Rodent Issues Special Committee

Virtual

Agenda — 14 items

1. 1 (Posted online: 2/14/25 at 11:15 AM)
2. 1 The meeting took place remotely via Zoom and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Wilson and adjourned at 6:57 PM on a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Burnley, Clingan and Wilson), none against and none absent. Others present: Alicia Privett - Environmental Health Coordinator, Nick Antanavica – Superintendent of Inspectional Services, Peter Forcellese – Legislative Clerk. President Pineda Neufeld appointed Councilor Clingan to replace Councilor McLaughlin as a member of this committee for this meeting only.
3. 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PCNDgJBIRfiK4NUdGeupUQ Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
4. 4 Roll Call
5. 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Rodent Issues Special Committee Meeting of September 30, 2024. 24-1471 Accepted Pass
6. 7 Old Business
7. 2. That the Directors of Constituent Services, Inspectional Services and Health and Human Services jointly prepare a written report for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues, on the number of rodent complaints received from January 1, 2024 to date, including the information detailed within. 24-1276 Recommended to be marked work completed
8. 9 New Business
9. 3. That the Director of Sustainability and Environment invest in rodent proof composting barrels in the upcoming composting pilot program. 24-1516 Recommended to be marked work completed
10. 4. That the Environmental Health Manager update this Council on the current policy regarding usage of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) and any plans to remove SGARs currently deployed in bait boxes in light of multiple recent birds of prey deaths apparently related to ingesting rat poison. 25-0130 Recommended to be marked work completed
11. 5. That the Director of Communications and Community Engagement update this Council on efforts to educate the public about preventing conditions conducive to growth of the rodent population. 25-0243 Kept in committee
12. 6. That the Director of Inspectional Services update this Council on efforts around enforcement of rodent-related ordinances, including the number of complaints, inspections, warnings, and fines issued for vegetation and trash violations. 25-0244 Kept in committee
13. 7. That the Environmental Health Manager update this Council on rodent activity data and rodent mitigation efforts, including any novel approaches under consideration or being utilized. 25-0245 Kept in committee
14. 14 Referenced Documents: • Rodent Issues - 2025-02-19 Rodent Control Presentation (with 25-0244, 25-0245)