HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-12-06_COUNCIL PACKETAGENDA
EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6, 1993
7:00 P.H.
ROLLCALL
ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA - Adoption of the Consent Agenda is made by the
Commissioners as to HRA items and by the Council Members as to Council items. All
agenda items marked with an asterisk ( *) and in bold print are Consent Agenda items
and are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be
no separate discussion of such items unless a Commissioner or Council Member or
citizen so requests, in which case the items will be removed from the Consent Agenda
and considered in its normal sequence of the Agenda.
* I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of HRA Meeting of November 15, 1993
* II. PAYMENT OF HRA CLAIMS as per pre -list dated 12/02/93 Total: $21,299.00
II. ADJOURNMENT
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
* I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of Council Meeting of November 15, 1993 and Special
Council Meeting of December 1, 1993
II. PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT Affidavits of Notice by Clerk.
Presentation by Engineer. Public comment heard. Motion to close hearing. If
Council wishes to proceed, action by resolution. 3/5 favorable rollcall vote
of all members of Council required to pass if improvement petitioned for; 4/5
favorable rollcall vote required if no petition.
A. Storm Sewer Improvement No. STS -226 - McCauley Trail Pond
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND REPORTS ON PLANNING MATTERS - Affidavits of Notice by
Clerk. Presentation by Planner. Public comment heard. Motion to close
hearing. Zoning Ordinance: First and Second Reading requires 4/5 favorable
rollcall vote of all members of Council to pass. Waiver of Second Reading:
4/5 favorable rollcall of all members of Council required to pass. Final
Development Plan Approval of Property Zoned Planned District: 3/5 favorable
rollcall vote required to pass. Conditional Use Permit: 3/5 favorable
rollcall vote required to pass.
A. Appeal of Zoning Board of Appeals Decision - Variance for Satellite
Antenna at 5712 Deville Drive
* B. Lot Division - 7023 and 7029 Down Road
IV. PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION OF EASEMENT Affidavits of Notice by Clerk.
Presentation by Engineer. Pubic comment heard. Motion to close hearing. If
Council wishes to proceed, action by Resolution. 3/5 favorable rollcall vote
required to pass.
A. Drainage, Utility and Conservation Easements - Lot 1, Block 2, Taft
Addition (Continued from 11/15/93)
Agenda
Edina City Council
December 6, 1993
Page Two
V. SPECIAL CONCERNS OR RESIDENTS
VI. AWARD OF BIDS
* A. Collection of Garbage/Refuse - City Properties
*
B.—Emergency—Response Traffic Control System
* C. Construction of Six Tee Oasis - Braemar Golf Course
* D. No. 10 Well Repair
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS
A. Deer Population Management Plan
B. I -494 Resolution
* C. Set Date for 1994 Board of Review (04/11/94)
D. Park Board Recommendation - Wooddale Park Field Naming
VIII. INTERGOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES
IX. SPECIAL CONCERNS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
X. MANAGER'S MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
XI. FINANCE
* A. Set Year End Meeting Date (12/29/30 - 5:00 P.K.)
* B. Payment of Claims as per pre -list dated 12 /02 /93,Total: $916,359.79
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
/EVENTS
Wed
Dec
8
1994 Budget Adoption Meeting
7:00 P.M.
Council Room
Mon
Dec
20
Regular
Council Meeting
7:00 P.M.
Council Room
Mon
Jan
3
Regular
Council Meeting
7:00 P.M.
Council Room
Tues
Jan
18
Regular
Council Meeting
7:00 P.M.
Council Room
MINUTES
OF THE EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
NOVEMBER 15, 1993
ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Commissioners Kelly, Paulus, Smith and
Richards.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and was
seconded by Commissioner Kelly to approve the BRA Consent Agenda items as
presented.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Smith, Richards
Motion carried.
*MINUTES OF THE BRA MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1. 1993, APPROVED Motion was made by
Commissioner Smith and was seconded by Commissioner Kelly to approve the BRA
Minutes of November 1, 1993, as presented.
Motion carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
*CLAIMS PAID Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and was seconded by
Commissioner Kelly to approve payment of HRA Claims as shown in detail on the
Check Register dated November 12, 1993, and consisting of one page totalling
$10,389.25.
Motion carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
There being no further business on the HRA Agenda, Chairman Richards declared
the meeting adjourned.
Executive Director
COUNCIL
CHECK REGISTER Thu Dec 2
1993 02:09:18
Page 1
CHECK NO
DATE
CHECK AMOUNT
VENDOR
DESCRIPTION
INVOICE
PROGRAM
OBJECT PO NUM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/06/93
$6.71
BERTELSON BROS. INC.
MINUTE BOOKS
494521
GRANDVIEW
MISC
012508
$6.71*
12/06/93
$25.29
CELLULAR ONE
TELEPHONE
112293/H
GRANDVIEW
MISC
012509
$25.29*
12/06/93
$22.11
DEPENDABLE COURIER
COURIER SERVICE
244961
GRANDVIEW
MISC
012510
$22.11*
12/06/93
$7,052.72
DORSEY & WHITNEY
LEGAL SERVICES
342733
CENTENNIAL LAK
PRO FEES LEG /S
012511
$7,052.72*
12/06/93
$25.50
HUGHES, GORDON
PHOTO SUPPLIES
111893
CENTENNIAL LAK
MISC
012512
$25.50*
12/06/93
$14,166.67
PARTNERS FOR SENIOR CO
HRA BOND PAYMENT
DECEMBER
EDINBOROUGH
LOAN TO 0TH FU
012513
$14,166.67*
$21,299.00
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL
NOVEMBER 15, 1993
ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Kelly, Paulus, Smith and Mayor
Richards.
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION GIVEN TO EDINA MASONIC LODGE Mayor Richards read the
following Resolution of Appreciation which was adopted unanimously by motion of
Member Smith, seconded by Member Kelly:
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, for the past 16 years, the Edina Masonic Lodge has donated money to the
Edina Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, this money has been earned by members of the Lodge from their efforts in
putting on an annual Pancake Breakfast; and
WHEREAS, a check in the amount of $1,300.00 has been generously given to the
Edina Fire department for purchase of specialized cold water rescue equipment.
WHEREAS, this equipment has been employed to the service, safety and benefit of
the citizens of Edina; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Edina City Council that sincere
appreciation be expressed to all members of the Edina Masonic Lodge for its
interest in the well -being of all Edina residents through this generous
contribution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be entered into the minutes and that
an appropriate copy be presented to the
EDINA MASONIC LODGE
as a token of gratitude of the Edina City Council and all the citizens of Edina.
ADOPTED this 15th day of November, 1993.
Masons Todd Peterson, Grand Master, Bob Holden, Secretary and Roger Jorgenson,
Senior Warden, presented Fire Chief Paulfranz with a check for $1,300.00 for cold
water rescue equipment..
MINNESOTA D -DAY PROCLAIMED IN EDINA Mayor Richards presented the following
proclamation to Matthew Peterson, Chairman of the Community Health Services
Advisory Committee. Signe Peterson, a 6th grader at South View Middle School,
presented Mayor Richards with one of the 220 "anti- tobacco" posters made by Edina
sixth - graders.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society - Minnesota Division and the American Lung
Association of Minnesota D -Day is a lighthearted effort to encourage smokers to
give up their habit for 24 hours on Thursday, November 18, 1993; and
WHEREAS, for eighteen consecutive years, millions of smokers, including many in
the City of Edina, have participated in this event; and
WHEREAS, the sixth grade classes at Southview and Valley View Middle Schools have
designed and produced posters encouraging people to participate in D -Day by not
using tobacco on November 18, 1993; and
WHEREAS, the health benefits of not smoking are substantiated and well known; and
WHEREAS, there are additional civic benefits, such as a reduction of the risks of
accidental fires and illnesses related to secondhand smoke;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Frederick S. Richards, Mayor of Edina, Minnesota, by virtue of
the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 18, 1993, as
MINNESOTA D -DAY
in Edina, and in so doing, urge all smokers and smokeless tobacco users in the
- - -- community to demonstrate to themselves and their friends that they_can_quit.if
they wish by joining the American Cancer. Society and the American Lung
Association in the 19th Annual D -Day.
IN WITNESS, THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City
of Edina to be affixed the 18th day of November, 1993.
Motion for adoption of the proclamation was made by Member Paulus, seconded by
Member Kelly and carried unanimously.
*MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1. 1993, AND CLOSED SPECIAL
COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 22. 1993 APPROVED Motion was made by Member Smith
and was seconded by Member Kelly to approve the minutes of the regular Council
meeting of November 1, 1993 and the minutes of the Closed Special Council Meeting
of October 22, 1993.
Motion carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON MINNESOTA DRIVE IMPROVEMENT: SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT
AUTHORIZED: ASSESSMENT LEVIED Affidavits of Notice were presented, approved and
ordered placed on file. Due notice having been given, a public hearing was
conducted and action taken as recorded on the following proposed assessment:
1. MINNESOTA DRIVE IMPROVEMENT
Location: France Avenue to Johnson Drive
Engineer Hoffman explained that when the City of Bloomington constructed
Minnesota Drive west of France Avenue some years ago, National Car Rental agreed
to pay a portion.of the cost of the road improvement as an adjacent benefitted
property. However, when the assessment agreement was developed, National did not
want to be assessed for any linking road between Minnesota Drive and West 77th
Street. National also requested that the link road be constructed to eliminate
vehicles driving through their private parking lot.
Engineer Hoffman reported that the City has substantially completed a roadway on
,the City's sixty feet of right -of -way through National's property. The project
will be finished in the spring of 1994 in terms of sod, minor landscaping and
seal- coating. Staff would recommend the following:
1. Approval of the special assessment agreement with National Car Rental
System, Inc.
2. Levy of an assessment of $181,000.00 at 7.5 percent interest over a 15 year
period against Lot 2, Block 1, Edina Office Center (the National Property)
for the road improvement, pursuant to the terms of the agreement.
Mayor Richards then called for public comment on the proposed special assessment.
No objections were heard and no written objections to the proposed assessment
were received prior hereto.
Member Smith moved adoption of the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT
WITH NATIONAL CAR RENTAL SYSTEM, INC.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Edina, Minnesota, that it
hereby approves the Special Assessment Agreement between the City of Edina and
National Car Rental System, Inc. as presented;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Manager are hereby authorized to
execute the Special Assessment Agreement with National Car Rental System, Inc. on
behalf of the City.
RESOLUTION ADOPTING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LEVIED
ON ACCOUNT OF MINNESOTA DRIVE IMPROVEMENT
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Edina, Minnesota, as follows:
1. The City has given notice of hearing as required by law on the proposed
assessment roll for the improvement hereinafter referred to, and at such hearing
held on November 15, 1993, has considered all oral and written objections
presented against the levy of such assessment.
2. The assessment as set forth in the assessment roll on file in the office of
the City Clerk for the following improvement:
Minnesota Drive Improvement
does not exceed the local benefits conferred by said improvement upon the lot,
tract or parcel of land so assessed, and all of said assessment is hereby adopted
and confirmed as the proper assessment on account of.said improvement to be
spread against the benefitted lot, parcel and tract of land described therein.
3. The assessment shall be payable in equal installments, the first of said
installments, together with interest at a rate of 7.50% per annum, on the entire
assessment from the date hereof to December 31, 1994, to be payable with the
general taxes for the year 1994. To each subsequent installment shall be added
'interest at the above rate for one year on all then unpaid installments. The
number of such annual installments shall be as follows:
Name of Improvement No. of Installments
MINNESOTA DRIVE IMPROVEMENT 15 years
4. The -City Clerk shall forthwith prepare and transmit to the County Auditor a
copy of this resolution and a certified duplicate of said assessment with each
then unpaid installment and interest set forth separately, to be extended on the
tax lists of the County in accordance with this resolution.
5. The City Clerk shall also mail notice of any special assessment which may be
payable by a county, by a political subdivision, or by the owner of any right of
way as required by Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.061, Subdivision 4, and if any
such assessment is not paid in a single installment, the City Treasurer shall
arrange for collection thereof in installments, as set forth in said section.
Motion for adoption of the resolutions was seconded by Member Kelly.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Smith, Richards
Resolutions adopted.
*PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION OF DRAINAGE, UTILITY AND CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR
LOT 1. BLOCK 2. TAFT ADDITION CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 6. 1993 Motion was made by
Member Smith and was seconded by Member Kelly to continue the public hearing for
vacation of the drainage, utility and. conservation easement on Lot 1, Block 2,
Taft Addition to December 6, 1993 at the request of the petitioner.
Motion carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
*BID AWARDED FOR REPIACEMENT OF HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT FIRE STATION
Motion was made by Member Smith and was seconded by Member Kelly for award of bid
for replacement of the heating /air conditioning system at the fire station to
recommended low bidder, E.A.H. Schmidt & Associates, Inc., at $17,149.00.
Motion carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
*BID AWARDED FOR SWEEPER REPAIR PARTS Motion was made by Member Smith and was
seconded by Member Kelly for award of bid for sweeper repair parts to recommended
low bidder, McQueen Equipment, at $6,433.95.
Motion was carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
NO DIRECTION GIVEN BY COUNCIL ON PETITION REQUEST TO REVIEW ZONING ORDINANCE
CONCERNING USES IN R -1 SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING UNIT DISTRICT Mayor Richards
stated that, concerning the petition that was presented on October 18, 1993, the
Council has received much information from numerous sources together with
correspondence pertaining to the issue. The petition had requested that Council
conduct a full review of the meaning and spirit of our present R -1 zoning and
consider necessary changes to protect the character of single family
neighborhoods. Taken at its face value and not because of some unique situation,
the petitioners had asked the Council to conduct such review to determine the
adequacy, timeliness, and propriety of the current zoning ordinance as to
appropriate uses in the R -1- District.
Mayor Richards recalled that approximately two years ago the Council challenged
itself to study and review all of the City's ordinances. The lengthy review
process included study of voluminous material, submission to advisory boards and
commissions for study and comment, and a number of public hearings before
determination that the ordinances as drafted, proposed and updated were to be the
ordinances the Council would adopt that would constitute the Edina City Code. As
requested by Council, Mayor Richards then asked the City Planner to review the
history of the Zoning Ordinance relative to family occupancy.
Presentation by Planner
Planner Larsen stated that in 1929 the City implemented the first zoning in
Edina. The printed 1931 Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 261) contained the
following definition:
"Family ": Any number of individuals living together on the premises
as a single housekeeping unit as distinguished from a group occupying
a boarding house, lodging house or hotel as herein defined.
That definition was retained in the zoning ordinance for some 50 years, through
several revisions and the 1971 recodification (Ordinance No. 811). In .1984, the
zoning ordinance was re- codified and.the definition of "family" was eliminated.
Added -was a definition of "residential occupancy" and "transient- occupancy ";
"residential occupancy" being the differentiation.between long -term occupancy
versus transient occupancy as in a boarding house or hotel.
In 1992, the Council re- codified the zoning ordinance togther with all ordinances
of the City, after a number of Council work sessions and public hearings. In
November of 1991, Council considered a definition of "family" as proposed by the
City Attorney. It was referred to the Planning Commission and in April, 1992,
the Planning Commission recommended that the proposed definition of "family" not
be adopted and that the City maintain the same approach to residential occupancy
as adopted in 1984.
At a public hearing in April of 1992, the Council again considered adopting a
definition of "family" and made a decision to not include the definition in the
zoning ordinance. Finally, in August of 1992, the Council adopted the full
codified code which did not include a definition of "family ".
Planner Larsen said the standard maintained in the Edina R -1 zoning
classification is tested by how the dwelling unit will be used, e.g. the people
living in the unit occupy it and share all of the common facilities (except
bedrooms) and the unit is not broken up into sub - units. The definition of
"residential occupancy" would apply to any single residential unit in all
residential zones, not only R -1. In conclusion, Planner Larsen advised that
spacial requirements in the Uniform Building Code, which have been adopted by the
City, are 150 square feet for the first occupant and 100 square feet for each
occupant thereafter.
Mayor Richards commented that there may be some individuals present for the first
time who have not been able to speak to the issues that have been raised. After
the Council discusses the matter there will be opportunity for public comment.
He told the audience that all written correspondence sent to City Hall, to
individual members of the Council or to staff have been photocopied and been
given to the Council Members. Lastly, Mayor Richards said that, as requested by
the Council, a packet of background information was furnished to the Council and
to spokepersons for the petitioners and was available for public inspection.
Council Response to Need for Further Information
Mayor Richards then asked Council if they have received enough information to
address the following issues: 1) Does the Council as a body wish to review the
zoning ordinance as it exists today relative to the R -1 zoning classification,
definition of "family ", or the standards and regulations relating to occupancy of
single family residences, and 2) If a review is implemented, should a moratorium
be put into place in the interim regarding occupancy issues raised by the
petitioners and others.
Member Paulus said her comments would be directed only at the question of whether
or not the zoning ordinance regarding single family uses needs to be redefined
and that no particular issue is under discussion. After reviewing information
from staff, and in going over notes taken during the codification work sessions,
Member Paulus said she had concluded that she required no additional information
from staff or further public input.
Member Smith commented that, after reviewing the information from staff as
requested by Council, he felt that further information and input would only
further polarize a sensitive community.
Member Kelly stated that she had received adequate information from staff, the
City Attorney, letters and testimony to feel qualified in making a decision.
Mayor Richards then read a letter received from Member Rice who was unable to
attend the meeting because of a prior family commitment. In summary, Member Rice
had stated that he believed the proposed A.B.C. house on Southdale Road presently
is a permitted use in the single dwelling unit district. Further, that he
understood the concern about what effect the Council's action or inaction would
have on the neighbors' perception of property value. He encouraged the Council
to consider ,facilitating more discussion on occupancy standards in residential
districts through the City's normal process.
Mayor Richards commented that the issue is whether or not the Council should
review the subject of terminology in the zoning ordinance concerning the R -1
classification. Although information from other cities has been submitted, Edina
has taken a different approach. Mayor Richards said he felt Edina's is an
enlightened and sound approach given today's environment. He concluded that he
had sufficient facts and information to deal with the merits of the issue.
Mayor Richards then called for public comment from anyone who had not appeared
before Council on this issue or who had not submitted written comments.
Public Comment
Paul Saleh, 6945 Southdale Road, said he understood that "family" is not defined
in the Edina zoning ordinance and asked why not. Mayor Richards responded that
today there are many situations that would not fit into the stereotype family of
the past. Rather than trying to social engineer a city that does not exist, he
felt defining spacial relationships would be more relevant. Mr. Saleh observed
that the use of single - family or multiple - family terminology in the current
zoning ordinance opens it to interpretation. He asked that the Council consider
revisiting the code section that uses terminology that is not defined.
Joyce Asselstine, 4408 Country Club, said that, after conversation with Planner
Larsen as to regulations for the R -1 District, she felt the zoning code is very
open in that a dwelling could have an unlimited number of permanent residents.
She suggested that more definition be given to terms used in the code so that it
would be easier to understand.
Paul Green, 6945 Southdale Road, spoke to his letter dated November 15, 1993 as
presented indicating that the Council's actions could cost Edina taxpayers a
dollars in the next four years of unfunded_school_ money- __ He said that _
although the discussion is about R -1 zoning, in effect the ABC students have been
made residents and the ABC program has been doubled. Mr. Green said the Edina
School District has not asked ABC for more students, neither the Council or the
taxpayers. These students are unfunded according to information obtained from
the School District. In speaking with the Minnesota Department of Education,
they were amazed that Edina was educating students from out of state. He
observed that if more minority students are wanted in our schools there are many
in the Twin Cities area that are well deserving instead of going out of state.
Applications are processed through the national ABC in Boston and qualified
students are placed in schools throughout the nation, with the School, the
Council and taxpayers having no choice in the matter of how many or when.
Mr. Green suggested that this may be a very good basis for a tax -payer lawsuit if
the City mandates that every taxpayer'in Edina has to contribute to this charity
whether they want to or not.'
Council Response to Petition Requesting Review of R -1 District Zoninz
Mayor Richards then asked the Council Members to respond to the petition
requesting review of the ordinance regulating R -1 District zoning.
Member Paulus said that she was still in favor of not adding definitions to the
zoning ordinance as the interpretation is more difficult than the actual writing
of an ordinance. Once adopted, it is the responsibility of the City to enforce
the ordinance. She said she would not want to be the one who has to define
whether persons living in single family dwellings are cohabitating, are married,
if their children are biological, and how long the permanency is. Member Paulus
said she believed that all the City's ordinances are based on the good intent of
the people living within it. A good citizen basically abides by the intent of
the law. To try to define "family" today or what it will become tomorrow is not
possible. She stated that, basically, Edina is maintained as single - family
residential and the question is are we willing to let people live under one roof
that are not sharing the traditional definition of "family ". Member Paulus said
she would not support trying to define "family" and that we should go forward
with the ordinance as it presently stands.
Member Kelly stated that the present ordinance was written with due process, that
much thought, consideration and legal opinion went into the decision and it truly
represents the majority of the people of Edina. It also speaks to the atmosphere
of today's world and it speaks to the intent of our School District and our
community in teaching our young people appreciation for social and cultural
diversity. Member Kelly submitted that Edina is part of a greater metropolitan
area and if this metro area is to thrive and continue to be the leader it has
been, then Edina must participate in different types of housing facilities to
perpetuate and encourage diversity. Although not for specific discussion, she
said above and beyond that is the issue of the proposed ABC house. She said that
she served on the Edina School Board from 1978 to 1984 and has known the ABC
students, the host families and local and national boards of the ABC Program.
She has supported the organization because of their ability, intent and
commitment. Specifically, Member Kelly said that the existing ordinance as it
pertains to R -1 zoning meets the majority needs of the community and she saw no
need to discuss it further.
Member Smith commented that anytime we are faced with change we react differently
and people will differ about the change. He said he was bothered by the
polarization that had occurred at the previous meeting on the issue. Rather than
considering it a legal matter he would hope people would sit down and get at the
heart of the issues and concerns that he would have if he were a neighbor, an ABC
student, or ABC Foundation member. Member Smith said he had late today visited
the subject neighborhood and the proposed ABC house. He agreed that there are
legitimate concerns about upkeep, maintenance, appearance and impact on the
neighborhood but was disappointed to see the proud and sensitive community of
Edina react like it has. Although he did not like the lack of a definition of
"family" in the zoning ordinance, Member Smith said he understood the arguments
on the other side. Further, that he would not legislate how people live and
share their homes. Member Smith concluded that this is not a zoning issue and
would not vote to review the zoning ordinance concerning the R -1 District. He
asked that the neighborhood and the ABC Foundation members handle this by openly
discussing their fears and concerns.
Mayor Richards stated that he believed the zoning ordinance as it exists today is
reasonable and sound. Although the Council members have been elected to make
decisions for some 46,000 individuals, anyone should have the right at any time
to approach and ask the Council to do something. In this case, reasonable people
have asked the Council, not in the context of the ABC Program on Southdale Road,
to look at how the City regulates single family uses. Mayor Richards said he
concurred with the other Council Members that it would not be productive to do so
again at this time. It would only be divisive and would allow the rhetoric to
escalate to a level that would be counterproductive. He said the Council may
well consider visiting this subject in the not too distant future to see if we
are on the right track. Regarding the subject of definitions, Mayor Richards
said it may be well to charge the Planning Commission with that task to be sure
we are consistent.
Walt Posingies, 6621 Southdale Road, raised a point of order saying he believed
Council was obligated to be unbiased and if any member had a conflict of interest
that member should disqualify him/herself from the discussion. He said the issue
is not two or three people living in single family houses but whether the number
should be 10 or 12. Mayor Richards stated that, although he is an honorary board
member of the ABC Foundation and strongly supports the ABC Program, the petition
before the Council is uses in R -1 zoning and that he has no conflict of interest
on the matter now before Council. Further, that Member Kelly has no conflict of
interest on the R -1 zoning issue even though she had stated she supports the ABC
Program.
Dr. Elizabeth Blake, 6701 Southdale Road, submitted that Member Smith had
commented earlier that this is not a zoning issue but a deeper issue and asked if
Member Smith he had any conflict of interest. Member Smith stated he had no
interest in the ABC Program one way or the other.
Mayor Richards then called for Council action on the request to review the zoning
ordinance regulations pertaining to uses in the R -1 District. No motion for
action was offered by the Council Members.
Mayor Richards then ruled that the matter is concluded for the reason that at
this time there is no direction from the Council to the staff or boards and
commissions relative to reviewing, studying or investigating the existing zoning
ordinance. He thanked the audience for their participation in the discussion.
Mrs. Blake, 6701 Southdale Road, interjected that she-was not satisfied and asked
to speak. Mayor Richards responded that it was clear Mrs. Blake was not
satisfied with the nonaction of the Council. He said the Council has given the
issue thoughtful analysis, has allowed public testimony and has exercised its
best judgement. Public recourse would be at the ballot box.
