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2023.04.13 Regular Meeting Minutes
MINUTES McCall City Council Regular Meeting McCall City Hall -- Legion Hall VIA TEAMS Virtual April 13, 2023 Call to Order and Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance Approve the Agenda Consent Agenda Reports Business Agenda Adjournment CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1 Council President Nielsen called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. Council Member Maciaszek, Council Member Nelson, Council Member Nielsen, and Council Member Thrower all answered roll call. Mayor Giles was absent. City staff members present were Bill Nichols, City Attorney; BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk; Sarah Porter, Deputy Clerk; Erin Greaves, Communications Manager; Linda Stokes, City Treasurer; Michelle Groenevelt, Community Development Director; Delta James, Economic Development Planner; Brian Parker, City Planner; Kurt Wolf, Parks and Recreation Director; Eric McCormick, Golf Course Superintendent; Meg Lojek, Library Director; Chris Curtin, Information Systems Manager; Traci Malvich, Human Resources Manager; Dallas Palmer, Police Chief; Nathan Stewart, Public Works Director; Meredith Todd, Assistant City Planner; Emily Hart, Airport Manager; Rachel Santiago- Govier, Permit Technician. Also, in attendance were Regan Berkley, Wildlife Manager Idaho Fish and Game; Julie Whitescarver, Chamber of Commerce Director. Council President Neilson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVE THE AGENDA 1 Council Member Maciaszek moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. In a voice vote all members voted aye, and the motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 1 Staff recommended approval of the following ACTION ITEMS. All matters which are listed within the consent section of the agenda have been distributed to each member of the McCall City MCCALL CITY COUNCIL April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 1 of 8 Council for reading and study. The items listed are considered routine by the Council and were enacted with one motion. 1. City Council Special Minutes March 31, 2023 2. Payroll Report for the period ending March 31, 2023 3. Warrant Register — GL (ACTION ITEM) 4. Warrant Register — Vendor (ACTION ITEM) 5. Accept the Minutes of the following Committees a. McCall Area Youth Advisory Council— October 24, 2022 b. McCall Area Youth Advisory Council — November 7, 2022 c. McCall Area Youth Advisory Council — November 21, 2022 d. McCall Area Youth Advisory Council — December 5, 2022 e. McCall Area Youth Advisory Council — January 9, 2023 f. McCall Historic Preservation Commission — January 9, 2023 g. McCall Redevelopment Agency — January 17, 2023 h. Airport Advisory Committee — January 5, 2023 i. Golf Course Advisory Committee — February 8, 2023 j. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee — February 15, 2023 k. Public Art Advisory Committee — February 27, 2023 6. AB 23-070 City Licenses Report to Council Per McCall City Code Per McCall City Code Title 4 Chapter 9, the City Council has determined the City Clerk shall be delegated the authority to process and grant or deny all alcoholic beverage license applications, other than certain circumstances involving catering permits, which the City Clerk shall review the application for catering permit for completeness and forward said application to the Police Chief. The Police Chief upon receipt of the application shall make a recommendation to the City Clerk to approve or deny the application. Whenever the City Clerk shall determine that an application for alcoholic beverage license transfer or renewal is complete, the City Clerk shall approve or deny such application. All decisions of the City Clerk shall be reported to the City Council at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting after such a decision. The City Clerk is also responsible for all processing of business, taxi, snow removal, pawnbroker, child daycare licenses, vendor and short-term rental permits, and public event applications. Action: Review the license report. 7. AB 23-071 Request Approval of a Lease Agreement for Commercial Airport Tenant - Gem Air Gem Air is a commercial air taxi service that has requested to operate from McCall. They have operated out of McCall Airport for the last five summers. Terms of the lease provide for approximately 1,000 sq. ft. of space in hangar 101 for the period May 15, 2023, through September 30, 2023, leased at $1,100.00 per month. Gem Air will be responsible for providing additional documentation of vehicle parking spaces subleased from McCall Aviation. They are also seeking to lease a tie -down space for the same period for which they will be charged $225.00. The lease has been reviewed by legal counsel and meets the airport's minimum standards. Additionally, this lease demonstrates compliance with FAA Grant Assurances for competition and aeronautical use of Hangar 101. Action: Approve the Lease Agreement for Gem Air and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. 8. AB 23-072 Request to Terminate assumed lease from 2010 and Approve new lease on Hangar 707 for the Sherman Group, LLC The Sherman Group, LLC, Miller Family Holdings, LLC, assumed a lease on Hangar 707 on Dec. 15, 2010. The original lease was issued to Kris E. Cox on May 1, 2002. The Sherman Group, LLC. was recently made aware that they are in the second year of the first five-year MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 2 of 8 April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting extension of their assumed lease. Instead of continuing with extensions to the original lease from 2002, the Airport Manager encouraged the lessee to start a new lease with current and approved language. The 2020 Airport Rates and Charges Resolution sets the lease rate at $.3127 per square foot per annum. The hangar and bare ground total 15,000 square feet. A CPI adjustment will occur retroactively for October 1, 2023, and will be invoiced at the newly calculated rate when annual hangar invoices are issued in November. Representatives of the Sherman Group, LLC have been provided with a copy of the current lease, current Airport Rules and Regulations, and Airport Minimum Standards. The City Clerk will record the document and keep a copy of the City's records. The lessee will pay a $50 lease termination fee and a $300 new lease fee per the City's approved fee schedule. The City Attorney has reviewed the new lease. The Airport Advisory Committee has reviewed the request and recommends that the City Council approve The Sherman Group, LLC's lease termination and approve The Sherman Group, LLC's new lease on Hangar 707. Action: Approve The Sherman Group, LLC's lease termination on Hangar 707, approve The Sherman Group's new lease on Hangar 707 and authorize the Mayor to sign all related documents. 