MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
held Monday, August 3, 1998,
for the purpose of developing a beaver management plan.

The meeting began at 8:07 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull Thomas X. White and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; David E. Moran, City Clerk and Bill Phelan, City Horticulturalist.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: William Bridgeland, Wildlife Biologist; Al Geiger, News Review; Joanne Tucker and Carl Katz

Mr. McLaughlin stated that based on Council's level of tolerance, Council could select specific methods for dealing with the situation. Council discussed the current situation with Mr. Bridgeland.

Mayor Davis was not in favor of extermination and had concerns about sterilization.

Mr. Roberts expressed opposition to lowering the water level at the lake. He believed the beavers improved the water quality at the lake and were a positive thing. Mr. Roberts favored protecting large trees and minimizing the damage. He indicated support for installing a gate at the lake outfall.

Mr. White was not supportive of sterilization, but liked the strategy of lowering the lake in early Spring and believed this might improve the water quality.

Mr. Turnbull favored a tolerance approach and wanted the city to aggressively assist homeowners to protect their property. He also supported installation of the outfall gate, but was not in favor of lowering the lake.

Mr. Putens did not support sterilization. He believed that the dead beaver was a sign of frustration on the part of residents and that it destroyed the colony. He favored lowering the water level and installing the gate.

Mayor Davis asked if any homeowner trees were destroyed. Mr. Phelan responded none. He asked Council for direction on the degree of fencing. Mr. Bridgeland stressed the need for education.

In response to a question, Mr. McLaughlin indicated that the water level was last lowered 8 years ago. He also indicated that there was a planned lowering as part of he next water quality project.

Mr. Roberts stated that draining the lake affects the fish. Mr. Turnbull believed that the city needed to decide if they were going to tolerate the beavers.

Mayor Davis favored tolerance but was willing to consider lowering. She supported gating the outfall and also liked the education campaign for neighboring residents.

Mr. White stated that the lake was a man made water amenity which serves as a storm water pond. He supported the barrier plus lowering the water level in early Spring. Mr. White believed the beavers did significant damage to trees and didn't want to repeat that. He did not support extermination or physical harm.

Mr. Phelan recommended that if the city drains the lake, they do it in the Fall. Council discussed the need to confirm exactly how many beavers were out there.

Mr. McLaughlin suggested that staff could begin observations at the lake. He also indicated that staff would proceed to construct gates at the three areas recommended by Mr. Bridgeland. Mr. McLaughlin indicated that staff would bring back a policy to Council on a September agenda and work on an education pamphlet for residents.

Mayor Davis thanked Mr. Bridgeland for his work.

Police Blotter

There was considerable discussion regarding the police blotter. Mr. Roberts requested that the issue be added to an upcoming agenda.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p. m.
Respectfully Submitted,
David E. Moran
City Clerk

City of Greenbelt, Maryland
City Offices, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-8000 FAX: 301-441-8248