Continuing, Mrs. Blake said that under Edina's zoning code a commune, dormitory
or even a compound like the one at Waco, TX could be allowed in single family
homes. She contended that a "family" is a family under the basic rules and those
— - rules should not be changed. for .the sake of change.. She cautioned_that.the
repercussions would be more than financial problems. Mrs. Blake noted that Edina
has a senior citizen population and if their taxes go up because these homes are
taken off the tax rolls, they and others will be forced out of Edina. Mrs. Blake
said that she felt the Council did a disservice to the residents in 1992 when
ordinances were codified in that the Council was not concerned with Edina
residents but were only thinking of change for the sake of change.
Mrs. Blake then asked Member Paulus directly if she was affiliated in any way
with the ABC Program. Member Paulus responded that she was not. There was no
further comment or discussion.
STORMVATER GRANT PROGRAM FOR FLOOD REDUCING PROJECTS ON INDIVIDUAL SITES APPROVED
Engineer Hoffman recalled that at the Council meeting of October 4, 1993, staff
reviewed the stormwater concerns at two locations in the City and proposed
general improvements to the system as follows:
A. West 58th Street /Concord Avenue (two homes)
Staff is currently working on redesigning the inlet capacity, grading to
prevent flow of stormwater from the street to the backyards and improving
discharge of stormwater into the Concord basin.
B. . West 66th Street /Naomi Drive (three homes)
Staff is working on designing general improvements to the system, e.g.
increasing the storage area in Normandale Park, and grade changes on Naomi
Drive and at West 66th Street /Kenney Place.
The Council had asked staff to identify all other known residential properties
with flood potential. These properties include the following:
1. West 74th Street /Oaklawn Avenue (one home)
2. Stonewood Court (one home)
3. West Shore Drive /Hibiscus Avenue (garage)
4. Ashcroft Lane (private drain problem)
5. McCauley Trail (no homes - but concerns)
Additionally, an area at 6328 Valley View Road, a townhome at Blake_Ridge Road
and one home on Wycliff Avenue may have had problems with backyard drainage.
Staff has been doing stormwater analysis with Barr Engineering staff and has
found that most properties are at or slightly below the 100 year flood elevation.
Funds available to use during the year for stormwater projects total
approximately $270,000.00. Staff has targeted approximately $50,000.00 annually
for water quality projects involving lakes and ponds. Staff would recommend
using the $50,000.00 towards a grant program for property owners conducting flood
reducing changes to their structures.
Staff would recommend further that any general improvement that is feasible be
constructed prior to providing grant funds. Grant funds should be used in the
following way by private property owners:
A. Changing the grade around structure to prevent water entry.
B. Adding or modifying window wells.
C. Eliminating basement windows or doors with smaller size.
D. Building concrete or wood wall structures to prevent water entry.
Engineer Hoffman pointed out that the properties mentioned are individual
properties not on a lake or stream. The City has several homes along Minnehaha
Creek that are subject to large regional flooding events but not the short
intense rainfalls that cause problems such as in the individual cases identified.
Many of these properties are two or three feet lower than the projected 100 year
regional flood elevations and are affected by stormwater from as far away as west
of Lake Minnetonka. Staff would recommend that a program for lake and creek
properties be reviewed after the grant program is in place for individual sites.
Engineer Hoffman said, if Council approves the proposed grant program, staff
would recommend that the property owners be required to sign a "hold harmless"
covenant with the City when grant funds are used for flood reducing projects.
Mayor Richards then asked if anyone wanted to speak on the subject under
consideration.
Paul Green, 6959;Southdale Road, told Council that two years ago there was
flooding on Southdale Road and asked if anything had been done to correct the
problem of potential flooding. Engineer Hoffman responded that he was not aware
of any house that had been flooded on Southdale Road. He said some piping has
been installed in the area and catch basins will be installed on Southdale Road.
Mike Miller, 7615 Stonewood Court, said they were pleased that their home was
included in the review and the proposed grant program would help them identify a
very narrow issue. Bob Miller said water from downspouts of approximately 20
homes flows directly into their backyard as their lot is the lowest.
Don Krebs, 6605 Naomi Drive, stated that he was pleased with the proposal as it
would allow individual property owners to make choices about doing something on
their individual properties. He said that the properties in the Naomi Drive area
are at the bottom of the hill and have been impacted by development that has
occurred on the higher land. Mr. Krebs said there is a high level of
responsibility for the City each time it approves such development proposals.
Mayor Richards suggested that individual property owners should bear some of the
financial responsibility instead of receiving an outright grant for individual
projects to reduce flooding.
Member Kelly concurred that it should be a partnership between the City and the
individual property owner. She added that future development will add more hard
surface that may contribute to flooding problems.
Member Smith said he felt participation would be proper but the amount should be
based on the individual circumstances of each property.
Mayor Richards said he concurred with Member Smith that participation should be
based on the circumstances of each case. He suggested that staff work with each
property owner as to what would appear feasible under such grant program and then
bring each request back for approval by the Council.
Member Paulus moved approval of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Edina, Minnesota, that it
hereby approves establishment of a grant program for flood reducing projects on
private residential properties, with a budget not to exceed $50,000.00 from the
utility fund;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Engineering Department is hereby instructed to
develop a feasible project with each property owner requesting grant funds,
including recommended financial participation by the property owner, for final
approval by the Council before commencement of each project.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Smith, Richards
Resolution adopted.
*TRAFFIC SAFETY STAFF REPORT APPROVED Motion was made by Member Smith and was
seconded by Member Kelly to approve the following actions as recommended in
Section A of the Traffic Safety Staff Report of November 2, 1993:
1) Installation of STOP signs at: (a) Southbound West 77th Street at Minnesota
Drive; (b) Westbound West 77th Street at Parklawn Avenue; and (c)
Northbound West 77th Street at the driveway to National Car Rental;
2) (a) To refer the speed survey findings for Vernon Avenue in the Habitat
Court area to the Traffic Enforcement Unit for inclusion in their
enforcement areas; (b) To install oversize 30 MPH sign in the 6000 block of
Lincoln Drive and replace 30 MPH sign on westbound Vernon Avenue with an
oversized sign; and (c) To contact Habitat Court Homeowners Association
with the recommendation to change its landscaping to improve sight
distances;
and to acknowledge Section B and C of the report as presented.
Motion carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
*1994 COUNCIL MEETING DATES APPROVED Motion was made by Member Smith and was
seconded by Member Kelly to approve 1994 Council Meeting dates as follows because
of conflicting holidays:
JANUARY Monday, January 3
Tuesday, January 18
FEBRUARY Monday, February 7
Tuesday, February 22
JULY Tuesday, July 5
Monday, July 18
SEPTEMBER Tuesday, September 6
Monday, September 19
Motion carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
DATE OF 11/22/93 SET FOR JOINT MEETING OF COUNCIL /SCHOOL BOARD/HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION TO DISCUSS CULTURAL EXPO 194 Mayor Richards recalled some discussion
by the Council members on the alternative proposed by the Human Relations
Commission for Cultural Expo '94 (the Peter Benson study of children from 6th
through 12th grade). It was suggested that the matter be discussed at a joint
meeting of the Council, the School Board and the Human Relations Commission.
Betsy Flaten, member of the HRC, commented that they felt the Peter Benson study
on how to work with young people and the issue of cultural diversity, which was
the original intent of the Martin Luther King Day observance and Cultural Expo,
could be combined to help promote good relationships with the youth and the
community in general.
David Hallet, HRC Chair, said the recommended date was November 22 at 5:30 P.M.
at the School District office, prior to the School Board's meeting. He also
offered several alternative dates for the proposed joint meeting.
Member Paulus made a motion that the joint meeting of the Council, School Board
and Human Relations Commission be held on November 22 at 5:30 P.M. at the School
District office. Motion was seconded by Member Smith.
Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Smith, Richards
*HEARING DATE OF 12/20/93 SET FOR VACATION OF STREET RIGHT OF WAY EASEMENT (413
ARTHUR STREET) Motion was made by Member Smith and was seconded by Member Kelly
for adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON
VACATION OF EASEMENT FOR STREET PURPOSES
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Edina, Hennepin County,
Minnesota, as follows:
1. It is hereby found and determined, after receipt of the petition of the
owners of land affected thereby) that the following described easement for street
purposes should be considered for vacation, in accordance with the provisions of
Minnesota Statutes, Sections 412.851 and 160.29:
That part of Arthur Street, as dedicated on the plat of DAVIES FIRST
ADDITION, according to the plat thereof and situate in Hennepin County,
Minnesota, lying northerly of the westerly extension of the south line
of Lot 1, Block 1, said DAVIES FIRST ADDITION and easterly of the
following described line:
Commencing at the northwest corner of said Lot 1; thence South,
assumed bearing along the east line of said Arthur Street, a distance
of 3.86 feet; which is the point of beginning of the line to be
described; thence continuing South a distance of 106.13 feet to the
Intersection with the westerly extension of the south line of said
Lot 1 and said line there terminating.
2. This Council shall meet at the time and place specified in the form of notice
included in paragraph 3 hereof for the purpose of holding a public hearing on
whether such vacation shall be made in the interest of the public.
3. The Clerk is authorized and directed to cause notice of the time, place and
purpose of said hearing to be published once a week for two weeks, in the Edina
Sun - Current, being the official newspaper of the City, the first publication at
least 14 days prior to the date of such hearing and to post such notice, at least
14 days prior to the date of such hearing, in at least three (3) public and
conspicuous places within the City, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, Section
412.851. Such notice shall be in substantially the following form:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ON VACATION OF STREET RIGHT OF WAY EASEMENT
IN THE CITY OF EDINA
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Edina, Hennepin
County, Minnesota, will meet at the Edina City Hall, 4801 West 50th Street on
December 20, 1993 at 7:00 P.M., for the purpose of holding a public hearing on
the proposed vacation of the following street right of way easement:
That part of Arthur Street, as dedicated on the plat of DAVIES FIRST
ADDITION, according to the plat thereof and situate in Hennepin County,
Minnesota, lying northerly of the westerly extension of the south line of
Lot 1, Block 1, said DAVIES FIRST ADDITION and easterly of the following
described line:
Commencing at the northwest corner of said Lot 1; thence South,
assumed bearing along the east line of said Arthur Street, a distance
of 3.86 feet; which is' the point of beginning of the line to be
described; thence continuing South a distance of 106.13 feet to the
intersection with the westerly extension of the south line of said
Lot 1 and said line there terminating.
All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not
the above proposed easement vacation is in the public interest and should be made
shall be heard at said time and place. The Council shall consider the extent to
which such proposed easement vacation affects existing easements within the area
of the proposed vacation and the extent to which the vacation affects the
authority of any person, corporation, or municipality owning or controlling
electric, telephone or cable television poles and lines, gas and sewer lines, or
water pipes, mains, and hydrants on or under the area of the proposed vacation,
to continue maintaining the same or to enter upon such easement area or portion
thereof vacated to maintain, repair, replace, remove, or otherwise attend
thereto, for the purpose of specifying, in any such vacation resolution, the
extent to which any or all of any such easement, and such authority to maintain,
and to enter upon the area of the proposed vacation, shall continue.
BY ORDER OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL.
Marcella M. Daehn, City Clerk
Motion carried on rollcall.vote - four ayes.
*CIAIMS PAID Motion was made by Member Smith and was seconded by Member Kelly to
approve payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register
dated November 12, 1993, and consisting of 28 pages: General Fund $486,109.02;
C.D.B.G. $1,803.07; Communication $28,335.41; Working Capital $13,603.27; Art
Center $6,841.76; Swimming Pool $231.40; Golf Course $66,964.21; Ice Arena
$23,807.34; Gun Range $434.86; Edinborough /Centennial Lakes $31,686.74; Utility
Fund $37,691.11; Storm Sewer $7,017.76; Recycling $38,341.17; Liquor $50,799.00;
Construction Fund $25,706.47; TOTAL $819,372.59; and for confirmation of payment
of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated November
5, 1993, and consisting of 14 pages; General Fund $100,532.66; Edinborough/
Centennial Lakes $100.00; Liquor Fund $206,925.49; TOTAL $307,558.15.
Motion.carried on rollcall vote - four ayes.
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Richards declared
the meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
City Clerk
MINUTES
OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL
DECEMBER 1, 1993 - 7:00 P.M.
ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Paulus, Rice and Mayor Richards.
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING HELD FOR PROPOSED 1994 CITY BUDGET Pursuant to
published notice given, a public hearing was conducted on the proposed property
tax increase in the 1994 Budget for the City of Edina, as mandated by Chapter
375, Laws of Minnesota 1993.
Mayor Richards stated that the hearing would focus on the proposed 1994 City of
Edina Budget and the expenditures Council considers necessary to run the
functions of the City. Residents with questions or objections to the market
value of their homes should appear before the Board of Review which will meet in
the month of April, 1994. He explained that the City's final property tax levy
and final budget must be adopted at a subsequent hearing following the close of
the truth in taxation hearing.
Mayor Richards pointed out that the following impacts can affect property taxes:
A. The classification rate for Commercial /Industrial property was reduced from
4.7% to 4.6 %.
B. The value of Commercial /Industrial property declined from last year.
The effect of these changes are: 1) the tax rate went up to offset the decline in
the City's tax capacity, and 2) a larger share of the tax burden will be borne by
residential properties.
C. Changes in value of property.
D. Minnesota's progressive tax rate structure on residential property.
E. Tax court ordered abatements.
Mayor Richards informed the audience that the proposed 1994 Budget totals
$15,182,301 which represents an increase of $710,486 or 4.91% over 1993.
Presentation by Assistant Finance Director
Eric Anderson, Assistant Finance Director, explained that the major changes in
the proposed expenditures increase of 4.91% included the following:
1. Wage adjustment of 2%
2. $40.00 per month increase in employee health insurance/benefit package
3. Public Safety (Police & Fire) overtime - $20,000
4. I -494 Joint Powers Organization - $46,00 or $.10 per capita
5. Fire Department Projects (health, fitness, and responsiveness) $7,500
6. Contingencies - $75,000 increase (depending on potential projects chosen)
He then presented graphics detailing the following four issues:
1. Percentage of total proposed budget representing total compensation costs.
2. Number of employees by general classification and whether full or part time.
3. Number of and budgeted expenditures for independent contractors.
4. Effects of budgeted increases and decreases on proposed property tax levies.
Mayor Richards then opened the hearing for public comment and discussion.
Public Comment
Greg Lebaron, 80 Woodland Circle, commented that, although the proposed budget
t
increase of 4.91% sounds reasonable, it has to be out line because he is facing a
tax liability increase of 19.2 %. He suggested that the proposed 1994 Budget
needs to be reworked so that the tax liability is decreased. Mayor Richards
responded that most of what appears on the tax statement is beyond the Council's
control. He explained that the basic functions of the City are Police and Fire
protection, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Administration. Mayor
Richards said that he believed the Council has been holding the line on number of
staff and has not engaged in new programs.
Mary Kaye Covey, 6112 Jeffrey Lane, asked questions about the total number of
employees, cost of proposed salary increase and total benefit package. Staff
responded that full time employees numbered 192 in 1992, 189 in 1993 and 190 are
proposed for 1994. Total benefit package in 1993 for non -union employees was
$250.00 per month. Ms. Covey then asked about non -City expenditures. Mayor
Richards explained the major items proposed under non - departmental expenditures
in the Human Relations Commission budget totaling $60,250.00. In addition, there
are line items of $7,000.00 for July 4 fireworks and $14,500.00 for South
Hennepin Regional Planning Agency services.
Fritz Sander, 5121 West 58th Street, asked as a taxpayer where he could go to put
some pressure on people to get the tax liability under control. Mayor Richards
explained that the City is a member of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), the
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) and the Municipal Legislative
Commission (MLC). The MLC is an organization of approximately 15 cities similar
to Edina who present a unified voice to speak to the State Legislature about
issues such as disparities with outstate cities and in receiving no
intergovernmental aid. He said the general perception is that this community has
immense wealth and should not complain. Mayor Richards pointed out that the
School District has a very large impact on taxes as well as Hennepin County and
individuals. can contact those officials as well as our state legislators.
Gayle Laurel Anderson, 7000 Wooddale Avenue, said that as a senior citizen she is
trying to stay in her home. However, social security together with the current
low return on investments do not keep up with the increase in property tax. She
suggested that there be a 'hold' on tax increases for senior citizens that have
very limited income.
Skip North, 5804 Hanson Road, said he looked at the compound growth rate over the
last seven years for the various components on his tax statements. He noted that
the schools have been growing the fastest; in third place is Hennepin County, but
in second place is the City. Even though the City's portion of the tax dollar is
small, the tax rate still is growing second fastest which he said is of concern.
In the case of the City, Mr. North pointed out that by adding an eighth year at
the suggested increase the compound interest rate for the eight years takes a 20%
jump. He said something has to be done.
Member Paulus interjected that the proposed 4.91% increase in expenditures for
1994,is basically to keep the City afloat -as well as putting money back into
contingencies so that the City's bond rating remains at AAA. Regarding employee
salaries, Edina is somewhere in the middle with other similar municipalities.
She said she felt stymied because citizens want more Police protection and the
current level of other services maintained. Member Paulus said it would help if
residents would say what specific items should be cut from the proposed budget.
Ione Winter, 6504 Creek Drive, asked what the proposed employee benefit of $40.00
per month would include. Staff responded that, basically, it would cover the 7%
to 11% increase in cost of health care. The total package includes health care,
life insurance, optional dental insurance and long term disability. Mayor
Richards noted that Edina ranked 40th of 44 cities concerning employee benefits.
Philip Johnson, 5045 Yvonne Terrace, said that while the City's proposed 1994
Budget shows a 4.91% increase, it reflects a 16.18 increase on his tax bill. He
said, although he did not know where to draw the line on expenditures, he felt
the main reason for his increase in taxes was because the market value of his
house increased by 6.18 while other properties decreased.
Member Rice spoke to the severity of the decrease in valuation of commercial real
estate. Some of the multimillion dollar properties in Edina have dropped 30, 40
and 508 in valuation, i.e. office buildings which represents a lot of tax money.
He reiterated the plea of Member Paulus that citizens tell the Council
specifically what should be cut from the budget. He said the Council had spent
many hours looking at the line items with staff and agreed that the tax system is
complicated.
Ken Joyce, 4239 Lynn Avenue, told Council that he has been retired for ten years,
is living on a fixed income, and his property taxes have increased over 178. His
concern was that if he lived for another ten years and these increases continued
what would he have left to live on.
Paul Green, 6945 Southdale Road, suggested that the City be run like a business
and that businesses have been down- sizing in order to get along. He said he was
concerned that next year he would see another large increase in his taxes. He
asked if fees charged by the City have kept up over the past 10 years to the
increases on residential property. Mayor Richards said that Edina is a fee
oriented community with a philosophy that those who use services should pay for
those services. The City has made sure that fees match the cost of providing
those services that are fee related. Continuing, Mr. Green said he felt the City
should consider a 108 reduction in number of employees because cost of employees
is 60 -708 of the budget. He also suggested that the City fight the abatements on
commercial property.
Giovanna Hoyland, 60th and France, asked what determines the commercial and
industrial real estate values reduction and what process they used to get those
values lowered. Member Rice responded that all office properties have gone down
30 to 408 over the last few years because there is too much office space and not
enough people who want to rent it. Commercial property values are generally
appealed right to the judicial system. Ms. Hoyland asked if taxes would be
lowered if you purchased a home at a price lower than its assessed market value.
Member Rice said that assessors know what is happening because every time a piece
of real estate is sold a certificate of reasonable real estate value (CRV) must
be filled out at closing. Those CRVs go into the system and assessors know
approximately what properties are worth which is taken in consideration when
determining assessed values.
Gary Sampson, 6408 Limerick Lane, commented that in this economy companies have
not been able to give wage increases because they have not been profitable. He
said that also applies to the City of Edina because of the commercial property
valuation reduction. Consequently, salaries costs should'be cut because that is
the highest cost for the City. He submitted that the City has better equipment
now for plowing and the streets are in good shape so the City should be able to
get by with less employees.
Ross Dunlop, 6328 Barrie Road, questioned the following line items in the
proposed 1994 Budget: p. 104 Colony Way Lighting $5,000 and p. 10 Dues and
Subscriptions $44,500. Mayor Richards said the $44,500 is for dues to the LMC,
AMM and LMC mentioned earlier that lobby the Legislature on issues impacting the
- - -City-. He said that effort-,was instrumental in getting the Legislature to - -
eliminate the third tax tier. Mr. Dunlop suggested that the Council look
carefully at each line item in the budget. Member Rice said the Council has
w
already done that scrutiny as the budget process begins in July of each year.
All such meetings are posted and are open to the public and residents can call
City Hall and ask for those dates.
Mary Kaye Covey suggested that the dates of those hearings be published in the
About Town magazine which is sent to each residential address because many do not
get the Edina Sun - Current. She added that Edina should not have to compete and
participate with other communities. With regard to cutting employees, she said
Police and Fire protection should not be cut but that other positions and
salaries should be cut across the board.
Gayle Anderson asked if the real estate tax money is wisely invested when
received by the City. Mayor Richards said the City does get competitive bids for
investment of short term working capital. Ms. Anderson also asked if there is
some endowment fund that would benefit the City. Mayor Richards said that
donations can be made to The Edina Foundation which has funded a lot of good
projects for both the City and the Schools. Information on the Foundation can be
obtained from the City Manager's office.
Mayor Richards then asked for any further public comment. No further comment was
heard.
Member Rice made a motion to close the public hearing on the proposed 1994 City
of Edina Budget and proposed property.taaes. Motion was seconded by Member
Paulus.
Ayes: Paulus, Rice, Richards
Motion carried.
Mayor Richards then announced that the City Council would meet on Wednesday,
December 8, 1993, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers for the purpose of
adopting the 1994 City of Edina Budget and final property tax levy.
Mayor Richards then declared the meeting adjourned at 8:37 P.M.
City Clerk
0 Cr
• �N�bRpp1V`t °� //
REPORT /RECOMMENDATION
To:
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From:
FRANCIS HOFFMAN CITY
❑
ENGINEER � ✓� /�
l
Date:
l/
DECEMBER 3, 1993
Subject: PUBLIC HEARING ON STORM
SEWER STS -226
MC CAULEY POND
Recommendation:
Agenda Item #
II.A
Consent
❑
Information Only
❑
Mgr. Recommends
❑
To HRA
❑
To Council
Action
❑
Motion
❑
Resolution
❑
Ordinance
❑
Discussion
Approve project STS -226 (subject to DNR approval) with intent to assess
50% of project cost and fund 50% from the Utility Stormwater Fund.
Info /Background:
The City Council on November 1, 1993, heard a staff presentation on neighbor's
concerns regarding flooding potential along McCauley Trail Pond. Staff and
neighbors have discussed the proposed project which would result in a lower
normal water level and reduction in inflow during high intensity rainfall events.
After reviewing the issue on November 1; 1993, the City Council directed staff
to set up a public hearing on 12/06/93 to receive input from all abutting
property owners.
The attached notice was sent to the residents. We have had one response at
this writing and it was a favorable response. Preliminary discussions with
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicate that this project could
receive a favorable review if done to reduce flood potential. This project
would be done in late winter or early spring, subject to the DNR_ permit, if
the project is approved by the City Council.
1
o e r
f�r O
� a
• i�(1iq Pf1H/��tl
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City of Edina
STORM SEWER
MC CAULEY TRAIL POND
IMPROVEMENT NO. STS -226
The Edina City Council will meet at the Edina City Hall, on Monday, December 6, 1993 at
7:00 PM, to consider the following proposed improvement to be constructed under the author-
ity granted by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429. The approximate cost of said improvement
is estimated as set forth below:
McCAULEY TRAIL POND
STORM SEWER ESTIMATED COST
IMPROVEMENT NO. STS -226 $ 6,000.00
This project is proposed to lower the normal water elevation of the existing pond approxi-
mately one foot. This proposed project would be done to lower the flood potential via a
pump system for the properties along the McCauley Trail pond. The project would require
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approval with concurrence from the Nine Mile Creek
Watershed District.
This project is being proposed as a result of recent significant rainfall events where the
pond has reached the predicted flood elevation and neighborhood concern has been expressed
over the capacity of the pond. During preliminary review, City Council has directed that a
public hearing be held to seek input on the proposal. The Council also directed that the
project should be on a cost sharing basis between the City and property owners. The pro-
posed cost split would be fifty percent City funded and fifty percent special assessment.
Based on a high cost estimate of $6,000.00, the proposal is to assess the abutting property
owners on a range of $250.00 to $375.00 per dwelling unit depending upon whether eight or
twelve dwelling units are assessed if the project is approved.
The area proposed to be assessed for a portion of the cost of the proposed improvement in-
cludes: Lots 1 thru 7, Block 1, Indian Hills 3rd Addition and Lot 1, Block 1, The Timbers.
The proposed improvement is planned to be constructed in the spring of 1994. Your receipt
of this notice is an indication that property whose ownership is listed to you is among
those properties which are considered to be benefited by the improvement.
Any inquiries, comments and /or suggestions you may have regarding this improvement may be
forwarded to the City Council or Engineering Department prior to the hearing or presented
at the hearing itself. If you desire additional information, please call me at 927 -8861
between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
The City Council can authorize the proposed project immediately upon the close of the
hearing.
