Ferrysburg City Council to discuss enhanced wildlife crossing signs

Sat, Jun 13, 2009

FERRYSBURG — The discussion of deer and other wildlife — and what should be done to minimize their impact on their human neighbors — is headed to another city hall in the Tri-Cities area.

Prompted by the recent deer culls in Grand Haven and the ensuing debate, the Ferrysburg City Council will discuss the possibility of installing enhanced wildlife crossing signs along North Shore Drive during a work session Monday night.

Councilwoman Regina Sjoberg said she hopes the city will consider augmenting the current wildlife crossing signs along the stretch with solar lights in order to keep drivers aware of wildlife in the area.

"This is just a safety precaution, basically," she said. "Without anything to draw their attention to them, people start taking the signs for granted."

Michigan saw the second-most traffic accidents involving deer from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005 — according to Sjoberg, who asked that the item be placed on Monday's agenda. Citing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, she also pointed out that wildlife/vehicle accidents increased 45 percent between 1994 and 2003.

By keeping drivers aware of the dangers of wildlife, Sjoberg hopes to cut down on the number of these accidents and save motorists money from costly automobile repairs — as well as help humans and animals co-exist.

"As more and more deer are displaced by urban sprawl and suburban development, we need to take action to ensure the safety of drivers — and of deer," the councilwoman said. "This is certainly something that would benefit both people and animals."

Sjoberg said installing the signs and lights will be a cheap and effective way to accomplish that. Being solar-powered, the batteries for the lights only need to be changed about once every five years, she said. And they don't drive animals out anywhere, she said, they are only intended to keep drivers aware of the threat of crossing animals.

"Its (impact) is low end on budget, high impact on safety," Sjoberg said.

Sjoberg doesn't think installing the improved signs will be nearly as controversial as the recent deer culls in Grand Haven.

"I can't imagine why anyone would be opposed to it," she said of the proposed sign project.

Other items on Monday's City Council agenda include introduction of an ordinance creating an Inland Lake Overlay District, approval of 2008-09 budget amendments, work sessions discussing public works and fire barn sites, a proposed dog park, and marketing the former Ferrysburg Elementary School site.

The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Ferrysburg City Hall, 408 Fifth St.