Residents report bats in homes and water/mold at church; staff outline mitigation steps

Residents raised health and safety concerns about bats in private homes and flooding/mold at a local church during the council’s health and safety report.

A resident, identified in the meeting as Linda, reported two homes with bat infestations — in one case the animals had entered living space and a family with four children had moved to a motel temporarily. Linda urged the city to be aware of these problems because they occur within city limits and affect the school district. Staff directed residents to contact housing staff (Mark Karn) for follow-up and noted limitations on immediate city intervention where private property and easements are involved.

Separately, the council heard from staff about water running off an alley into the Great Mal Baptist Church basement and mold concerns. Staff recommended property-level fixes — relocating downspouts, installing French drains and adding aggregate to reduce surface flow — and cautioned that major grading or ditching work could create liability if the city alters neighboring properties’ drainage paths without appropriate easements or permissions.

Council members requested staff continue to investigate, examine the site during the next rain, and coordinate with property owners and relevant departments to identify practical, low-cost mitigation steps. Residents were advised to contact the appropriate housing staff and to document issues for follow-up.