Th ly-you.
Francis J f meet" ;''P.E.
.
Director o Public Works
and City Engineer
FJH /clf
City Hall (612) 927 -8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927 -7645
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424 -1394 TDD (612) 927 -5461
� 4
a
LOCATION
CONSENT ITEM
III. B.
MAP.
LOT DIVISION
NUMBER
LOCATION
LD -93 -8
7023 and 7029 Down Road
EDINA PLANNING DEPARTMENT
DRAFT MINUTED P.C. MEETING 12/1/93
LD -93 -8 David Frauenshun and Sandra Frauenshuh
7023 and 7029 Down Road
Edina, MN
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the subject properties are
located East of Down Road and South of Kerry Road. The parcels
consist of two single family lots.
The property owners at 7023 Down Road are proposing to
purchase 15 feet from 7029 Down Road along the common interior lot
line. The lot division conforms to all zoning ordinance
requirements and will not affect conformance with respect to
setback of the structures on the lots.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval of the request
as submitted.
Commissioner Workinger moved approval of the lot division
subject to the condition that drainage and utlitity easements run
along the common interior lot line. Commissioner Hale seconded the
motion. All votey aye; motion carried.
EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DECEMBER 1, 1993
LD -93 -8 David Frauenshun and Sandra Frauenshuh
7023 and 7029 Down Road
Edina, MN
The subject properties are located East of Down Road and South
of Kerry Road. The parcels consist of two single family lots.
The property owners at 7023 Down Road are proposing to
purchase 15 feet from 7029 Down Road along the common interior lot
line. The lot division conforms to all zoning ordinance
requirements and will not affect conformance with respect to
setback of the structures on the lots.
Staff recommends approval of the request as submitted.
NOV -22 -93 MON 15 :33 CHICAGO TITLE FMJ NO. 8852537 P.04/04
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CITY OF
[HIMEDINA
Application for:
[ x ] LOT DIVISION
[ ] REZONING
[ ] VARIANCE
[ ] PLAT
Proposed Name
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Case Number
Date -3 11 I °� 41 q3
Fee Paid
4801 WEST FIFTIETH STREET . EDINA. MINNESOTA 55424
(8121927 -8881
[ l CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
[ ] FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
[ ) PLAN AMENDMENT
APPLICANT: Name David Frauenshuh and Sandra Frauenshuh
Address 7023 Down Road
Edina, Minnesota Phone ( 612 ) 941 -1126
PROPERTY
OWNER:
(If Different
from Above)
Name
Address
Phone ( )
Legal Description of Property See Exhibit A attached
Property Address 7023 -7029 Down Road
08- 116 -21 -22 -0043
Present Zoning P.I.D.# 08- 116 -21 -22 -0020
Explanation of Request: Divide Lots as described on Exhibit B attached
for purpose of conveying Parcel 2 to new owner
(Use reverse side or additional pages if necessary)
ARCHITECT: Name Phone ( )
SURVEYOR: Name Egan Field & Nowak Phone ( ) 546 -6837
roperty Owner's S 4nature Appiicant,s Signatu
Date Date
1185
soEXHIBIT A
Parcel 1
Lot 2, Block 1, Tuckers Prospect Hills, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the
Registrar of Tales in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Parcel 2
That part of Lot 15, Prospect Hills, described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 15; thence East along the South line of Lot 15 a distance of
140.93 feet; thence North to the Southeast corner of Lot 14; thence West 140.93 feet to the Northeast
comer of Lot 12; thence South along the most Westerly line of Lot 15 to the point of beginning, according
to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Hennepin County,
'Minnesota.
trauensh\aullk.exe
11/22193
NParcel 1 EXHIBIT B
Lot 2, Block 1, Tuckers Prospect Hills, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the
Registrar of Titles in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota.
and
The Northerly 15 feet of that part of Lot 15, Prospect Hills, described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 15; thence East along the South line of Lot 15 a distance of
140.93 feet; thence North to the Southeast corner of Lot 14; thence West 140.93 feet to the Northeast
comer of Lot 12; thence South along the most Westerly line of Lot 15 to the point of beginning, according
to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Hennepin County,
Minnesota.
Parcel 2
That part of Lot 15, Prospect Hills, described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 15; thence East along the South line of Lot 15 a distance of
140.93 feet; thence North to the Southeast corner of Lot 14; thence West 140.93 feet to the Northeast
comer of Lot 12; thence South along the most Westerly line of Lot 15 to the point of beginning, according
to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Hennepin County,
Minnesota
EXCEPT, the Northerly 15 feet thereof.
frauensh \auftexe
11/22/93
son F CERTIFICATE.
81180 Wallace Road � OF Engineering
Eden Prairie. Minnesota 55344 _�:.
Land Surveying
M - S: SURVEY Landscape Architecture
(612) 936.4242 V♦ ��. ,,, Plannin
Survey for C>.4\) 1D TERPkU EN 15- 1a V 1 Job No. ��Z9 Bk. �t51 Pg. �6
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I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT REPRESENTATION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF Z-0T 2
G�LOG.i! / TviceF.es P/ZOS�GT f�icc.s Et�t►J
rnuNTY , MINNESOTA.
SURVEYED BY ME THIS T_4 DAY OF ,yRY 119 B7
RONALD EGER
BUILDING PLANS
• AND SPECIFICATIONS
ESTABLISHED 1926
M. J. BERSCHEID
OQ. A CHITECT AND ENGINEER
PHONE DREXEL 4593
CITY LOT SURVEYING
PLATTING
FARM SURVEYING
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RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the following described tracts of land constitute various separate
parcels:
Parcel 1
Lot 2, Block 1, TUCKERS PROSPECT HILLS, according to the plat thereof on
file or of record in the office of the Registrar of Titles in and for
Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Parcel 2
That part of Lot 15, PROSPECT HILLS, described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 15; thence East along the South
line of Lot 15 a distance of 140.93 feet; thence North to the Southeast
corner of Lot 14; thence West 140.93 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot
12; thence South along the most Westerly line of Lot 15 to the point of
beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the
office of the Register of Deeds in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota.
WHEREAS, the owners of the above tracts of land desire to subdivide said
tracts into the following described new and separate parcelsa
PARCEL 1
Lot 2, Block 1, TUCKERS PROPSECT HILLS, according to the plat thereof on
file or of record in the office of the Registrar of Titles in and for
Hennepin County, Minnesota; and
The Northerly 15 feet of that part of Lot 15, Prospect Hills, described
as follows:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 15; thence East along the South
line of Lot 15 a distance of 140.93 feet; thence North to the Southeast
corner of Lot 14; thence West 140.93 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot
12; thence South along the most Westerly line of Lot 15 to the point of
beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the
office of the Register of Deeds in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota.
PARCEL 2
That part of Lot 15, PROSPECT HILLS, described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 15; thence East along the South
line of Lot 15 a distance of 140.93 feet; thence North to the Southeast
corner of Lot 14; thence West 140.93 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot
12; thence South along the most Westerly line of Lot 15 to the point of
beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the
office of the Register of Deeds in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota.
EXCEPT, the Northerly 15 feet thereof.
WHEREAS, it has been determined that compliance with the Subdivision and
Zoning Regulations of the City of Edina will create an unnecessary hardship
and said Parcels as separate tracts of land do not interfere with the purposes
of the Subdivision and Zoning Regulations as contained in the City of Edina
Code Sections 810 and 850.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved by the City Council of the City of Edina
that the conveyance and ownership of said Parcels as separate tracts of land
is hereby approved and the requirements and provisions of Code Section 810 and
Code Section 850 are hereby waived to allow said division and conveyance
thereof as separate tracts of land but are not waived for any other purpose or
as to any other provision thereof, and subject, however, to the provision that
no further subdivision be made of said Parcels unless made in compliance with
the pertinent ordinances of the City of Edina or with the prior approval of
this Council as may be provided for by those ordinances.
ADOPTED this 6th day of December, 1993.
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) SS
CITY OF EDINA ) CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina,
do hereby cetify that the attached and foregoing Resolution is a true and
correct copy of the Resolution duly adopted by the Edina City Council at its
Regular Meeting of
December 6, 1993, and as recorded in the Minutes of said Regular Meeting.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this 8th day of December, 1993.
Marcella M. Daehn
City Clerk
w4
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REPORT /RECOMMENDATION
To: Kenneth Rosland
From: Craig Larsen
Date: December 6, 1993
Subject: Easement Vacation
at 5020 Scriver Rd.
Recommendation:
Agenda Item # z V . A.
Consent ❑
Information Only ❑
Mgr. Recommends ❑ To HRA
To Council
Action ❑ Motion
❑ Resolution
❑ Ordinance
❑ Discussion
Approve utility and conservation easement vacations as agreed to by
property owner and neighbor.
Info /Background:
The proposed easement vacation was first heard by the Council on
November 1, 1993. At that time the neighbor immediately to the
east objected. The hearing was tabled. Since then the proponent
appears to have reached an agreeable compromise with the neighbor.
As staff understands the agreement the following actions are
requested of the Council:
1. Vacate utility easement as originally proposed.
2. Replace existing natural condition easement with open space
easement except for 20 feet along east property line, which
would remain covered by a-natural condition easement.
Robert C. Holl
5020 Scriver Road
Edina, MN 55436
November 9, 1993
Mayor Frederick S. Richards and Edina City Council
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
Dear Mayor Richards and Members of the Council:
At the last Council Meeting, I had submitted an application
to vacate a portion of an easement at the back of my home at
5020 Scriver Road. Mr. and Mrs. Burkholder, neighbors to the
east of my home, appeared both by letter and in person, and
indicated reluctance to have the present sitting changed by
the vacation. The Council was concerned as to whether
structures would be placed on the portion of the easement
that would be vacated. The matter was then tabled until the
meeting on November 15, 1993.
The easement as it now stands, greatly restricts the use of
my backyard. It was my plan not to build any structure on
the vacated portion, but to set up a volleyball net so my
children could play volleyball. Possibly, a portion of it
would be landscaped with flowers.
It is not my intention to build a swimming pool or anything
of that nature on the vacated portion.
To accomplish my plans, I request that the Council vacate the
portion requested, with a restriction that there would be no
buildings or other structures erected or placed on the
portion vacated. In addition, it was not my intention to
have any soil or other material placed or dumped on the
portion vacated and would have no objection to include this
restriction also. 14C L- ,O-%l- z oIP%44* -k-c� —4Z o�«« zo .P,,k
= ,,.N . e.L ..o-� ca r.,,�� c , k- �
H
Mayor Richards and Members of the Council
November 9, 1993
page 2
With the above restrictions, the area vacated could be used
in a very limited manner and still protect the interests of
the City of Edina and the adjoining neighbors. Therefore,.it
is requested that the Council vacate the portion requested
with the above restrictions
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Ve truly yours,
Robert C. Holl
Approved with the above restrictions:
David A. Burkholder Audrey Burkholder
r 12/03/93 06:41 TREND ENTEFO�ISES + 8301503 NO. 447 Wi
DEC-03-'93 FR I 88I N 1 D: PW 14+ 1P�5
TEI„ Nptfsl2�'3'fl-y'f�7 weir rva
Docontb' go 1993
Jack Rloo
Edina City Counoll
Edina City Hall
4801 Weat Sm Street
$stint, bW 55424
Dow Jaok:
Per our phone conversation earlier I will be unable to attend the council mating on
Monday, December 6th.
I am fhxing a copy of a letter Bob doll is sending to the mayor and council, which
contains certain restrictions which appear to satisfy our concerns about maintaining our
wooded setting. This would include not building any structures on the vaunted portion
and not outting or remoAnS any trees, bushes, etc. within ZO feet of our property.
This last restriction, you will note, was inked in by Ivtr. Moil In addition to the original
jotter at our request. It was also mutually agreed that "vegetation" was meant In the
broadest sense to mean trees, bushes, ow.
Finally, I would assume I have been assured by the council that those restrictions would be
binding on any future owners of the property as well.
Thanks for your help and fbr passing this along to the mayor and council in my absence.
Se gvdk
Dave Burkholder
i
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REQUEST FOR PURCHASE
Z' E.
TO: Kenneth Rosland, City Manager
FROM: David A. Velde, Edina Health Department
VIA: Kenneth Rosland City Manager
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PURCHASE IN EXCESS OF $5.000
DATE December 6, 1993
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Company
1. Knutson Service, Inc.
2. Gallagher Service. Inc.
3. Knutson Service, Inc.
4. Waste Management, Inc.
5. Browning Ferris Industries
6. Dick's Sanitation
RECOMMENDED QUOTE OR BID:
AGEDNA ITEM # VI. A.
Gallagher Service, Inc. at $32,773.70.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Amount of Quote or Bid
1. $30,498.42
2. $32,773.70*
3. $37.057.22
4. $38,216.00
5. $42,448:60
6. $42,779.56
Bids for this contract were opened on November 24, 19.93. Since
the bid opening, Hennepin County has reduced its tipping fee
but added a surcharge on the customers bill. Gallagher bid at
$32,773.70 does include the 14.5% Hennepin County surcharge,
all the other bids do not include the surcharge. The 1993
contract for this service was $41,936.17.
* Includes 14.5% surcharge
Signature
The Recommended bid is
within budget not
Health
Department
" 74
Kenneth Rosland City Manager
7. Quality Waste 7. $42,909.06
Wallin
`-Sep.
REQUEST FOR PURCHASE
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Ted Paulfranz, Fire Chief
VIA: Kenneth Rosland City Manager
_ -SUBJECT. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE IN EXCESS OF $5,000
DATE: November 17, 1993 AGENDA ITEM VI.B CONSENT
ITEM DESCRIPTION. Emergency Response Traffic (light) Control System
Company Amount of Quote or Bid
1. Brown Traffic Products 1• $13,390.00
2 • 3M Opticom 2.
$29,705.00
3. 3.
4• 4.
5. 5.
RECOMMENDED QUOTE OR BID:
Brown Traffic Products $13,390.00
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Emergency response traffic (light) control system. Year 1 of 4 -year project
System develops a "green light" corridor for emergency equipment. Improves
safety and response time by reducing traffic congestion at lights and
controlling entry by cross traffic.
Proposal provides for equipment to cover six (6) intersections with twenty -
six (26) detectors. Installation by Edina Public Works Department.
1- T `' �_J
Signature
The Recommended bid is
FIRE
Department
V
wrtnin budget not within dg t 'Jo Ilin, Finance Director
- Kenneth Rosland tfty Manager
°
1 � REQUEST FOR PURCHASE
' a o .
TO: Mayor Richards and Council Members
FROM: Bob Kojetin
VIA: Kenneth Rosland City Manager
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PURCHASE IN EXCESS OF $5,000
DATE: December 1, 1993
AGENDA ITEM y . c CONSENT
ITEM DESCRIPTION: Construct 6 Tee Oasis at Braemar rol f Course
Companv Amount of Quote or &d
1. Perkins Landscape 1. $13,985
'2. Shoreline Nursery 2. $14,897
Kokesh Landscape 3. $15,500
RECOMMENDED QUOTE OR BID:
Perkins Landscape $13,985
GENERAL INFORMATION:
'Construction of 6 Tee Oasis at Braemar Golf Course following the
adoptive design tee numbers 13, 17, 18, 9, 19, 8
Hauling of dirt and excavation to be done during the winter time
so as not to destroy the fairways.
Si(natwre
The Recommended bid is
within budget not
Departmen
i budget f(Vallin, i ance Director
Kenneth Rosland, City Manajer
° REQUEST FOR PURCHASE
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Francis Hoffman, Director of Public Works
VIA: Kenneth Rosland City Manager
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PURCHASE IN EXCESS OF $5,000
DATE: 6 December, 1993 AGENDA ITEM VI.D CONSENT
ITEM DESCRIPTION: WELL REPAIR #10
Company
1. Layne Minnesota Company
2. E. H. Renner & Sons
3.
4.
5.
RECOMMENDED QUOTE OR BID:
Layne Minnesota Company $8,787.00
Amount of Quote or &d
1 $8,787.00
2. 9,864.50
3.
4.
5.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
This purchase is for the general overhaul of Well 410. Annually, the
City overhauls two or three wells to keep the well infrastructure in
good operating condition.
This purchase is funded through the water and sanitary sewer utility fund.
Sig atur?
Public Works- -Utilities
The Recommended bid is
within budget not within budga
W'i�ft WI 1WW�6�'�
_ .
Kenneth Rosland City Manager / _
c
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 years, lower numbers of deer kills will be required in order to maintain a deer
population density of appro )dmately 22 deer per square mile of habitat.
The City 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.
1
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
grown, more and more of the encounters have become unwelcome. The following concerns
have been expressed by residents:
2
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
3
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.
4
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
5
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 modify 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
Highway 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
longer flee at the sight of people. Some residents are concerned that such
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.)
0
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. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimates the biological
carrying capacity for deer habitat in this area is 15 - 25 animals per square mile.
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
7
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
As noted earlier, the Minnesota DNR estimates the biological carrying capacity for
deer to be 15 -25 animals per square mile. Such estimates, however, are reflective of the
quality of available habitat. Such estimates, likewise, do not reflect the cultural carrying
capacity desired by Edina residents. Therefore, establishing population objectives for Edina
, is clearly more of an art than a science.
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
utilize many 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 DNR carrying capacity
estimates, 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 area, 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
9
concerning 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:
• Regulated Hunting
• Trapping and transferring deer to other locations
• Trapping and Killing
• Sharpshooters
• Birth Control
• Allow nature to take its course
• 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.
10
A. Trapping dnd 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
study 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.
11
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 deer /vehicular 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
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
12
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 destroyed following capture. The cost per deer was $131.00.
Trapping and killing deer appears to be an effective method of population
control, especially in a fully- developed 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:
13
® Edina's deer population is part of a larger heard which populates principally
Bloomington and Eden Prairie.
• The deer population in Edina is increasing relatively rapidly and appears to
have exceeded the carrying capacity of available habitat based upon standards
recommended by the DNR. 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.
• 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.
® Staff estimates approximately two square miles of suitable habitat in Edina.
Based upon a recommended carrying capacity 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 number 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.
a 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
14
animals by trained sharpshooters or live trapping animals and destroying them
humanely.
• 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
already 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.
RECOMMIVIENDATIONS
Based upon our investigations, we recommend the following:
• 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.
15
• 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
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.
• 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.
® 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
16
DNR CARLOS AVERY WMA TEL :612- 296 -5202 Dec 02.93 10:22 Mo.003 P.01
(612) 772 -7481
12/02/03
Area Wildlife Office
Metro Region HeadquartarR
1200 Warner Road
Saint Paul MN 55106
Gordon Hughes
Edina Assistant City Manager
4001 W 50th Street
Fdina MN 55424
Dear Mr. Hughes:
File:GHLETTER.ltr
At your request, I have examined Ediam's aerial deer survey data
from 1991 and 1993. T have used this data in our deer population
model to get a rouyli itcdication of the number of dyer which would
have to be removed if the City decides that population control is
needed.
I estimated rhP pre -fawn 1003 (April -May) population to be loo.
This is bated ort survey counts or 95 in 1992 and 94 in 1993. These
counts room to indicate a stable population. Our model would
predict an increasing population. Starting with a population of
100, and assuming relatively low reproduction, a population of 100
in 1993 should grow to about 130 to 140 by April 1994. The
elability could be due to higher than expected mortality (door.-
vehicle collisions), deer movement out of the area, or imprecision
In the survey.
You have identified the potential deer hablLat in Edina to consist
of about 2 square miles. The population density would be at least
60 per square mile of habitat. I would consider this to be a high
density and I would expect problems such as damaye to commercial,
residential, and natural vagotation. and high rates of vehicle
collisions. The DNR acid US Fish & Wildlife Service nave
established a deer population density goal of 15 to 25 deer per
equare wile in the Fort Snelling State Park i Minnesota valley
Refuge area.
DEER REMOVAL. Modelling results indicate that your population
could be rpduced to about 40 to 60 by removing 100 deer this
winter. Under a low reproduction assumption, a removal of 60 deer
per year for two years would reduce the herd t0 60 to 7U. Under a
normal reproduction assumption, this level of removal would lead cu
no change in the population or even a slight increase. If you
dPr.ide to remove deer, I would recommend that you start with no
fewer than 50 per year. Actually, 60 to 80 per year would probably
result in a gradual decrease - a change from 5U - 60 per square
mile to 15 -- 2.11 deer per square mile in 2 to 3 years. Th"e quals
should be seL after an aerial survey this January. They should be
mndifieet based on subsequent aerial surveys. Two or more surveys
DNP CAPLOS AVEPY WMA TEL :612- 296 -5302
Dec 02.93 10:23 Na.003 P.03
Hughes
Page 2
12/02/93
may even be made in the same year du r.ing control to check on
progress.
I will do some more mudelllnq before the counr:il meeting. I wil?.
be availaAle to assiet with goal setting if your decision is to
Cuillrul deer.
Sincere
n Parker, Area Wildlife Manager
cc: Roger Johnson
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
Activities. Minnesota D.N.R. Memo, March 10, 1993.
4. Greg Ingraham. 1993 -94 Program Summary and Deer Control Results 1991-
933, City of Bloomington Memo. August 12, 1993.
S. City of Edina, Deer Survey Results. September, 1993.
6. Peter A. Jordan, Ronald A. Moen, and Dale L. Krueger. Management of a
Suburban Deer Population in the City of North Oaks, Minnesota. Memo.
May 28, 1993.
7. Beverly K. Bryant and William Ishmael. Movement and Mortality Patterns
of Resident and Translocated Suburban White- Tailed Deer. Wildlife
Conservation in Metropolitan Environments. 1991.
8. Excerpt From Disease Control Newsletter. Minnesota Department of Health.
June, 1993.
AN EVALUATION OF
Deer Management
»> OPTIONS «(
The white - tailed deer (Odocoileusvirginianus) is the most
abundant and best -known large herbivore in the United
States. Whitetails are valued and appreciated by large seg-
ments of society. State and provincial wildlife agencies are
responsible for the management of this invaluable resource.
Considerable confusion and controversy exists concern-
ing white - tailed deer management. The objective of this
booklet is to explain the rationale behind deer management
and to discuss the utility of various management options.
During colonial times, the Northeast was dominated by ex-
tensive tracts of mature forest. Early records suggest that
white - tailed deer were present in moderate numbers at the
time. Deer populations were small and scattered by the turn of
the 20th century, primarily as a result of habitat loss due to
extensive forest clearing and unregulated market hunting. In
the early 1900s, deer were so scarce in much of the U.S. that
sightings were often reported in local newspapers.
Passage of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act
(better known as the Pittman - Robertson Program) in 1937
marked the beginning of modern -day wildlife management in
the United States. This act earmarked income from an already
existing excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition for use in
wildlife development, research and land acquisition.
Early deer management efforts featured protection
from unregulated exploitation. Today, efforts are
directed toward the maintenance of deer populations
at levels intended to: (1) ensure the present and
future well -being of the species and its habitat, (2)
provide a sustained yield of deer for use by licensed
hunters, and (3) allow for compatibility between deer
populations and human land -use practices, as well as
with other plant and animal communities.
White - tailed deer require adequate food, water, cover, and
living space in a suitable arrangement in order to ensure
their healthy survival. Deer eat a wide variety of herbaceous
and woody plants, in accordance with their nutritional value
and their local and seasonal availability. Water requirements
are met through the drinking of water and from the consump-
tion of succulent vegetation. Good habitat provides shelter
from extreme temperatures and precipitation, as well as pro-
tection and concealment from predators.
II
•9.
r_
Deer populations have the potential for rapid growth.
Under normal circumstances, does two years old or older
produce twins annually, while yearling does typically produce
single fawns. On excellent range, adult does can produce trip-
lets, yearlings can produce twins and fawns can be bred and giv(,
birth during their first year of life. In the absence of predation
or hunting, this kind of reproduction can result in a deer herd
doubling its size in one year. This fact was illustrated on the
1,146 -acre George Reserve in southern Michigan when the
deer herd grew from six to 162 individuals in six years (1928-
1933) (23). More recently, the George Reserve herd grew from
10 deer in 1975 to 212 deer in 1980 (24).
There are natural limits to the number of deer that a given
parcel of habitat can support. These limits are a function of the
quantity and quality of deer forage and /or the availability of
good winter habitat. The number of deer that a given parcel
can support in good physical condition over an extended
period of time is referred to as "Biological Carrying Capacity"
(BCC). Deer productivity causes populations to exceed BCC,
unless productivity is balanced by mortality. When BCC is ex-
ceeded, habitat quality decreases and herd physical condition
declines. Biologists use herd health indices and population
density indices to assess the status of a herd relative to BCC.
The importance of compatibility between land -use
practices and deer populations in urban areas of the
U.S. justifies consideration of another aspect of car-
rying capacity. "Cultural Carrying Capacity" (CCC)
can be defined as the maximum number of deer that
can coexist compatibly with local human populations
(10). Cultural carrying capacity is a function of the
sensitivity of local human populations to the pres-
ence of deer.
