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Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 6 September 9, 2020 ----------------------------- 7.5 Great Northern Trail Hunting Closure Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. The city council had asked the police chief to review the hunting ordinances and which was discussed on September 8, 2020 at Council worksession. The chief stated that the GNT cannot be closed and enforced as it is not in the current ordinance. Mr. Hecker stated if commission wants to prohibit hunting, then suggests that Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to council an update to the current ordinance. Tom Olker, 18569 55th St NE, Foley, speaking on behalf of the landlord of the property being discussed adjacent to the GNT. This policy is a safety issue as the GNT gets more popular each year. On opening hunting weekend there were 200 people on the trail in 2019. It is the northern most part of the trail at 1 mile long. From a commonsense standpoint it makes sense to close the trail down for 9 days to prevent an accident. Commissioner Soltvedt shared he is not opposed to making the adjustment to closing the trail. Commissioner Anderson recommends continue the closure the GNT during the firearms season for 9 days also sharing that the County closes their segment of the GNT during firearms season. Commissioner Holmgren shared that the precedent has been set and council will decide. Commissioner Loidolt agree to keeping the GNT closed and understand police cannot enforce it as a policy. Commissioner Niziolek agree with closing the GNT to pedestrian activity during hunting season. Commissioner Rathbun agree with closing the GNT for safety. 7.6 Scheduling Special Meetings Chair Williams shared by city ordinance that a special meeting may be made by the chair. Commissioner members agreed and preferred to do work at meetings and to avoid