During a recent city council meeting, a resident raised urgent concerns regarding the presence of rabid skunks in Highland Village, emphasizing the public health risks associated with these wild animals. The resident highlighted that skunks are known carriers of rabies, with a significant percentage potentially infected, and urged the council to take immediate action to address the issue, particularly in public areas.
The resident described their attempts to secure their property against skunks, noting that one has been spotted during the day, which could indicate rabies. They called for a review of the city's animal control measures, questioning the effectiveness of the current protocols and whether the three certified animal control officers in the village are adequately equipped to handle such situations.
The council acknowledged the resident's concerns but did not engage in discussion during the public comment period. The mayor encouraged the resident to leave their contact information for follow-up.
Following the public comments, the council moved on to the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and budget reports. The council unanimously approved these items without further discussion.
In subsequent agenda items, the council appointed a representative to fill a vacancy on the Highland Village Community Development Corporation. The appointment was made with unanimous consent, demonstrating the council's collaborative approach to governance.
Additionally, council member Fiorenza proposed that the city manager invite Republic Services to provide an update on their progress over the past year, indicating a focus on transparency and accountability in municipal services. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address the resident's concerns about wildlife management in future discussions.