This sensitivity is dependent on local land -use practices,
local deer density and the attitudes and priorities of local
human populations. Excessive deer/vehicle collisions, agricul-
tural damage and home /gardener complaints all suggest that
CCC has been exceeded. It is important to note that even low
deer densities can exceed CCC; a single deer residing in an
airport landing zone is too many deer. As development
continues in many areas of the U.S., the importance of CCC as
a management consideration will increase.
As previously indicated, deer populations have the ability
to grow beyond BCC. When BCC is exceeded, competi-
tion for limited food resources results in overbrowsing (6,7).
Severe overbrowsing alters plant species composition, distri-
bution, and abundance, and reduces understory structural
diversity (due to the inability of seedlings to establish them-
selves). These changes may have a deleterious impact on local
animal communities, which depend on healthy vegetative sys-
tems for food and cover. In time, overbrowsing results in
reduced habitat quality and a long -term reduction in BCC.
Coincident with overbrowsing is a decline in herd health. This
decline is manifest in decreased body weights, lowered repro-
ductive rates, lowered winter survival, increased parasitism,
and increased disease prevalence (11). In the absence of a
marked herd reduction, neither herd health nor habitat quality
will improve, as each constrains the other. Such circumstances
enhance the likelihood of die -offs due to disease and starva-
tion.
Deer overabundance often leads to a high frequency
of deer /vehicle collisions, as well as excessive damage
to commercial forests, agricultural crops, nursery
stock and landscape plantings (17,21). In addition,
preliminary studies suggest that a correlation exists
between high deer densities and the incidence of
Lyme disease, an arthritic disease that can be con-
tracted by humans (1).
The potential for deer populations to exceed carrying ca-
pacity, to impinge on the well -being of other plant and
animal species, and to conflict with land -use practices as well
as human safety and health necessitates effective herd manage-
ment. Financial and logistical constraints require that deer
management be practical and fiscally responsible.
DEER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Regulated hunting has been proven to be an effective deer
population management tool (13,23). In addition, it has
been shown to be the most efficient and least expensive tech-
nique for removing deer (28). U.S. wildlife management agen-
cies recognize deer hunting as the only effective, practical and
III
flexible method available for regional deer population man-
agement, and therefore rely on it as their primary management
tool. Through the use of regulated hunting, biologists strive to
maintain deer populations at desirable levels or to adjust them
in accordance with local biological and /or social needs. They
do this by manipulating the size and sex composition of the
harvest, season type, season timing, season length, number of
permits and land - access policies.
Values associated with white - tailed deer management are
diverse and extensive (16). Ecological benefits derived from
regulated hunting include protection of our environment from
overbrowsing (2,4), protection of flora and fauna that may be
negatively impacted by deer overpopulation and the mainte-
nance of healthy, viable deer populations (13,23) for our
benefit and that of future generations. Social benefits which
result from regulated hunting include: increased land -use
compatibility stemming from fewer land- use /deer conflicts,
human safety benefits resulting from reduced deer/vehicle
incidents, diverse educational and recreational opportunities,
and emotional benefits associated with a continued presence
of healthy deer herds. Regulated hunting provides economic
benefits in the form of hunting - related expenditures. Re-
searchers estimated nationwide deer hunter expenditures during
1975 at $1.01 billion. Estimated values received by hunters and
nonhunters was $1.8 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively. The
total annual flow of values from the white - tailed deer in the
United States was estimated to be $8.2 billion (34). An
economic evaluation of regulated deer hunting should also in-
clude costs thatwould be incurred in the absence of population
management. As an example, the cost of agricultural com-
modities, forest products, and automobile insurance would
likely increase if deer populations were left unchecked.
In the absence of regulated hunting, deer herds would grow
until they reached the upper limit at which they could be
sustained by local habitat. Herds at this "upper density limit"
consist of deer in relatively poor health (7). High density herds
such as these are prone to cyclic population fluctuations and
catastrophic losses (23). In the U.S., such herds would be in-
compatible with local human interests and land -use practices.
Disease and starvation problems in the Great Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey (31); damage to ornamentals on
Block Island, Rhode Island; vegetation destruction at Crane
Beach, Massachusetts; roadkill problems in Princeton, New
Jersey; and forest regeneration difficulties on Connecticut's
Yale Forest, are but a few examples of the deleterious impacts
of a "hands off" deer management policy. Allowing nature to
take its course could result in a significant negative impact on
other plant and animal species as well as local deer herds. In
extreme cases, the balance achieved by "hands off' manage-
ment may be local herd extinction (32).
It is important to note that humans have had a dramatic
impact on the ecology of the U.S. Among other things, they
have altered landscapes, changed and manipulated plant com-
munities, displaced large predators, eliminated a variety of
native species, and introduced numerous exotics. Natural
system and regulatory processes have changed as a result of
these impacts. Adopting a "hands off' policy will not restore
U.S. ecosystems to a pristine state.
Deer seem to have evolved under intense predation and
hunting pressure. In precolonial times many Native American
tribes hunted deer year -round and depended on them as their
primary food source (22). Mountain lions, wolves, bobcats,
and bears all utilized the precolonial deer resource. The high
reproductive capability of present -day herds likely reflects
intense predation and hunting in the past. As a consequence,
it would seem inaccurate to describe a deer herd in today's
environment, with few if any predators and no hunters, as
"natural." In fact, active management in the form of regulated
hunting seems to be a more natural option than the "hands off'
approach. Active deer population management offers distinct
ecological, social, and economic benefits to society. Few such
claims can be made for the "hands off' option. In fact, there are
significant costs associated with the "hands off' approach to
deer management.
This option would include the use of trapping, netting and/
or immobilization for the purpose of capturing and relo-
cating deer. Trap- and - transfer efforts have proven to be labor
intensive and prohibitively expensive. Research conducted
with an urban deer herd in Wisconsin (14) resulted in capture
costs ranging from $113 to $570 per deer ($412 per deer for all
capture methods combined). Similar work conducted on Long
Island, new Hampshire, and Angel Island, California (26)
resulted in costs of $800 and $431 per deer, respectively.
Aside from problems of cost and logistics, large scale trap -
and- transfer programs would require release sites capable of
absorbing large numbers of relocated deer. Such areas are
lacking in the U.S. The potential negative impact that translo-
cated deer could have on local BCC and /or CCC is an addi-
tional concern. Land -use conflicts caused by translocated deer
could lead to questions of liability.
Deer are susceptible to traumatic injury during handling.
Trauma losses average approximately four percent during
trap- and - transfer efforts. Capture myopathy, a stress - related
disease that results in delayed mortality of captured deer, is
thought to be an important (and often overlooked) mortality
factor. Delayed mortality as high as 26 percent has been
reported (29).
Survival rates of relocated deer are frequently low. Trap -
and- transfer efforts in California, New Mexico and Florida
resulted in losses of 85, 55, and 58 percent, respectively, from
four to 15 months following relocation. (26).
IV
The poor physical condition of deer from an over-
populated range, and the behavior of some deer from
overpopulated urban settings, predispose them to
starvation, accidents and dog predation following
relocation into new surroundings.
An additional concern associated with relocation of
deer, especially from an overpopulated range, is the
potential for spreading disease. The presence of
Lyme disease in some areas of the United States
makes this a timely consideration.
In conclusion, trap- and - transfer options have proven to
be impractical and prohibitively expensive. As a consequence,
they have no value in the management of free- ranging herds.
They may have limited value in the control of small, insular
herds where deer are tame and /or hunting is not applicable.
To the extent that fencing and repellents are practicable,
wildlife agencies regularly recommend them to address
site - specific problems. Application of repellents and /or fenc-
ing can only be justified economically when the financial gain
yielded by protection is equal to or greater than the cost of
implementation. Research conducted in New York's Hudson
Valley revealed that it costs approximately $70 per /acre/year
to implement an orchard repellent spray program (8). Similar
work conducted in Connecticut nurseries indicated that repel-
lent costs (equipment and labor excluded) ranged from $10 to
$396 per acre for a single application (5). In New York, it was
determined that it cost approximately $18 per /acre/year (when
pro -rated over a 10 -year period) to protect a 25 -acre parcel
with a moderately priced, high - tensile electric fence. Under
the same circumstances, it would cost $60 per /acre/year to use
an eight -foot woven -wire fence (9). Economic, personal, and
aesthetic considerations typically restrict the use of these
techniques to cost effective applications.
There are constraints that limit the applicability ofvarious
damage abatement techniques. High - tensile electric fencing
requires regular maintenance and is best suited to areas of
good soil depth and moderate terrain. Electric fences suffer
from seasonal problems associated with poor grounding due
to heavy snows and dry soil conditions. In addition, electric
fences are inappropriate for use in areas where frequent human
contact is likely. Effective repellent programs require fre-
quent applications because rapidly growing shoots quickly
outgrow protection and repellents weather rapidly. Spray
repellents can only be applied effectively during mild weather,
so their value during winter months is restricted. Additional
limits on repellent use stem from plant damage concerns,
labeling restrictions, equipment problems (heavy binding agents
and repellent slurries clog equipment), and difficulties result-
ing from noxious and /or unaesthetic product residues.
Repellent performance is highly variable and seems to be
negatively correlated with deer density. Work conducted in
New York and Connecticut indicates that repellent perform-
ance is highly variable. This seems to result from the fact that
repellents are behavior modifiers; they perform well under
moderate pressure but may be ignored when alternative deer
foods are scarce. Electric fence performance is variable as well,
apparently due to differences in deer pressure and fence qual-
ity.
There are distinct limitations on the applicability of fenc-
ing and repellent options. As an example, neither technique
has value in addressing concerns relating to wide -scale deer
impacts on plant and animal communities. These techniques
were designed to supplement, not replace, deer population
management. As a consequence, they are best employed
within the context of a comprehensive deer management program.
In the absence of population regulation, deer damage will
increase in severity and the efficacy of abatement techniques
will decline.
Fertility control agents (synthetic progestins and estrogens)
have been evaluated for use in deer population control.
Research conducted on a captive deer herd in Ohio indicates
that oral and intramuscular doses of diethylstilbestrol (DES)
significantly reduces deer productivity. However, the reduc-
tion was insufficient to contain local herd growth (12). In Ken-
tucky, oral doses of microencapsulated DES successfully inter-
rupted deer pregnancies, but high dose requirements, aversion
to treated bait, and post treatment breeding, precluded effec-
tive herd control (18). Additional research revealed that oral
doses of melengestrol acetate (MGA) effectively inhibited
deer reproduction, but daily treatment requirements made the
technique impractical for use on free - ranging deer herds (30).
Concerns pertaining to oral contraception in deer in-
clude: cost and logistics of bait distribution, dosage control,
and ingestion of bait by non - target wildlife. Based on these
concerns, and past research, oral contraception programs
seem to be impractical and ill- advised.
Several studies have shown intramuscular treatments
and implants of fertility control agents to be effective
in preventing deer pregnancies (19, 20). Nonethe-
less, the limited life expectancy of implants, the ex-
pense involved in extensive capture and recapture
efforts (20), and the difficulty of treating an adequate
portion of the herd, suggest that large -scale implant
programs would be impractical and ineffective.
Unresolved questions relating to the use of implants in-
clude the effect of long -term steroid exposure on deer and the
impact of steroid treated carcasses on consumers in the food
chain (33).
Recent advances in wildlife contraception have facilitated
"remote delivery" of antifertility agents to feral horses via dart
guns (33). Remote delivery, and recent progress on antifertil-
ity vaccines, improve the prospect for limited applications of
wildlife contraception in the future.
In conclusion, fertility control in deer is largely untested
and requires additional research (15). Fertility control may
have value for use on small insular deer populations under
carefully regulated conditions, but will not provide an alterna-
tive to hunting for the control of free - ranging herds (15).
While effective fertility control agents have been identified
their use on free - ranging herds would be impractical.
V
Implementation of a supplemental feeding program would
be counterproductive to control efforts directed at free -
ranging herds because it would encourage additional popula-
tion growth (6). In addition, supplemental feeding on a
regionwide basis would be logistically and economically im-
practical. Work conducted in Michigan and Colorado indi-
cates that it costs from $37 to $53 per deer to run an ad libitum
winter feeding program (3, 27). In Colorado, supplemental
feeding of mule deer cost $183 per animal saved. While the
program did reducewinter deermortality, it failed to eliminate
substantial losses. Colorado researchers concluded that sup-
plemental feeding can be justified for use during emergency
circumstances (e.g., exceptionally severe winter weather) but
not as a routine method for boosting local BCC. In addition,
the researchers believed that such a program was only practical
when deer were densely concentrated on readily accessible
range. Researchers in Michigan concluded that "nutritional
supplementation" had potential value as a management tool,
but that it would only work within the context of "strict herd
control' (27). In many areas of the United States, supplemen-
tal feeding would lead to conflicts with CCC. In addition, it
would enhance the likelihood of disease transmission between
deer and predation of deer by dogs.
Supplemental feeding fails to address the cause of
overpopulation. In fact, it actually compounds future
deer population problems. As a result, it would seem
reasonable to reject supplemental feedingas an alter-
native to active deer population management.
The use of sharpshooters would concede the need for popu-
lation regulation. Such a task would likely require shoot-
ing throughout the year, in order to control regional popula-
tion growth. Even on a small scale, this option would be
expensive relative to hunting. According to the results of an
urban deer removal program conducted in Wisconsin (14) the
cost averaged $74 per animal shot over bait. This cost included
13.5 hours of labor for each deer removed, at a cost of $3.65 per
hour. An evaluation of techniques employed to control an
enclosed deer herd in Ohio revealed that sharpshooting was a
less efficient method of deer removal than controlled hunting
(28). If a sharpshooter program was instituted, local econo-
mies would experience a loss of income from hunters (34)
paying to control deer numbers (Connecticut deer hunters
injected approximately $600 per harvested deer into the state
economy, excluding permit expenditures). Finally, the use of
sharpshooters would be exceedingly controversial in those
situations where regulated hunting could be conducted, be-
cause it would deny citizens access to a renewable public
resource.
In moderately fluctuating environments, a complement of
effective predators can maintain stability in a deer herd (24).
However, in general terms, predator /prey interactions are highly
variable (25), and tend to stabilize populations at relatively high
densities (23). Wolves and mountain lions are examples of
efficient deer predators which have been eliminated from much
of the U.S. Both species are frequently suggested as candidates
for reintroduction to control deer herds.
Restoration of wolves and mountain lions is unfea-
sible in much of the U.S. because it is too densely
populated by humans to provide suitable habitat for
these species. In addition, it is unlikely that rural
residents of the U.S. would tolerate large predators at
levels dense enough to limit deer populations because
such predators also readily consume livestock. Pre-
dation of non - target species including native wildlife
and pets, as well as concerns for human safety, are
but a few examples of the conflicts that would arise as
a result of predator reintroductions.
Predator -prey relationships are complex and the impact
of predators on herbivore populations is variable. Although
many answers are lacking, several points can be made concern-
ing deer and their predators in the U.S. Coyotes, bobcats, and
bears are potential deer predators that currently reside in the
U.S. These species appear to be opportunists that capitalize
on specific periods of deer vulnerability. None of these preda-
tors has demonstrated a consistent ability to control deer
populations. Where coyotes, bobcats, and bears are common,
deer herds often exceed BCC and /orCCC. Coyote populations
have increased and their range has expanded in the U.S. during
the past 20 years. In many areas, both deer and coyote popu-
lations have increased simultaneously. In northern New England,
some biologists do suspect coyotes are partly responsible for
declining deer numbers. Yet in other areas, changes in deer
populations appear unrelated to coyote density. In many
circumstances, coyotes and bears represent serious agricul-
tural pests. As a consequence, they are frequently less wel-
come in the U.S. than white - tailed deer.
Even in the presence of predator - induced stable deer
herds, a population reduction may be desirable from an eco-
logical or social perspective. The fact that a deer herd has sta-
bilized is no guarantee that such a herd is in balance with CCC
or BCC.
Heavy predation coupled with year -round hunting by Na-
tive Americans was the norm for precolonial deer herds. It has
VI
been estimated that approximately 2.3 million Indians occu-
pied the precolonial range of the white -tail and that they
harvested 4.6 to 6.4 million whitetails annually (22). The
human species clearly constitutes an efficient and natural deer
predator. Ecological and social constraints preclude the rein-
troduction of large predators in much of the U.S.
CONCLUSION
Fifty years of research
and management expe-
rience have shown regu-
lated hunting to be an
ecologically sound, so-
cially beneficial, and
fiscally responsible
method of managing
deer populations. Op-
tions routinely sug-
gested as alternatives to
regulated hunting are
typically limited in ap-
plicability, prohibitively expensive, logistically impractical, or
technically infeasible. As a consequence, wildlife profession-
als have come to recognize regulated hunting as the fundamen-
Lal V413 3 VL DU%A _33 UI UG1-1 rrlalra F'GILLGLIL.
AN EVALUATION OF DEER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS was coauthored by
Mark R. Ellingwood, a Deer Biologist for the Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection, Wildlife Bureau and member of the New England
Chapter ofthe Wildlife Society and the Northeast DeerTeehnical Committee; and
Suzanne I. Caturano, Public Awareness Biologist for the Connecticut Depart-
ment of Environmental Protection, Wildlife Bureau and former Chairman of the
New England Chapter of The Wildlife Society's Education Committee.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
"Ibis publication was collectively developed by the New England Chapter of The
Wildlife Society and the Northeast Deer Technical Committee. The Northeast
Wildlife Administrators Association (composed of the Northeastern United
States and Canadian Province wildlife agency heads) encouraged, examined and
approved this publication.
While numerous professional biologists have critically reviewed drafts of this
document, the following individuals have made particularly notable contributions:
Dr. James Applegate (Wildlife Dept., Rutgers Univ); Dr. Arnold Boer (New
Brunswick Fish and Wildlife Branch); Dr. Robert Brooks (U.S. Forest Sm. N.E.
Exper. Station); James Cardoza (Mass. Fish and Wildlife Dept.); Dr. Robert
Deblunger (The Trustees of Reservations); Georgette Healy (Past Assist. to Jour.
Wildl. Manage. Editor); Dr. William Healy (U.S. Forest Serv. N.E. Exper.
Station); Paul Herig (Conn. Dept. Envir. Protect. Wildlife Bureau); William
Ilessellon (Fed. Aid, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv.); Jay McAninch (Institute for
Eoosystenn Studies); Ronald Regan (Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept.); Lori
Supmck(Rhode Island Div.of Fishand Wildlife); Dr.SlevenWilliams (Mass. Fish
and Wildlife Dept.); and Scot Williamson (New Hampshire Fish and Game
Dept.).
Production of the first printing of An Evaluation Of Deer Management Options
was coordinated and paid for by the Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection, Wildlife Bureau. The second printing was paid for by the U.S.Fish and
Wildlife Service Federal Aid Administration Funds, FY89.
The New England Chapter of Wildlife Society is an association of professional
wildlife biologists from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode
Island and Vermont devoted to stewardship and enlightened appreciation of
wildlife and its environments.
The Northeast Deer Technical Committee, a group comprised of professional
deer biologists from the northeastern United States and eastern Canadian
Provinces, is committed to the study and wise management of our deer resources.
Copyright 1988
Publication No. DR -11
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6. Dasmann, W. 1971. If deer are to survive. A Wildlife Management Institute
book. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa. 128 pp.
7. Dasmann, W. 1981. Wildlife biology. 2nd ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New
York, N.Y. 203 pp.
8. Ellingwood, M.R., J.B. McAninch, and R.J. Winchcombe.1983. Evaluating
the costs and effectiveness of repellent applications in protecting fruit or-
chards. Page 69 in Proc. of The First Eastern Wildlife Damage Control
Conference, Ithaca, N.Y.
9. Ellingwood, M.R. and J.Q. McAninch. 1984. Update on the Institute of
Ecosystem Studies deer damage control project. Trans. Northeast Deer Tech-
nical Committee. 20:6 -7.
10. Ellingwood, M.R. and J.V. Spignesi. 1986. Management of an urban deer
herd and the concept of cultural carrying capacity. Trans. Northeast Deer
Technical Committee. 22:4245.
11. Eve, J.11. 1981. Management implications of disease. Pages 413 -433 in
W.R. Davidson, ed. Diseases and parasites of white- tailed deer. Southeastern
Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Univ. Georgia, Athens.
12. Harder, J.D. and T.J. Peterle. 1974. Effect of DES on reproductive per-
formance of white - tailed deer. J. Wildl. Manage. 38(2):183 -196.
13. Hesselton, W.T., C.W. Severinghaus and J.E. Tanck. 1965. Population
dynamics of deer at the Seneca Army Depot. N.Y. Fish and Game J. 12:17 -30.
14. Ishmael, W.E. and O.J. Rongstad. 1984. Economics of an urban deer
removal program. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 12(4):394 -398.
15. Kirkpatrick, J.F., and J.W. Turner, Jr. (1988). Contraception as an alterna-
tive to traditional deer management techniques. In S. Lieberman, ed. Deer
management in an urbanizing region. The Humane Society of the United
States, Washington, D.C. (in press).
16. Langenau, E.E. Jr., S.R. Kellett, and J.E. Applegate. 1984. Values in man-
agement. Pagcs699 -720 in L.K. Halls, Ed. White - tailed deerecology and man-
agement. A Wildlife Management Institute book Stackpole Books, Harris-
burg, Pa.
17. Marquis, D.A., and R. Brenneman. 1981. The impact of deer on forest
vegetation in Pennsylvania. USDA Forest Service General Tech. Rep. NE -65,
Northeast For. Exp. Stn. 7pp.
18. Matschke, G.H. 1977. Microencapsulated diethylstilbestrol as an oral con-
traceptive in white - tailed deer. J. Wildl. Manage. 41(1):87 -91.
19. Matschke, G.H. 1977. Fertility control in white - tailed deer by steroid im-
plants. J.Wildl. Manage. 4](4):731 -735.
20. Matschke, G.H. 1980. Efficacy of steroid implants in preventing pregnancy
in white - tailed deer. J. Wildl. Manage. 44(3):756 -758.
21. Matschke, G.H., D.S. deCalesta, and J.D. Harder. 1984. Crop damage and
control. Pages 647 -654 in L.K. Halls, ed. White- tailed deer ecology and man-
agement. A Wildlife Management Institute book. Stackpole Books, Harris-
burg. Pa.
22. McCabe, R.E. and T.R. McCabe. 1984. Of slings and arrows: An historical
retrospection. Pages 19 -72 in L.K. Halls, ed. White - tailed deer ecology and
management. A Wildlife Management Institute book. Stackpole Books, Har-
risburg, Pa.
23. McCullough, D.R. 1979. The George Reserve deer herd: population ecol-
ogy of a K- selected species. Ann Arbor. Univ. Michigan Press. 271 pp.
24. McCullough, D.R. 1984. Lessons from the George Reserve, Michigan.
Pages 211 -242 in L.K.Halls, ed. White - tailed deer ecology and management. A
Wildlife Management Institute book. Stackpole Books, Iarrisburg, Pa.
25. Mech, L.D. 1984. Predators and predation. Pages 189 -200 in L.K. Halls, ed.
White- tailed deerecology and management. A Wildlife Management Institute
book. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa.
26. O'Bryan, M.K. and D.R. McCullough. 1985. Survival of black - tailed deer
following relocation in California. J. Wildl. Manage. 49(1):115 -119.
27.Ozoga, J.J., and L.J. Verme. 1982. Physical and reproductive characteris-
tics of a supplementally fed white - tailed deer herd. J. Wildl. Manage.
46(2):281 -301.
28. Palmer, D.T., D.A. Andrews, R.O. Winters, and J.W. Francis. 1980.
Removal techniques to control an enclosed deer herd. Wildl. Soc. Bull.
8(1):29 -33.
29. Rongstad, O.J., and R.A. McCabe. 1984. Capture techniques. Pages 655-
686 in L.K. Halls, Ed. White- tailed deer ecology and management. A Wildlife
Management Institute book. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg. Pa.
30. Roughton, R.D. 1979. Effects of oral MGA on reproduction in captive
white- tailed deer. J.Wildl. Manage. 43(2):428 -436.
31. Rue, L.L. III. 1979. The Deer of North America. An Outdoor Life book.
Crown Publishers, Inc. New York. 463 pp.
32. Smith, R.P. 1986. The beaver basin story. Deerand Deer Hunting. 9(5):22-
28.
33. Turner, J.W. Jr. and J.F. Kirkpatrick, (1988). New methods for selective
contraception in wild animals. In U.S. Seal, ed. Contraception in wildlife (in
press).
34. Williamson, L.L. and G.L. Doster. 1981. Socio- economic aspects of while-
tailed deer diseases. Pages 434 -439 in W.R. Davidson, ed. Diseases and para-
sites of White - tailed deer. Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study,
Univ. Georgia, Athens.
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Table 3. Alternative deer control program proposed by the DMTF for managing deer populations.
