DALTON GARDENS - The Dalton Gardens City Council has been criticized for not taking action regarding the community's deer population.

Look for a lot of action by the end of the year, as the council is likely to take action on a do-not-feed ordinance and possibly sign a contract with a trapper to remove approximately 25 of the animals before next spring.

The council spent about an hour discussing the deer population Thursday night at its regular meeting.

The council plans to hold a public hearing on the feeding ordinance at a December meeting. A draft of the ordinance has already been written and will be revised following Thursday's discussion. The council also ordered its attorney to draft a contract for the trapping.

"I really think we should move forward with a trapping program this year," said Councilman Joe Myers. The city should start with removing 25 deer from areas with "greatest concern," he said.

The optimal trapping season is December through the beginning of March, said City Planner Cheri Howell. The city would seek six volunteer residents to have traps set in their yards.

"I agree with Councilman Myers; this thing needs to move forward," said Councilman Dick Epstein.

Council President Steve Roberge said the timing is right to give trapping a try.

Mayor Dan Franklin directed city staff to put together a formal proposal on trapping for the council's consideration at an upcoming meeting. The city will need the OK of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before the council approves a contract with a trapper.

The mayor said if everything can't be approved at the council's Dec. 4 meeting, he will call a special meeting to get it done.

"If for some reason we don't hit that Dec. 4 mark, we don't want to wait until January," Franklin said.