc 50 cy re:rov_ng =00 deer t.,1 -4s wi nter. :der a -ow reoroauct,on assu:::t,o n, a removal or 50 seer per ear t_=. '.wo years wou-d reauce _ _e _era to 60 to 70. :.finder a normal remroauction assumption, znis -eve: of removal svou_d lead to .o c-a_^_ge _._ -ne oopu_a__cn cr e:•en a s"ant t =^crease. you decide :o remove aeer, - wouia reca m.m.e_na z :at you star-, with no fewer .r_an 50 per year. Ac -,,.:.a' _v, 30 to 00 per ,•ear wo " probably resu- : in a graaua- decrease - a c :ante rrom: 50 - 60 mer square zo - 25 deer jer square ...__e I 2 tc _; years. -nese goals s:Iouia oe set anter an aerial survey t pis ;anuary. =hey snouid be .noduled oased on sucsecuent aerial surveys. =wo or -ore surveys a es ?age - :2!02. G., ,:av eve:, :;e made -,:,.e same year uur . g cont_o_ .o caec` on rccress. cr �� "o some more mode -L-- g �e�ore .:e cou nci� eeting. 2 wi;� .;e a:a_sss_s: tir_.__ Coa_-=e-:.._ng I o Ur cec_s_cn is ,c contrc; deer. .__ncere_ :'a nacer =.ocer ..._nson i REFERENCES The following sources were used as a basis for this report and recommendations: 1. Mark R. Ellingwood and Suzanne L. Caturano, An Evaluation of Deer Management Options. 1988. 2. Jay B. McAninch and Jon M. Parker, Urban Deer Management Programs: A Facilitated Approach. Transactions of the Fifty-sixth North American and Natural Resources Conference. 1991. 3. Jay B. McAninch. Contraception in White -Tailed Deer, Status of Current Actim"ities. Minnesota D.N.R. Memo, March 10, 1993. 4. Greg Ingraham. 1993-94 Program Summary and Deer Control Results 1991- 93 City of Bloomington Memo. August 12, 1993. S. City of Edina, Deer Survey Results. September, 1993. It 6. Peter A. Jordan, Ronald A. Moen, and Dale L. Krueger. Management of a Suburban Deer Population in the Citv of North Oaks, Minnesota. Memo. May 23, 1993. 7. Beverly K. Bryant and William Ishmael. Movement and Mortality Patterns of Resident and Translocated Suburban White -Tailed Deer. Wildlife Conservation in Metropoiitan Environments. 1991. S. Excerpt From Disease Control Newsletter. Minnesota Department of Health. June, 1993. ORDINANCE NO. 1993-14 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1000 OF THE CITY CODE TO PROHIBIT THE INTENTIONAL FEEDING OF DEER THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDINA ORDAINS: Section 1. The City Code is hereby amended to provide a new subsection 1000.12 as follows: "1000.12. Intentional Feeding of Deer. Subd. 1. Feeding Prohibited. No person shall feed deer within the City. For purposes of this subdivision, feeding shall mean the provision of one half cubic foot or more of grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay or other edible material either on the ground or at a height of less than five feet above the ground, in a manner that attracts deer. Living food sources such as trees and other live vegetation shall not be considered as deer feeding. Subd. 2. Exception. The provisions of Subd. 1 of this subsection shall not apply to the employees or agents of the City, the County, the State, the Federal government or veterinarians who in the course of their official duties have deer in their custody or under their management." Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon passage and publication. First Reading: December 20, 1993 Second Reading: January 3, 1994 Published in the Edina Sun -Current on: January 12, 1994 ATTEST: t City Clerk Mayor Mary Stanton 5152 Danens Drive Edina, Mn 55439 November 10, 1993 Mayor Fred Richards Edina City Hall 4801 E. 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 Dear Mayor Fred Richards, Please note the enclosed petition requesting that the Edina pool extend its season through Labor Day. I collected all these signatures during a very short time and encountered only one person who chose not to sign because she is sympathetic to your difficulty staffing after the middle of August. Please consider the wishes of the taxpayer, citizens and voters who live in Edina. We would like our children to have some activities to occupy them in the summer, especially during the month of August and the month of September before school begins. This is a critical time during the long summer because the park program ends at the end of July, and the youth begin to get especially restless because they have had two months of vacation. We would really appreciate your consideration of creative ways to extend the season, not in the front when school is still in session, and if anything, the youth have many end -of -year activities to keep them busy. There is not the need for activities to fill their time in May. There are many alternatives to staffing shortages an financial needs that could be tried out the last three weeks of a season that extended through Labor Day. Please listen to and consider the wishes and concerns or the voters, tax payers, and families who use the pool and experiment with extending the season at the end instead of the beginning like you did during the summer of 1993. Sincerely, *& ti � OM Mary Stanton August 1993 To the Mayor of Edina, the Edina City Council, and the Edina Park and Recreation Board We, the tax payers and residents of Edina, would like the Edina pool to remain open through Labor Day in future years because this would be a more efficient use of OUR tax money and because the youth of Edina have no other park and recreation activities to keep them busy before school begins. Furthermore, keeping the pool open through Labor Day could bring in a lot of revenue from non- seasonpass holders as the weather can be very hot. NAME ADDRESS 6L4/WX :5 rf I# S C/Vo' CL 5 W v� u Gomer o-� � or C ,may �� ► <FA'A z.