City committee tackles urgent rat problem with new strategies

The Berwyn City Council convened an ad hoc rat abatement committee meeting on Tuesday evening, focusing on strategies to tackle the city's ongoing rat problem. The meeting, which began shortly after 6 PM, featured introductions from various officials, including Alderman Scott Lennon and members of the Berwyn Public Health District.

The committee reviewed recent research presented by Amber Dunn, the administrative assistant to the city administrator, which outlined potential solutions for rat abatement. This discussion followed several months of prior meetings aimed at developing a comprehensive strategy to address the issue.

Key topics included the exploration of a feral cat program, community outreach and education initiatives, and the involvement of Community Service Officers (CSOs) in addressing blight issues related to rat infestations. The committee emphasized the importance of educating residents on prevention and reporting methods to mitigate the rat problem effectively.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential escalation of tensions between residents and law enforcement when addressing blight issues. The committee expressed a desire to ensure that residents feel supported rather than punished in efforts to improve neighborhood conditions.

Additionally, the committee discussed the need for an ordinance mandating rat abatement measures at construction sites, which is currently in development. The meeting concluded with a call for further input on strategies and recommendations to be presented at the next city council meeting for approval.