Inspections report improvement at 45 Poplar Drive after city issue notice; reinspection set

Council members on July 17 discussed ongoing rodent and sanitation complaints at 45 Poplar Drive and received an update from the city inspections director.

Councilman Wahl raised the issue, noting prior discussion and asking for an update from the administration. Director Moretti told the committee, "Our inspections department did issue a, emergency notice of violation ... on June 20." The notice required the owner to provide an approved leak‑proof, covered outside garbage container and to remedy conditions that attract rodents.

Moretti said the inspections office had difficulty obtaining contact information initially because the owners acted as their own property managers but that inspector Anne Marie Marchetti now has full contact details and has been in direct communication with the owners. "As of a couple of days ago, new dumpsters have been installed," Moretti reported, and added that bait traps had been placed and follow-up inspection is scheduled once staff returns from vacation.

Councilman Bonanno, who said he drives past the property regularly, described visible improvements and reported constituent messages noting dead rodents found after baiting. "We have a problem. We talk about it, and we, take action," Bonanno said, characterizing the inspections response as effective so far.

On procedure, the city solicitor and inspections director explained that the municipal code requires an initial notice and an opportunity to remedy before fines are imposed. Moretti stated that a fine has not been assessed and that the typical enforcement process is graduated, with fines possible if conditions are not corrected within the code's timeframes. The reinspection referenced in the June 20 notice was scheduled for July 8 to evaluate progress.

The committee asked that inspections keep the item on the public works agenda for a follow-up report at the next meeting.