CITY COUNCIL RECAP
The Common Council last night met, with the majority of the discussion centering around deer control within the city limits. The Council took several steps
* Repealed the city's ban on hunting, which we found out we could not do since it violated state law
* Passed a ban on the intentional feeding of deer. The first offense will cost $500 plus court costs, and subsequent fines would be $1000 per violation plus court costs
* Approved going forward with a hunt by local bowhunters (a group called Team Ripon), with locations approved by the City. The hunters will meet with the Deer Advisory Committee to come up with a list of possible locations.

The Council rejected a proposal to spend $5,000 to hire sharpshooters to kill 30-50 deer to control the population. I, personally, was not in favor of spending tax dollars to control the deer. I would like to see us try the local hunting approach first, and see if this will help curb the herd. I appreciate the work the Deer Advisory Committee did over the past eight years, and I know they will come up with the locations we need to locate the hunters.

In other action, the Council approved contracts with a number of companies to do soil tests, environmental tests, and amend the Industrial Park TIF as we move ahead with the development of 58 acres we purchased last year to add to the park. Groundbreaking on the infrastructure will take place in the spring. Additionally, I am working on a proposal to name the streets, by running a competition involving the residents of the city. Stay tuned for the details.

PLAN COMMISSION - There will be an opening on the City Plan Commission, as one of the members is stepping down due to scheduling conflicts. If you have any interest in serving, please email me and I will place your name in consideration.

CITY BUDGET - The city budget for 2008 is now on-line. The public hearing on the proposed budget will be November 26th at 7 PM in City Hall.

CITY MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER (All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted)
5 - Historic Preservation Committee (5PM)
7 - Housing and Community Development Authority (6 PM)
12 - Cable TV Committee (4 PM)
13 - City Council (7 PM)
14 - Fire District Board (7 PM)
20 - Park and Rec Committee (5 PM), Plan Commission (7 PM)
26 - City Council (7 PM)
27 - Library Board (630 PM)