9. AB 23-076 Request Approval of the 2023 Arbor Day Proclamation Arbor Day is celebrated nationally on the last Friday of April. In the past years, the Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with Franz Witte Nursery to hold the official Arbor Day Celebration on the last Saturday in April. The Parks and Recreation Department plans to recognize Arbor Day Saturday, April 29th with Franz Witte Nursery with the Celebration of Trees Event, a community event. Activities will include educational booths/activities, material covering tree care, planting and selection, and a free handout of tree seedlings. Action: Proclaim April 29, 2023, as Arbor Day, approve submission of the 2023 Arbor Day Proclamation and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Council Member Maciaszek moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. Council Member Thrower seconded the motion. In a roll call vote, Council Member Maciaszek, Council Member Thrower, Council President Nielsen, and Council Member Nelson all voted aye, and the motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT 1 Council President Nielsen called for public comment at 5:31 p.m. 16 Written Comments were received and are included as Attachment 1. David Gallipoli, 200 Scott St Mr. Gallipoli addressed the Council with concerns regarding the decisions of the Valley County Commissioners on an application for storage units in the impact area on Elo Rd. Larry Shake, 1612 S Samson Trail Mr. Shake addressed the Council with the same concern as Mr. Gallipoli regarding the application for storage units in the impact area that is currently zoned as rural residential. Scott Harris, 86 I1ka Ln Dr. Harris echoed the concerns of previous public comments concerning Valley County Commissioners' preliminary approval of a conditional use permit for storage units. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 3 of 8 April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting Joey Petri, 225 Valley Springs Rd Mr. Petri expressed support for previous public comments regarding the conditional use permit for a storage unit expansion in the impact area. Hearing no further comments, Council President Nielsen closed the comment period at 5:48 p.m. REPORTS 1 Chamber Report Chamber of Commerce Director Julie Whitescarver addressed the Council with a review of Chamber business including the upcoming business after-hours, planning the spring membership celebration, and starting the planning process for the 2024 winter carnival as well as the fall festival coming in September 2023. Council Member Nelson noted the reference of a grant committee in the Chamber of Commerce report. Director Whitescarver gave a review of the Chamber grant committee noting a regional partnership to fund tourism and events in the area. Council Member Nelson noted eligible projects other than community events such as pathways and recreation. Additionally, Council Member Nelson asked if the Chamber has a way of addressing the workforce shortage in the community. Director Whitescarver noted the previous Chamber initiatives for the local workforce and explained how the West Central Mountains Economic Council (WCMEC) has taken on more of the workforce community issues while the Chamber focuses on tourism. Monthly Department Reports The Council had no questions for department heads regarding the department reports. Council Report The Council had nothing to report. AB 23-073 Library Board Annual Report to Council Library Director Meg Lojek introduced Jacki Rubin, Library Board of Trustees Chair, to present the McCall Public Library Board of Trustees annual report to the Council. The Library Board of Trustees advocates for the library and literacy; hires and evaluate the Library Director; monitor the overall effectiveness of the library as a social institution; set library policies and plan strategic goals to better serve the community. Idaho law states the Library Board is made up of five (5) volunteers who are legally responsible for overseeing the operation of the library. Individual members have no legal authority on their own —the board only has authority when it makes a group decision in a meeting that meets the requirements of the Idaho Open Meeting Law. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month at 10 AM in Legion Hall and on Microsoft Teams as needed. Members are selected by the Library Board and confirmed by the City Council. The mission of the McCall Public Library states: "The McCall Public Library is the anchor for the heart, mind, and spirit of our community. Our mission is to provide boundless opportunities to educate, inspire, and connect patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and views." The highlights of the report included the elimination of late fees, building expansion updates, a review of public art MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 4 of 8 April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting projects involving the library, and acknowledgments to those helping with the library expansion project. Council Member Nelson expressed excitement for the community with the programs that the new building will allow the library to offer. BUSINESS AGENDA 1 AB 23-077 Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) Report on McCall Town Deer Issues and the Related Mountain Lion Concerns — Direction to Staff Police Chief Dallas Palmer, Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) Regional Wildlife Manager Regan Berkley, and Idaho Fish and Game Regional Conservation Officer Josh Royce presented a report on the "McCall Town Deer" population. Within the report, Manager Berkley provided fact -based data related to the town deer, including population numbers and injury reports. Manager Berkley also addressed current issues related to the town deer population, and current actions being taken by IDFG in response to the town deer issues and associated concerns. Background: May of 2021— The Council directed staff to continue with the preparation of a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the feeding of wildlife. June 2021 — The Council reviewed and discussed the proposed ordinance. The Council directed staff to bring forward a finalized ordinance for adoption. July 2021 — The Council adopted the ordinance with a procedural error. The Council addressed procedural error and the ordinance failed to pass upon a follow-up vote. The Council requested staff educate the public on wildlife feeding concerns. 2021, 2022 & 2023 — Keep Us Wild Campaign — Wildlife feeding education to the public through the City website, City social media accounts, Star News, radio ads, Chamber of Commerce magazines, posters, and vacation rental companies. 