Health official describes chronic bed‑bug problems at Garden Apartments; council to meet with owner

Nathan Bealsey of the Perry County Health Department told the Pinckneyville City Council during public comment that residents at the Garden Apartments are experiencing chronic bed‑bug infestations and other unsanitary conditions.

Bealsey said he inspected a unit before the meeting and observed sticky traps full of insects and what he described as insect remains in a tenant’s wheelchair crevices. He said tenants have been bitten and that shared areas have reported feces in hallways. Bealsey described the property as income‑based housing where many tenants are on fixed incomes and have exhausted options for relocating.

“The sticky traps were full of bugs and a neighbor had bug skeletons in her wheelchair crevices,” Bealsey said, urging the council to take action and offering photographs for council review.

Bealsey said the property owner or manager reports monthly Orkin treatments and posts notices about spraying, but tenants say the problem persists. He asked the council to consider authorizing the health department to conduct building inspections when dangerous conditions are reported.

Mayor Robert L. Spencer said he is scheduling a meeting with the building owners and asked Bealsey to attend. City Attorney Don Bigham noted the city does not have a code enforcement officer and asked whether the Health Department could pursue inspections under its authority.

No formal enforcement action or vote was taken during the meeting; councilors directed staff to meet with owners and follow up.