Wednesday, September 14, 2011

It's official, killing delayed

At the Aug 15th Council Meeting we heard Public Works Commissioner Jim Stanek say he could have a pilot bow hunting program in place by Sept 24th, the start of deer hunting season.

In a private conversation before the Safety and Public Properties meeting, Stanek indicated that the city would NOT move forward with any killing before the election.

At the end of the Safety meeting Chairman Russo talked about Deer Mgt, which was not on the agenda. He wanted to correct some "falsehoods" (interesting word, seems he got that from SolonDeer.com); He then said there would be "No culling before the election". He was interrupted and asked for clarification on hunting vs killing by any means, including a pilot program, he responded that there would be "no hunting, no bow hunting, no culling" before the election.

So it's OFFICIAL on the record, the city will not kill before the election. They've heard the public, make sure they hear you again on Nov 8th by voting YES on Issue 94.

For more details see the meeting on video here at 7:19 pm 1 hr 29 min 26 sec to the end of the meeting

It has been Russo's habit to use his position on council to discredit those who disagree with him.  He brought up the following points:
  • DVA accidents since culling stopped
    Police chief said he had no new data since May at which time he thought they increased significantly, but had no exact figures
  • Choosing properties
    is done on a volunteer basis, but must meet certain criteria
  • Safety protocols in place
    A dedicated police officer to make sure no one enters a culling zone (they'd be trespassing)
  • Hunting or Wandering
    No one will be roaming the city with deadly weapons
  • Scaring the public
    by saying people are roaming the city with deadly weapons is a "falsehood"
  • No "culling before the election"
    taking necessary steps to move forward IF we are going to cull
  • Presumptuous to assume that everyone who signed the petition is for hunting ban
    Russo knows a number of people signed it so it could be settled once and for all
  • Taking steps to insure that we can take steps during THIS hunting season without another year going by
And as usual, Russo made mis-statements too.

  • He tried to say DVAs are up to justify moving forward this year, yet there are no numbers available.
  • In the past neighbors could "veto" a property being used, in this USDA contract, it isn't readily apparent.
  • While no one will be roaming the streets with deadly weapons, if a deer isn't killed it can wander onto someone else's property and hunters may track it off the approved property.
  • It isn't about guessing how many of the 1600 will vote for Deer Preservation Act, its about ALL 1600 expressing their right to DECIDE instead of city hall.
  • In order to TAKE STEPS one should have data, there IS NO DEER COUNT and no current DVA count.
  • Russo erroneously thought the hunting season was Jan-Feb, its actually Sept-March.  One should know these things before they decide on them.


At 7:33 1:23:40, Russo was asked to clarify the "no culling", he responded, that there would be "no culling, no crossbow, no lethal methods".


Status: Third Draft


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Friday, September 9, 2011

Solon Contracts with USDA

City council voted 6-1 (Pelunis disagreed) to enter into a contract with the USDA.

Here's my first cursory review of the contract
  • Stanek is the point man for the city (no surprise, it could have been Viland though)
  • Meetings are by invite only of Stanek or USDA
  • They can amend any time without public notice or council action (eg add captive bolt)
  • They likely would have to go to council for approving more than $128K (I will get the legal ordinance language)
  • USDA will kill on public and private property with needed ODOW permits
  • No provision is included to require adjoining property owner permission, it seems this is at the city's discretion
  • USDA will supervise their own people and activities
  • All media discussions about this MUST be approved by the city AND USDA (gag order)
  • Any legal conflicts with USDA are governed by Federal Tort law (making any legal action must less likely)
  • USDA told Solon there are private suppliers (wonder if they mentioned anyone other than WB)
  • Only 2/3 of the cost ($87K) is for the killing activity the other $41K is for Vehicle, Travel, Supplies, and "Program Support" (Management overhead?).
  • The cost is capped at $128K for USDA billing, however the city will incur significant costs over and above $128K for items listed below.
Items that will take city resources in addition to the $128K
  • City must obtain ODOW permits
  • City project coordinator must be accessible by USDA via cell
  • Stock bait sites a week before and each day of killing
  • City Police need to ensure areas are closed and empty
  • City Police need to be present while USDA is killing
  • Eviscerate, clean, store deer and ice carcasses after each day's kill
  • Transport deer to processing plant within 24 hours
  • Maintain records and produce reports for ODOW (didn't WB do that)
Status: FIRST DRAFT
Check back for text of contract
See Patch Article on this issue


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