2023 — Reports of injured deer, malnourished deer, increased deer populations, and mountain lion activities. Council Member Thrower asked if there is any assessment of what other communities have done and the effectiveness of those programs. Ms. Berkley gave an overview of other communities including the Wood River Valley area. Council Member Thrower asked how the City of Cascade's feeding Ordinance has done. Ms. Berkley noted enforcement in Cascade has been spotty and feeding is still ongoing. Chief Palmer explained how Cascade passed the feeding ordinance and how the enforcement works. Additionally, Chief Palmer suggests a multiple -tier fine and violation schedule if the Council decides to pass a no -feeding ordinance. Josh Rosye Regional Idaho Fish and Game Supervisor addressed Council to clarify the answer to some public comments received noting that IDFG receives zero tax money for funding and is funded by hunters and fishers. Additionally, Mr. Rosye noted that there is no overnight fix to the issue and shared some education on the mountain lions in town. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 5 of 8 April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting Council Member Nielsen asked what the status was in the Wood River Valley currently. Mr. Rosye gave an update on the Wood River Valley's actions and inactions including the euthanasia of three (3) mountain lions in the area because of abnormal behavior. The results of the feeding ordinance being passed have not played out in the area at this time. Council Member Nielsen asked what other communities have had success with feeding ordinances or other measures. Ms. Berkley noted the City of Pocatello is currently manageable. Additionally, the City of Dalton Gardens hired a contractor to lethally remove deer. Council Member Thrower asked what can be expected of the mountain lion behavior as summer approaches. Ms. Berkley reviewed the history of mountain lions in the area, noting that there are usually not many mountain lion calls to IDFG in the summer. Council Member Nielsen allowed a question from the audience. Rick Mooney commented on the fact that the deer are not feeding on their natural diet in town. David Gallipoli noted the wildlife feeding policy in Yellowstone National Park has worked for decades. Mr. Royse agreed with Mr. Mooney that the deer are not getting the nutritional value needed from the landscaping the deer are eating. Communications Manager Erin Greaves addressed the Council to review the City's educational efforts after Chief Palmer reviewed past efforts by the City. Council Member Nielsen thanked staff and IDFG for the collaborative effort on education and keeping the education so visible it is hard to miss. Attorney Nichols asked if the known feeders were apparent in the community. Chief Palmer noted that the town feeders are known and additionally noted some feeders have responded to the education but there are still feeders that are not responsive, and people are feeding out of their vehicles. Council Member Thrower noted that the steps to move forward start with research before spending money on one solution. Council Member Nielsen noted the ordinance proposed previously was in good shape and passing the ordinance is not the issue, it's the emotion tied to actions after an ordinance is passed that is the issue. Council Member Nelson expressed being in favor of spending some City money to do research to provide the Council with recommendations. The study should address human safety, economic impacts, and the health of wildlife. Council consensus included a need for community involvement in the process, the ability to take meaningful action before winter, and continued education. Council direction to staff included putting together a Town Hall meeting for the public to not only submit a public comment but interact with the Council and staff and to bring back the no -feeding ordinance for review. AB 23-079 Consideration of a donated structure for Local Housing — Direction to Staff Community and Economic Development Director Michelle Groenevelt presented to the Council. The City has been contacted about accepting a donation for a single-family A -frame home located at 503 Cross Street for local housing. The Building Official inspected the house to determine the condition of the structure. The building is in good condition and the staff is collaborating with the contractor to better understand the feasibility and cost to relocate the structure. Before spending a lot of time and resources exploring this opportunity, staff wanted to check with the City Council to understand if the Council is interested in staff exploring this donation for a local housing unit. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 6 of 8 April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting The preliminary cost of moving and setting up the structure is between $235,000 and $275,000. The structure does not require extensive remodeling, but the move is expensive because of the height of the structure. Council Member Nelson expressed excitement about the donation. Director Groenevelt noted the City is being offered the structure but there are other entities interested in the donation. Council Member Maciaszek noted being an advocate for workforce housing but expressed some concern over some of the costs and the layout of the house. Director Groenevelt noted that staff had the same initial reaction, but the decision is the Council's to make. Council Member Thrower asked for a timeline to get back to the owner with a decision. Director Groenevelt noted that no other projects are slated to occur at the location, but the contractor has been directed to find a home for the structure. Council Member Nelson brought up who the housing would be for and noted other entities that could benefit from workforce housing. Council Member Thrower expressed that using City property for a private entity does not seem right. Director Groenevelt clarified that if the structure goes on City property it will be a City asset, but it could be donated to another entity. The Council directed staff to pass on the donation, stating that the cost is too high for such an old structure. AB 23-075 Request Payment Approval from the Local Housing Incentive Program for the Deed Restriction of Lot B6, Running Horse Subdivision City Planner Brian Parker presented to the Council. The developer of Running Horse Subdivision has deed -restricted Lot B6 through the City of McCall's Local Housing Incentive Program. The deed restriction was approved to be signed by the Mayor on October 6, 2022 (Agenda Bill 22- 260). Under the Local Housing Incentive Program established