Several residents raised complaints about deer damage and asked the borough to consider new deer-management approaches. Don Hamm told council that an existing borough ordinance dating to 1976 prohibits hunting and that any change to allow hunting on borough land would require an ordinance amendment.

Council and staff discussed state law constraints: state rules preempt local code in some respects, and a 50-yard distance from structures applies to hunting near residences. The borough's game commission representative suggested managed hunting on some public properties could be considered as part of a broader deer-management strategy; council asked the planning commission to review options including an ordinance that would prohibit deliberate feeding of wildlife.

A resident and council members emphasized minimizing property-damage claims and ensuring any change includes public outreach, clear locations for managed hunts and attention to safety and neighbor permissions. The planning commission and public-safety staff will work on possible ordinance language and site identification ahead of the next meeting.

Council did not enact any changes at the Dec. 1 meeting; members directed staff and the planning commission to prepare options and to report back.