Artificial Feeding
Feature
Specifications
Artificial feeding of deer was defined by the DMTF as the provision of food to
meet all or part of the nutritional requirements of deer. Baiting deer with food to
Objectives
To reduce and control deer populations to maintain deer health in balance
increase their visibility for public interpretive programs was considered a legitimate
with the ecosystem and to reach tolerable levels of deer impact on
activity. Independent of the concerns about deer feeding expressed in conjunction
vegetation and on deer/vehicle collisions.
To NOT provide for a sustained yield of deer.
with other recommendations (see above), the DMTF felt an ordinance prohibiting
To establish preference for shooting and registering weak, crippled and
artificial deer feeding would be unenforceable. Deer feeding on public lands was
maimed deer.
considered to be in conflict with the management goals of these units, would reduce
To provide a safe and effective method for controlling deer populations in
the available habitat for wildlife, and could provide food only for the early portion
as humane a manner as possible.
of the winter period.
Participants
Resource managers will determine the number of participants based on
densities necessary to conduct a safe, effective deer kill.
Implementation
Participants selected from random drawing from pool of qualified
applicants.
The DMTF requested that the DNR obtain a three -year variance from the firearms
If under 18 years of age, participants must be accompanied by a qualified,
discharge ordinances when implementation of the Alternative Deer Control Program
selected adult and have previous deer hunting experience.
is recommended. The starting date of the program would be determined by the DNR
Participants must complete an orientation course stressing safety, program
and Fish and Wildlife Service after discussion with the DMTF.
objectives and rules, ethics and the need to make rapid, humane kills.
In April of each year, the DNR was asked to convene the DMTF to review and
Members of the DMTF could monitor sessions.
discuss progress in implementing deer management recommendations. In addition,
Participants must follow rules and applicable laws and regulations.
proposed deer management objectives for the coming year and related matters would
Violators will have their current permit revoked, be ineligible for
be discussed.
program participation in future years and prosecuted, if warranted.
All DMTF members ratified the final report and recommendations with their
After the first year, applicants with experience in the program will be given
signatures. The ratification also included the pledge to support and encourage others
priority.
Criteria to increase program safety and efficiency may be recommended at
to adopt and implement the recommendations of the DMTF.
the annual DMTF review meeting.
Logistics
Scheduled to minimize conflicts with public use within the management
PostScript
units.
Program may or may not coincide with deer hunting seasons held elsewhere
Reaction of the public to the unanimous agreements reached by the task force was
in the state.
mixed, although implementation of the recommendations is being considered in each
Participants may be allowed to hunt elsewhere in the state.
of the four cities. Most city Councilpersons seemed to feel that the DMTF recom-
Methods
To have resource managers recommend to the DNR Commissioner the
mendations were far - sighted and valuable assets to the cities or that the DMTF stymied
number and sex of deer to be killed by each participant each program
movement on deer population control by not approving hunting as an ongoing pro
year.
Participants must use shotguns loaded with single slug shells to kill deer.
gram. Concerns about the continuation of hunting were heightened when the resource
Shooting must be done from elevated stands.
agencies agreed that no population reduction would be necessary in 1990 -91. Deer
All deer killed must be registered at designated locations.
population goals of 20 deer per square mile had been set by the agencies and aerial
Serious, concerted efforts must be made by participants to retrieve wounded
counts in February 1990 resulted in estimated densities of about 20 deer per square
deer. Unretrieved deer must be reported to the appropriate agency for
mile.
further action.
Many members of the Minnesota Bowhunters, Inc. and the Minnesota State Ar-
Participants may donate deer killed to charitable organizations, social
chery Association were angry that bow hunting was not allowed under the provisions
service agencies or deserving individuals.
of the Alternative Deer Control program. DMTF discussions on bowhunting had
Duration
This program will be available for use on an experimental basis by affected
resource management agencies for three years following its first use.
focused on the number of deer wounded and not retrieved by bowhunters during
Evaluation
Results and new recommendations will be discussed annually by the
hunting seasons. The lack of consensus on bowhunting as an effective, humane
DMTF. A program evaluation by the resource management agencies will
method for killing deer resulted only in approval of slug - loaded shotguns as the
be presented to the DMTF at the end of the experimental period.
method for killing deer in the study area.
By early 1991, despite the varied opinions on the DMTF deliberations, members
of the DMTF had publically adhered to the agreements. Interestingly, several mem-
bers of the DMTF have continued to communicate among themselves on a number
of issues since the completion of the DMTF report.
Urban Deer Management ♦ 433
434 ♦ Trans. 56'x' N. A. Wildl. & Nat. Res. Conf. (1991)
Conclusions
While we recognize that managing deer in urban and suburban areas requires the
leadership and commitment of professional wildlife staff, our experience in this
situation would indicate that citizens in an informal, constructive setting working
without limitations, can design innovative, creative and integrated management pro-
grams. The fact that this group reached consensus on a number of management issues
is proof that there is substantial common ground among the stakeholders in wildlife
management on a local level. Although the programs proposed by the DMTF are
untested, they have been given high regard as representing the opinions and hard
work of local citizens and staff of the cities and agencies involved in the conflicts.
We believe the likelihood of agreement on hunting and wildlife management issues
on a larger scale, given the differences in values and beliefs held by the myriad of
interest groups, is remote. Without a specific locale whose attributes can be defined
and described and for which a "customized" set of management recommendations
can be developed, the value conflicts would seem to revert to the types of philo-
sophical arguments that have been heard over and over in many arenas.
We felt an important impetus for the compromises reached by the DMTF was the
inherent pressure from the city councils for recommendations to guide the residents
of their respective communities. Having an implied responsibility to reach some
decisions on a timely basis may have led to more flexibility on the part of DMTF
members, especially as the deadline drew near.
Open communication and discussion has also resulted from the deliberations of
the DMTF and will continue to produce dialogue where none existed previously.
We are optimistic that these exchanges will lead to better and more timely resolution
of wildlife management problems in other situations. Perhaps when problems can
be limited to a particular area, and stakeholders are identified and given an equal
opportunity to participate in the input process, wildlife management programs might
best be formulated by community residents and local staff from the resource agencies.
Acknowledgments
We thank Roger Johnson, Tom Isley, Alfred Berner, Blair Joselyn, Ed Boggess
and Roger Holmes for their support during the project. We recognize the members
of the DMTF and especially Don Buckhout, the facilitator, for their perseverance
and steadfast faith in the process.
Refeeences
Cobb, T. L. 1982. Deer management unit 53. New York State Conserv. 37:12 -17, 41.
Cook, J. 1974. Court denies bid to halt 6 -day Jersey deer hunt. New York Times, Dec. 7, pB33.
Kellen, S. R. 1978. Attitudes and characteristics of hunters and antihunters. Trans. N. Amer. Wildl.
and Natur. Resour. Conf. 43:412 -423.
Kuser, J. E. and J. E. Applegate. 1985. Princeton township: The history of a no- discharge ordi-
nance's effect on deer and people. Trans. N. E. Fish and Wild[. Conf. 41:150 -155.
Lampton, B. 1982. Controversy in the 'Glades. Florida Wildl. 36:12 -18.
Minnesota Valley Deer Management Task Force. 1990. Final report and recommendations. Min-
nesota Dept. of Nat. Resour., St. Paul. 47pp.
Urban Deer Management ♦ 435
Table 2. Deer Management Task Force recommendations regarding use of methods for managing
deer populations.
Method
Description
Use
No action
"Let nature take its
Not likely effective area -wide or long -
course"
term; may be suitable on short-term
basis or in certain areas.
Reintroduction
Releasing wolves
Not suitable because of insufficient
IL of predators
and coyotes
habitat, cost, and public tolerance.
Habitat
Creating or
Not suitable; protection of critical deer
manipulation
enhancing habitat
habitats was encouraged.
Artificial feeding
Food supplements
Not effective for controlling populations;
or planted crops
may affect deer movements and
distribution in limited situations.
Fertility control
Chemical agents for
Cannot currently be implemented;
reducing or
agencies should monitor research
preventing births
developments.
Trap and
Live - trapping.
Not cost - effective or suitable area -wide or
transfer
transporting and
long -term; may be used in limited
releasing deer
circumstances; stressful to deer.
Trap and kill.
Live - trapping and
Used on small land parcels when
killing deer
problems have been documented by the
DNR and after appropriate non - lethal
methods have been exhausted; must be
used humanely and according to
regulations set by the DNR.
Sharpshooting
Shooting of deer by
Used where population reduction needs,
approved law
availability of staff, and public safety
enforcement staff
concerns are appropriate.
Alternative deer
(see Table 3)
Used on state and federal lands within the
control
study area.
program
Hunting
Hunting of deer
Unable to reach consensus on this issue.
under state
regulations
control at high frequency collision locations, and efforts to discourage citizens from
feeding deer near high frequency collision areas. Information on wildlife warning
reflectors and agency addresses and telephone contacts were provided in the.final
+... - report.
Vegetation Damage Control
The DMTF felt current methods, particularly the use of fencing and repellents, to
reduce deer to all types of vegetation were excellent and needed to be communicated
to the public. Local governments were encouraged to refer people to agency and
university staff for information pamphlets, videos and demonstration projects on the
most effective damage control methods. Agencies were also to discourage deer
feeding by people with vegetation damage.
432 ♦ Trans. 564 N. A. Wildl. & Nat. Res. Conf. (1991)
vehicle collisions; (2) natural habitat browsing; (3) damage to ornamentals and crops;
(3) deer health, particularly reproductive rates; (4) natural population variability;
(5) resource agency ecosystem management objectives; (6) consumptive and non -
consumptive uses of deer by people; (7) land -use diversity; (8) community tolerance
of deer population levels; (9) artificial feeding; (10) human health; and (1 l) accuracy
and variability of deer census data.
Deer Population Management
The DMTF adopted a two -step process for evaluating control methods. First,
methods that could possibly achieve population reduction objectives within the study
area were identified. Second, those methods that could be effective and would be
acceptable and useful as management tools, were evaluated. l
The DMTF listed as indirect deer population management methods the use of
fences /movement barriers, repellents, habitat manipulation, artificial feeding and no
action. Direct methods included fertility control, trap and transfer, trap and kill,
hunting, sharpshooting, and reintroduction of predators. Fences /movement barriers
and repellents were not considered as potential population control methods but were
evaluated for controlling vegetation damage.
The final population control recommendations were described by method and
intended use on the study area (Table 2). All methods listed were considered available
and potentially effective and acceptable. Consensus was not reached on the use of
hunting to control populations and thus, opposing statements of identical length were
printed in the final report (Minnesota River Valley Deer Management Task Force
1990:Appendix .E).
Although the DMTF could not reach consensus on hunting, ideas developed during
the extensive discussions resulted in formulation of an Alternative Deer Control
Program (Table 3). This program, although not entirely new as a method for killing
deer in controversial situations, represented an alternative that was unanimously
supported by the DMTF.
The Alternative Deer Control Program differed from public hunting in that a special
selection process was to be used to identify qualified participants. The eligibility
qualifications and standards of conduct were more restrictive than are generally
required for public hunting. In addition, the Alternative Deer Control Program was
solely focused on balancing deer population densities with specific, well - defined
criteria.
The Altemative Deer Control Program differed from sharpshooting in that partic-
ipants were to be selected from among qualified members of the general public.
Also, deer removal methods were limited to slug - loaded shotguns as opposed to the
rifles used by sharpshooters. finally, shooting by any method not specifically listed
in the program description, was not allowed.
Deer /Vehicle Collisions
The DMTF recommended techniques for implementation by local governments
for reduction deer /vehicle collisions. These included increased compliance with deer/
vehicle collision reporting, identification of areas with high frequencies of deer/
vehicle collisions, installation of wildlife warning reflectors at high frequency col-
lision sites, media coverage of hazardous locations and methods for driving defen-
sively during seasons of increased deer movement, improved road shoulder vegetation
Urban Deer Management . ♦ 431
Ohio Environmental Council and New Hampshire Citizens' Task Force on Acid Rain. 1986. Bridging
two states: A report on the acid rain partnership workbook exchange. The Ohio Environmental
Council, Columbus. I Ipp.
Peyton, R. B. 1984. A typology of natural resource issues with implications for resource management
and education. Michigan Academician 17:49 -58.
Schmidt, R. H. 1989. Animal welfare and wildlife management. Trans. N. Amer. Wildl. and Natur.
Resour. Conf. 54:468 -475.
436 ♦ 'Trans. 561 N. A. Wildl. & Nat. Res. Conf. (1991)
The DMTF considered itself a fact - finding group and thus, agreed to make all
decisions by consensus or unanimous consent. When the group could not agree on
an issue; opposing views were given equal time in the meetings and equal space in
the final report. Equal representation of alternative views was considered to be a
safeguard against renewing basic value conflicts and the undermining of DMTF
decisions by the minority viewholders. In fact, the DMTF never voted on issues
regardless of significance.
The DMTF agreed to close their meetings to attorneys and the media, and to allow
observers and specialists to participate by invitation only. All participants pledged
to act in good faith during discussions and to maintain confidentiality about statements
made or positions taken during DMTF meetings. Members agreed to meet at least
monthly and to issue a final report and recommendations by 30 June 1990. Inquiries
from the public and the media about the DMTF process or progress were to be
handled by the facilitator. Press releases or articles written by DMTF members had
to be reviewed and approved by the group.
The DMTF defined the area of impact of their recommendations as the lands within
the boundaries of the four cities, although the group recognized the implications their
work might have in similar communities. Finally, all members of the DMTF com-
mitted themselves to the framework and .groundrules described above by signing a
ratification agreement.
Results
The DMTF held 18 meetings and one field trip from April, 1989 through June
1990. In four meetings during April and May 1989, the DMTF developed and sent
to the cities deer management recommendations for 1989 -90. These recommenda-
tions essentially maintained the public hunting and sharpshooting programs used in
1989, allowing time for the DMTF to complete their work.
Discussions about development of long -term deer management programs began in
September 1989. During the initial sessions the members listed their concerns about
deer populations in the study area which later became the basis for topics discussed
by the group. The concerns were: (1) the criteria and authority for setting deer
population density objectives; (2) the effectiveness, acceptability and availability of
deer population control methods; (3) deer /vehicle collisions; and (4) deer impacts on
vegetation. The stages of issue definition, description and discussion preceded an
often difficult process of developing recommendation statements that represented a
consensus on each concern. The final report and recommendations included an issue
statement and a set of recommendations regarding each issue.
Recommendations
Deer Population Densities
Deer population densities, expressed as numbers of deer per square mile, were
accepted as the principal indicator of the size of deer populations. The DMTF
recognized the expertise of the resource management agencies in setting numerical
density goals for units within the study area. The DMTF recommended that agency
staff carefully consider the following factors in developing density goals: (1) deer/
430 ♦ ' Trans. 56'' N. A. Wildl. & Nat. Res. Conf. (1991)
using conservation law enforcement officers in the Minnesota Valley National Wild-
life Refuge and Ft. Snelling State Park. Conflicts over the hunting programs occurred
each year and in 1989, the Burnsville city council requested the DNR convene a
task force to resolve the issues. The Council indicated they would not approve further
hunts until the task force had issued recommendations on deer management for the
lower Minnesota River Valley. After approval by the Director of Fish and Wildlife,
the DNR agreed to form the Deer Management Task Force (DMTF) to facilitate a
deer management agreement among all factions.
DMTF Features
The DMTF objectives, as proposed by the DNR and approved by the cities, were
to: (1) identify problems associated with deer populations in the lower Minnesota
River Valley; (2) review past and proposed deer management by the resource agen-
cies; (3) review existing and potential deer population control methods and recom-
mend methods to be used; (4) recommend desirable deer population densities; and
(5) recommend practical methods for implementing a comprehensive deer manage-
ment program.
The DMTF was composed of at least one representative from each of the federal,
state and country resource agencies, one appointee form each city, one representative
from three pro- and three anti- hunting organizations, and one representative from a
non - hunting conservation group (Table 1). DMTF members were selected to represent
a diversity of views on the issues but not to reflect the will of the public on hunting
or wildlife management. This feature of the DMTF was intended to reduce the
polarization inherent in processes involving majority and minority groups. The DNR
supplied a facilitator to conduct the meetings and to write, with the DMTF's approval,
meeting summaries and the final decisions made by the group.
Table 1. Agencies and organizations represented on the Deer Management Task Force, 1989 -90.
Type of group Participant
Municipalities
Bloomington
Burnsville
Eagan
Mendota Heights
County resource agency
Dakota Parks
Hennepin Parks
State resource agency
MN Dept. of Natural Resources
Division of Parks and Recreation
Section of Wildlife
Federal resource, agency
US Fish and Wildlife Service
MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Animal rights and welfare
Friends of Animals and Their Environment
Minnesota Network for Animal Concerns
Minnesota Valley Humane:Society
Hunting, shooting and fishing sports
lzaak Walton League, Minnesota Chapter
Minnesota Deer Hunters Association
Minnesota State Archery Association
Conservation
Minnesota River Valley Audubon Club
Urban Deer Management ♦ 429
Urban Deer Management Programs:
A Facilitated Approach
Jay B. McAninch
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources''
Madelia
Jon M. Parker
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Shakopee .
Proposals to hunt deer in urban areas have produced heated debate over deer
population levels, the impact of deer on vegetation, deer health and deer /vehicle
accidents (Kuser and Applegate 1985). Often, groups appointed to evaluate options
for managing deer populations have continued to recommend hunting as the best
course of action (Cobb 1982). In several situations, efforts to implement hunting
programs have been met with litigation and disruptive activities by anti- hunting groups
(Cook 1974, Lampton 1982).
Conflicts over hunting involve deeply rooted value and belief systems (Kellen
1978, Peyton 1984, Schmidt 1989). Technological information about hunting as a
management technique has been considered adequate but has not provided the basis
for compromise due to the disparate belief systems of the stakeholders (Peyton 1984).
In recent years professional facilitation has shown promise as a mechanism for
developing consensus recommendations on difficult issues (Ohio Environmental Council
and New Hampshire Citizens' Task Force on Acid Rain 1986). This concept is based
on respecting the legitimacy of conflicting views. and honoring the dignity, intelli-
gence and sincerity of antagonists.
In this paper, we describe a facilitated approach used to develop an urban deer
management program in Minnesota. This paper is taken largely from the Final Report
and Recommendations of the Minnesota Valley Deer Management Task Force (Min-
nesota Valley Deer Management Task Force 1990). Our intent is to chronicle the
steps taken to reach the final recommendations and to provide the background for
evaluating our results in the setting in which this program occurred.
Background
Deer damage to native and planted vegetation and deer /vehicle collisions have
been increasing since the late 1970s in the cities of Burnsville, Bloomington, Eagan
and Mendota Heights, Minnesota. These cities border the Minnesota Valley National
Wildlife Refuge and Ft. Snelling State Park which are public lands covering 8.4
square miles of the lower Minnesota River Valley. The area also includes lands
owned by the cities and by private citizens. Deer population reduction efforts were
slowed by firearms discharge bans in each city and by opposition to killing deer.
From 1984 through 1988, the four cities annually granted the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) authorization to hold public deer hunts and to conduct sharpshooting
428 ♦ Trans. 56" N. A. Wildl. & Mir. Res. Conf. (1991)
TRANSACTIONS
of the
Fifty -sixth
North American Wildlife
and Natural Resources Conference
�i
I
ISSN 0078 -1355
J '
��SnnTAATE OF
JIB U V LE S (o uL%
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PHONE NO. _ y Z. - 8 q _7G FILE NO.
-QT.Z' Qo�C 8 (, i1it A-rJK��4- i%.A1 J�O tro Z
MARCH 10, 1993
CONTRACEPTION IN WHITE- TAILED DEER
STATUS OF CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Jay McAninch
No registration of a wildlife contraceptive. (vaccine or otherwise) either as
a pesticide (with the Environmental Protection Agency) or a drug (with the
United States Department of Agriculture or the Food and Drug Administration)
has been applied for or approved.
A remotely (close range) delivered immunocontraceptive (a non- species-
specific antigen) effective in controlling reproductive output in female
white- tailed deer has been developed and tested with success on confined
groups of deer.
No contraceptive research on free - ranging white - tailed deer has been
conducted or has been approved for initiation.
No species - specific, orally deliverable, immunocontraceptive technology
exists.
No model for evaluating the population impacts of any contraceptive system
has been developed.
Current research includes investigations of a species- specific epitope
(antigenic determinant) (USDA, Denver Wildlife Research Center), a non -
species- specific, zona pellucida antigen system (Smithsonian Institute and
National Park Service), a non - species- specific, control of the gonadotropin
releasing hormone (Rutgers University and Colorado State University) , and
species- specific immunity to the sperm plasma membrane (University of
Georgia).
The Animal Control Committee of the International Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies has been investigating issues associated with the
development and use of wildlife contraceptives. Important concerns are:
There is uncertainty concerning which Federal agency has authority over
fertility control materials in wildlife, especially as it relates to
their application for free - ranging populations.
Currently, state regulations and authorities are not precise enough to
control when, where, how, if and by whom contraceptive materials will be
used.
State wildlife agencies may have the authority to promulgate
administrative rules relating to the licensing of contraceptives if
these materials are proven to be effective for wildlife management.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
FACT SHEET
IMMUNOCONTRACEPTION AS A POPULATION MANAGEMENT
OPTION FOR
WHITE - TAILED DEER
The white - tailed dear (Odocoilous virginianus) population has grown to a level
beyond the carrying capacity of the habitat availablb in many areas in the
MinnesotA River Valley and adjacent areas. Control of the deer on the
Minnesota Valley NWR has been accomplished through the Alternative Deer
Control Program and sharpshooting since 1989 based on recommendations made by
the Deer Management Task Fortel. Immunocontrdcdption is a relatively new
technique for suppressing fertility which his been tested on a limited bAsid
for controlling deer population growth. This fact sheet examines the
alternative of controlling the deer population through reproductive
suppression.
A variety of anti - fertility agents have been tested on female white - tailed
doer over the past 20 yearsi including the steroids diethylstilbestrol (DES)
and melangestrolacetate (MGA)l synthetic progestins, and porcine zonde
pellucida6 (PZP). The use of the anti- growth stimulant; DES, was discontinued
because it is harmful to human hbalth. In idditionj oral administration of
antifertility agents has not been h reliable technnique for several reasons.
• It has been difficult to assure that the treated bait is eaten at
leveld necessary to suppress reproduction. beer have to be sufficiently
interested in supplemental feeding and should be monitored to assure
that the treated bait is consumed. This is logistically difficult to
achieve.
+ Deer develop an aversion to the oral treatment (Harder and Peterle
1974, as referenced in Bell and Peterle 1975) and, therefore, do not
receive a sufficient dose of the hormone to suppress reproduction.
• Non - target species may eat the bait (Kirkpatrick and Turner 1991),
causing a variety of unwanted dffecta including suppression of
reproduction, birth defects and death of those non - target species. In
addition, non - target species may assimilate the anti - fertility agents
through consumption of species or carrion thdt have been intentionally
or unintentionally treated.
• It is difficult to account for the feeding habits and range of
individual deer, adding to the logistical headache referred to above.
uA group of individuals from the Federal, State, County, and Local
governments as well as private organizations interested in deer population
control in the Minnesota River Valley.
2
Several types of implants have been tested with mixed results. Steroid
implants suppressed fertility for only two breeding seasons and required
trapping and surgical implantation (Hatschke 1979). Plotka and Seal 1989
suggest that these steroid implants may last several more years, but no
studies have been done to test this theory. Bell and Peterle 1975 tested
hormone implants and concluded that this may be an effective technique to use
where deer' can be trapped, sedated and implanted. An additional study of
chemosterilant implantation in captive deer on Angel Island in San Francisco
Bay demonstrated that reproduction could be suppressed for several breeding
P
seasons.,
The cost of a project to capture deer and insert steroid implants is
prohibitive. The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (SFSPCA), which funded the Angel Island study, realized a cost of
approximately $1,000 per implanted doe (Botti 1985). Hunting efficiency data
indicate that the difficulty of finding target animals increases as the number
of animals one is searching for decreases. In addition, 50% - 70% of the does
in a population of deer must be rendered infertile to produce a stabilizing
effect on the population (Rice and Harder 1974, based on pers. comm. with Jay
HcAninch): The problems associated with capturing does for implantation,
limited efficacy of the implants developed td date, high cost involved with
implementing this type of population control technique on a free - roaming
population, and lack of ability to effectively monitor results prohibits use
of this tool for management.
In an sffort to develop additional Control methods, researchers have tested
the use of remotely delivered immunocontraception as a potential population
control alternative,. Kirkpatrick et al. 1990 studied this technique on free -
roaming feral horses (Eauus cabs us). They remotely delivered PZP injections
to suppress fertility. The PZP formula has several advantages over the
various chemosterilant formulas discussed above:
• PZP injected into pregnant females did hot adversely affect the
pregnancy but subsequently inhibited fertility.
a A small volume of the aqueous PZP vaccine is needed so it is easily
administered using a dart.
The PZP is a protein and, as a result, should not be passed through
the food chain.
Several questions remain to be answered before this technique could be
considered an option available to wildlife managers.
