Title
Bow Hunting on Former Youth Development Center (YDC) Property - Follow-up from Staff.
Executive Summary: At the 10/9/12 City Council Workshop (item ref. TMP-0227), Mr. Basil asked Council to consider allowing bow hunting of deer at the former YDC property on Hines Hill Road, noting that he had received a number of inquiries. Mr. Basil asked that the administrative staff discuss the matter with Police Chief Robbins and Parks Superintendent Hutchinson and follow-up with City Council.
Body
Legislative History
10/9/12 Council Workshop (TMP-0227) Bow Hunting on Former Youth Development Center (YDC) Property.
Purpose & Explanation
At the 10/9/12 City Council Workshop (item ref. TMP-0227), Mr. Basil asked Council to consider allowing bow hunting of deer at the former YDC property on Hines Hill Road, noting that he had received a number of inquiries. Discussion followed and Council supported allowing bow hunting in woodlands on the southern property. Council members agreed that the northern property was not suited to bow hunting, due to its active hiking trails and proximity to Maple Grove Park. They discussed the need for careful delineation and boundary markings. Mr. Basil asked that the administrative staff discuss the matter with Police Chief Robbins and Parks Superintendent Hutchinson and follow-up with City Council.
Legal Considerations
Mr. R. Todd Hunt, City Solicitor reviewed the Environmental Covenant and Conservation Easement covering the 293 acres of the YDC property and that is covered by the lease with Summit Metro Parks. Mr. Hunt concludes that hunting may be possible on the 293 acres provided the following approvals are obtained:
1. Consent of Summit County (as Trustee for the City).
2. Approval of ODNR.
3. Approval of the Director-Secretary of the Summit Metro Parks; and
4. City should at least notify WRLC of the City's request to permit deer hunting.
Further, per the City ordinance, the City could also permit hunting on the remaining acres of the YDC property with the consent of the County (as Trustee). Mr. Hunt believes the City Manager has the authority to permit hunting on city-owned property, thus, no Council approval would be required.
Hudson Parks Considerations
On 11/19/12, the Hudson Park Board met to discuss the topic of hunting on park property. At their meeting, the Hudson Park Board did not address the YDC (south side) property specifically. In summary, the Hudson Park Board supports the current Park policy that prohibits hunting on park property. Please see the attached memorandum from Eric Hutchinson, Parks Superintendent that outlines the Park Boards reasons for their position.
Hudson Police Considerations
Chief Robbins indicated that he does not have any concerns with permitting bow hunting on the YDC property mentioned (south side of Hines Hill Rd.). Although not under consideration at this time, Chief Robbins indicated that he does have some concerns with permitting bow hunting on the YDC property (north side of Hines Hill Rd.) because it borders the park for the Ashbrooke residents.
Hudson Public Works Dept. Considerations
Frank Comeriato, Jr., Public Works Director indicated that he has some concerns with hunting on the former YDC property. His concerns are outlined in his memo (attached).
List of Attachments
1. Hudson Ordinance: Chapter 1074 Deer Hunting.
2. City of Hudson Parks Memorandum from Parks Superintendent (dated 11/19/12).
3. GIS map of YDC property (showing south side).
4. Memo from Frank Comeriato, Jr., Public Works Director.
Timing Considerations
Staff would like Council's decision/direction on the topic prior to May 1, 2013 thus allowing staff to prepare a plan prior to the September 2013 deer (bow hunting) season.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Should Council permit bow hunting on the YDC property (south side), staff will need to establish a security plan for the property, keeping in mind any potential interference or safety concerns with any possible site work projects.
Submitted by,
Anthony J. Bales, City Manager,
Scott N. Schroyer, Asst. City Manager