� ct� ko J -5p ce) c,3 (Br�ndanEVJ�� i� �'e�� G. /) S ca P/0 72),2 c�v� S Au- 5a0 q chv-lxw(- Ax- &-(; A ►j p M $ A December 14, 1993 MINNESOTA PARK SUPERVISORS Mayor Fredrick Richards City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 Dear Mayor Fredrick Richards: ASSOCIATION The members of the Minnesota Park Supervisors Association (MPSA), had the wonderful opportunity to visit and tour the Centennial Lakes Park facility this past year. The park is truly unique and beautiful. Our Association presents a Presidents' Award, once a year, to a city in recognition of outstanding work in the Park and Recreation Profession. On December 8, 1993, it was our pleasure to present the City of Edina with the "Presidents' Award" for your outstanding contribution of the Development of Centennial Lakes Park. Our thanks go to Vince Cockriel who accepted the Presidents' Award on behalf of the City of Edina. Also, a special thank you to the people of the City of Edina for their support of the Park and Recreation Profession. Sincerely, Roger Kapsch President, MPSA 1993 YEAR-END SHADE TREE PROGRAM REPORT December 13, 1993 TO: Bob Koj etin, Director In 1993 there were a total of 323 diseased Elm trees marked for removal on public and private property in Edina. There were 90 Elms marked on Citv streets. They have all been removed. All necessary stump grinding and restoration has also been completed except for five stumps from trees removed late. These will be chipped out in the spring. There were 11 diseased Elms marked on city property other than boulevards. These trees have all been removed by the tree crew. There were 222 diseased Elms marked on private property. Of these, 176 were considered high risk for spreading Dutch Elm Disease. Removal orders were issued for removal of these trees within three weeks. The remainder 46 Elms were considered low-risk and orders were issued to have these trees removed by March 1, 1994. Later this winter I will re -inspect these sites to assure that they are removed by the residents before they are infectious again next spring. The residents of Edina are very good at removing their diseased Elms as soon as possible after they are notified. Dutch Elm disease has been around long enough, I'm sure, that the residents are well aware of the infectious nature of this disease and the importance of prompt sanitation to preserve the remaining Elms. The total number of Elms marked this year was down from last year. Reports from other cities in the metro area also indicated a decrease in Dutch Elm disease this year. At the time of this report, the city has paid a total of $30,894 to Precision Landscaping, our current tree removal contractor. This total was for boulevard tree removals and stump grinding. I estimate there is an additional $3,000 worth of work to be billed by them. This would bring the yearly total to approximately $34,000. Last year's expenditures to the contractor was $30,041.77. According to my calculations, the total number of elms remaining on city boulevards is 1950. In coming years, I do not foresee any drastic increase in yearly expenditures for tree removals from city boulevards. As long as good, prompt, sanitation methods are continued, the incidence of Dutch Elm disease will remain predictable and manageable. The following information is a compilation of tree work done by the city's tree crew. The report of these activities was prepared by Mark Hill for inclusion in this report. SUMMARY OF TREE WORK PREFORMED BY CITY PERSONNEL January 1, 1993 - November 30, 1993 (Compiled and written by Mark Hill) A. Trimming 1. Job order* - 59 2. Storm damage job order - 9 B. Removals 1. Elms - 27 2. Oaks - 3 3. Willows - 18 4. Boxelders - 10 5. Poplars - 150 6. Ash - 7 7. Maples - 2 8. Cottonwoods - 4 9. Shrubs - 70 10. Misc. 46 C. Planting 1. 14 trees of various species (some trees were resident donations removed from their yards by tree spade and transplanted to Park property. 2. Assisted staff at Cornelia School with the planting of 150 trees of various species. D. Clearviews 23 Job orders E. Brush and fallen limbs 31 Job orders (material was either picked up with the log loader or chipped with the brush chipper.) F. Projects 1. Trim trees and bushes the length of the parking lot between Normandale Golf course and Pentagon Office complex. 2. Trim all trees along the shoreline on the north and east side of Lake Cornelia 3. Assisted staff at Braemar Golf Course clearing and trimming trees along several fairways. 4. Trimmed back brush and cut back all dead fall along nature path in Bredesen Park. *Job orders: can include the request to trim from one tree or bush to 20 or more. An individual report regarding Oak Wilt control within the city of Edina will be forthcoming. This report is prepared by the S. Kunde Company. I wish to thank all staff personally involved in tree care, and members of the Park Board and City Council for their continued support. and interest in the Shad Tree Program. Tree care for the City's tree:; benefits greatly from a broad participation. I am pleased and honored to be a small part within the larger commitment for tree care in Edina. Respectfully submitted by: Tom Horwath Forester Edina Park and Recreation Department TREE American Elm Ash Spruce Poplar Silver Maple Bur Oak Pine Norway Maple White Oak Red Oak Estimated Number of Boulevard Trees 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 2,976 2,668 2,374 2,107 1,869 1,706 1,535 1,363 1,358 1,037 625 430 429 378 375 344 329 Total 10,682