The possibility of allowing archery hunting within the Preston city limits during the special hunt being held by the DNR was debated at the city council’s December 19 meeting. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent.
City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted a few deer harvested north of Preston tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Therefore, the DNR has authorized a special hunt for the first two weeks of 2017, including three weekends. The hunt will be held in a special zone which includes roughly a 10 mile radius around the city of Preston.
The city prohibits the “shooting of any firearm, rocket or other projectile within the corporate limits of the city.” However, there is no specific prohibition against hunting.
Councilman David Collett said any property owner can refuse hunting on his or her property. Police Chief Matt Schultz suggested that removing the prohibition within the city limits would allow hunters to concentrate on larger herds.
A long list of requirements for a special hunt will be included for those who register. There will be no hunting in the more populated city center (the red area on a map to be provided). Hunting would be allowed in outer portions, including park land and open land. Permission of the property owner is a must.
Schultz suggested that field dressing should not be done in a residential area.
Councilman Robert Maust said he has received three calls, all against allowing the hunt within the city limits. He said he hasn’t heard from a landowner who would allow hunting.
City Attorney Dwight Luhmann noted that archery hunting within the city has been discussed in the past. Councilman Charles Sparks indicated that he wasn’t in favor of it until he became aware of the red zone where hunting will not be allowed.
Maust said the DNR thinks there are about 3,600 deer in the special hunt area and they want to have 1,200 deer harvested, 900 of those to be adult deer. Schultz added that the point restriction has been removed. Additional tags cost $2.50. Maust said there is no limit on the number of deer a hunter can take.
Schultz didn’t think there will be a significant safety risk, adding he isn’t opposed to allowing archery hunting for this special hunt. He said they will be cooperating with the DNR and reducing the in-town deer population.
The council approved the special hunt within the city limits in the designated areas using archery only. Maust voted no. He said in his opinion there just should not be hunting within the city limits.
2017 Budget and levy
The final budget and levy for 2017 was presented. The total levy for 2017 will be $831,494, which is an increase of 4.32% or $34,450. Hoffman noted the street maintenance fund was increased from $0 to $90,000. It was reduced to $0 last year to level out levy increases. The Twenty-14 Street Improvement Project payment was reduced using excess proceeds from the 2014 bond. A total of $22,028 was added to the budget to correct a chronic storm water shortfall.
The primary reason for the increase in the levy is the payment for the Twenty-14 Street Improvement Project.
Collett questioned the city’s monetary support for the National Trout Center. He insisted it isn’t prudent to use tax payer money to fund a private organization that we have no control over. He suggested the city’s financial support for the NTC be reduced by at least $2,500. Maust said the NTC brought in a professional this year to teach the directors how to raise money. He wanted to know what has resulted from hiring this professional. This will be discussed more in the new year.
The 2017 budget was approved. Collett voted no. A resolution approving the final levy was adopted.
Other business in brief
• Approval was given to make the weekend stipend of $3 per hour permanent for ambulance volunteers. Director Ryan Throckmorton said the stipend that has been in place since 2015 on a trial basis has helped greatly to get weekend shifts covered. The budget was increased $5,000 in 2016 to cover this stipend increase and the same amount is in the 2017 budget for that purpose.
• The city hall exterior project was again discussed. Hoffman said they will have to make a decision on whether or not to use a general contractor in January, so they can get quotes or bids for the project. The project includes replacement of the roof, EIFS (stucco and insulation), canopy, concrete and electrical work, painting, a new sign, landscaping, and the installation of the mural.
• Approval was given for the payment of a $30 stipend to any council member that takes the Board of Appeal and Equalization training course. The trainings are online, must be completed by January 31, and take 90 minutes.
• The contract with Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA) was approved contingent on EDA action at a cost of $28,554 in 2017 (a 2.1% increase). The PPU pays one third of the cost and has approved the contract. The contract brings the services of Cathy Enerson to the city for five days per month.
• The council will meet next on Tuesday, January 3. Their second meeting of the month will be held on Tuesday, January 17.
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