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Resident raises concerns about raccoons, skunks and burning plastic; city points to garbage lids and local burning ordinance
Summary
A Connellsville resident told council he is seeing raccoons, skunks and feral cats damaging property and described plastic burning; staff reminded residents that garbage must be in lidded cans and said the city enforces a 2014 burn ordinance and will refer suspected diseased animals to the Game Commission or 911.
Connellsville — During the public comment period on Sept. 16, a resident who identified himself as Charles Boyer told the city council that wildlife — including raccoons, skunks and feral cats — are damaging gardens and creating a nuisance on Hill Street and other neighborhoods, and that neighbors were burning plastic outdoors.
Boyer said he has seen raccoon families and that animals sometimes climb poles, and asked whether the city has animal‑control services for non‑domestic animals. The mayor and staff responded that the city's animal control arrangement covers dogs and cats through local kennels but that the municipality does not routinely trap wildlife such as raccoons. Staff recommended that residents eliminate food sources (secure garbage in lidded cans) to discourage animals from frequenting properties.
Boyer also reported someone burning plastic. City staff said burning plastic and household garbage is illegal and urged residents to call 911 or the police station to report illegal burns; the city has a local burning order in place since 2014 that provides officers the authority to issue citations for illegal burning. "If you call 911 or call the station, we'd rather you call 911," a city representative said, noting dispatch availability and response time.
Staff advised that if animals appear diseased, residents should contact the Game Commission. Council and staff also said they are enforcing the city's ordinances on garbage storage and burning and encouraged residents to report violations so enforcement can follow.
Why it matters: Wildlife and illegal burning are quality‑of‑life and public‑safety concerns for neighborhoods. The council's responses clarify the limits of municipal animal control, direct residents to secure garbage to reduce attractants and note enforcement options for illegal burning.
What comes next: Staff asked residents to continue filing reports when illegal burning or potentially diseased animals are observed; enforcement actions such as citations may follow where violations are confirmed.
