City Council Minutes 2001 04 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting April 3, 2001 Page 4 Denver have reached agreement on a proposed purchase and sale contract. The acquisition is for potential use for public buildings and facilities and other governmental purposes. The purchase price is two million dollars, the earnest money is one hundred thousand dollars and the closing date is August 6, 2001. Simmons noted that unless other funds become available for use by the City as determined by the City Council, moneys from the City Capital Project Fund shall be used to pay the purchase price of the property. Mayor Davidson opened the public hearing and asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak for or against Ordinance No. 1358, Series 2001. Hearing none, Davidson closed the public hearing. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayer commented that there has been citizen concern about the outcome of the prairie dogs located on the property. He quoted from a report filed last fall by biologist, Dr. Erik Stone, Inventory and Management Report for Black Tailed Prairie Dogs. "The colony at the Fire Station No. 2 has little room for growth or natural expansion. It is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, unsuitable habitats or habitats already occupied by prairie dogs. The Louisville Parrish property colony has very high density and there remains very little native vegetation. The potential for human prairie dog conflict is high as some prairie dogs have already begun to borrow into yard of some adjacent homes. A bike path brings people and more importantly pets in close contact with prairie dogs. Both dogs and cats have been observed investigating and partially entering burrows. Such contact can increase the potential for disease transmission to humans." Mayer stated that it is clear that Fire Station No. 2 and the Louisville Pardsh property are not suitable for prairie dog colonies. He noted that the property could have been sold to a private developer who may not have chosen to invest the money to relocate the colony. He stated that the City is making a responsible and environmentally correct choice. Brown concurred with Councilman Mayer's comments. He stated that it was an excellent opportunity for the City to realize expansion of the Police Department and the Recreation Department. Sisk stated that is it is important to note that there is a potential to relocate as many prairie dogs as possible. He noted that the City has contracted with a company in Fort Collins who will resolve this matter humanely. He stated that he supports the measures that will be taken. Davidson asked City Administrator Simmons to review the terms of the contract, the timeframe and what will happen to the prairie dogs that cannot be relocated. 4