Agenda

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Public Hearing 3. C.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	02/07/2023
Submitted For:	Josh Beck	Submitted By:	Josh Beck, Director
Department:	Health & Emergency Management

Information

Request/Subject

Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-03 - Wildlife Feeding; also repeal and replace the previously recorded Ordinance No 01-1 - Bear Contact from July 10, 2001.

Background Information

In a previous Board of Supervisors meeting, during the public comment section, concerned residents spoke about the increasing amount of dangerous human/wildlife interactions in northern Gila County. These comments align with the data that has been shared by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A thorough review of concerns has been researched and discussed between Arizona Game and Fish and Gila County Animal Care and Control. During a special Board of Supervisors meeting on October 25, 2022, staff held a Work Session on this item and presented the Gila County Board of Supervisors with a rough draft Wildlife Feeding Ordinance. During the Work Session, the Board of Supervisors supported moving forward with the Ordinance as presented. The legal notice of hearing was posted in the Arizona Silver Belt for two consecutive weeks in the December 14, 2022, and December 21, 2022 editions. The notice of hearing was also posted in the Payson Roundup with a first publication of December 9, 2022, and a last publication of December 20, 2022.

Evaluation

The benefits and detriments of wildlife feeding practices in northern Gila County have been researched and discussed. This Ordinance, which regulates the intentional feeding of wildlife, will protect the safety and welfare of Gila County residents as well as the wildlife.

Conclusion

The adoption of the Wild Life Feeding Ordinance, No. 2023-03, will protect the safety and welfare of Gila County residents as well as wildlife.

Recommendation

The Health and Emergency Management Department Director recommends approval for Ordinance No 2023-03 - Wildlife Feeding which repeals and replaces the previously recorded Ordinance No 01-1 - Bear Contact from July 10, 2001.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to approve Ordinance No. 2023-03 - Wildlife Feeding; also repeal and replace the previously recorded Ordinance No 01-1 - Bear Contact from July 10, 2001. (Josh Beck)

Attachments
Wildlife Feeding Ordinance
Legal Notice Documentation
Gila County Bear Ordinance
Cochise County Ordinance
Navajo County Ordinance
Yavapai County Ordinance
Show Low City Code
Flagstaff Ordinance
Research on Feeding
HUman Animal Interaction Fatalities
Wildlife Tourism
Vector Diseases
Feeding Wildlife Impacts
Wildlife Health
Wildlife Presentation
Legal Notice Documentation