City Council Minutes 1999 08 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Keany asked Simmons whether the parcels that contain conservation easements could be identified with a crosshatch to show that they will never be developed. He explained that the white areas, which are agricultural, give the appearance that they could be developed. Davidson agreed with Keany. Simmons stated that staff is putting together the 2000 budget for Council to consider at the first work session in September, therefore, there are no budget items for Council to consider at the August 24, 1999 work session. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Howard explained that he was at the Lafayette City Council meeting earlier this evening. He stated that a baseball league has approached the City of Lafayette expressing concern that they no longer have access to Louisville ball fields, requiring that Lafayette build their own ball fields. He stated that the City of Lafayette feels that the City of Louisville is being 'mean-spirited' by not allowing Lafayette children access to their ball fields. He stated that the Mayor of Lafayette was instructed to contact the Mayor of Louisville to request that Louisville change their mind about the use of the Louisville ball fields. Davidson stated that the major source of funding for the residential construction use tax will be the result of residents replacing roofs, putting in decks, remodeling, etc. He felt that these activities have absolutely no impact on schools and questioned the fairness of taxing them. He explained that he has requested that the City Administrator research whether these activities could be excluded from the residential construction use tax. If they cannot be excluded, he suggested that Council consider repealing the residential construction use tax. He explained that the intent of the use tax was for activities that impacted the schools. Davidson expressed concern for the management of wildlife in the City of Louisville and suggested that Council create a citizen's task force to evaluate the issue. He suggested that the City also contract with a wildlife biologist to assist the task force. He stated there appear to be a lot of expectations that residents can live in the middle of a city but act like they are living in the middle of the country. He explained that the task force would be charged with the responsibility to develop realistic regulations for what can be done for the wildlife that can exist on City open space and within an urban environment. Lathrop stated that this also raises the issue of how to address wildlife that has become urbanized. He cited squirrels and raccoons as examples. He explained that the raccoon population is increasing and could result in raccoons becoming a nuisance. Davidson agreed that raccoons are quickly becoming pests. He agreed that the wildlife biologist might cost a few thousand dollars, however, he felt that expertise in this area would be necessary for a task force.