by Resolution 19-02, the grantor of the deed restriction is eligible to receive the $10,000 incentive for placing the deed restriction on the property. The Council had no questions or comments regarding the deed restriction payment for the Running Horse subdivision. Council Member Maciaszek moved to approve payment of $10,000 per Resolution 19-02 for Lot B6, Running Horse Subdivision, and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Council Member Thrower seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Council Member Maciaszek, Council Member Thrower, Council Member Nielsen, and Council Member Nelson all voted aye, and the motion carried. AB 23-078 Request to Set the'FY24 Budget Public Hearing Date and Location City Treasurer Linda Stokes'pfesented to the Council. Each year, per Idaho Code §63-802A, no later than April 30, the City of McCall must set and notify the County Clerk of the date and location of the budget public hearing. Staff recommends the Council set the FY24 Budget Public Hearing for August 24, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the Legion Hall which is the Council's regularly scheduled meeting location. The Council had no questions regarding setting the FY24 Budget Public Hearing date and location. Council Member Nelson moved to set the FY24 Budget Public Hearing on August 24, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the Legion Hall and direct the Treasurer to notify the County Clerk of the MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 7 of 8 April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting date and location of the FY24 Budget Public Hearing. Council Member Thrower seconded the motion. In a voice vote, all voted aye, and the motion carried. AB 23-074 Request Appointments to the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) Airport Manager Emily Hart presented to the Council. The Airport Advisory Committee is established under Idaho Code Section 50-210, to advise and make recommendations to the McCall City Council on matters about the safety, operation, and maintenance of the McCall Municipal Airport. Mike Weiss' and Rick Fereday's AAC terms have expired. The positions were advertised in the Star -News for two weeks as required by the City Code. Three letters of interest were received: Mr. Weiss' request for reappointment, Mr. Fereday's request for reappointment, and a letter from Andrea Eldridge. The AAC met on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, and makes a unanimous recommendation of re -appointments for Mr. Weiss and Mr. Fereday. Additionally, the AAC appreciated the interest of additional parties joining the AAC and moved to consider amending the AAC Charter to include up to seven members. The AAC will soon submit a Resolution recommending the Council amend the AAC Charter. Council Member Thrower moved to appoint Mike Weiss and Rick Fereday to the Airport Advisory Committee for three-year terms and authorize the Mayor to sign appropriate documents. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. In a voice vote, all voted aye, and the motion carried. Upcoming Meetings Schedule Discussion The Council discussed upcoming meetings. Council Member Nielsen commented to Attorney Nichols about the county decisions in the impact area and asked if the City had any options to address the public comments heard regarding community concern over the decisions being made. Attorney Nichols noted the City has no jurisdiction in the Impact Area. ADJOURNMENT 1 Without further business, Council President Nielsen adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. ATTEST: IuuN BessieJo Wa er, City CI MCCALL CITY COUNCIL April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting 31C 21-C.,-64LJ Robert S. Giles ayor Page 8 of 8 McCall - Comment Portal ht1ps::',comment.mccall.id.usistaff'topic/8,commentsircicvant ATTACHMENT 1 April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting - General Comment Name Address Email Content Patty 1603 hickmanpatty35@gmail.com I would like to ask the City Council members to not make any decisions Hickman Davis Ave about the town deer until the public can be apart of the process. There are Mccall ID many residents that want to explore all options in order to educate the 83638 public about not feeding the deer. I feel that we can come to a positive solution that will save the deer and keep them healthy and thriving. Thank you in advance Patty Hickman Debra 1624 Staup Davis Ave. McCall ID 83638 ikaria@mac.com I am unable to attend tonight's meeting to listen to the wildlife presentation. My interest in this issue is strong just like it was two years ago. Back then I offered to help and that offer still stands. I, along with other people I know, want to be a part of the solution. Many of us have ideas, thoughts, information, experience, etc., we feel would be quite useful. One suggestion to consider is forming a committee of concerned citizens, council members, officials from F&G, police. etc. The purpose of the committee would be to work together to come up with a viable action/educational plan regarding our wildlife. It is important we collectively and respectfully share ideas, information, research, and perspectives to reach a solution that is a win for our wildlife and people. Thank you for your time. Michael 811 mdixon4321@yahoo.com The city needs a policy for removing dead animals from city property, Dixon Reedy mainly deer. There are two dead deer on the shoulder of the road on Lane Reedy Lane within the city's rights of way. I asked Fish and Game and they McCall ID said they do not remove dead deer from McCall city streets. They are 83638 asking the citizens to take care of it. McCall police said the city doesn't have a policy for removal of dead animals from city property. They are becoming a health hazard, attracting scavengers, and neighborhood dogs, and are beginning to smell. Again the dead deer are on city property and the city needs to take care of the problem. Debbie 13077 Dlambert3698@gmail.com Would be nice for Valley County home and land owners to have input to Lambert Crane wildlife management in our local communities of McCall, Donnelly and Shore Cascade, etc. Request any decisions be put to vote by the public. Not Way simply made by the council. Have owned property here since the 1960's Donnelly and deer and fox and other animals (even bear) have always been a tourist ID 83615 attraction, found a way to co-habitated with locals. Let's use funding to educate not eliminate! Thanks Debbie Heist Lambert Dlambert3698@gmail.com 208-870-0843 , 1CC-1LL CITY CO(.'NCIL April 13, 2023 Regular /fleeting 1 of 9 GENERAL COMMENTS Page 1 of 9 4. 