The Community Development Commission recommended approval of an ordinance amendment that would allow a permanent permit for controlled wildlife harvests at Lee's Summit Airport and moved the item to the City Council for final action.

Staff member (filling for Chief Forbes) told the commission the change is “a basic adjustment to our ordinance allowing for permanent a permanent permit for nuisance wildlife management out at the airport.” The staff member said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would conduct the work and “they'll use small caliber weapons to do that.”

Commissioners discussed the safety rationale. One commissioner said the temporary permits used over the summer “cleaned up quite a bit,” and that permanent authority was needed to address continuing wildlife hazards as the airport grows. No public comment was recorded during the discussion.

Commissioner Reeder moved to recommend approval and Commissioner Prior seconded. The commission voted by roll call to recommend approval and forward TMP-3195 to the City Council for consideration.

If the City Council approves the ordinance amendment, it will revise the Lee's Summit Code of Ordinances, chapter 17 (offenses), article 6 (offenses against public safety), division 2 (weapons offenses), section 17-164 (discharging firearms or weapons prohibited within city — exemptions) to add a permanent permit for controlled harvest of nuisance wildlife at the airport and to update terminology.

The commission's action is a recommendation; the change is not in effect until the city council acts on the ordinance amendment.