Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves first reading of deer-feeding ordinance; enforcement to rely on law enforcement
Summary
The city council gave first reading to an ordinance prohibiting deer feeding. The city attorney said enforcement would be by police or outside law enforcement; the ordinance requires a second reading before adoption and the transcript records a split vote on first reading.
The International Falls City Council approved first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit feeding deer within city limits. The proposal was advanced by Councilor Buller and received discussion about enforceability and public opinion.
City Attorney Chelsea Nelson told the council that enforcement would lie with police and any other law enforcement agency and that city staff are not being assigned internal enforcement duties. She also noted that members of the public who disagree with the ordinance language may pursue petition and referendum avenues. During discussion, several council members said they had received mixed feedback from residents. The transcript records the first reading as passing on a split vote (the first reading was recorded as passing with a 3–2 split).
Because this was only a first reading, the ordinance will require a second reading at a future council meeting before it can become law. The council did not adopt the final ordinance tonight; the city attorney remains available to assist members of the public who wish to initiate a petition or referendum on the matter.