1312023, 3:08 PM McCaII - Comment Portal https:/.comment.mccall.id.us staff/topic/8,comments, relevant ATTACHMENT 1 Name Address Email Content Daniel 1085 Largent Chip Shot Drive McCall ID 83638 largentdan@msn.com To: McCall City Council April 13, 2023 From: Dan Largent 1085 Chip Shot Drive McCall, ID 83638 Regarding: Deer in City Limits About 3 weeks ago I discovered a partially consumed deer in my yard. It had obviously been preyed upon. I called Idaho Fish and Game and was told they do not help dispose of deer carcasses and it would be my responsibility to deal with it. I was also told they would not even come out to investigate. I insisted they investigate the kill and someone finally came out later that day but not until I had disposed of the carcass (I did not want it to attract more predators). Their investigation was inconclusive since there were so many deer tracks in the snow. It seems odd to me that Idaho Fish and Game will not deal with game kills within city limits, I would think our taxes pay for such a service. We have lived in McCall for almost 26 years and here are some of my observations. 1. We have always had deer in town but not in the numbers we now have. I used to see 2-5 deer at a time but now I sometimes see up to 16-17 deer in the street by my house. 2. The deer are being fed by some neighbors in the area and even a local brewery puts their spent grain out in a barrel for the deer to eat. Feeding deer should be made illegal in town with a fine imposed if people continue to feed them. 3. Deer populations are so high they are exhibiting different behavior. Populations are so dense that deer began feeding on fir and pine needles in our yard the winter before last. We had to cut down two trees we had been nurturing for years because deer ate so many of the needles. 4. Even though some people are feeding them, many of the young deer cannot compete for food and so become weak and sickly. They either die or are easy prey for predators. Once again, Idaho Fish and Game will not help with removal of the dead deer. 5. The sheer number of deer in town are attracting more predators which may in turn endanger people and pets. 6. I would urge the City of McCall and Idaho Fish and Game to take steps to reduce the deer population within McCall city limits. Regards, Dan Largent Thelma 13950 thelmasue@citlink.net I am unable to attend tonight's meeting in regards to the wildlife Stein Rustic Rd presentation. I and other people I know want to be part of the solution. McCall ID Many of us have imput that we feel would be useful. Such as forming a 83638 committee of citizens, council members, F&G officials, police, etc. to work together to come up with a viable action/educational plan regarding our wildlife. We all need to reach a solution for our wildlife and people. Thank You for your time. AICCALL CITY COUNCIL April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting 2 of 9 GENERAL COMMENTS Page 2 of 9 4/13/2023, 3:08 PM McCall - Comment Portal https:Hcomment.mccall.id.usistaff/topici8 comments/relevant ATTACHMENT 1 Name Address Email Content Julie 1423 julieconrad11@yahoo.com Regarding the "Town Deer": My family owned two year-round cabins here Conrad Eagle in McCall since the mid 1960's. The first in Wagon Wheel Bay on the West Drive side of the lake for nearly 30 years, and the second in Pilgrim's Cove on McCall ID the East side of the lake for over 20 years. Deer were always present at the 83638 cabins and in and around town all four seasons. It was a big part of what made "getting away from the city to the mountains" so special all those years. The deer have adapted to our mild winters, and stay for the constant food sources in the late fall -into -winter from apple trees around town, lush green lawns, non-native landscaping and trees, beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, ornamental pumpkins and squash on nearly every doorstep, bird and squirrel feeders, etc. A large majority survive just fine even without the residents who choose to feed them. Natural attrition rates claim a percentage every year, as do auto collisions and off leash dogs. During the winter months, the beautifully plowed cart paths on the golf course create a safe 27 -hole habitrail system for the deer to easily move around and forage. I witness them nearly daily (for the 12 years I have lived here full time now) from my living room window which is magical to me. The "golf course deer" were here when I moved in. There are generations of mamas that have their fawns in the empty lots next to me and around my subdivision year after year. It is a privilege to witness. As early as 15 to 30 years ago, subdivisions such as Spring Mountain Ranch, Aspen Ridge, The Woodlands, River Ranch, Blackhawk On The River, River's Crossing, Rio Vista, Lick Creek Meadows, etc. didn't exist. The majority of those locations were considered on the outskirts of town, and were heavily forested. The deer had great habitats/homes in those forested acres and were not as readily seen as they are today. With the loss of their natural homes and habitat, they continue to roam those same areas that are now subdivisions, and are considered "town deer". They don't and haven't "migrated" for decades or more. Are there "more" deer than in the past? Maybe. Maybe not. I would love to see data from F & G as well as the forest service from the past 70 years. We have encroached upon their habitat as well as their predator's habitat which brings them closer than ever to town. It is any wonder we have sightings of mountain lions and wolves in the Spring? We have had for as long as I have been recreating and living here....) recall sightings every year of wolves and cougars in and around town even when I was a child. If the deer "understood" boundaries, I suppose all of them would live in Ponderosa State Park and never leave. But with over 600,000 visitors annually, I would imagine it no longer feels like a safe refuge. Learning to live with the deer as well as other wildlife comes with the territory. Do we really expect there to be NO DEER when we choose to live in the mountains of Idaho? How many is "too many"? Do we eradicate them all because we now want our "mountain life" to be like "city life"? I cannot imagine a McCall devoid of deer because some consider them a "nuisance". There is not a day that goes by that I do not see/hear visitors/tourists exclaim with delight each time they see a deer passing by, particularly on the McCall Golf Course. There are hundreds of articles and blogs written about McCall annually with the mention of how magical it is to see the deer in our town, I read just another today. With an intelligent and concerted effort at an educational campaign for locals and visitors/tourists alike (from our City officials/leaders), I believe we can all learn to LIVE with the deer and seasonal mountain