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Council hears proposal for small pilot to block raccoon access to storm drains
Summary
Council discussed a resident‑driven pilot to install narrow barriers in storm drains (estimated pilot cost ~$2,835) to reduce raccoon nesting and home invasions; staff will check legality, liability and animal‑control options before next steps.
Council heard from members and residents about an increase in raccoon activity centered on storm‑drain habitat. Councilmember Andrew described resident trapping and volunteer efforts and proposed a small pilot to place thin barriers in select storm drains to reduce access and redirect animals toward creek exits where shelters or capture options exist. He described the pilot cost as about $2,835.
Members raised operational and legal concerns: whether the city can lawfully capture/transport wildlife, whether mitigation merely shifts the problem to adjacent neighborhoods, and who would maintain traps. Fire and police staff reminded the council that state law constrains live‑animal transport and that shelter capacity is limited. Council asked staff to research legal constraints and logistics before any commitment; no funding decision was made.
