Minutes Environ Steward 3 5 02MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ADVISORY COMMISSION
MARCH 5, 2002
4:00 P.M.
CITY HALL ANNEX, 1300 MAIN, CONFERENCE ROOM # 1
Bill Niemann called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Nemmers, Leslee Spraggins, Dave Czarnecki, William
Niemann, Briana Tully, Art Sunleaf
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Buelow
STAFF PRESENT:
Mary Rose Corrigan
Mary Rose Corrigan completed the Certification of Compliance with the Iowa Open
Meetings Law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Leslee Spraggins moved to approve the Minutes of the December 17, 2001
ESAC meeting. Dave Czarnecki seconded the motion. There were no changes
or additions and the Minutes were approved as distributed.
TEST AGENDA:
Art Sunleaf moved to accept the agenda. Dave Cznarnecki seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Deer Brochure.
The Commission reviewed the draft of the "Living With Deer" brochure. After
much discussion, it was determined that the paragraph about the history of the
deer problem in Dubuque should be moved to the front of the brochure.
Commissioners also requested that in the food section, stressing the backyard
feeding of deer issue and explaining why it's not healthy to feed deer would be
impor[ant. Mary Rose Corrigan explained that the purpose of this brochure was
to inform citizens about deer behavior and how to deal with it. The other
brochure is strictly for the hunt, describes the history of the deer problem, and
the rules for participating in the urban deer management plan. The Commission
also discussed the title, "Living With Deer," but did not really come to a
consensus on an alternative title.
2. Aerial Survey.
Mary Rose Cordgan discussed the results of the aerial survey, which showed the
population in the city of Dubuque decreased by 95 deer. The densities also
decreased. North of Highway 20, the density went from 22 per square mile in
2001 to 15.9 this year. Likewise, south of Highway 20, the density went from 44
per square mile in 2001 to 33 this year.
to give to the City Council. The memo contains a lot of detailed information.
After much discussion, it was determined that it would be best to make the
memo shorter to allow for ease of reading by the City Council. The Commission,
at this point, cannot recommend sharpshooting in the future years for several
reasons. First of all, since the population did decrease by 95 deer this year, it
shows that the current program is working so why change it? Secondly, next
year's hunt could also prove to be successful because of this year's dip in
population and it may be premature to recommend sharpshooting, especially
considering the cost factor. Bill and Dave will continue to work on the memo and
distribute it pdor to the next meeting for Commissioners' review. Mary Rose
Corrigan discussed that she received one radio interview from the medial release
done on the aerial survey and results of the 2001-2002 deer hunt. The lack of
media coverage was disappointing. She will pursue getting more coverage on
the release.
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Radon.
Mary Rose explained that the Building Code of Appeals Board met with a
consultant to discuss the changes involved with the 2000 Building Code
adoption. Rich Russell, Building Services Manager, had informed Mary Rose
that, although the consultant did not spend a lot of time on the radon appendix to
the Code, he did not speak favorably for it. Rich also informed Mary Rose that
the Board voted 4 to 1 not to include the radon appendix in the newly adopted
Code. Mary Rose will investigate with the City Manager as to how the staff and
Commission recommendation should be submitted to the City Council regarding
this item.
Bill Niemann stated that he did not think it was necessary to meet again with
Building Code of Appeals Board on the issue, and that we had spent enough
time with this group educating them. The rest of the Commission agreed.
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC:
There was no one present to address the Commission.
CLARIFICATION OF TASKS:
Bill Nlemann and Dave Czamecki will distribute a draft of the City Council deer
memo pdor to the next meeting for review. Mary Rose Corrigan will investigate
when the Commission should make their recommendation regarding the radon
resistant construction. The stormwater management plan document will be
available at the City Health Services Department Office for any Commissioner
that wants to review it, either by checking it out or reviewing it at the office.
Currently, Bill Niemann has the document.
NEXT MEETING DATE:
The next meeting date is Apdl 2, 2002.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Stormwater management. Commission needs to formulate their questions and
concerns regarding the plan. Mary Rose Corrigan will obtain an update on
what's going on with the plan from the Engineering staff. Other future agenda
items are radon, deer, election of Commission Vice-chair.
ADJOURNMENT:
Dave Czarnecki moved to adjourn the meeting. Leslee Spraggins seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:35 P.M.
MRC/cj