Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Nuisance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Gilbert to fix decade‑long midge‑fly infestation at recharge basins
Summary
Multiple residents told the council the midge‑fly swarms near the South Recharge basins have persisted for more than a decade, hurting quality of life and property values; residents urged long‑term aeration or wastewater solutions and asked staff for concrete action.
Several residents living adjacent to Gilbert’s recharge basins urged the council to prioritize long‑term fixes for midge‑fly infestations that they said have made outdoor living unbearable for years.
Barbara Colvin (public commenter) asked for transparent answers about concurrent water projects and rate increases and pressed staff to disclose how many data centers are in Gilbert and their water impacts. Colvin said she and other residents feel misled by previous communications and accused prior town management of failing to protect residents’ interests.
Eric Torres, a Bridges neighborhood resident, described annual swarms that prevent families from using patios and parks and asked the council for “a clear plan, consistent monitoring, and a meaningful intervention.” April Ellison, who lives next to the South Gilbert Water Recharge Park, told councilors that mitigation measures have been inadequate for more than 10 years and pointed to studies indicating that increasing water circulation and modest aeration systems can reduce midge emergence by 50–80% when properly implemented. “This issue has persisted for over a decade, which tells us 1) our current mitigation efforts are not working, and 2) this problem has not been prioritized at the level it deserves,” Ellison said.
Mechanical engineer and Bridges resident Chris Cruzan told the council he has spent money on private fogging and described swarms so severe they look like steam rising from the ground; he urged the town to implement wastewater or aeration solutions rather than short‑term band‑aids. Jason King, another resident, said the swarms affect health and property values and requested a resolution.
Council and staff responded with commitments to follow up: a staff member said Don Prince (town manager) will ensure staff are in touch with affected residents and Council member Bongiovanni asked staff to investigate natural predators. No formal motion or funding decision was made at the meeting; residents requested concrete timelines and engineering proposals for long‑term mitigation.
