Star City: Ducks, Geese Must Go
Petition says fowl a hazard
Morgantown Dominion Post
9 July 2012
By Chelsea Fuller
Star City Town Council approved a cooperative service agreement
with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday
that will remove unwanted ducks and geese from Edith Barrill
Riverfront Park.
Council received several complaints, including a petition from 23
park users and residents who say ducks and geese pose health
hazards, city officials said.
“It’s nice to feed the ducks and children like them, but they’re
problematic for those who walk through the park and down by the
river. It’s just not a good situation,” Star City Mayor Allen
Sharp said.
The removal service will cost $5,000, which will come out of the
city’s Parks and Recreation budget, Sharp said.
The process will take about a year. “The removal would start this
year and would continue into next year, because they (USDA) have
to observe the habits of the ducks and geese first,” Sharp said.
Sharp also said the ducks and geese will be netted and taken
elsewhere, and they will not be harmed in the process.
Star City treasurer Bob Lloyd previously said the USDA has a plan
that’s expected to move ducks and geese farther up the Monongahela
River.
“This is something that’s been a problem here for about 10-15
years, so if we have a chance to do something about it we should,”
Sharp said.
In other business, council:
Approved a $2,500 donation to Mountain Line Transit Authority that
will help provide service to Star City residents.
Sharp said Mountain Line requested assistance from Star City
previously, and he feels this is a good time to make the donation
because funds allow for it. “We have enough to cover the
donation,” he said. “It doesn’t guarantee us more service, but
it’s Star City doing our share to help Mountain Line.”
“If it helps even 10 or 15 get to work easier, I think it’s a good
idea,” Star City Finance Chairman Bob Musick said.
Approved a legal description and definitions pertaining to the
variance for a new commercial building next to the Dollar General
on University Avenue.
Building inspector David Friend initially rejected the building
permit submitted by property owner Chris Sellaro because the plans
overlapped a city right-ofway and it was believed that the city’s
ability to access a nearby sewer line would be hindered, city
officials said.
“We checked, and there is plenty of room to maintain the sewer
line,” said Kevin Nuce, a member of the sanitation committee. CLT
engineering also assured the council the new building won’t cause
an issue with the sewer line.
Councilman Anthony Giambrone announced the Mon County Free Tire
Amnesty Collection, which will take place Saturday from 8 a.m.-4
p.m. at Sam’s Club in the University Towne Center.
Giambrone said the annual event is open to all state residents and
tires will be accepted on and off rims.