• Studies should be conducted to assure that treated meat consumed by
humans would be safe.
• The PZP vaccine currently requires at least two inoculations to
inhibit fertility. A single -dose vaccine must be developed. Research
is underway to formulate a single -dose vaccine through
microencapsulation and test the formula on a captive population.
3
• Research on white - tailed deer had only been conducted on a captive
population (Turner et al. 1992). Can this technique can be applied to a
free - roaming population? Remote delivery can be difficult where animals
brb Mary and delivery idethods used to date are at close rangd, less than
30 meters from the target anitidl (Jay HcAnindh, pers. cbmd.) What is
the definition of "remote ". 11 . .
• A Mandger needs to knout what percentage of thb femaled in a
population need to be infertile to stabilize the population. The
problbmd of Administering this type of tbchnique and mbnitoriitgrdsults
bbbome more ddmplex tjhen the population'ib impacted by animals moving
into and out of an area.
Before thib technique could be used by wildlife managers, research shotild bb
conducted on free- roaming populations of white - tailed dear. Questiond remain
as to the effectiveness of this technique in reducing overall population
levels. Research must also address the effect of administering the vaccine to
pregnant dohs, which is inevitable when inoculating thdm remotely. In
addition, a method for identifying treated animals deeds to be developed.'
Immunbcontraception had prbiren to be a technique capable of suppressing
fertility. However, many logistical questions must be answbred befote i can
be considered a management option for free - roaming white - tailed deer.
1)
4
Bibliography
Bell, 1. L. and T. J. Peterle. 1975. Hormone implants control reproduction
in white - tailed deer. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 1:152 -156..
Botti, Fred L. 1985. Chemosterilants as a management option for deer on
Angel Island: lessons learned. Cal -Neva Wildl. Trans. p. 61 -65.
Ellingwood,
Clark R., and Suzanne L.Caturana. 1958. An evaluation bf deer
management options. New England Chapter /The Uildlife Society and the
Northeast Deer Technical Committee.
Kirkpatrick, Jay F., Irwin K. M. Liu, and John W. Turner, Jr. 1990.
Remotely - delivered immunocontraception in feral horses. Wildl. Soc. gull-
18:326-330.
Matschke, George H. 1980. Efficacy of steroid implants in preventing
pregnancy in white - tailed deer. J. Wildl. Manage. 44(3):756 -758.
Plotka, E. D. and U. S. Seal. 1989. Fertility.control in female white -
tailed deer. J. Wildl. Dis. 25(4):643 -646..
Turner, +John W., Irwin K. M. Liu. and Jay F. Kirkpatrick. 1992. Immuno-
contraception in white - tailed deer. J. Wildl. Manage. 56(1):154 -157.
Minnesota Valley Deer Management Task Force. 1990. Final report and
„recommendations.
Item 3a
Aug. 17, 1993
NHRC Agenda
Inter-Off ice
CORRESPONDENCE
DATE: August 12, 1993
TO: Natural and Historical Resources Commission
FROM: Greg Ingraham, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: 1993 -94 Program Summary and Deer Control Results 1991 -93
Attached is the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommendation for
the 1993 -94 Deer Control Program. The memo summarizes the Alternative Deer Control
Program for the three city area of the Minnesota River valley and contains the deer survey
results /recommendations for Bloomington. The 1993 -4 Bloomington Deer Control
Program is summarized below and on the attached City map.
Bloomington Summary
The 1993 -94 Deer Control Program is the third year of a three year program approved in
1991. This year's goal is to remove approximately 370 deer in Bloomington by a
combination of sharpshooting and limited public hunting (Alternative Deer Control
Program). Last year's program removed 369 animals.
If the participating agencies (City of Bloomington, Hennepin Parks, DNR and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service) achieve their 1993 -94 removal goals, the Bloomington deer population
will be at the density level recommended by the DNR, Minnesota Valley Deer Task Force
and the City Comprehensive Plan.
1993 -94 Program Notes
Spring, 1993, aerial surveys showed a very high concentration of deer (103 deer per
square mile of habitat) in the Bloomington Ferry Unit of the Mn. Valley Wildlife Refuge.
Cooperative sharpshooting efforts between the City, DNR and USFWS should concentrate
on this area and the USFWS should assume a greater role in the program.
Hennepin County Parks had some difficulty reaching their 1992 -3 removal goal due to a
large number of deer leaving the public park areas during the sharpshooting periods.
Wildlife managers from the County and the DNR think many of the deer were attracted to
illegal private feeding sites near the park. The wildlife managers would like strict
enforcement of the feeding ban provisions this year. An increased education effort would
probably help encourage greater compliance.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the 1993 -94 Deer Control Program and adoption of a deer
feeding ban similar to the 1992 -3 ordinance,. but with a clear definition of deer feeding,
more enforcement efforts and a pre -ban education /notification effort. ___- - - --
A
1991 -94 PROGRAM SUMMARY
In 1991, the City Council approved a number of elements of a comprehensive deer
management program.
- A Wildlife Management Plan section of the Bloomington Comprehensive Plan.
- A three year (1992 - 94) deer control program.
- . A goal of having 15 - 25 deer per square mile of habitat (approximately
300 deer).
- A commitment to review and re- evaluate the program after the three years of
control actions are completed (Summer, 1994).
- Annual helicopter census of deer population.
- Ordinance revisions to allow police officers and wildlife officers to sharpshoot
deer as a control method.
- Ordinances banning intentional feeding of deer in areas of deer control actions
(November - March)
- Approval of City, Hennepin "County, MnDNR and USFWS sharpshooting and
alternative deer control (limited public hunting).
- Funding of overtime for police officers and park maintenance personnel to
conduct the deer removal program (approximately 510,000 /year).
- Commitment to conduct another community survey to determine the success
and attitudes regarding the deer control program (Summer, 1994).
.I
FALL 1991 BLOOMINGTON DEER POPULAT ION ESTIMATE 1050 Deer
1991 92 Deer Control Program - Bloomington, Hennepin Parks, DNR and USFWS
Program Program Goal Deer Killed
Bloomington Sharpshooting 150 135
DNR Alternative Deer Control Program 20 14
DNR /USFWS Sharpshooting 30 36
Hennepin County Sharpshooting 150 150
350 TOTAL 335 TOTAL
FALL 1992 BLOOMINGTON DEER POPULATION ESTIMATE 970 Deer
1992 -93 Deer Control Program - Bloomington, Hennepin Parks, DNR and USFWS
Program Program Goal Deer Killed
Bloomington Sharpshooting 175 169
DNR Alternative Deer Control Program 50 -60 50
DNR /USFWS Sharpshooting 25 -30 39
Hennepin County Sharpshooting 150 111
+ 380 TOTAL 369 TOTAL
FALL 1993 BLOOMINGTON DEER POPULATION ESTIMATE 740 Deer
1993 -94 Deer Control Program - Bloomington, Hennepin Parks, DNR and USFWS
Program Program Goal
Bloomington /DNR /USFWS Sharpshooting 150 -200
DNR Alternative Deer Control Program 70 -90
Hennepin County Sharpshooting 125 -150
+ 370 TOTAL
If approximately 175 deer are removed from City owned land in 1993 -94 it is estimated
that removing only 30 -40 per year thereafter would result in a recommended stable
population of approximately 22 deer per square mile of habitat.
P1anning \NHRC \Corr \Deer2.mem
Bloomington Comprehensive Plan
Figure 3
DEER DENSITY TABLE
RavbadPtcJeabmbyBbo"cnPLw-1 Mftbn 7•2-91
Feb. 1991 Wtr. 1991 Wtr. 91 -92 Wtr. 91 -92
Proposed_ Deer total to remain in primary and
secondary habitat using gross s.f. land totals
aerial deer
estimates
deer
estlma_te
potential
removal
recjuestd' :Deer
femtivel::'::
-
at 40
per sq ml
Deer at 30
per sq ml
Deer at 25
per sq mi
Deer at 20
per sq ml
Deer per long
term density
yLVI8,1991) pdpn:nna.CP
FiNotations
Pifrh*i .tiebHit; it:Mrt:V.i!leV ;F3alu e'
126
189
97
--
90
148
111
74
Area Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Addltlotl$) $9GnI1dQ. Htk41lt::'''.:::::''.:.:.
36
54
18
0
: ::i3$;
27
18
22
2a
f ijfi`i' .'{Ial Ii J:* :i;t�:�tagay:& i3iF; gto:
160
240
168
100
:72:
54
36
45
2b
Area Total .
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2b
Additldri>xI Secbrid� :E{bitat':
52
78
60
0
:'t.tl~:
14
9
11
3
Remainder of Urban Area
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
=LoVJe 9�:Mi; Creed:;
5o
75
5o
40
: 25:
18
12
15
Area Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
F4bjtat:df:BlrYjgtori
$.bi;�11t1'aiy I Abit&t�:Upp�t-9' :.Ml: : "Ofd'ek
0
0
0
0
47
35
29
0
23
0.
Area Total
0
0
0
0
01
01
0.
6a
:Hahlta3:of
297
380
269
150
83
55
69
bb
Area Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5b
Addhi oiti'dl :$6tbi'idatj/:Hlibbi4afi ''''' '
30.
45
9
0
48
30
24
;3i
Total
751
11
671
380
504 378 315
252
7
o 1991 Aerial estimates. are based on survey counting 75% of the deer (DNR Standard)
o 1991 winter estimate based on 60% of aerial estimate being female with one fawn surviving
to winter. The estimate then subtracts projected car kills, other death source of 10 %.
o 1991 potential removal based on deer estimate minus Interim habitat density selected.'
o •.:1991 requested removal is proposed goal by City or Agency.
Shading denotes 1991 -1992 proposed Interim deer density goals by Bloomington Planning.
Dark box denotes proposed long term deer density goal (1994 and beyond)
** Hyland estimate (Zone 5a) Includes an additional out migration for 30% of yearlings.
Deer population density recommendations are shown in black
L -�
1993 -94 Deer Control Program
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September 1993
CITY OF EDINA
DEER SURVEY RESULTS
Since 1984, the City of Edina has participated with Hennepin Parks in an aerial
survey of deer populations. Aerial surveys were conducted in 1984, 1985, 1986,
1988, 1991, 1992, and 1993. Although different parts of Edina were surveyed from
year to year, the Braemar Park area was surveyed each year. In 1984, six deer were
counted in the Braemar Park area. By 1993, the Braemar Park count had reached 52
deer. During the same time period, the number of deer related calls received by City
Hall increased markedly. Most calls concerned deer predation of landscaping.
In November 1992, City staff participated in a meeting with representatives of
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hennepin Parks, and the Cities of
Bloomington and Eden Prairie. On that occasion, City staff received a briefing
concerning deer population control activities in Bloomington and Hennepin Parks.
Based upon the Bloomington experience, staff elected to supplement the annual aerial
survey data concerning deer populations with a survey of our residents. The City of
Eden Prairie also agreed to conduct such a survey.
The questionnaire that was used for the Edina survey was nearly identical to
that used by Bloomington. The Bloomington survey had been developed with the
input of area wildlife and natural resources managers.
Our survey was included in the Spring 1993 edition of About Town which was
delivered to all dwelling units in the City on about the first of May. Survey responses
were accepted for tabulation until July 1. Only six surveys were returned after July
1.
About Town is received by approximately 21,000 households in the City. 294
surveys were returned and tabulated for an overall response rate of 1.4 %. The
response rate for that portion of the City, located west of Highway 100, was
approximately 3 percent and the rate for the southwest quadrant was approximately
4 percent. This response rate was disappointing and falls far short of the 22%
response rate achieved in Bloomington which distributed their questionnaires with
quarterly water billings. Based upon our response rate it may be difficult to assume
that this survey is statistically representative of all City residents. A more
representative sample would require more sophisticated survey techniques such as an
individual mailing or a telephone survey.
Many responders to the survey expressed appreciation to the City for making
an effort to solicit citizen input. Some responders, however, were critical of the
survey noting that, in their opinion, it was biased to elicit a response from residents
who favored deer population control. Although residents who favored no population
control were well represented in survey responses, the Council should consider this
criticism when reviewing the survey results.
This survey represents only one factor which should be considered with respect
to deer population control. Other factors include the population data which have been
collected over the years, the advice of wildlife managers and other experts, and the
public safety implications of any population control program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A ten question survey concerning Edina's deer population was included in the
Spring issue of About Town. Responses were accepted for tabulation until July 1,
1993. 294 surveys were returned for a response rate of 1.4% of all households.
Thirteen percent of the surveys returned were from households located east of
Highway 100. The remainder of the responses came from west of Highway 100 with
the southwest quadrant of the City having the highest response rate.
FINDINGS
o Long -term residents over 50 years of age composed a disproportionately high
percentage of survey responders. This response may be due to the age
characteristics of single - family homeowners in the western part of the City
which had the highest response rate.
0 52% of all responders felt that there was a deer overpopulation problem in their
area. 70% of the responders from the southwest quadrant indicated an
overpopulation problem.
0 59% of all responders felt that deer were an asset to the community although
most who thought they were an asset also felt they should be controlled in
some fashion. 36% of all responders viewed the deer population only as a
liability.
0 15% of all responders did not support any form of population control. 18%
supported only the issuance of variances to allow fences that would permit
homeowners to protect their property. Therefore, 33% of all responders did not
favor any method of deer control that resulted in the death of individual
animals.
0 53% of the total supported population control that would clearly result in the
death of animals.
0 12% of the total favored either fence variances or deer relocation efforts even
if the loss of animals in the process of relocation was very likely.
0 59% of all responders favored the use of tax dollars for deer management.
QUESTION #1. WHAT IS YOUR AGE RANGE?
Most survey responses came from individuals over 50 years of age. This group
represented a disproportionately high percentage of responders (61.2 %)
compared with their representation in the total population (39.0% based on
1990 Census).
Age Range of People Responding
to the Survey .
No Response (1
Over 60 (3510/6)
2030 (270/6)
-6030 (26.6%)
(22.8 %)
QUESTION #2. HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN AN EDINA RESIDENT?
Most responders were long -time Edina residents. Nearly 70% of all responders
have been residents for over 10 years and nearly one -half (44.2 %) have been
residents over 20 years.
No R
Over 20 years (44.2%)
How many years have you been
a resident of Edina?
,10 years (27.6%)
I years (26b %)
QUESTION #3. WHAT STREET INTERSECTION IS CLOSEST TO YOUR HOME?
Of the 294 responses received, only 37 responses came from east of Highway
100. 107 responses came from the northwest quadrant (north of Crosstown
and west of Highway 100) and 150 responses came from the southwest
quadrant (south of Crosstown and west of Highway 100).
QUESTION #4A. DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEER OVER - POPULATION
PROBLEM IN YOUR AREA?
52% of all responders indicated that there was an over - population problem and
approximately 45% indicated no problem. However, in the southwest quadrant
of the City, 70% of the responders indicated an over - population problem.
No
Is There a Deer OverpopulMon Problem
In Your Area?
No Response (3.
(62.0%)
QUESTION #413. HAVE YOU TRIED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
31.3% of all responders noted that they have attempted to solve the
overpopulation problem with respect to damage to vegetation. 15% stated that
special fencing was tried and 26.2% reported that they had used repellents in
an attempt to reduce damage.
QUESTION #5. HAVE YOU EVER LIVED NEAR A WILDLIFE AREA BEFORE?
42% of all responders stated that they now or had previously lived by a wildlife
area.
QUESTION #6. IS THERE INTENTIONAL FEEDING OF DEER IN YOUR IMMEDIATE
NEIGHBORHOOD?
Intentional feeding may encourage deer to move from more natural habitat to
neighborhoods. 17.7% of all responders noted that feeding was occurring in
their neighborhood.
Is there Intentional Feeding of Deer
In your Neighborhood?
No Respot
Do not know (14.6%)
7.7%)
It is difficult to determine if artificial feeding is a problem
based on this response. Many responders may know of the
same one or two individuals who feed deer in a particular
neighborhood.
QUESTION #7. HOW MANY DEER DO YOU BELIEVE ARE WITHIN FOUR SQUARE
BLOCKS OF YOUR HOME?
This question was very difficult for most responders to answer. A very large
range of responses were given which proved nearly impossible to tabulate.
QUESTION #8. DO YOU SEE DEER AS...?
Responders were asked to express their viewpoint as to whether deer were:
a positive community asset
a health hazard
an asset, if controlled
a financial /economic issue
a traffic safety hazard
a nuisance but not a health hazard
Many responders had multiple viewpoints. The 294 responders to the survey
checked a total of 598 blanks. For example, an individual responder may have
indicated that deer were a "positive community asset" but also indicated that
deer were a "traffic safety hazard."
The following chart shows the breakdown of all 598 responses to the question
Total Views on Deer Problem
In Edina
Other (4.3x)
Nuisance But Not Health Prob. (10.7x) — - — Community Asset (19.4x)
Traffic Safety Hazard (22.
Hazard (152x)
R-ndal Question (9.0x) -J Asset IF C.W.Ued (192x)
Survey responses were further analyzed to determine the number of responders
who checked the blank indicating "positive community asset ". Of the 294
surveys returned, 48 or 16% of the responders offered this viewpoint only. 40
responders, or 14% of the total indicated "positive community asset" but also
indicated "an asset, if controlled." 24 responders, or 8% of the total indicated
"positive community asset" but also noted that deer were a health hazard, a
financial /economic issue, a traffic safety hazard, or a nuisance.
63 responders or 21 % of the total indicated that deer were "an asset, if
controlled." Many of these responders checked one or more of the blanks
noting "a health hazard," "a financial /economic issue," "a traffic safety issue"
or "a nuisance but not health hazard."
107 responders or 36% of the total checked one or more of the blanks other
than "a positive community asset" or "an asset, if controlled." These
responders apparently viewed deer only as a health hazard, traffic safety
hazard, financial /economic issue, or a nuisance. All of these responders also
supported some method of deer population control.
Based upon the response to question #8, 59% of all responders indicated that
deer were an asset to the community (most of these responders also felt that
some control was needed), 71 % of all responders indicated a need for some
type of population control (many of these responders also felt that deer were
an asset to the community). The type of control was the subject of the next
question.
QUESTION #9. CAN YOU SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTED DEER HERD
CONTROL METHODS? (Check all that apply)
Responders were asked to express their support of the following control
methods:
o Grant fence variances to individual property owners
o Move deer to other locations (high rate of animal loss should be
_ expected)
o Trap and kill deer, DNR monitored
o Allow private sharp- shooting of deer where feasible
o None of the above
As with Question #8, many responders had multiple viewpoints. The 294
responders to the survey checked a total of 495 blanks. For example, an
individual responder may have indicated support for fence variances as well as
private sharp- shooting.
The following chart shows the breakdown of all 495 responses to this question.
Private Sharp Shooters (20.9 %)
Total Suggested Methods
of Deer Management
No Idll (7.3 %)
Trap and Wil with DNR
at Fence Variances (20.7 %)
Deer to New Location (23.0%
Surveys were analyzed further as to the individual response of survey
participants. 43 responders or 15% of the total indicated no support for any
control measures. 53 responders or 18% of the total indicated support for
fence variances only. Therefore, 33% of the total supported no control efforts
or control efforts that did not result in the death of deer.
36 responders, or 12% or the total indicated support for either fence variances
or moving deer to other locations even if a high rate of animal loss should be
expected.
157 responders or 53% of the total supported control efforts that would result
in the death of deer.
As noted in question 4A., 44.9 percent of the responders indicated that they
did not believe there was a deer overpopulation problem in their area. Of this
group of responders, 27 percent indicated no support of any of the control
methods. 32 percent supported fence variances only. 12 percent supported
either fence variances or deer relocation even if a high rate of animal loss
should be expected. 29 percent supported methods that would result in animal
death.
52 percent of all responders indicated in question 4A., that they did believe
there was a deer over - population problem in their area. Of this group of
responders, 4 percent indicated no support of any of the control methods. 5
percent supported fence variances only. 13 percent supported either fence
variances or deer relocation even if a high rate of animal loss should be
expected. 78 percent supported methods that would result in animal death.
QUESTION #10. DO YOU SUPPORT THE USE OF CITY TAX DOLLARS FOR A
DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM?
No Respoi
No (292 %)
Do you support tax dollars
for Deer Control?
(592 %)
I
FINAL REPORT
MANAGEMENT OF A SUBUR11AN DEER POPULATION
IN THE CITY OF NORTH OAKS, MINNESOTA
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Peter A. Jordan
Principal Investigator
Ronald A. Moen
Assistant Investigator
Dale L. Krueger
Field Manager.
28 May 1993
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report
Summary
2
Deer removal was resumed for the City of North Oaks during the
winter of 1992 - 1993. 171 were caught in Clover traps and 19 were shot
in an experimental sharpshooting program on the Hill Farm for a total of
190. We estimate that 87 fetuses were carried by the 115 female deer
removed, so the net herd reduction was 277 deer. This is the highest
number of deer removed from North Oaks since the deer management program
began in the early 1980's. More deer would have been removed if weather
conditions this year had been as severe as last year. The cost per deer
removed this year, $131 , was higher than last year. The deer carcasses
were turned over to the Minn. D.N.R. for distibution to food shelves and
other organizations. The 14,200 pounds of carcasses yielded about
12,500 pounds of edible meat. A population model from data collected
indicates this year's control program, in conjunction with other
mortality factors, will result in a fall 1993 deer population of about
880, close to what was present* in fall 1992. If the program had not
been carried out, the fall 1993 population would be about 1,150 deer.
We discuss how a combination of trapping and sharpshooting would allow
us to reduce the herd to a fall level of around 500 deer within 2 to 3
years.
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report 3
We carried out a deer removal program for the City of North Oaks
for the winter of 1992 -1993. The objective of the deer - control program
was to carry out a safe and humane herd reduction consistent with the
objectives of the overall deer management program at North Oaks, and to
collect information relevant to research pursued by the University on
this deer herd over the past 18 years.
Weather conditions in the winter of 1992 -1993 were relatively
mild, as compared with past winters. This year we observed only a few
dead or dying deer, unlike 1991 -1992 when many fawns died due to severe
weather in the fall (Snow storms on 31 October and 29 November 1991).
This year traps were first run on 7 December 1992. We set traps from
Sunday to Friday nights through the week of March 15th. The last day of
trapping was 20 March 1993. Sharpshooting was conducted on the Hill
Farm on 12 March, and 22 -25 March 1993.
Trapping Information
We placed traps at 32 sites this year, most of which were within
the residential area on private property. A few other traps were on
North Oaks Company land immediately adjacent to residential areas, and
on the Hill Farm. Most deer were caught in or adjacent to residential
neighborhoods.
Table 1. Number of traps and number of deer caught in each location.
Trap Location
Number of
traps
Deer
Caught
Hill Farm
5
26
N. Oaks Co.
5
30
Residential
22
115
Total
32
171
We removed 171 deer in the trapping program and 19 in the
experimental sharpshooting program. This is the largest number of deer
removed in a single season since we began deer removal programs at North
Oaks in 1980% -.There were 83 adults, 25 yearlings,and 82 fawns removed.
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report 4
About 68% of the yearlings and adults removed were females.
Because fetuses do not become visible until January, we could not
determine pregnancy on does caught in December. Numbers in the bottom
row of Table 2 include an estimated assignment of fetuses to does taken
in December, based on age- specific pregnancy data from the does take in
later months. By this method a total of 87 fetuses was determined, and,
when added to deer removed, gives a total effective removal of 277
animals from the population. This assumes no later loss of fetuses, and
does not account for losses in newborns. On the other hand, it is
conservative in that 'if doe fawns are bred, it is usually much later
than in other females, so their fetuses might not be accounted for
during January and February. One pregnant fawn was recorded this year.
Table 2. Number of deer in each sex and age -class and number of fetuses
removed in 1992 -93.
Yearling and adult does carried about as many fetuses in 1993 as
in 1992. In 1992, adult ,does. averaged 1.33 fetuses, while this year
they averaged 1.39 fetuses. The number of fetuses in yearling does was
also similar to last year's -- 0.41 vs. 0.42 fetuses in 1992.
Table 3. Sex of fetus and number of fetuses / female for each female
age - class.
Fetus Sex
Fawn
Yearling
Adult
Total
Male
40
8
27
75
Female
42
17
56
115
Total
82
25
83
190
Fetuses:
1
7
71
79
Estimated
Fetuses:
1
8
78
87
Yearling and adult does carried about as many fetuses in 1993 as
in 1992. In 1992, adult ,does. averaged 1.33 fetuses, while this year
they averaged 1.39 fetuses. The number of fetuses in yearling does was
also similar to last year's -- 0.41 vs. 0.42 fetuses in 1992.
Table 3. Sex of fetus and number of fetuses / female for each female
age - class.