lions, NOT eradicate them. Julie Conrad Full-time McCall Resident for 12 Years, and 2nd Homeowner/Resident for 55 Years ,'JCCALL CITY COUNCIL GENERAL COMMENTS April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 3 of 9 3 of 9 4.13.2023, 3:08 PM McCall - Comment Portal https://comment.mccall.id.us/staffitopic/8icomments/relevant ATTACHMENT 1 Name Address Email Content Angela 1624 astaup@gmail.com Due to a conflict with work I am unable to attend tonight's meeting and Staup Davis Ave listen to the presentation on our wildlife. As most of you are aware, this is McCall ID an issue I am very passionate about. My family, myself, and others have 83638 expressed interest and have reached out over the past two years to offer our help where we can; whether it be education, a committee, or just outreach. There are many of us in the community who have ideas and truly want to help. I believe a committee of concerned citizens, council members, officials from F&G, police, and the like, would be a really effective way to come up with solutions and would encourage community accountability and community ownership. This is still a small community and it is paramount that we respectfully work together toward a productive outcome: Thank you all for your time. John and 1340 john.fawcett@sbcglobal.net It is time that the City of McCall starts paying attention to the hard Jenny Ridgeway working private enterprise taxpayers. Why waste everyone's time by using Fawcett Lane fear tactics about animals that have been in our city before there was a McCall ID city? Some of the important issues that need addressing immediately: 1. 83638 Infrastructure: water lines, sewer lines, sidewalks. Most important, addressing our pothole pitted roads. 2. You, City council, need to be the taxpayers' advocate by being conservative fiduciaries of our hard earned money that we pay in taxes. 3. We have a library that now has cost overruns that are over and above what the taxpayers voted for or expected. 4. A hospital that is way over the budget and still demanding money from the taxpayers. 5. Government building houses for government employees (teachers). Who is next that wants subsidized housing? Did any citizens of our city or county have any vote on how our tax dollars are used? Quit wasting time on deer and other wildlife that live with us. It is time for you, City Council, to get down to the real hard issues that we face as a community. Pamela 7350 Willettpamela55@gmail.com I have been a resident of Idaho all of my life. The deer make McCall the Willett Gary magical resort town it is! I hike and ride horses in the back country Lane frequently! Nature is part of this beautiful habitat! Never has there been an Boise ID issue with wildlife until we had an influx of people moving here!! Cougars 83714 are solitary animals, with ONE encompassing 50 to 100 square miles of territory! Cats defend that territory against other cats, so to say people are seeing multiple cats in the same area, is not correct! Please do the research before panicking, that McCall has a cougar problem! Thank you Danielle 705 graydr1964©gmail.com I am writing in hopes that there won't be any rash decisions made in Gray Reedy regards to our deer. I have lived in McCall for 45 years my husband has lane lived here for all of his 60 years. There has always been deer in town. We McCall ID do believe that because of the wolves and the mountain lions the deer 83638 have decided to stay in town more than past years but also the use of ring cameras has really brought it to the attention, when we've always had mountain lions in town. We are not unique to this situation it happens all over the United States and a lot of different states have different ways of dealing with the issue without moving or euthanizing the deer. We live in a mountain town we have wild animals all around us. I'm just hoping that maybe signage in town that saying not to feed the deer, would be more helpful for the people that don't read social media or don't read the paper. Please let us find a way to coexist with our wildlife, it's a wonderful part of our town. Thank you, Danielle Gray ,tICCALL CITY COUNCIL .April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting 4 of 9 GENERAL COMMENTS Page 4 of 9 4/13/2023, 3:08 PM McCall - Comment Portal https://comment.mccall.id.us/staff/topic/8; commcnts/rcicvant ATTACHMENT 1 Name Address Email Content Patty 1603 hickmanpatty35@gmail.com I am wanting to add a few things to my previous letter sent to you Hickman Davis Ave regarding the Town Deer issue being discussed tonight. I reread Regan's Mccall ID comments and her study points. Firstly the reason we started having deer 83638 stay all year round and not migrate was not because people started feeding them, it started when our town grew and built in the deer habitat and planted yummy ornamental shrubbery and trees and flowers. Why would they trek out of this Garden if Eden when all of this was here and available? Then it snowed and they were stuck, fast forward to today same issues only lots and lots more vegetation on lots more homes. It is my belief being a full time resident of Mccall for 47 years that we do need to address visitors and locals feeding the deer. I think a warning first then a fine if it continues to be an issue. I see people everyday at My Father's Place and Old Town Market feeding deer, don't we have a Code enforcement officer that could give out these warnings? Next I would like to address the mountain lion in town, again from an old timer here I know for a fact that they are always here off and on. Are you getting alerted to this because there are really more or because everyone now has Ring cameras on their homes, or trail cameras or cameras downtown. We have bears in town, we have foxes in town we have raccoons in town because we live in the mountains. I have had foxes and raccoons kill my chickens, I didn't ask for all of them to be eradicated, I quit getting chickens. I would like to see a group of citizens work with the Police department and Fish and Game to educate the public, try to find solutions as other areas have done without killing the deer. We have other issues within our community that are a much bigger issue than pesky deer. Mountain lions are being seen all over the US not just here, Eastern Idaho is dealing with the same thing as we speak. They are finding ways for everyone to live together through education not eradication, we should be able to do the same. Patty Hickman MCCALL CITY COUNCIL GENERAL COMMENTS April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 5 of 9 5 of 9 4,13;2023, 3:08 PM McCall - Comment Portal https:/icomment.mccall.id.us;'staff/topic/8,commcntsirelevant ATTACHMENT 1 Name Address Email Content JULIE 1423 julieconrad11@yahoo.com