Argyle resident reports raccoon infestation, criticizes town contractor and asks for public education on critter control

During the meeting’s public-comment period, Marilyn Lewis, who said she has lived in Argyle for 25 years, described a raccoon infestation at her home that began in the spring and caused damage and repeated flea treatments. Lewis said she contacted the town's contracted provider (identified in her remarks as "American Dog") beginning May 9; she praised one employee, Francisco, for helpful response but criticized inconsistent service and slow pickup of trapped animals.

Lewis told council she sought alternatives after several raccoons — she said a family group can remain with the mother for up to a year — caused damage under the house, attacked a neighbor’s dog and led to multiple flea treatments in her home. She said traps were sometimes left waiting because officers got called elsewhere and that she would like the town to publish education material on critter control to help residents reduce attractants.

Town response

The mayor acknowledged the public comment and said the town previously sponsored an animal relocation program for feral hogs and suggested the council may place broader wildlife-control policy or education on a future agenda. Staff said the town would consider reaching out to the contractor about response times and possible service issues.

Details Lewis provided to council

- Address: Lewis said she lives at 107 Collins, Argyle (she identified her street during remarks). - Timeline: She said the matter began in early May (May 9 noted as her first call to the contractor). - Impacts: Multiple nights of activity under the home, damage to siding/skirting, flea treatments inside the home on three occasions; neighbor reports of pet attacks and chicken losses. - Town contractor feedback: Lewis said the first contractor contact denied there were raccoons until speaking with another staff member; she praised an employee named Francisco for responsiveness but criticized inconsistent service and delayed pickup of trapped animals.

Lewis recommended that the town publish web-based guidance for residents about how to reduce wildlife attractants and that council consider whether a future agenda item on animal relocation or provider oversight is warranted.

Council members thanked Lewis for the report and said staff would follow up with the contractor and consider educational outreach for residents.