Fetus Sex
Fawn
Yearling
Adult
Total
Male
0
2
29
31
Female
1
4
27
32
Unknown
0
1
15
16
..Total
1
7
71
79
Fetuses /Female
0.02
0.41
1.39
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report 5
Helicopter Count Results
Dale Krueger, Field Manager, counted deer from a Helicopter on 14
January 1993. The count was made the day after a 3" snowfall. Some
snow remained on tree branches, but this idid not pose a serious
hindrance to viewing. Otherwise, flight conditions were good. Dale was
familiar with the North Oaks area, as he had been working on the program
daily for the entire trapping season. The pilot was experienced in
counting deer at parks in the metropolitan area, and Dale has had much
experience with helicopter flying as well.
Individual deer locations were recorded on a map during the count.
A total of 726 deer were seen within the city boundaries. The number of
deer recorded by sector is shown in Appendix 1. Approximately 50% of
the deer were found within the residential areas. However, deer move
between residential and non - residential areas without restriction, so
this.distribution applies only to the day of the count.
Aerial counting is known to provide an under- estimate of deer
numbers. Because of weather conditions and observer experience, we
estimate that no fewer than 90% of the deer present within North Oaks
were seen this year. Therefore, our estimate of the deer population at
North Oaks was about 800 animals on 14 January 1993.
Since 1976, deer numbers have been estimated in North Oaks with an
aerial count almost every year. The reliability of counts vary with
weather conditions, observer and pilot experience, and snow cover. A
best estimate is made each year from the actual count number. These
numbers are not directly comparable because the date of the count varies
among years. Estimates for each year are given in Table 4.
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report
Table 4. count results and population estimates for each year.
1 within the roads surrounding the Village. These
figures do not include deer already removed during
those years we were shooting, nor do they include
deer removed after the count was made.
2 Deer were removed during these years.
3 No Aerial count was made due to snow conditions.
6
1333 North Oaks Deer Management Report 7
Population modelling estimate
We have created a population model that projects the number of
deer present in North Oaks for next year (Appendix 2). The model
projects a spring 1994 population of 615 animals, which agrees well with
the results of the aerial count (about 620 deer when removals after the
count are considered). This model projects that the deer population
next fall in North Oaks will be about 889, which is approximately the
same as was present in fall 1992. Female deer have 1 or 2 fawns each
spring. If the 190 deer had not been trapped and removed during the
1993 winter, and they had not died from other causes, the model predicts
that there would be 1141 deer in North Oaks in Fall 1993.
Figure 1. Estimate of deer population size at North Oaks for years in
which an aerial count was made. Years in which deer were
removed are indicated by crosses, open circles indicate years
in which no deer were removed.
Population Estimates from Aerial Count
Deer within the City of North Oaks
1000
800 ---------------------------------------------------+----
a�
-4-
a� o +
600 ---------------------- +------------ - - - - -- .---------------
0
0 +
400 ----------------------------------------------------
2 000+ o
Z Zoo o o -- - ------------- -------- --------------------
- - - - - -
o --
1975
1980 1985 1990 1995
0 No Removals + Deer Removed
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report 8
Interactions with Residents and the North Oaks Company .
All interactions reported with individual residents by Dale
Krueger, the Field Manager, were positive. He had discussions with
several residents while he was working during the winter. The people
who he talked to were in favor of the deer management program.
Representative comments included:
"Please place several traps on my property ..."
"I've seen a reduction in the deer population in my area."
"When do you take the deer out of the trap? We never hear you."
"I'm glad to hear the meat goes to food shelves and isn't wasted."
We had problems with trap vandalism this year in'the Long Marsh,
Burn Site, and Hawk Lane areas. The netting on the traps at Long Marsh
were slashed, and the traps were moved. The 2 traps at the Burn Site
had their doors let down repeatedly for approximately two weeks, after
which we moved them. A trap at Hawk Lane had a substance sprayed in
front of the door (possibly a deer repellent), and also had some of the
ropes untied that hold the netting to the frame. These incidents were
reported to the Ramsey County Sherr.if's Office.
Distribution of Carcasses
We field- dressed the deer as per the conditions of the collection
permit from the Minn. D.N.R. The carcasses were then turned over to the
D.N.R. for distribution to food shelves and other organizations. The
average live weight of the deer removed was 101 pounds, 10 pounds
greater than last year. The 14,200 pounds of field- dressed carcasses
would have yielded about 12,500 pounds of edible meat.
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report 9
Suggestions for Next Year
More deer were trapped in the 1993 winter than have been removed
in any of the previous winters, despite weather that was less severe
than last year. We began the trapping program about one month earlier
than last year, a fact that contributed to the increased removal. In
addition, we received permission to sharpshoot deer on the Hill Farm
late in the year, shortly before the cessation of trapping. We suggest
very strongly that a sharpshooting program be implemented for the
duration of the removal program next year, for-the reasons outlined
below.
It is probably impossible to remove 300 deer from the North Oaks
area if trapping is the only method used. The trapping season in a
winter could run from December to Mid -March (14 weeks). If 300 deer are
to be removed in those 14 weeks, an average of 22 deer must be removed
each week. In the 1993 winter, we averaged only half that rate, 11.4
deer per week, despite having more traps set than ever before.
Our population model shows that is is necessary to remove at least
200 deer for 2 to 3 years if the North Oaks deer population is to be
decreased to levels close to those recommended by the Minn. D.N.F. Four
different scenarios from the population model are presented below, with
annual removals over the next 3 years of 150, 200, 250, or 300 deer per
year. As with any population model, the numbers are not absolute, but
they are probably within 10 to 158 of what could be expected to occur if
conditions do not change. Relative positions of different removal
regimes would not change, in any case.
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report 10
Figure 2. Fall deer population at North Oaks based on our population
model. Effects of removal scenarios of 150, 200, 250, and 300
deer per year for the next 3 winters are shown on the graph.
Effects of actual removals are shown for 1991 - 1993.
1200
1000
Q3
0 800
600
� 400
z
200
Fall Deer Population
L_-'*,'� -- ---------------------------------------------------- - - - - -r
------------------------------ �� -` -� - ---- - - - -_= ------- - - - - -I
--------------------------------------- - - - - -- .Z - - - --
t-------------------------------------- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I
0 4-
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995 1996
-�- 300
-&- 250
-$- 200
-e- 150
4
Under the present system of trapping, it should be obvious that
trapping alone will not remove enough deer to reduce, and possibly even
maintain, the North Oaks deer herd. An alternative method, which was
used in North Oaks in the early 1960's by University of Minnesota
personnel, is sharpshooting. When done in a responsible manner, this
method is no less safe than the trap and shoot method. North Oaks is
not the. only Minnesota urban area in which deer are being controlled.
Bloomington, the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge,
Hennepin County Parks, New Ulm, and the Blaine Airport also have reduced
deer populations in recent years via sharpshooting. In addition,
sharpshooting is the only method of control that has been used at the
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report
11
Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. As suburbs become more crowded, and
the importance of hunting as a mortality factor for deer herds
decreases, other methods must be used to maintain the deer population
within guidelines recommended by the Minnesota D.N.R.
Results of the experimental sharpshooting program this year show
how it can be used to augment the trapping program already in place. At
the end of the year, when trapping was not effective, we removed 19 deer
in 4 days. These deer were only taken from the Farm area, we would not
consider sharpshooting in the residential area now. Next year, on days
when few (0, 1, or 2) deer are caught in traps, we would use
sharpshooting to increase the average deer removed per week to 20 or
more. This would be less expensive in terms of man -hours and supplies
as well, because the workers are already at North Oaks to run the trap
line in the morning. They have to set up the laboratory equipment for
processing just one deer, so handling the additional carcasses would
increase cost - efficiency. In addition, we would probably not need to
continue the program into the last week of March, as was done this year.
The sharpshooting program would be used as a controlled method to
maintain an even removal of deer from North Oaks over the course of the
winter, when conditions allowed safe and effective removal of additional
deer. While we will only be using sharpshooting on the Farm area, we
know, based on trail usage and observations, that deer move back and
forth between the residential and farm areas.
In summary, there are five primary reasons for using sharpshooting
to augment the trap and shoot method of deer removal:
1. It is not possible to remove 300 deer by trapping alone in a
single winter.
2. The cost per deer removed will be less when both trapping and
sharpshooting are used.
3. Sharpshooting is no loss safe than the trap and shoot method,
when conducted properly.
4. There is public support for sharpshootinq within the city of
North Oaks -- residents were evenly split between using
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report
12
sharpshooting and trapping as the removal means in a survey taken
Fall 1991.
5. Sharpshooting is allowed under the deer removal permit granted
to the city of North Oaks by the Minnesota D.N.R.
we can supply additional details regarding the sharpshooting. program as
needed, for example, economics, guidelines used, etc. Basically, we
feel that the sharpshooting is necessary to reduce the herd down to
levels suggested by the Minn. D.N.R., and would like to begin use it as
a removal method throughout the course of the contract next year.
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report
Appendix 1. 1993 Aerial Count Results.
Sector
1991
1992
1993
lA
18
46
33
18
oa
48
65
2
101
114
76
3
132
45
101
4
22
70
109
5
67
28
82
6
63
49
69
7
2
9
9
8
19
7
4
9
53
57
51
10
15
33
17
11
83
25
110
Total
669
533
726
13
19y3 North Oaks Deer Management Report
Appendix 2. Population model
14
We have generated a population model to predict the number of deer
which will be present in North Oaks in the 1993 -94 winter. We used data
from deer trapped at North Oaks from 1991 to 1993, to estimate sex
ratios, age -class distributions, and fecundity data. Assumptions made
while building the model are listed below.
The spring 1992 pre - partum population was estimated to be 672 deer
(see 1992 report from P.A. Jordan to the City of North Oaks) . The sex
ratio was assumed to be 57 :43 female:male, based on the deer trapped in
Winter 1992. The age -class distribution in the population, again based
on deer trapped in Winter 1992, was 448 adults, 388 yearlings, and 188
fawns. The number of fawns per doe, collected from each female deer
trapped, was 1.33 fawns per adult doe; and 0.42 fawns per yearling doe.
Only one fawn was pregnant, so we did not consider fawns produced by
fawns in.the model. This may result in a small underestimate (l or 2
deer) of the fall population. We estimated survivorship during the
summer to be 958 for adults and yearlings, and 858 for fawns.
The estimated deer population in Fall 1992, based on the above
inputs, was 878 animals. The sex and age -class structure of'the fall
population is given below:
190 deer were removed by trapping or -sharpshooting during the
1992 -1993 winter. The sex and age -class distribution of those deer are
given in the following table: .
Female
Male
Total
Adults
316
220
537
Yearlings
54
54
108
Fawns
1 117
117
233
Total
1 487
391
878
190 deer were removed by trapping or -sharpshooting during the
1992 -1993 winter. The sex and age -class distribution of those deer are
given in the following table: .
Some deer died due to other causes, such as starvation, road -
kills, poaching, etc. during the 3992 -1993 winter, although the numbers
that died were undoubtedly less than in the 1991 -1992 winter. We
estimated an overall mortality rate for adults as 5.08, for yearlings as
10.03 (weighted toward male mortality), and for fawns as 158. The sex
and age -class distribution of deer which died during the winter, given
the mortality rates above, are given in the following table:
Female
Male
Total
Adults
56
27
83
Yearlings
17
8
25
Fawns
1 42
1 40
1 82
Some deer died due to other causes, such as starvation, road -
kills, poaching, etc. during the 3992 -1993 winter, although the numbers
that died were undoubtedly less than in the 1991 -1992 winter. We
estimated an overall mortality rate for adults as 5.08, for yearlings as
10.03 (weighted toward male mortality), and for fawns as 158. The sex
and age -class distribution of deer which died during the winter, given
the mortality rates above, are given in the following table:
Female
Male
Total
Adults
13
13
1 26
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report 15
Yearlings
3
8
11
Fawns
16
18
36
When the deer removed by trapping and the estimated mortality due
to other causes are subtracted from the fall population, an estimate of
the 1993 pre - partum spring population can be made. The sex and age -
class distribution of those deer are given in the following table:
The pre - partum population, in addition to estimates of fawns per
female from animals trapped during the 1993 winter, allow us to project
the population present in the fall of 1993. In the 1993 winter trapped
adult does carried about 1.39 fetuses per doe, and yearling does that
were trapped had 0.41 fetuses per doe. As in summer 1992, we estimated
summer survivorship at 951 for yearlings and adults, and 851 for fawns.
The projected fall 1993 population, based on the above assumptions, is
889 deer. The sex and age -class distribution of those deer are given in
the following table:
Female
Male
Total
Adults
247
180
428
Yearlings
34
38
72
Fawns
57
59
115
Total
338
1 277
1 615
The pre - partum population, in addition to estimates of fawns per
female from animals trapped during the 1993 winter, allow us to project
the population present in the fall of 1993. In the 1993 winter trapped
adult does carried about 1.39 fetuses per doe, and yearling does that
were trapped had 0.41 fetuses per doe. As in summer 1992, we estimated
summer survivorship at 951 for yearlings and adults, and 851 for fawns.
The projected fall 1993 population, based on the above assumptions, is
889 deer. The sex and age -class distribution of those deer are given in
the following table:
As with any model, there are a number of additional assumptions that
must be made because parameters are not known. If any of these
assumptions are violated, then model predictions will be incorrect. The
degree to which model predictions are incorrect will depend on how
sensitive the model is to the assumption that is violated. Some of
these additional assumptions are:
1. Age -class distribution of trapped animals is representative
of the population.
2. Sex -ratio of trapped animals is representative of the
population.
3. The sex -ratio of fawns born will be 50:50.
4. There is no prenatal mortality of fetuses.
6. No immigration to or emigration from the population will
occur.
Female
Male
Total
Adults
267
208
475
Yearlings
54
56
110
Fawns
152
152
1 304
Total
473
1 415
1 889
As with any model, there are a number of additional assumptions that
must be made because parameters are not known. If any of these
assumptions are violated, then model predictions will be incorrect. The
degree to which model predictions are incorrect will depend on how
sensitive the model is to the assumption that is violated. Some of
these additional assumptions are:
1. Age -class distribution of trapped animals is representative
of the population.
2. Sex -ratio of trapped animals is representative of the
population.
3. The sex -ratio of fawns born will be 50:50.
4. There is no prenatal mortality of fetuses.
6. No immigration to or emigration from the population will
occur.
1993 North Oaks Deer Management Report
Appendix 3. 1990 -1991 Deer Aging
16
Incisor teeth were collected from each deer trapped in 1990 -1991
and 1991 -1992 and sent to Mattson's, Inc. (Box 308, Milltown, MT 59851)
for aging. The 1992 data are given in this year's report because of a
delay in processing time. The actual age class distribution is given
below. Note that this does not represent the age -class distribution of
deer at North Oaks, we have not trapped enough animals to give a smooth
age class distribution.
Age
1991
1992
0
61
107
1
22
31
2
3
17
3
7
5
4
3
8
5
0
3
6
0
1
7
2,
4
8
1
0
9
1
1
10
1
0
11
0
2
12
1
1
13
1
0
14+
0
3
Total
1103
183
17 deer could not be aged in 1991
Movement and Mortality Patterns of Resident and Translocated
Suburban White-tailed.. Deer
BEVERLY K. BRYANT. Department of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 413, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee,
Milwaukee, W1 53201
WILLIAM ISHMAEL, Bureau of Wildlife Management, Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 7921, Madison,
WI 53707 -7921
INTRODUCTION
During the past decade, the white - tailed deer (Odo-
coileus virginianus) has become North America's most
delightful and controversial species of urban wildlife.
Expanding human communities and the deer's adaptable
nature have led to urban deer populations in cities through-
out the eastern and midwestern United States (Shoesmith
and Koonz 1977, Ashley 1982, Decker and Gavin 1987,
Sillings 1987, Witham and Jones 1987, Ishmael 1989). Low
to moderate deer densities are viewed positively by residents
because of the white - tail's high aesthetic value (Decker and
Gavin 1987). However, when deer - vehicle collisions and
damage to gardens and natural vegetation increase, residents
turn to wildlife managers to solve the "urban deer problem"
(Ishmael 1989).
Management of an urban deer herd is a complex issue,
often made more difficult by public reaction to proposed
management options (Witham and Jones 1987). Control
techniques are rarely implemented before the herd size has
grown to damaging levels and the controversy that surrounds
urban deer management further delays action (Ishmael
1989). The first management techniques suggested are usu-
ally public hunting or shooting by marksmen, but, because
of safety concerns and public sentiment against killing deer,
these techniques are often not implemented (Diehl 1988).
As an alternative, many communities turn to live capture
and translocation as a humane, publicly acceptable method
of reducing the size of their urban deer herd (O'Bryan and
McCullough 1985, Witham and Jones 1987, Diehl 1988).
White - tailed deer are abundant in the Milwaukee met-
ropolitan area and herd management has become a hotly
debated issue in many local communities. One suburb, the
Village of River Hills, has experienced a steady increase in
deer numbers during the past 10 years and -has attracted
considerable media-attention because of its efforts to control
herd size. Like other communities, River Hills strongly con-
sidered a shooting program but public opinion and legal
concerns led to initiation of a trapping and translocation
program in 1987 -1988. In 1989, a research program was
begun by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and the Village of
River Hills to evaluate the success of the translocation
program by monitoring the resident deer population and
following the movements and survival of deer removed from
the Village. This paper presents data collected during 1.5
years of monitoring radio- tagged and ear - tagged deer.
STUDY AREA
The Village of River Hills (43° 10' N; 88° 56' W) is a
14.3 -km2 community of estate size properties located in
northern Milwaukee County. Seventy -five percent of River
Hills is zoned for a 2 -ha minimum lot size and larger lots are
common. Natural vegetation covers at least half of most
properties, offering deer ample cover and food. In addition,
many residents stock deer feeders throughout the year.
Deer were translocated to four different state managed
wildlife areas in southeastern Wisconsin (Fig. 1). These
areas were considered good deer habitat and supported deer
densities of between 5.8 -7.7 deer/km2 prior to_ release of
translocated animals. Hunting pressure was heavy on all
four of the areas.
METHODS
Trapping and Translocation
Live trapping was conducted by River Hills Depart-
ment of Public Works employees from December —March
1987 -1988, 1988 -1989, and 1989 -1990. Deer were cap-
tured in modified Stephenson traps baited with corn and
Wildlife Conservation in Metropolitan Enwronments. NIUW Symp. Ser. 1. L'.W. Adams and D.L. Leedv, eds. Published by Nail. Inst. for Urban Wildl., 10911 Trotting Ridge Way.
Columbia. MD 11044, USA, 1991.
54 Ecology of Urban Wildlife
t
�� tt
�t
stsu
MIL
Fig. 1. Map of study area. Numbers refer to distances (in kilometers)
between deer capture andaelease sites. A = Kettle Morraine, B = Theresa
Marsh, C = Allentown Marsh. D = Jackson Marsh. Scale is in kilometers.
apples and transferred to travel crates for transport to a
release site. Sex and approximate age were recorded (Table
1) and each deer was marked with a colored numbered ear -
tag. Data on mortality and movements of ear - tagged deer
were obtained from tag returns.
Radio- Telemetry
To supplement tag return data, 12 of the 121 translo-
cated deer in 1989 (4 male, 8 female) and 13 of the 120
translocated deer in 1990 (6 male, 7 female) were fitted
with solar - powered ear -tag transmitters (Telemetry Sys-
tems, Mequon, Wis.) or battery - powered radio - collars
(Advanced Telemetry Systems, Bethel, Minn.). In addi-
tion, 12 River Hills deer (6 male, 6 female) were tranqua-
lized with succinylcholine chloride (Anectine brand) using
a dart gun, radio- tagged, and re- released at the point of
capture. All deer were monitored for at least a year after
tagging to evaluate survival and movements. Deer were
tracked from a vehicle, airplane, or on foot bi- weekly (for
resident deer) or monthly (for translocated deer). Telemetry
locations were determined by triangulation or by sighting
the animal.
Data Analysis
Travel distances for translocated deer were calculated
as the maximum straight line distance from release site to
Table 1. Live trapped and translocated white- tailed deer in River
Hills, Wisconsin, 1987 - 1990.'
Deer captured
Male Female
No. of
Year traps Fawn Adult Fawn Adult Total
1987 -1988 4 9 6 11 18 44
1988 -1989 10 35 6 31 49 121
1989 -1990 20 39 17 26 38 120
T I - 83 29 68 105 285
ota
'Source: K. Fredrickson. 1981 -1990, Unpubl. reports to Wis. Dep. of Nat. Resour.
point of death or location of permanent range. Movements
of resident deer were measured as the maximum observed
distances from the location of capture. Minimum convex
polygon home ranges were calculated for resident deer with
the program MCPAAL (Smithsonian Institution, Washing-
ton, D.C.). A two sample t -test was used to compare the
movements of resident and translocated deer, movements
of males and females, and the numbers of days resident and
translocated deer remained alive. Mortality rates of native
deer were calculated from records of hunter and road kills
for the deer management units encompassing the release
sites. Mortality rates were compared using Chi - square anal-
ysis. Survivorship curves were determined using the method
outlined by Pollock et al. (1989).
RESULTS
Movements of Translocated Deer
Translocated deer tended to stay near the release areas
although there was large variation between individual
(x =16.08 km, range = 0.53 -67.0, n = 58). Fifty -six per
cent of the 58 ear - tagged deer that died in 1989 did s,
within 8 km of their release points. However, 26% of th
deer traveled over 24 km and as many as five deer r ie,
as far as 50-60 km. Radioed animals exhibited � a
range of movements (0.91 -32.4 km, n =12) (Table 21,
There was no significant difference between males an
females for either the ear - tagged (t =1.32, P >0.19) c
radio- tagged sample (t= 0.552, P >0.59).
Translocated deer showed little tendency to homc
Only one animal is known to have returned to River Hill:
This individual was an adult female that traveled from &
Kettle Morraine release site .(44 km) in a maximum of 24
days.
Movement Patters of Radio -tagged Deer.- Movemen-
of radio - tagged, deer showed strong seasonal influence. A
radio - tagged deer (n =12) released in mid - January to ear
March 1989 remained within 3.2 km of their release si�
during the first month after release. In fact, these de
remained within 8 km of the release point until April -Ma
By this time, three animals had died, three remained with
Table 2. Average distances (km) traveled by translocated and residen
deer, 1988 -1989.
Distance traveled (km)
Deer
Fx
n
=
SE
Range .
Translocated
Radio - tagged
Male
4
10.15
5.4
1.17-2'
Female
8
11.39
4.0
0.91
Combined
12
10.98
3.1
_3 Z
Far- tagged
Male
28
30
18.80
12.31
4.1
2.9
6 i
4r.
Female
Combined
58
16.08
2.4
0.53.4
Resident
Radio - tagged
Male
6
1.93
0.64
0.75 -4. .
Female
5
0.62
0.19
Combined
1.1
1.34
1.3
0.34 -4..
8 km of the release site, and six animals had dispersed away
from the area. Five of the dispersing deer had established
stable ranges by June. One adult doe continued to move
throughout the summer, but settled in an area 22.6 km from
her release point by late August. Deer that survived the first
1.5 years after release are still occupying the same range
they established in May 1989.
Location of New Home Ranges. — Of the nine deer
radio - tagged in 1989 that survived over 2 months, six estab-
lished home ranges in or within 1.6 km of a residential or
developed area. Five animals established home ranges in low
density residential - farmland areas adjacent to small towns
(<24,000 pop.). One juvenile doe (132038) settled within
a resort community along Lake Michigan where she lives in
residents' yards. Of the 1990 sample, two does are known
to have established home ranges within developed areas.
One adult doe occupies a range within the same resort
community as B2038. The other deer was living in a city
park until she was killed by a car.
Movements of Deer
Radio- tagged translocated deer moved significantly
greater distances away from the point of release than did
resident deer (t =3.11, P<.01) (Table 2). The mean dis-
tance moved for radioed translocated deer was 10.98 km
(0.91 -32.4) versus 1.34 km (0.34 -4.2) for resident deer.
Only 10 resident deer had sufficient data to calculate home
range size due to mortality (1), and transmitter failure (1).
All 10 deer had stable home ranges during the year of
monitoring. Mean home range size for females was 0.413
km= (0.17 -0.75 km2) and 2.66 km' (0.90 -4.8 kM2) for
males.
Mortality Rates
Translocated deer experienced high mortality. Ten of
the radio - tagged deer (83%) were dead within an average
of 185 (2 -321) days after release. Ear -tag returns revealed
42% mortality, significantly (XZ =6.78, P< 0.01) lower
than that estimated by telemetry. It is likely that tag returns
underestimate mortality due to the potentially large number
of unreported hunter kills, and animals that die from capture
stress and vehicle collisions that are never found.
Mortality rates of radio- tagged translocated deer were
greater than those for deer native to the release areas. Based
on car kill reports and hunter harvest, native deer in these
areas were estimated to have 59% mortality in 1989.
Deer that remained in River Hills lived significantly
longer (t = 3.6, P< 0.005) than animals removed from the
Village (Fig.2). Resident deer survived a mean of 448
(81 -513) days after capture, with a 17% mortality rate.
Translocated deer showed significant mortality within the
first 3-months following release. In addition, survivorship
dropped sharply due to hunting pressure in November (Fig.
