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.