HomeMy WebLinkAbout8B Bow Fishing C
� P�o4t�uto 4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake,MN 55372
...2
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: MAY 26, 2015
AGENDA#: 8B
PREPARED BY: FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER
PRESENTED BY: FRANK BOYLES
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REPORT WITH RESPECT TO A
POSSIBLE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 804.400 OF THE
PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE RELATING TO BOW FISHING
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to determine if the city council believes it
appropriate to amend the city code to authorize bow fishing without the need
for a special hunt permit.
History
As the city has become more urbanized, the city council has sought to allow
special hunts as long as they are effective in controlling target populations,
used in conjunction with other animal control measures and are
accomplished in a fashion that protects the public safety.
The City has received several requests to allow bow fishing within the City.
In fact bow fishing happens with some regularity each year. Bow fishing is
allowed by state statute and regulated and licensed through the DNR.
Current Circumstances
We believe that the ordinance should be read to address bow fishing as
fishing and not hunting therefore this section of the ordinance is not
applicable. But since the ordinance can be read otherwise there is some
question about where in the ordinance bow fishing is addressed.
Conclusion
The city council should determine if it wishes to clarify the ordinance with
respect to bow fishing.
ISSUES: The key issue is whether the city council believes that the ordinance should
be amended to add a second exception which would address bow fishing.
The Prior Lake Vision and Strategic Plan prioritizes water quality
improvement in our lakes and streams. The city has supported the efforts of
the Watershed in its multipart alum project. Rough fish are known to
undermine such efforts. The DNR has recognized the desirability of
removing rough fish as they may not be returned to the waterbody if caught.
Therefore, encouraging bow fishing is consistent with city objectives.
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245/www.cityofpriorlake.com
The DNR has established licensing procedures and rules which must be
followed to protect individual and public safety while bow fishing. Bow fishing
has been common each year in area lakes and streams.
The need for these provisions is dependent upon whether the council
believes that the ordinance needs clarification. Attached are the existing
ordinance provisions.
FINANCIAL No permit revenues have been received for this purpose so there will be no
IMPACT: impact.
ALTERNATIVES: 1. Motion and second to direct staff to prepare an ordinance amendment
to clarify the status of bow fishing.
2. Motion and second directing the staff to provide additional information.
RECOMMENDED As determined by the Council.
MOTION:
2
O� p�O+P
v 4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART 8 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE BY
INSERTING SUBSECTION 804.402 RELATING TO BOW FISHING.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
1. City Code Section 804.400 is hereby amended by inserting subsection 804.402 to
read as follows:
804.402 Exception: bow fishing, as defined by Minn. Stat. 97A.015, is not subject to the
prohibition of discharging a Dangerous Weapon within the corporate limits of the City;
provided the required permits and licenses have been obtained pursuant to Minn. Stat
Chap 97A and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and all federal, state
and local regulations are complied with.
2. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this Day of , 2015.
ATTEST:
Frank Boyles, City Manager Kenneth L. Hedberg, Mayor
Published in the Prior Lake American on the day of , 2015.