Deer Management Citizens Task Force
September 13, 2012 – 5:30 P.M.
Meeting Minutes
Solem Public Safety Center Conference Room
Members Present:
Leonard Spomer –leonard.spomer@beckmtr.com
Jerry Berg – GbergCJ@pie.midco.net
Orie Bramblee – OMBramblee@Goldenwest.net
Brian Lee – BDLee@pie.midco.net
Steve Thompson – rattler51@pie.midco.net
Jody Rausch – jodyrausch@yahoo.com
Larry Weiss – weisscl@aol.com
Andy Deis – andy@pie.midco.net
Keith Senger – Keith.Senger@state.sd.us
Members Absent: Dave Luers
Additional Technical and Support Personnel Present:
Jeanne Goodman, City of Pierre Commissioner, Chairman - Jeanne.Goodman@ci.pierre.sd.us
John Murphy, GF&P - john.murphy@state.sd.us
Nathan Baker, GF&P - Nathan.Baker@state.sd.us
Keith Fisk, GF&P - Keith.Fisk@state.sd.us
Elton Blemaster, Pierre Police Department Captain - Elton.Blemaster@ci.pierre.sd.us
Chris Gross, Pierre Police Department Animal Control - Chris.Gross@ci.pierre.sd.us
Deb Fahey, Pierre Police Department Administrative Assistant - Deb.Fahey@ci.pierre.sd.us
Chairman Jeanne Goodman opened the meeting, stating the purpose is to review what we’ve been seeing for deer numbers, our observations, and members introduced themselves.
Minutes from the September 8, 2011 meeting were reviewed. Steve Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes, Leonard Spomer seconded. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on recent deer sightings. Task force members reported seeing very few deer in all areas and far less than in previous years. Animal Control Officer Gross reported observing the highest counts of five to six behind EconoFoods and on West Sioux Avenue with deer usually in garden areas, in the same areas where they’re receiving skunk calls, and in general the numbers are down. Game, Fish & Parks Department reported 14 or 15 one with depredation issues at Rilling Produce. Landowners are informing the Department there are plenty of deer around but not hearing of many in town.
Blemaster reports only 4 citizen complaints have been called into dispatch with one from the Dell Acres/Hughes County area. The Police Department is receiving fewer complaints hearing it is because citizens are more aware of the Deer Management Program and know the city is managing the number in town.
Blemaster also reports Car/Deer Collision Statistics within the City of Pierre:
2010 2011 YTD Total
City Reportable Deer Accidents 10 10 6 26
(less than $1000 in damage)
State Reportable Deer Accidents 16 3 1 20
(greater than $1000 in damage)
Totals (1/1/12 – 8/31/12) 26 13 7 46
Discussion of complaints and vehicle accidents followed, saying it is important to note the number of complaints and accidents are down, resulting in lower dollar amounts in damage. However, there are still costs involved in loss and damage to the public. An example of damage in addition to vehicle accidents is new tree damage as reported by Larry Weiss.
Weiss reports through the Cities of Service volunteer tree planting projects, 450-500 trees have already been planted at the golf course and the parks with more to be done. There has been some loss because of damage from deer. The larger trees are more expensive to replace and thus a greater loss.
A fall count was not done last year because the Task Force determined the flood had taken a great toll on the wildlife including the deer, and therefore, it was prudent to wait until flood recovery was well underway. Counts had been done each year prior to that. Discussion on the fall count concluded. It is believed there are more deer in town than last year but at an acceptable level, and a count should be done for accountability.
A few suggestions and ideas were considered for changing the count process this year including doing a three day back to back count later in the year. This was discussed because
Rapid City conducts their count in this manner. However, the counts in Pierre have been consistently done in the past and with volunteers so it is difficult to schedule. It was agreed the same type of count process should be used with some restricting environmental parameters.
Motion made by Leonard Spomer to do the count, second by Jerry Berg. Motion carried.
Discussion continued on when and how to do the count. It was agreed to continue with spaced out counts (one every two weeks), do 3 counts starting the last week, then in 2 weeks and two weeks for the final count. Suggested date of counts 9/25, 10/9, 10/16, 17 or 18, then present to commission on 10/23. It was also recommended that the Task Force meet earlier next year to consider a count if needed.
Keith Senger made a motion to count on Tuesdays – 9/18, 10/2, 10/16. Back up dates on Thursdays -9/20, 10/4, 10/18. Counts will be conducted under the following conditions: No precipitation at time of count, 85 degrees or less, 15 mph winds or less. Second by Leonard Spomer. Motion carried.
Animal Control Officer Chris Gross will coordinate the count.
Jeanne Goodman reported she and Steve Thompson are working on the web page update. Ron Catlin has been recommended and agreed to represent the senior citizens on the Task Force, and the Mayor will officially appoint Ron to the Task Force on September 18.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Next meeting on 10/22/12, 5:30 p.m., after the count is complete.
Submitted,
Deb Fahey