Minutes Environ Steward 4 1 03MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ADVISORY COMMISSION
APRIL 1, 2003
4:00 P.M.
CITY HALL ANNEX, 1300 MAIN, CONFERENCE ROOM ft I
Mike Buelow called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Nemmers, Andrea Bixler, Mike Buelow, Dan Calvert,
Michael Hirsch, Mark Henning
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Niemann
STAFF PRESENT:
Mary Rose Corrigan, Don Vogt, Paul Horsfall
Mike Buelow completed the Certification of Compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings
Law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mark Henning moved to approve the Minutes of the February 19, 2003 ESAC
meeting. Andrea Bixler seconded the motion. Dan Calvert requested that the
Minutes be revised to say that he was allowed to speak once at the Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting, but was not allowed to speak twice. Minutes
passed unanimously with that revision.
TESTAGENDA:
Dan Calvert moved to approve the agenda. Andrea Bixler seconded the motion.
The agenda was approved unanimously.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
OLD BUSINESS:
I. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES.)
Dan Calvert reported on the NPDES workshop he attended. Dan thanked the
Commission and the City for allowing him to go. He leamed about best
management practices, erosion tools, and met other people from different
communities working on this topic. From the looks of things he learned at the
conference, it appears that the City is on the right track with their BMP's and
permit application.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. I-CALL (iowa Conservation Advocates and Leaders Link.)
Mark Henning presented I-CALL (Iowa Conservation Advocates and Leaders
Link), a communications tool for volunteers concerned about environmental
issues. He was wondering whether the Commission would consider being a
member of this citizen action committee. All agreed that Mark would present on
this issue at the next meeting.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Deer Management Program.
The Commission reviewed the data from the 2002/2003 deer management plan
and asked questions of Mary Rose Corrigan. Paul Schultz, citizen, reminded the
Commission that the south side of the city has a much higher density and is not
seeing the progress towards deer density reduction as much as the north side.
Some of the things proposed would be to allow baiting. Hunters said they could
achieve 50% more success rate if this was allowed. Extending the season and
reducing the hunting size area would also help. It was also suggested to get the
message out the public to cooperate with allowing hunters on their property, or
campaign for more cooperation in this area. Paul Schultz reminded the
Commission that spring wildflowers and other plant species are being browsed
out, which leads to decrease in animal species such as birds, butterflies, etc.
Paul also said that the IDNR rules are for recreation and the City's hunt is not
about recreation, although it does provide this opportunity.
The Commission outlined questions for the IDNR: > Can the season be extended, possibly for two or three weeks?
> Baiting?
> Can City receive a portion of the license fees?
> This is an environmental issue, not just a deer issue.
Things that could be changed without IDNR approval include: > Reducing the area size allowed necessary for hunting.
> Mailings to landowners provide incentives for landowners to allow hunting.
Another item discussed is that feeding of deer by citizens in their backyards
needs to be highly discouraged. It changes the habits and alters the behaviors
of the animals. The Commission could request of the City Council whether they
can study the possibility of developing an ordinance regarding feeding of wild
animals. John Nemmers suggested we ask for help in tracking where deer are
taken, whose property is being used, and what hunters are hunting on what
property He also said that maybe we need to change the incentive for any sex
tags in the north versus the south, perhaps allowing your name in the draw ng
one time for every deer you take in the north, or two times for every deer you
take in the south.
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Paul Schultz brought up the issue that the Pentagon is seeking immunity from
rules regarding the military chaff issue and its impact on air quality. Military has
done testing and this discharge or chaff has tumed up on weather radar screens.
The contrails from planes can be seen in this manner. Paul Schultz said he
would send information to Mary Rose for distribution on this issue.
CLARIFICATION OF TASKS:
Mary Rose will check with IDNR staff about possibly attending the next
Commission meeting.
NEXT MEETING DATE:
The next meeting date is May 6, 2003 with the possibility of having Greg Harris
and Willie Suchy from the IDNR to discuss the deer management plan.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
ADJOURNMENT:
John Nemmers moved to adjourn the meeting. Mark Henning seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
MRC/cj