Johnston City Council Worksession Monday, August 18, 2025

Johnston City Council Worksession Monday, August 18, 2025 1. Participation Information A. To Participate in this Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87088129817 (See content for additional information) 2. Opening of Meeting A. Call to Order - Worksession 25-16 Mayor Dierenfeld called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. B. Roll Call Members present Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 3. Discussion Items A. Urban Coyote Management Plan Parks and Recreation Director Geoff Hubbard addressed the Council regarding the draft plan for urban coyote management. Hubbard reviewed the plan, noting that the purpose of the plan is to increase awareness and knowledge of coyotes in urban setting, while also providing information to residents, and outlining the City's plan for responding to a coyote conflict. Hubbard answered questions from the Council regarding the types of traps displayed in the plan, including the prohibition of claw, spring, or metal traps. Council Member Cope suggested that providing some additional clarity related to traps would be helpful to residents. There was also discussion about the difference between seeing a coyote and what is termed an encounter with a coyote, and the respective actions to take. There was also discussion about the reporting process for varying instances of coyote interactions. mayor Dierenfeld suggested including language about what to do or not to do if you encounter a coyote, whether you have a pet with you or not. She also suggested that the signage contain that information as well. Chief of Police Dennis McDaniel also addressed the Council, noting that the Parks Department has spent a lot of time putting this plan together, but once there has been an escalation in an animal's behavior the police department will be involved. He also pointed out that there is a property owner layer to this issue, so there has been a lot of research into what can and can't be done to thwart these types of issues. McDaniel noted that as wildlife has been deemed to be property of the State of Iowa, the City cannot institute local ordinances that would empower a property owner that conflicts with state law, hunting licenses, seasons, and those types of regulations. McDaniel reviewed the proposed language that is being considered to address potential solutions. He noted that the Iowa DNR has a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator program, and that people who become certified operators are able to come onto private property, at the residents' request to deal with the nuisance animal, which may include discharging a weapon to humanely dispatch an animal. The proposed ordinance would allow an exception for a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator to discharge a weapon in the city. The Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator has specific requirement for reporting to the DNR in order to maintain their certification. McDaniel also noted that the operator would make notification to the police department, through Polk County Dispatch, when there will be firearm discharge within in the city limits. McDaniel advised that there is significant reworking of the animal control ordinance underway, for both the coyote issue that's been discussed here, as well as some other language changes. He noted that the draft ordinance would come back to Council for further review prior to it being presented for approval. When asked about whether there would be penalty language included in the proposed ordinance, McDaniel noted that our code has a general penalty provision that everything is a simple misdemeanor and is also subject to a potential civil infraction. Hubbard and McDaniel noted that the they would take the Council's suggestions and directions back to rework the plan and the proposed ordinance and would bring those forward for approval at a future meeting. Mayor Dierenfeld thanked staff for all of their work on this issue. B. City Administrator/Staff Comments As there was time remaining in the Worksession, City Administrator/Staff Comments were moved from the regular agenda to the Worksession. City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver noted that the strategic planning work has begun for the upcoming year. He thanked department directors for the discussions in their session. C. City Council Comments As there was time remaining in the Worksession, City Council Comments were moved from the regular agenda to the Worksession. Council Member Burkhardt encouraged everyone to be attentive to kids making their way to and from school. He also noted that the school district may be allowing City Council members to participate in the homecoming parade. Mayor Dierenfeld advised that Council members may participate with their own floats, but that it should not be political or partisan in any way, nor can it be a campaigning opportunity, rather it should just be showing support for the schools and homecoming. Mayor Dierenfeld also recognized all the time and effort that staff puts into the various events held throughout the community. She also noted that she attended the orientation for new teachers in the school district. 4. Closing of Meeting A. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. Paula S. Dierenfeld, Mayor Attest: Cyndee Rhames, City Clerk September 5 2025 LIOW0362922