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International Falls schedules July 28 open house on proposed deer‑feeding ordinance
Summary
Council set a July 28 open house at 6 p.m. to take public comment on a proposed ordinance to prohibit feeding of deer; council and staff plan advertising, invited DNR participation and will include city attorney and officials in outreach.
The International Falls City Council scheduled an open house for 6 p.m. on July 28 to gather public comment on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit feeding deer within the city.
“It's a passionate topic among many,” Mayor Dill said as he introduced the matter; the council agreed to take additional public input before advancing any ordinance. Councillor Kaler moved to schedule the open house for July 28 at 6 p.m.; Councillor Holden seconded, and the motion carried.
Councilors described the ordinance as an initial, relatively inexpensive step to reduce the deer population in town. “That's the reason for it is to reduce the deer population in town,” Councillor Buller said, adding the proposal was intended as “where we want to start” and not as a personal attack on residents who feed deer.
Administrator Bergstrom said staff will advertise the event and that the city can publish notices on social media and the city website; Councilors discussed placing an additional legal notice in the Rainy Lake Gazette at the city’s expense. Council requested staff invite Conservation Officer Kittleson or other Minnesota Department of Natural Resources representatives to participate.
The council also noted that state officials indicated the city must adopt an ordinance before it can request certain outside assistance on deer management. The motion to set the open house included authorization for advertising costs, and the council asked staff to circulate details to city departments and to publicize the event.
