The Deer Committee held seven public meetings from February to September of 2009. All meetings were noticed and public.  Audio recordings of all of the meetings were made available the following morning on the City’s Podcast page and are still available today.   A community-wide questionnaire was sent out to gauge local concern on the issue. The questionnaire had an impressive 50 percent response rate. Results showed the majority of respondents resided on the Island, and wished for more efforts toward deer population control.  Concerns ranged from yard damage to fear of personal injury.  A City Deer Webpage will be developed (in progress) that will house all deer information for the City (packets, meeting agendas, audio links, resources etc.).

The findings of the Deer Committee represent months of effort by more than 20 people holding public meetings, investigating, researching, analyzing, and learning about a controversial topic and potential solutions that proved far more elusive than originally thought. The recommendations represent well-thought out conclusions on a complicated issue.  Early on, representatives from the State Department of Fish and Game (DFG) were adamant that the deer were a State resource that could not be proactively addressed without the advice and consent of DFG.  DFG identified the four alternatives:  Relocation, Sterilization, Depredation, and Education.  DFG indicated that “relocation” efforts were no longer supported by DFG and could not be considered as a viable alternative. Further, DFG advised that “sterilization” programs had proven unreliable and would require extensive environmental review before they could be considered by DFG. Depredation or “hunting” was an option, but because of the urbanized area, DFG would still require extensive environmental review. Finally, DFG indicated that prior to issuing any individual property owner a depredation permit, the property owner must use any and all measures available to deter the deer (landscaping changes, fencing, warning devices, etc.) and if these measures are unsuccessful, the property owner then must identify the exact deer causing the damage. DFG would then issue the permit for depredation only for that deer and only with the approval of the local regulatory agency with respect to weapon laws.

Ultimately, the committee findings showed the most appropriate approach to the City’s deer situation is to provide more extensive education to the community.  Deer control methods such as landscaping with deer-resistant plants, repellents, low-impact fencing will need to be embraced community-wide for the most effective results.  It remains a violation of State and local laws to feed deer (Marin County Ordinance 8.04.226 and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 251.3).  With respect to health concerns, in California, the tick species (Ixodes pacificus) that is the host of Lyme Disease is predominately a parasite of rodents, lizards, and birds – not deer.

September to December is the “rutting” or mating season for deer.  This is the time when mature bucks increase their displays of dominance.  April to June is the birthing season.  Does are known to be more aggressive toward perceived threats against their young during this period.  It is always advisable to avoid contact with deer – especially during these times of the year.

If you need immediate assistance with a deer-related problem, contact the Belvedere Police Department (435-3266) and/or the Marin Humane Society (883-4621).  You can also report deer incidents to the City directly at 435-3838.

In addition to representatives from the City and Town, the guests of honor will be from FEMA.  We are the government and we are here to help.  A FEMA insurance expert is scheduled to attend to make a presentation regarding the ramifications of the flood hazard designation, to answer questions and provide materials for the benefit of those in the flood zone.  What flood zone you might ask?  Well, FEMA recently mapped most of Belvedere Lagoon neighborhood and Downtown Tiburon into a “Special Flood Hazard Area” (returning these areas to what they may have looked like 100 years ago).  Some properties along West Shore Road are also included in the Zone.  The mapping change results in the requirement for flood insurance for affected properties (unless you already have flood insurance).  Even if not required by federal law, owners and tenants may desire to purchase or consider purchasing flood insurance given the designation on the new FEMA maps.   Getting flood insurance now may result in significant savings because after the FEMA map has had an opportunity to finalize (May 4, 2009) the cost will escalate.   According to a FEMA representative, the approximate current flood insurance rates if you secure flood insurance prior to May 4 would be $350 for the first year (building and contents) and $900 for the second year and subsequent years (subject to inflation).  If insurance is not obtained by May 4, the annual rate would approximate $1,800.

From floods to housing.  The very next night, Tuesday, February 3 at 7 p.m. there is a Joint Meeting scheduled for the City Council, Planning Commission, and General Plan Update Steering Committee to discuss several key components of the City’s General Plan Update.  There will be discussion and review of the Draft Housing Element Update policies and programs associated with 2nd units and incentives to encourage the registration of existing 2nd units (something of little development impact), such as the possible waiver of retroactive penalties, reductions in utility connection fees, and financial assistance; and there will be discussion and review of policies and programs associated with possible housing scenarios.  This is likely to be the more lively of the discussions.  Essentially, the State has told Belvedere that it must plan for housing development.  As far as a number goes, we have to plan for 17 new units.  Some of those units must be classified as “affordable” based on County averages.  So, the General Plan Committee is tasked with developing “if” scenarios that might satisfy the State’s need and demand  - essentially a mandate.  The “if” scenarios developed through the General Plan Update process are not development proposals and they are not a free license for the underlying property owner to develop.  They are merely recommendations to the City Council as to where this potential housing could be planned.  True, in order to complete the process to satisfy the State the City would have to “rezone” or “designate” the areas as having the development potential; and true, this would give the underlying property owner entitlement rights to develop up to the maximum allowed under the new zoning.  However, any develop proposal ultimately submitted (if at all) would continue to have to comply with the strict design review standards maintained by the City – and we all know what fun that can be.  So, what and where are we talking about?

The scenarios highlight the potential for between nine and sixteen new multi-family housing units on property generally located at 500-524 San Rafael Avenue, 7 Beach Road, or 1515 and 1550 Tiburon Boulevard (the Shopping Plaza).  To satisfy the State, the City would not need to select all of the sites.  Instead, the City could select one of the scenarios and work up enough data to satisfy the State’s mandate.  Not all would be necessary.  Going to be an interesting meeting.

Last, and certainly not least, is the Deer Strategies Committee Meeting.  This one is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11 at 6 p.m.  (Don’t forget the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m.).  This newly formed Committee will begin looking at the deer population in Belvedere.  The deer have been raising some eyebrows in Belvedere as they have grown in population and activity.  Some in the City feel that the best course of action is to live and let live.  Learn to live with the deer, after all, they were likely here long before we were.  Others feel that while that may be true and we may be able to do that, the current population of deer has exploded to the point that living with the deer has become a serious problem.  Some have become aggressive (the deer).  Some have certainly become territorial (again, the deer).  So, the City has taken up the task of determining what can be done.  The Committee consists of roughly 13 to 15 local residents of differing backgrounds and differing opinions.  The City has already engaged a consultant to help with a census of the deer population and provide some roughed out alternatives and strategies.  The Committee’s ultimate task will be situation assessment, discussion of the implications and impacts of the deer population, evaluation of the research and alternatives, and provide some recommendations to the City Council.  This to0 will be a very interesting meeting.

I look forward to seeing each of you at these meetings!  Including the one on Monday, February 9.

Marin Humane Society - Living With Deer

At last night’s City Council meeting, the Council formally appointed Councilmember John Telischak to serve as the head of a City Committee to begin researching ways to address the growing deer issue in Belvedere.  Residents have approached the City opining that the deer population in the City has grown significantly in recent years and that the deer have become more territorial and aggressive.  Concerns were raised that the issue has now become one of community safety.

The Council heard the concerns, appointed Councilmember Telischak to serve as the head of any established Committee, and allocated the initial $5,000 toward getting a consultant on board to address the issue.  At a minimum, the Council directed that a census of the deer population be done, that an analysis of strategies to control the deer population be conducted, and that these issues and strategies be brought back before the City Council for consideration.

If you are interested in serving on the Committee that would work with the consultant, review and analyze determined strategies, and present the issue back to the Council, please contact me directly via email atgrodericks@cityofbelvedere.org or via phone at 415-435-3838.