Title
A RESOLUTION PERMITTING BOW HUNTING OF DEER ON THE FORMER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER ("YDC") PROPERTY LOCATED ON CERTAIN PROPERTY AT 996 HINES HILL ROAD.
Executive Summary: At the July 23, 2013 City Council Workshop, City staff advised City Council that it was rather late in the year to establish a policy permitting deer hunting on the former Cleveland Youth Development Center (YDC) property located on the south side of Hines Hill Road (see attached map). Staff also expressed concern with the existing conservation easement covering a large portion of the existing acreage and if hunting would be feasible considering the conservation easement agreements.
Staff committed to investigating the feasibility of permitting deer hunting on the property and agreed to return to City Council with a recommendation in the summer of 2014 in preparation for the 2014-15 deer hunting bow season.
Body
Legislative History
10/9/12 Council Workshop (TMP-0227) Bow Hunting on Former Youth Development Center (YDC) Property.
11/27/12 Council Workshop (TMP-0242) Bow Hunting on Former Youth Development Center (YDC) Property.
7-23-13 Council Workshop (TMP-0447) Bow Hunting on Former Youth Development Center (YDC) Property - Follow-up from Staff.
Purpose & Explanation
City staff has investigated the feasibility of allowing limited deer hunting on the former CYDC property taking into consideration the existing Western Reserve Land Conservation easement and associated covenant. This includes only the portion of the YDC property located to the south of Hines Hill Road. The conservation covenant and the current rules and regulations made it necessary to seek opinions from the following three (3) agencies before hunting could be permitted on conservation land: Summit County Metro Parks, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. All Three (3) agencies support and approve of deer hunting on both the non-conservation as well as the conservation portions of the property. Copies of the three (3) agencies' correspondence to the City of Hudson Public Works Director have been attached for review.
By existing City of Hudson Code of Ordinances Chapter 1074 - Deer Hunting, hunting is permitted within the Hudson City limits under specific rules and regulations and is managed though a formal permitting process administered by the Hudson Police Department. With the necessary agencies giving support to the City in offering deer hunting on the former YDC property, Public Works will schedule interested hunters at a manageable number on a first call first serve basis. The formal permitting process will be administered through the Hudson Police Department to maintain continuity of the current program. A copy of the Code of Ordinances Chapter 1074 - Deer Hunting has been attached for review.
Timing Considerations
The action plan item would be implemented upon approved Resolution by City Council in preparation for the start of the 2014-15 deer hunting bow season.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council pass a resolution permitting deer hunting on the former YDC property located at 996 Hines Hill Rd. (South Side), utilizing the aforementioned administrative design and within the rules, regulations and policies as detailed and in accordance with City of Hudson Code of Ordinances Chapter 1074 -Deer Hunting.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Scott N. Schroyer, Assistant City Manager
Frank J. Comeriato, Jr., Director of Public Works