Johnston Council Approves Revision to Trapping Ordinance

One pesky beaver won't be a problem for the city of Johnston much longer.

On Tuesday the approved a revision to the city ordinance for trapping animals.

Recently, a beaver has been wreaking havoc along the aptly named Beaver Creek.

City Administrator Jim Sanders said the current city ordinance did not allow for the city to trap the beaver and release it elsewhere.

"We're really just opening for us to take care of a nuisance," he said.

The revised ordinance, which was based on a similar ordinance in Urbandale, allows for trapping by a governmental unit to capture animals which are creating a public nuisance as a means of protecting public and private property.

"I do believe a trap is a great way to relocate," Matt Brown said of the ordinance.

The council agreed to waive the second and third reading of the ordinance and approved publishing the ordinance.

In Other Business:

The council approved, within the consent agenda, a professional services agreement with Shive-Hattery for design of the Beaver Creek Natural Resource Area Interpretive Trail.

The agreement, for $40,250, includes work sessions to gather history on the area, photographs, drawings, and maps to be used for an interpretive presentation.

The total project estimate is $55,450. The Parks and Recreation Department received a REAP Grant of $25,000 for the project.

The council approved the appointment of Kathy Anderson to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Three Johnston residents applied for the vacancy, which has a term to expire on June 30, 2014.

"We selected Johnston as our place to call home because of the quality of life and the strength of the community and schools," Anderson said in her application. "I would like to contribute however I can to keep this community thriving."

The Johnston City Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 for a .