Agenda Item
11.B) AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF A WILDLIFE PLAN; AMENDING SECTION 2-55 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CREATE THE WILDLIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE; ESTABLISHING INTERIM WILDLIFE PROTECTION MEASURES; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer)
While I agree with protecting wildlife, I do not feel that it is necessary or beneficial for Palmetto Bay to have a "Wildlife Plan". The potential for unintended consequences is too great a risk and the expenditure of tax dollars is not warranted. I am particularly concerned about the potential to incorrectly categorize community cats as wildlife (as has been attempted in other jurisdictions) and the impact it could have on humane population control of community cats.
I fully support the adoption and implementation of non-lethal wildlife management as detailed in the proposal. However, I do not feel this necessitates a comprehensive wildlife management plan, which could open a Pandora's Box of special interest efforts that could harm not only the animals in our community, but the relationships between neighbors.
Therefore, I urge you to vote No on 11.B unless it is revised to eliminate the proposal/requirement for a Comprehensive Wildlife Management Plan.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cindy Hewitt
16630 SW 80 Ave
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157