Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parma Heights leaders outline nocturnal deer culling program; city to monitor permits and safety
Summary
Mayor Marie Gallo told council Jan. 9 that a state-approved nocturnal deer culling program will run on city property in January and February, with police and the Service Department monitoring safety and harvest. A public commenter criticized the plan and asked who pays municipal permit fees.
At its Jan. 9 meeting, Mayor Marie Gallo said Parma Heights will carry out a state-approved nocturnal deer culling program on certain city property during January and February and that police and the Service Department will closely monitor safety and harvest numbers.
The mayor said the city was "approved to pull 55 nuisance permits and they are allowing us to cull up to 95," and that the program will run at night and comply with applicable state and federal safety requirements. Holy Family Hospice will provide monthly blood-pressure checks at the Senior Center after UH visiting nurses paused visits because of staffing shortages, the mayor added.
Why it matters: City officials said the program is intended to reduce deer-related incidents and will be tracked by the Service Department and police to evaluate impacts such as carcass collection and vehicle collisions. Mayor Marie Gallo urged residents with questions to contact City Hall's main number.
Public reaction: Emery Pinter of 10965 Lawndale Drive told council he was "very disappointed in the deer culling," asked who pays the $150 municipal deer permit and other licensing costs, and said, "She needs to step down within 48 hours." Pinter also complained his household received multiple postcards after the last election. Council members did not take a formal vote on any change to the program during the meeting; the mayor said the city had council support and will monitor the results.
Other details: The mayor said more than 300 people had signed up to claim carcasses and that sign-ups include residents from outside Parma Heights. Private-property culling will be allowed only with an approved waiver and when it meets the stated safety requirements.
Next steps: City staff will monitor harvest and safety statistics over the season and report changes to council; several related bids and service items (including NEO Soccer bids and Nathan Hale project bids) were noted for upcoming meetings.
