Houlton Farm Planning Committee Meeting 2015-05-11

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It was discussed that the draft hunting plan should be discussed at an upcoming City Council work session meeting. Hecker mentioned that a June meeting might work best — Most of the members in attendance felt that June 1, 2015 would work best. The second option is June 15. The best strategy is to present a recommended plan to City Council to receive feedback and direction. Then it can be forwarded to the DNR Commissioner. Once the Commissioner approves the plan then it would be brought back to City Council for their final approval. The DNR representatives commented that consistency and repetition on signage will be important for the property. Rules and ordinances related to the property should be posted at the parking lot. It was recommended to list the rules with maps posted on site. 4.3 Bee Keeper Heckertold the Bee Keeper last Novemberthat he could stay on the property until May. The beekeeper has been on the property for several years maintaining beehives. It was discussed that bees and pollinators should be good for a conservation area. Wilson discussed consulting with the FMR to get their opinion if bee hives on the property would be advantageous for the pollination of the native plants as part of the natural resource management plan. McGillivray commented that a bee keeper on the property could raise some issues with the Lessard-Sams Council. It was decided during the transition period while the property is closed to the public that the Bee keeper could stay. It was also decided to review the outcome of the FMR management plan and McGillivray would ask the Lessard Sams staff later this summer about the bee keeper. 4.4 Naming Contest Update Names are coming in with some interesting names the committee will need to review. The contest ends on May 8. These will be reviewed at the May 11 meeting. 4.5 House Removal RFP The House removal solicitation was advertised in the local newspaper and the deadline to submit interest is this Friday May 1. 4.6 Archeology Dig Staff and some members on the committee have been approached by the idea to do a latrine dig and an archeology dig sponsored by a university. It was decided that although digs are interesting that they are outside of the scope of work for the committee. It was decided that the committee should stay on task and that no digs should be considered until after the area is open to the public. It was discussed that treasure hunters or people with metal detectors could be an issue. Currently no ordinance prohibits such practices on city property. This needs to be considered for future discussion. 2