Agenda - Council - 08/29/2006 - Special

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. . . CASE #1 REQUEST FOR A PERMIT TO ALLOW REMOVAL OF GEESE FROM RUM RIVER HILLS GOLF COURSE By: Jim Way, Police Chief Background: At the August 22, 2006 Council meeting, an employee of the Rum River Hills Golf Course appeared before the council during Citizen Input requesting an assist with goose problems at the course. Observations: At various times, there are 250 to 300 geese on the course. The geese have been eating the grass on the putting greens causing damage to them. They have also been defecating and urinating on the entire course again causing damage and creating a nuisance for golfers. Rum River Hills management has tried several options to rid the course of the geese, including specially trained dogs and noise makers. It is proposed that a permit be granted to the Rum River Hills Golf Course to allow geese to be removed by the use of shot guns. Ramsey City Code does allow discharging firearms in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. However, the discharge of firearms shall not be permitted within 1500 feet of any residential dwelling or other structure. The MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been contacted by staff. The DNR indicated that the removal of the geese is permissible as long MN State Statutes are followed by removing parties. The MN DNR Metro Goose season starts on September 2, 2006. In order to take advantage of the season, staff requested that this case be heard at a special Council meeting on 8-29-06 rather than waiting for the normal meeting on 9-11-06. Recommendation: Staff recommends allowing the removal of geese by shotgun in accordance with MN State Statute concerning waterfowl. Council Action: Motion to grant a special permit to allow the taking of geese, with shotguns, at the Rum River Hills Golf Course and that the activity will be regulated and overseen by the Ramsey Police Department and the MN DNR. -or- Motion to deny permit. Reviewed by: Police Chief City Administrator cc: 8/29/06