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Resident tells committee overflowing garbage at 1916 63rd Street is a public‑health hazard; council discusses ordinance changes
Summary
A Kenosha resident, Molly, told the Public Safety & Welfare Committee that garbage near 1916 63rd Street has accumulated since January and attracted raccoons; council members discussed health‑department involvement and an inspections director proposal to require enclosures for commercial garbage containers.
During the public‑comment portion of the Feb. 10 meeting, Molly, who gave a neighborhood address, told the committee that trash outside a business at 1916 63rd Street has sat for weeks, drawn raccoons and created what she called a safety and health hazard.
“At this point, that’s considered a safety hazard,” Molly said, adding that she had contacted the county health inspector, the city inspector and the mayor without seeing a resolution. “This has been there since January. That’s disgusting.”
The Chair closed public comment and the meeting moved through agenda business, but later in members’ comments aldermen returned to the trash issue. One alderman said similar overflow problems around independently owned convenience stores are common and proposed the council consider legislation that focuses on commercial responsibilities rather than residential rules.
“I propose that our council look to creating some sort of legislation that is outside of residential and more focused on commercial aspects or businesses that contribute to the problem of trash,” an alderman said.
Another alderman reported speaking with inspections department director Gary Roberts, who is proposing an ordinance change to require enclosures for businesses’ garbage bins. That member said the inspections division and the health department are involved because of rodents and other public‑health concerns.
“This does not address all of the problems that Miss Smalley has approached today,” the alderman said, noting the proposed changes are part of ongoing work in inspections. Members said incremental improvements—such as stronger enforcement of required enclosures—could help reduce neighborhood trash flowing into residential areas.
Why it matters: Residents described persistent trash attracting animals in residential neighborhoods near commercial properties; council members signaled administrative and ordinance paths—through inspections and the health department—to address the problem.
What’s next: Staff said inspections is working on ordinance changes; members directed staff to follow up and will likely discuss the draft language in future committee or Council proceedings.
