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Residents press Villa Park for action after rat sightings; staff outline task force and code enforcement steps
Summary
Multiple residents reported rat sightings and asked the village for remediation. Manager Rivas said the village has a task force, code enforcement outreach and a vendor handling public-property abatement; residents were urged to use the website feedback module to report private-property issues.
Several residents used the June 8 public-comment period to press the Village of Villa Park for clearer action on a rise in rat sightings.
Debbie Oepic described seeing rats in her yard and trapping three, saying she feels unsafe in her own yard. Trustees heard similar concerns and asked staff for reporting instructions. Manager Rivas said the village has formed a task force, uses heat-zone tracking and code enforcement outreach to landlords, and is working with a vendor to address rodent burrows on public property. Rivas urged residents to submit specific complaints through the website feedback module so staff can address private-property issues where legally permitted.
Rivas also said the village and code enforcement have identified contributing factors (including bird feeders and uncollected garbage at some properties) and recommended residents maintain property upkeep; staff noted they may remediate public properties but require complaints or permission to treat private property. Trustees asked staff to circulate reporting instructions and relevant contact information.
