Residents urge action after midge‑fly infestations near Ocotillo/Higley recharge basin

Residents of The Bridges neighborhood told the Gilbert Town Council Wednesday that repeated midge‑fly infestations tied to a nearby recharge basin are making outdoor spaces unusable and creating indoor nuisance conditions.

Shane Melvin described a chronic problem near the Ocotillo and Higley recharge basin: “We cannot enjoy our homes… We have dead bugs inside our house, in our bed, on the ceiling. My pool's covered every inch of it of dead bugs every day.” Melvin said treatments previously applied have not solved the problem and asked for a concrete mitigation plan, timeline and written response from staff.

Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni asked for a public‑works staff member to contact the resident so questions could be answered. Council agreed to prioritize follow‑up by staff.

Context: Recharge basins are necessary stormwater and groundwater management infrastructure, but when they hold stagnant water they can create breeding environments for flying insects. Residents said the issue is not seasonal and affects quality of life; council asked staff to report back with mitigation options and a timeline.

Next steps: Council asked Public Works to contact the affected resident and to provide the council with a plan for near‑term mitigation and longer‑term monitoring.

Key quote "If you cannot charge the water basins next to the houses, I think that'll improve it," resident Shane Melvin said, asking for specific operational changes that could reduce breeding habitat.

Provenance: Resident testimony to the Town Council and the vice mayor’s request for staff follow-up.