Committee hears code-enforcement briefing and directs staff to review animal-feeding rules after rodent complaints

City inspection staff outlined how Wausau handles property code complaints on Sept. 15, and alderpersons directed staff to review the municipality—s animal-feeding rules after repeated reports of deer feeding and rat sightings in several neighborhoods. Why it matters: alderpersons said persistent feeding on private property creates public-health and nuisance risks (rats, raccoons, deer congregations). They asked staff to identify whether current local ordinances and enforcement tools create a gap that requires policy change. Bill, an inspection staff member who presented the department—s enforcement workflow, said inspectors log complaints in a software system that generates a visit typically within two days and that most cases self-correct after a standard notice and a five-day compliance window. He said the city issued about 5,000 letters last year; most concerns are resolved quickly, while a small share require citations, summonses, or civil remedies. Bill said about 360 citations and roughly 14 summons and complaints were issued last year, with roughly 20–25 cases annually rising to abatement or circuit-court actions. Committee members recounted persistent neighborhood problems. Alder Becky and Alder Carol reported rat and raccoon sightings and property damage allegedly tied to people feeding deer and other wildlife; one resident—s property required costly foundation repairs after an infestation, they said. Alders and staff discussed how some residents skirt feeding bans by claiming they were feeding squirrels or birds. The committee agreed that the DNR can handle some matters but that there may be an enforcement gap for urban feeding that the city should address. By consensus the committee directed staff to review the city—s feeding rules, identify enforcement gaps and possible ordinance language (for example, restricting ground feeding or creating permitted raised feeding containers), and return with recommendations. Committee members said winter offers time to draft a policy for spring enforcement when visibility increases after snowmelt. The presentation also included operational clarifications: inspectors generally send a first notice, a reinspection generates a second letter if unresolved, then citations and a municipal-court date follow if compliance does not occur. Bill and other staff noted that abatement or demolition requires circuit-court approval and is used rarely. Chief Lewis said the city can order a fire or burn extinguished if smoke intrudes on a neighbor—s property; fire-permit suspension for air-quality alerts would require new criteria. The committee placed the code-enforcement presentation on file and asked staff to return with recommended amendments to feeding rules if staff finds a gap.