LOCAL NEWS: "FISH AND GAME'S REGAN BERKLEY USING SCARE TACTICS CONRAD EAGLE BY REFERENCING DEER LICE AND MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS": DRIVE ***REGARDING DEER LICE: Multiple studies show that lice in deer are not MCCALL uncommon. These same studies also show that the lice are NOT harmful to ID 83638 humans nor domestic pets, and that the lice rarely kill the deer themselves. During my extensive research in 2021 to present, I personally spoke to multiple wildlife biologists and fish and game experts in Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Washington and Oregon about the "lice" issue. They all said the same thing...:'Lice in deer is akin to fleas on a dog". They do not harm the deer, except in very extreme conditions; nearly all self - eradicate the lice and are entirely unharmed; the meat is still fully consumable if a deer has lice present; and the lice are not transferable to and do not harm humans nor domestic pets or livestock. " The research is very easy to find. Why isn't Regan Berkley doing her research? Why the Scare Tactics? Frankly, it's embarrassing. A cursory search of documentation from Wildlife Biologists and Fish and Game Experts in surrounding Western States and beyond: "The exotic lice species described above does not affect humans or domestic animals. Deer in captive settings have been successfully cleared of lice infestations with the use of medication Medications exist to treat most conditions causing hair loss in deer... Many cases resolve on their own when the deer are in better condition in spring/summer due to increased food resources or with seasonal environmental changes." --Washington Department of Fish and Game-- "Lice from affected deer are not of concern for human health. Meat from animals infested with lice is suitable for human consumption." "Mange does not cause a herd health issue and is not a concern for humans. Mange infections are limited to the skin, therefore the meat of an infected deer is safe for human consumption." (extension.missouri.edu/publications/g9489). "Many affected animals will resolve their lice infestation and the hair will grow back without intervention when their immune systems function normallyl. Management is not only impractical but likely unnecessary since lice affect individual animals and have not been documented to have a significant impact on wild deer populations3. Discouraging supplemental feeding may help reduce opportunities for direct transmission of lice from one affected individual to another. Because they are host specific, there are no known health risks to humans, predators, or scavengers, or from eating meat from a deer infected with lice." REGARDING MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS: Here is but ONE excellent, recent Common Sense Article On Living With Mountain Lions From Our Neighboring State of Colorado: {https://www.westword.com/news/colorado-mountain-lion-wildlife- sightings-increasing-16309421} "Colorado Mountain Lion Sightings Increasing, but Are There Really More Big Cats Around? 1 Westword" AHHHH COMMON SENSE. HOW REFRESHING. WHY IS REGAN BERKLEY SO INTENT ON "SCARE TACTICS" AND "REINVENTING THE WHEEL" WHEN IT COMES TO LIVING WITH AND AMONG WILDLIFE? HAS SHE NOT CONDUCTED ANY RESEARCH OR TALKED TO NEIGHBORING STATES' FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENTS, WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS AND ACTUAL EXPERTS WITH REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE ON WHAT MCCALL IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING? THE RESEARCH IS READILY AVAILABLE. OTHER FISH AND GAME DIRECTORS, MANAGERS AND WILDLIFE SPECIALISTS ARE MORE THAN WILLING TO SPEAK WITH HER. I SPENT THE BETTER PART OF SIX MONTHS OF MY TIME IN 2021 AND RECENTLY SPEAKING WITH THESE EXPERTS AND SPECIALISTS FROM IDAHO, COLORADO, UTAH, WYOMING, MONTANA, WASHINGTON AND OREGON. IT REALLY SHOULDN'T BE SO DIFFICULT FOR REGAN BERKLEY TO DO SO. Excerpts From Above Referenced Article on Mountain Lions and Sightings: "Video doorbells and security cameras also contribute to the increasing attention being given to MCCALL CITY COUNCIL April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting 6 of 9 GENERAL COMMENTS Page 6 of 9 4/13/2023, 3:08 PM McCall - Comment Portal https: i/comment.mccall. id.us/staff/topic/8/comments/relevant .4 TTACHa!EN T 1 Name Address Email Content MCCALL CITY COUNCIL April 13, 2023 Regular Meeting the mountain lions that have quietly been here all along. Van Hoose explains that cougars are usually active from dusk until dawn, so motion - activated cameras have created a growing body of evidence of their activity in urban areas." "There seems to be a perception of increased mountain lion sightings and reports, according to wildlife officials; however, they say they have not found any significant increases in the state's mountain lion population, and they have not noticed any increases in abnormal mountain lion behavior." "What officials have noticed is a rising human population — and even changes in human behavior." "We haven't seen a huge spike in the mountain lion population recently," says Van Hoose. "I would think it's more due to people moving into the area like we've seen over the past ten years in Colorado, and also moving farther into the mountains [and] into more isolated areas." "Grand County has seen an increase in people living in homes that traditionally [have] been utilized more in the summer. Increased sightings are likely because more people are looking for evidence of a mountain lion being in the area, increased human activity in areas historically quiet, and [because] an abundance of cameras that capture the mountain lion activity likely leads to more awareness of mountain lion activity." "Gonzales says the mountain lion population and density in the area is "estimated to be similar" to what it was last year. She stresses that what's changed is the human awareness of mountain lions, not mountain lion behavior." In Englewood, as well as the state as a whole, not only has the human population increased, Lewis notes, but many of the people moving here come from areas with a much lower wildlife presence, which may also contribute to the increased media attention and excitement that urban wildlife sightings have received." "Just because development has encroached on wildlife habitat does not mean the wildlife has gone away, he adds. "It's only natural for these animals...to adapt to their ever-changing surroundings." "Englewood and other counties and municipalities have worked to spread information about wildlife, how to be prepared for wildlife, and what to do if you encounter wildlife. "We remind our foothills visitors that they are entering 'lion country' at our trailheads," says