2). Resident deer, on the other hand, exhibited a more
uniform curve indicative of the low mortality rate, including
the lack of hunting.
SUBURBAN WHITE- TAILED DEER • Bryant and Ishmael 55
1.0
0.8
a
L 0.6
0
Z 0.4
0.2
OX
—�\ ♦— ♦— ♦ —A —A1-1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 B 9 lull >z
Month
Fig. 2. Survivorship of resident (A) and translocated (0) suburban white -
tailed deer, southeastern Wisconsin, 1989.
Cause of Death
Sources of mortality for translocated deer were vehicle
collisions, hunters, stress and injury due to trapping, and
unknown causes. The percentage of translocated deer dying
from vehicles and hunters was similar to that of deer native
to the release areas in 1989 (Fig. 3). The higher mortality
rate for translocated deer would therefore appear to be due
to deaths caused by translocation. During the 3 years of
trapping, eight deer died or were euthanized because of
injuries sustained while in the trap. In addition, at least five
died from capture- related stress soon after release. Animals
that died within a week of release and had no other apparent
injuries were classified as victims of capture - related stress.
This figure is undoubtedly an underestimate due to the
number of deer that die within a week of release and are
found months later, when cause of death cannot be deter-
mined, or are never found at all. It is likely, therefore, that
the 20% trap - related mortality reported for radio- tagged
deer is a more accurate estimate than the 4% based on ear -
tag returns.
The only source of mortality for resident deer that
could be assessed was vehicles. In recent years, some 35 deer
have died a year on River Hills roads. Figure 4 shows the
percentage of the annual roadkills that occurred each month
in 1989 for River Hills and translocated deer, based on
Village police records and ear -tag returns. In 1989, the peak
in Village road kills occurred in November. This corres-
ponds to increased deer movements during the seasonal rut.
Translocated deer suffered equal mortality to cars, in January
and November, and also had peaks in April and May,
although differences between the two populations were not
significant. These peaks correspond with the peaks in move-
ment noted for radio- tagged deer.
DISCUSSION- --
Live- trapping and translocation has been successful in
controlling herd size in River Hills. Annual aerial censuses
made in 4 of the past 5 years (Table 3) indicated that the
56 Ecology of Urban Wildlife
(74
%-.ni
A) RADIO- TAGGED TRANSLOCATED DEER IN -101
HUNTERS (72X)
® TRAP STRESS
VEHICLES
UNKNOWN
(20A
(55 %)
%VIAJ
8) EAR - TAGGED TRANSLOCATEO DEER IN -501
Q NATIVE DEER IN =52141
Fig. 3. Sources of mortality for translocated and native deer, southeastern Wisconsin, 1989.
40
35
30
m 25
20
0 15
0!
bR 1c
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Month
Fig. 4. Percent of annual vehicle - caused mortality by month for Riser
Hills resident (solid bars) and translocated (open bars) deer, southeastern
Wisconsin, 1989.
(2IA
Table 3. Aerial censuses of deer and pre fawning population sizes, River
Hills, Wisconsin, 1986 -1990.
Year
Census 1986 1988' 1989' 19V
technique
Aerial count 159 227 248 171
Pre fawning' 159 216 159 128
'Trapping year.
'Pre fawning hgures represent the population size in April and were calculated by
subtracting the number of deer translocated and toadkilled from the winter aerial
counts .
deer population has decreased during the 3 years of trapping,
although such counts yield only minimum population figures
(Witham and ]ones 1990a). Despite this success, the
lation remains well above the recommended size of It
(6 -8 deer/km) and road kills have increased annually. l he
cost of removing deer from River Hills has increased each
year from $17,600 in 1987 -1988 to $32,760 in 1990. The
,C
giver
1990'
171
128
,red by
aerial
'ing,
gurOl
:. The
! each
The
price per deer removed, however, has dropped from $400
to $273.
Live - trapping and translocation is advocated in many
communities despite its costs because residents feel that
removal is in the best interest of the animals (Diehl 1988).
However, our results, and those of other studies, indicate
that translocated deer do not lead idealized lives (Hawkins
and Montgomery 1969, O'Bryan and McCullough 1985,
Witham and Jones 1990b). Translocated deer have signifi-
cantly lower survival than their resident suburban counter-
parts and it appears that they are more susceptible to mortal-
ity sources than deer born in a non -urban environment.
Suburban deer are habituated to people and, when trans-
planted to rural areas, fail to react adequately to the threat
of hunting and feral dogs (O'Bryan and McCullough 1985).
The process of capture, transport, and release into an unfam-
ilar area is stressful to deer. Frightened animals occasionally
try to force their way out of the trap and injure themselves
severely. This can be minimized by frequent trap checks and
prompt release, however, little can be done to eliminate the
stress an animal experiences after being introduced into an
unfamiliar landscape.
White - tailed deer are social animals, living in small
family or bachelor groups, and utilizing the same home
range throughout most of their lives (Marchinton and Hirth
1984). Translocating deer removes them from both their
familiar habitat and social groups. Once they are released,
animals must establish a new range and integrate into the
existing herd. This may be particularly difficult for young,
inexperienced animals. The major victims of trap- related
stress in our radio - tagged sample were fawns.
White - tailed deer generally have small home ranges
and most live out their lives within 2.6 km of the area they
were born (Ishmael 1989). In the present study, movements
and home range sizes of resident deer were typical of south-
eastern Wisconsin deer (Larson et al. 1978). Translocated
deer, on the other hand, moved relatively long distances
from their release areas. It is still unclear why some translo-
cated animals remained within a kilometer of the release
area, while others ranged as far as 67 km. Variability in
movement may be related to an individual's success at estab-
lishing a new range. Radio - tagged deer that moved signifi-
cant distances away from the release sites did so in April
and May. This is a period when juvenile and subordinate
animals are driven away by females that are securing areas
for fawning (Marchinton and Hirth 1984). This increase in
aggression between deer, along with the newly available
forage, probably triggers deer movements and they continue
to travel until they find an acceptable new range.
Although translocated deer- did.not "home" back to
River Hills (with one exception), some did settle in familiar
suburban habitats, and most retained their urban habits.
We dig not know whether these deer preferred this kind of
habitat over less developed areas. It is clear, - however, that
many translocated deer continued the habits that made
them nuisance animals in River Hills. There have been
SUBURBAN WHITE-TAILED DEER • Bryant and Ishmael 57
numerous reports from residents throughout the release areas
of tagged deer browsing shrubs and gardens, eating at bird
feeders, and causing traffic hazards. One radio- collared doe
has caused so much damage to gardens near the Kettle
Morraine release area that the local game warden has
requested to shoot her.
High mortality rates of translocated deer, combined
with the manner in which many of these animals die, make
it difficult to justify translocation as a humane alternative
to harvest methods. Further, our data indicate that, by
translocating suburban deer, nuisance animal problems are
being created in other communities. As the number of
communities with urban herds continues to grow, transloca-
tion will become a less viable option. Many states already
prohibit the release of deer onto public land because deer
populations are currently at desired capacity. Wildlife man-
agers, together with local officials and citizens, must begin
to address the issue of herd control using a multi - faceted
approach, including culling programs as well as education
on damage control techniques.
Acknowledgments. — Funding for telemetry equipment
and radio - tracking time and travel was provided by White-
tails Unlimited, Inc. and the Safari Club International.
Phillip Dom assisted in tagging animals and did the early
telemetry work. Many thanks go to Kurt Fredrickson, the
River Hills Department of Public Works, and the River
Hills Police Department for providing support and sharing
their files. R. Selvakumar prepared the figures and provided
invaluable comments. Charles M. Weise provided key
insights throughout the project.
REFERENCES CITED
Ashley, R.F. 1982. Milwaukee's dear deer. Wis. Nat. Resour..
6:6 -11.
Decker, D.J., and T.A. Gavin. 1987. Public attitudes toward a
suburban deer herd. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 15:173 -180.
Diehl, S.R. 1988. Selective removal as an alternative in deer
management. Pages 1 -10 in L. Nielson and R.D. Brown, eds.
Translocation of wild animals. Wis. Humane Soc., Mil-
waukee.
Hawkins, R.E., and G.G. Montgomery. 1969. Movements of
translocated deer as determined by telemetry. J. Wildl. Man-
age. 33:196 -203.
Ishmael, W. 1989. In a rut. Wis. Nat. Resour. 10:22 -28.
Larson, T.J., O.J. Rongstad, and F.W. Terbilcox. 1978. Move-
ment and habitat use of white - tailed deer in southcentral
Wisconsin. J. Wildl. Manage. 42:113 -117.
Marchinton, R.L., and D.H. Hirth. 1984. Behavior. Pages
129 -168 in L.K. Halls, ed. White - tailed deer: ecology and
management. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa.
O'Bryan, M.K., and D.R. McCullough. 1985. Survival of black -
tailed deer following relocation in California. J. Wildl. Man-
age. 49:115 -119.
Pollock, K. H., S. Winterstein,.C.M. Bunick, and P. Curtis. 1989..
Survival analysis in telemetry studies: the staggered entry
design. J. Wildl. Manage. 53:7 =15.
Shoesmith, M.W., and W.H. Koonz. 1977.. The maintenance of
58 Ecology of Urban Wildlife
an urban deer herd in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Trans. North
Am. Wildl. and Nat. Resour. Conf. 42.278 -285.
Sillings, J.L. 1987. White - tailed deer studies in a suburban com-
munity: ground counts, impacts on natural vegetation, and
electric fencing to control browsing. M.Sc. Thesis, The
Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul. 84 pp•
Witham, J.H., and J.M. )ones. 1987. Deer -human interactions
and research in the Chicago metropolitan area. Pages
155 -159 in L.W. Adams and D.L. Leedy, eds. Integrating
1
man and nature in the metropolitan environment. Natl.1-
for Urban Wildl., Columbia, Md.
, and . 1990a. White- tailed deer abundance
metropolitan forest preserves during winter in northeastern
Illinois. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 18:13 -16.
and . 1990b. Post -translocat ion survival and
movements of metropolitan white - tailed deer. Wildl. Soc.
Bull. 18:434 -441.
r,
individuals with a CD4+ T- lymphocyte
count of <200 /µL in the absence of
other AIDS - indicator diseases. Addi-
tionally, pulmonary tuberculosis,
recurrent pneumonia, and cervical
cancer were added as AIDS- indicator
diseases. As of March 15, 1993, 237
(16 %) of the 1,521 AIDS cases diag-
nosed and reported through 1992 met
only the 1993 case definition at the time
of the initial AIDS diagnosis (Table 5).
Of the 320 cases for 1992, 117 (37 %)
met the 1993 case definition only.
Additional cases meeting only the 1993
definition are expected to be added in
future months.
Lyme Disease
The MDH has conducted surveillance
for Lyme disease since 1982. Through-
out this period, the surveillance case
definition of Lyme disease has been
based on the diagnosis of erythema
migrans. From 1983 through 1992, 915
cases of Lyme disease were reported in
Minnesota. Of these, 481 (53 %) were
residents of the Twin Cities metropolitan
area; however, most ( >67 %) of these
infections were likely acquired in
Wisconsin or in counties north of the
Twin Cities, including Aitkin, Carlton,
Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti,
Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison and Pine
counties. These 10 counties also have
the highest reported incidence of Lyme
disease among their residents and
comprise the primary endemic area for
Lyme disease in Minnesota.
During 1992, 196 cases of Lyme
disease were reported. Most (194) of
the 196 confirmed cases had physician -
diagnosed EM with individual lesions Z
5 cm. The other two cases were
confirmed through antibody testing for
Bonelia burgdorferi at CDC. The 196
MW_,V 6 -1 -53
Table 4. Cases of AIDS by Race /Ethnicity and
Year of Diagnosis, Minnesota 1982 -1992
Race/
Pre -1991
1991
1992
Ethnicity
No.
No. ( %)
No. ( %)
White
769 (85)
231 (78)
256 (80)
Black
94 (10)
41 (14)
39 (12)
Hispanic
32 ( 4)
19 ( 6)
19 ( 6)
Asian
4 ( <1)
0 ( 0)
1 ( <1)
American Indian 7 ( 1)
4 ( 1)
5 ( 2)
Total
906 (100)
295 (100)
320 (100)
confirmed cases identified in 1992
represent a 139% increase from 1991.
Approximately two- thirds of this
increase can be attributed to additional
case finding activities conducted by
MDH.
Of the 196 confirmed cases for 1992,
106 occurred in residents of the Twin
Cities metropolitan area, 72 occurred in
residents of the 10- county endemic
area in East - central Minnesota, and 18
cases resided in 11 other counties
throughout the state. In 1992, the
incidence among residents of the 10
counties in the primary endemic area
ranged from 96.6 cases per 100,000
residents in Aitkin county to 13.5 per
100,000 in Morrison County. One
hundred eighteen (60 %) cases were
males. The median age of cases was
40 years (range, one to 85 years). One
hundred eighty-four (94 %) had onset
from May through September.
During 1991 and 1992, MDH conducted
limited active surveillance for Lyme
disease in the Twin Cities metropolitan
area. During these two years. 161
Table 5. Cases of AIDS by Case Definition Status,
Minnesota 1982 -1992
Case Definition
PreA987 & 1987 Case Definition
1993 Case Definition Only:
CD4 count 5200
Pulmonary TB
Cervical Cancer
Recurrent Pneumonia
Total
Pre -1991 1991 1992
No. % No. % No. %
851 (94) 230 (78) 203 (63)
54 ( 6) 65 (22) 117 (37)
1 (<1) 0 ( 0) 0 ( 0)
0 ( 0) 0 ( 0) 0 ( 0 )
0 ( 0) 0 ( 0) 0 ( 0)
906 (100) 295 (100) 320 (100)
page 42
cases of Lyme disease were reported
among residents of the Twin Cities
area. However, most of these cases
reported tick exposures outside of the
metropolitan area: only 35 (22 %) had
likely exposures locally. Most (63 %) of
these exposures occurred in Anoka and
Washington counties. These counties
are contiguous with the primary
endemic areas for Lyme disease in
Minnesota and Wisconsin. The results
of 10 years of passive surveillance and
two years of limited active surveillance
in the Twin Cities area confirm that the
risk for acquiring Lyme disease in most
areas of the Twin Cities is very low (less
than one per 100,000 population per
year), particularly in the southern and
western suburbs.
This epidemiologic assessment of the
risk of Lyme disease transmission in the
Twin Cities has been supported by
results of tick surveys conducted in the
seven -county metropolitan area by the
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District
(MMCD) from 1990 through 1992. In
the MMCD tick survey, 100 sites were
repeatedly sampled during two or three
years. During this period, Ixodes
scapularis (formerly known as 1.
dammini) were collected almost
exclusively in Anoka, Washington and
northern Ramsey counties. Ixodes ticks
were found at only a few scattered sites
in other counties. Ixodes ticks found
south and west of the Mississippi River
appear to indicate the presence of
isolated small populations (Figure 4).
These locations will be sampled by
MMCD in the future to evaluate long-
term changes in the local deer tick
distribution.
continued...
4«.
Measles
In 1992, 12 confirmed cases of measles
were reported to MDH. Cases ranged
in age from eight months to 41 years.
Six cases (50%) occurred in adults
ages 18 or older. Of the 10 cases who
were age - eligible for vaccination (i.e.,
15 months to 35 years of age), seven
(70 %) reported having been appropri-
ately vaccinated. Six (50 %) of the 1992
cases were imported; migrant workers
recently arriving from Texas accounted
for these cases. The majority of cases
(10, 83 %) occurred in greater Minne-
sota. This is a shift from recent years
during which the majority of cases
occurred in the metropolitan area, and
can be attributed to measles cases in
migrant workers entering Minnesota to
work in rural areas.
Two cases were employed in medical
settings and acquired measles as a
result of occupational exposure. One
was a laboratory technician who did not
have documentation of two doses of
measles vaccine, as is currently
recommended for health -care workers.
This worker transmitted measles to two
other persons. The other case worked
in a medical records department and
was exposed to a case of measles who
was discussing financial matters.
The settings where measles transmis-
sion occurred this year each highlight
populations for which immunization
issues need to be addressed. While
preschool immunization clearly remains
the highest public health priority,
ensuring adequate adult protection
cannot be overlooked, especially for
persons working in health -care- related
fields. The influx of migrant workers
from measles- endemic areas to
previously isolated rural settings has
resulted in an increase in measles
occurrence and transmission in these
page 43
locations. Heightened surveillance for
measles disease and case isolation
during months of increased migrant
travel, as well as immunization of both
rural and migrant populations, will
reduce future disease transmission in
these areas.
Mumps
Twenty -six cases of mumps were
reported during 1992. Seventeen
cases (65 %) were laboratory- confirmed
and nine (35 %) were confirmed based
on an epidemiologic link to another
case. Fourteen cases (54 %) resided in
the Twin Cities metropolitan area; eight
cases (31 %) occurred in Hennepin
county residents. Cases ranged in age
from less than one to 39 years.
Twenty -three (89 %) were age - eligible
for vaccination; 18 of these had
evidence of appropriate immunization.
The five cases without evidence of
appropriate immunization ranged in
age from 22 to 34 years.
Thirteen (50 %) of the cases were
epidemiologically linked to another
case. Twelve of these cases were
college students. Clusters of cases
occurred in association with three
different post- secondary schools.
Seven cases were related to transmis-
sion in one university, three cases
occurred at another, and two cases
were roommates at the University of
Minnesota with no temporal relationship
to the other two clusters. The remain-
ing 13 cases were sporadic, and
without known epidemiologic link.
The majority of mumps cases in 1992
were adults. Sixteen (62 %) were 18
years of age or older. Of the 12 males
who were 18 years or older, two (17 %)
presented with orchitis. Mumps cases
have historically been seen in school -
aged children. This past year reflects a
continuation in the shift in mumps
epidemiology, toward increasing
numbers of cases in adults and
adolescents.
Because of the difficulty in distinguish-
ing infectious parotitis (mumps) from
other forms of parotitis, mumps- specific
serologic testing is recommended for all
sporadic cases.
Pertussis
One hundred forty -one cases of
pertussis were reported in 1992 (either
continued...
Z
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O
\,N�bRpm", O�
—a
REPORT/RECOMMENDATION
To: Kenneth Rosland
From: Craig Larsen
Date: December 6, 1993
Subject: 1-494 Resolution
Recommendation:
Agenda Item # U.1, B
Consent ❑
Information Only ❑
Mgr. Recommends ❑
To HRA
Q
To Council
Action ❑
Motion
0
Resolution
❑
Ordinance
❑
Discussion
Adopt attached resolution authorizing City to adopt Travel Demand
Management (TDM) ordinances.
Info /Background:
As you may recall the legislature passed legislation allowing
cities in the 494 corridor to pass ordinances relating to TDM
(Traffic Demand Management) measures in each City. The legislation
covers seven (7) cities in the corridor. Maple Grove, and Plymouth
were added to the original five (5) corridor cities. A resolution
accepting the authority to adopt TDM measures must be adopted prior
to considering any ordinance.
Adopting this resolution does not obligate the City to adopt any
TDM measures. It is merely acceptance of such authority from the
state.
The Joint Powers Organization (JPO) is presently reviewing a final
draft of a model TDM ordinance. The ordinance should be ready for
Council review in January. Several cities did not want to consider
an ordinance until their new councils were seated.
O
RESOLUTION APPROVING MINNESOTA LAWS 1993, CHAPTER 230 REGARDING
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature adopted special legislation
granting the City of Edina authority to establish by ordinance
transportation demand management programs.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Edina that
Minnesota Laws 1993, Chapter 230, regarding transportation demand
management programs for the City of Edina is hereby accepted and
approved.
A
( e ��
REPORT /RECOMMENDATION
To:
KEN ROSLAND, MANAGER
Agenda Item #
VTT_c
From:
RALPH JOHNSON, ASSESSOR
Consent
Information Only
❑
Date:
DECEMBER 2, 1993
Mgr. Recommends
❑
To HRA
Subject:
SET HEARING DATE FOR
To Council
1994 BOARD OF REVIEW
Action
0
Motion
❑
Resolution
j
❑
Ordinance
Discussion
Recommendation:
Set hearing date of Monday, April 11, 1994, for 1994 Board of Review.
Info /Background:
A.
e t Cn
N\� less
REPORT /RECOMMENDATION
To: Mayor Richards
Council Members
From: Bob Kojetin, Director
Edina Park and Recreation
Date: December 2, 1993
Subject :Wooddale Park
Field Naming
Park Board Recommendation
Recommendation:
Agenda Item # III.
Consent ❑
Information Only ❑
Mgr. Recommends ❑ To HRA
0
To Council
Action 0
Motion
❑
Resolution
❑
Ordinance
❑
Discussion
Paul O'Connor MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT WOODDALE PARK
BALLFIELD NOT BE RENAMED AT THIS TIME. Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED.
Info /Background:
From the September 14, 1993 Park Board Meeting.
Mr. Kojetin brought the Park Board up to date on what has been happening at
Wooddale Park regarding the Philip Wesely Memorial. Mr. Kojetin stated that
he first brought this topic to the Park Board last spring. At that time
approximately $7,000 had been donated to have some type of a memorial built.
He noted that the family discussed some different alternatives and options
with Ken Rosland as well as himself. They discussed a memorial be built for
the Wooddale School with the original stone'plaques and bricks from the school
being used, flag poles, and renaming the field.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that at that time they chose to dedicate money into
reerecting the two stone plaques that we had from the original Edina School
and the year that it was built. We have been saving them since the Wooddale
School was demolished. He noted he had been looking for people to donate
money to do this project and Sally Lewis Wesely elected to do it. The
memorial has now been erected at Wooddale Park.
Mr. Kojetin stated that one of the things Ms. Lewis Wesely wanted for a memorial was a
flagpole. She stated that Philip liked flagpoles and eagles on top of flagpoles and
that was one of the items they specifically asked for. Mr. Kojetin indicated that tht
flagpole is installed but the plaque still needs to be placed at the base of the
flagpole.
Mr. Kojetin explained that one plaque would be placed at the base of the flag
pole in memory of Philip Wesely, Another plaque would be placed somewhere on
the Wooddale School Memorial indicating the history of the school building.
Mr. Kojetin indicated to the Park Board that there are quite a few other memorials in
the Wooddale Park.
Mr. Kojetin indicated that he has received letters from both parents stating they would
like Wooddale Park's ballfield to be renamed to the Philip Wesely Field. Mr. Fee asked
if there was a different name other than Wooddale Park Field. It was noted there was
not. Mr. Crowther confirmed that there are already two Wesely memorials at this park.
He then asked if there are any other parks where there are multiple memorials to one
individual. Mr. Kojetin noted not that he is aware of. Mr. Crowther stated that he
knows the family and the situation and that it's very tragic but his gut feeling is
that this might be going a little too far. Mr. Jenkins noted that he also knows the
family very well. He then indicated that the two memorials that are already there are
very fitting memorials to a tragic situation and he personally feels that to do a third
one to rename the field is going too far. Mr. Lord stated that he is very close to the
family but agrees with what everyone is saying, that you finally reach a point of
saturation. Mr. Lord asked if there are any other fields that are named after people.
It was noted that Courtney field is the only field named after someone. Mr. Jenkin
noted that he also has received a letter from both parents. Paul O'Connor MOVED TO
RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT WOODDALE PARK BALLFIELD NOT BE RENAMED AT THIS TIME
Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Wording on the Philip Wesely Memorial plaque:
Plaque #1 to be placed at the base of the flagpole at Wooddale:
Philip Thomas Wesely Memorial. This historic site is dedicated to the memory of Philip
Wesely (June 29, 1992). Thanks to the loving efforts of his family and friends, this
memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the gift of Philip's life, to the beauty of his
spirit, and to those who touched, or were touched, by Philip's brief life.
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings
like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:31
Wording for Wooddale School monument:
Plaque #2 to be place somewhere on the monument:
The corner of this monument sits at the exact corner of the original Wooddale School
Building. The two cornerstones are the hand -carved originals. The pillars once
flanked the side doors, and the bricks are from the original building. Other
architectural elements and interior furnishings were salvaged and are in permanent use
at the Edina Historical Museum and Arneson Acres Garden.
Wooddale Memorial, was made possible by the friends of the Philip Lewis family in
memory of Philip Wesely.
4,9��.r'1r
oeA
Cn
• � ~nDRePOMS�v •
REPORT /RECOMMENDATION
To: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Agenda Item #xI.A
From: JOHN WALLIN, FINANCE
Consent
a
DIRECTOR
Information Only
❑
Date: DECEMBER 2, 1993
Mgr. Recommends
❑
To HRA
Subject: YEAR END COUNCIL MEETING
R❑
To Council
Action
0
Motion
❑
Resolution
❑
Ordinance
❑
Discussion
Recommendation:
Motion to set Wednesday, December 29, 1993, at 5:00 P.M. as the Year End
Council Meeting.
Info /Background:
The Year End Council Meeting is primarily to approve payment of claims and
transfer of funds to be included in the current year.
Other business can be included on the agenda if action needs to be taken
before the first regular meeting in January (01- 03 -94).