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Council advances rat-eradication ordinance after months of complaints at 45 Poplar Drive
Summary
Council discussed repeated rodent complaints at a multi-building property on Poplar Drive and amended a proposed rat-eradication ordinance to explicitly cover exterior premises; inspectors reported remediation steps but acknowledged recurring holes.
Councilmembers described repeated complaints and site visits to 45 Poplar Drive (corner of Hillside and Cypress) where residents reported numerous rat holes and sanitation issues. Council President Wall and others said they observed a dozen or more rat holes and that remediation has begun but new holes continue to appear.
City inspections reported that some original holes were filled, new holes were found between buildings, and that bait boxes and new steel dumpsters have been installed. Inspectors said they had not received additional complaints after recent remediation activity but acknowledged a broader statewide rodent problem.
Legal counsel and an outside attorney during public comment raised questions about whether the existing chapter on rodent control (City Code Title 8.36) applies to exterior premises or only to building interiors. The council amended ordinance 8-25-02 to clarify that the term "premises" includes exterior areas and approved the ordinance as amended by roll call.
Action: The council approved the amended rodent-control ordinance clarifying that 'premises' includes exterior areas; inspectors will continue enforcement and residents were asked to report new holes for baiting services.