Boulder County's Hoerath." "According to Lewis, wildlife encounters are a reality but not necessarily a threat: "It's just one of those things that you need to be prepared for, but not scared of." Mountain Lions have been in McCall for decades. They come through every year....No matter WHAT the deer population is. Talk to and learn from the old timers Please. Game/ring cameras are WHY there have been an "increase in sightings". Not because there are more lions or more deer. COMMON SENSE please! REGARDING THE CITY OF MCCALL'S "'EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN": My business is Social Media for a wide array of local McCall businesses. I am connected to social media nearly 24/7. I have seen VERY LITTLE in the way of true education for the public on HOW TO LIVE WITH WILDLIFE as well as DISCOURAGING THE FEEDING OF WILDLIFE. I read the Star News weekly. I listen to the local radio stations daily. I read the McCall Chamber magazines twice annually as they are published, I am on Facebook 12 hours per day managing client pages and for personal use. I have seen a spattering of "ads". No pamphlets, No signage, No Letters, No local HOA info, no info in local businesses, restaurants, hotels. If I have seen very little in the way of a serious, intelligent Educational Campaign, then what percentage of people do you really think you reached with your basic efforts? A spattering of posts on Facebook and a few Star News "ads" is not enough. A fraction of residents, tourists, 2nd homeowners and vacationers will even see these basic attempts at "education". Very few locals and visitors/2nd homeowners read the Star News, or listen to the local radio stations, or spend time on Facebook to see the few mentions here and there, or read Fish and Game sites. MUCH more is needed. I as well as several others asked to help back in July 2021. We asked to be part of a committee. We offered to help. We GENERAL COMMENTS Page 7 of 9 7 of 9 4 13 2023, 3:08 PM McCall - Comment Portal https:/icommcnt.mccall.id.us/staffitopic/8;commcntsircicvant ATTACHMENT 1 Name Address Email Content offered to design signage and pamphlets, to distribute and post them, but were not once asked to be a part of the solution. Now, there is another "perceived" problem by fish and game and the city. Its time to take a smart, educated approach. Not a "hey we tried with a few ads, etc. and it didn't work" Utilize the wealth of knowledge and education from locals who have lived here in McCall since the 50's and 60's. As citizens, homeowners, taxpayers, residents, we are here to help EDUCATE, NOT ERADICATE what make McCall so special. Our wildlife. ****Finally, I believe that the City has much bigger fish to fry right now: 1. Housing 2. Infrastructure 3. Safe biking paths and sidewalks 4. Making roadways safer 5. Speeding locals and Tourists and Distracted Drivers 6. The huge illegal drug problem Within Our City. Signed, Julie Conrad, 12 Year Full -Time Resident, and 55 Year 2nd Homeowner/Resident Phil 691 N. pacuster@instrumentti.com Dear Staff Members, The statements made in the "IDFG Report report on Custer Samson McCall town deer and the mountain lion concerns" are misleading and an Trail obvious attempt to push a particular agenda by not stating ALL OF THE McCall ID FACTS. Here are some examples: "Deer are spending winter in McCall 83638 because of a long history of winter feeding." There are many reasons deer spend their winter in McCall - take for example the ease at which deer can move around McCall due to the plowing of roads and driveways giving deer access to edible plants all winter. "The mountain lions are spending winter here because of the ample prey base provided by town deer." Again, there are many reasons the mountain lions spend the winter in McCall. In fact, there are too many reasons to list here - but I will just say that mountain lions roamed my neighborhood in Garden City, and it wasn't because of too many deer. "10 years ago mountain lion reports were infrequent." Of course there are more sightings now, 10 years ago the majority of people didn't have motion detected cameras to capture nocturnal animals. It seems there is a minority of people who are obsessed with wildlife encroaching on their property and causing problems, and their solution is harass IDFG and the local police until something is done. This minority must have so much power that they are able cause IDFG management to cherry pick the facts to in order to achieve their agenda. Please, we do not want another Cascade fiasco! I believe the majority of locals have embraced the "do not feed wildlife" philosophy, but somehow the campaign has not reached the visitors. Whatever it takes to educate the visitors, is a much better solution than the mass destruction of our wildlife. And the irony is that the wildlife will just backfill the city again later. No city council decision or votes should be made without the inclusion of ALL city residents. We can't let a very small minority of complainers dictate the future of our city wildlife, not to mention the waste of IDFG money that should be going to programs that actually protect and manage the state's wildlife. Thank you for your consideration. Phil Custer Full-time resident of McCall, Idaho Sherri 1155 sharkinphoto@gmail.com Hello , this comment is regarding the over population of nonmigratory Harkin Sand deer in McCall. We moved back to McCall two years ago after being away Wedge for 16 years. We were shocked and saddened by the large number of year Crt round deer in area. When we lived here previously, the deer migrated just McCall ID like the elk. 1 feel a committee of citizens, council members, and Fish & 83638 Game should be appointed to work on a solution regarding the problems with deer and other wildlife that are realizing they can easily capture their prey in town. This committee would work together to come up with a viable action that includes educational materials and signage about the wildlife in our backyards (and front yards). Thank you. ,t1CCALL CITY' COUNCIL .3pril 13, 2023 Regular Meeting 8 of 9 GENERAL COMMENTS Page 8 of 9 4:13 2023, 3:08 PM McCall -Comment Portal https:,,comment.mccall.id.us/staff/topic/8,comments/relevant .4 TTACHMENT 1 Name Address Email Content Kayla 13951 kicken_2@hotmail.com Can we please implement ordinance and fines for people caught feeding Riggs highway and/or petting the town deer. It's not enough that some of us concerned 55 Mccall locals are trying to intervene when we see it. We need more. We need help Idaho from the city to stop what's happening. Please can we come up with some 83638 way to save the deer from irresponsible tourist and locals .1MCCALL CITY COUNCIL .April 13, 2023 Regular fleeting 9 of 9 GENERAL COMMENTS Page 9 of 9 4/13/2023, 3:08 PM