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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 July 14, 2010 7.1.B. City Park Hunting Policy Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the current hunting ordinance and recommended the following changes: Not allow hunting, unless with a special permit, within 500 feet of any city park ox txall year round. Chief of Police, Jeff Beahen stated that this would be a good solution for the private property that is adjacent to the new trail section. Property owners can get a license after going over property details with the officer issuing hunting permits. Elk River Resident, Tom Bodnar, 12738 217`h Ave. shared that he is concerned about the zoning laws place on the property and that they have always hunted inward on their property, never towards the Great Northern Trail. He would like to co-exist with people using the trail system and is concerned about those who trespass and litter onto their private property which is posted. Elk River resident, Rose Allison, 21380 Vernon St. shared that her concerns axe of other trail users not behaving properly on trail and trail users are not wearing blaze orange during any hunting season. She would like the commission to consider closing the trail for at least the 9 day firearms hunting period. Commissioner Anderson stated that the people who litter and trespass are a small minority out of the users on the trail system. Mr. Bodnar stated that unleashed dogs are a huge problem on the trail system and run onto his property. Elk River resident, Dale Wagner, 21546 Vernon St. agreed that majority of dogs are unleashed and cause a problem with people going onto private property. Commissioner Niziolek asked if it would be successful to close the trail for 9 days of firearms hunting season. Chief Beahen shared that if the issue is about safety, then yes closing the trail fox the 9 days by using barricades and signs would help in keeping people safe during hunting season. Commissioner Jaker asked what is the science behind the amount of feet listed in the ordinance. Chief Beahen stated that the ordinance mirrors the state statute. Commissioner Anderson asked if trail was not closed would hunting be allowed by permit. Chief Beahen stated the Officer Dummer would inspect property and hunting stands etc. with the property owner before a permit is issued.