City Council to consider fines for violations of rodent control measures
The City Council will be looking at a proposed overgrowth ordinance and amendments to the city's current rodent-control regulations.
An overgrowth ordinance that will include fines for second and subsequent offenses is in the works for Medford to beef up its rodent control measures. In addition, amendments are being made to the the rodent control ordinance to give it more teeth.
The Public Health and Community Safety Committee voted unanimously last night to refer out of committee both measures so they can be taken up by the City Council.
The goal of the Overgrowth Ordinance is to prevent plant overgrowth that poses a hazard to public safety or that creates conditions that attract rats. Enforcement would depend on the specific hazard.
Councilor Kit Collins used the example of a bramble that is overgrown and blocks a public sidewalk. That would fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works.
On the other hand, residential overgrowth that leads to standing water and that provides shelter for rodents would likely fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Health.
A first offense would lead to a written warning, while a second would incur a $50 citation. Third and subsequent offenses would incur a $100 citation each day until the issue is corrected.
Giving rodent control more teeth
The rodent control ordinance needed some updating, Collins said, in light of changes in the city, such as the addition of a curbside compost program. Plus, she said, the Board of Health needs to be able to intervene when there are conditions favorable to rats.
The requirements for private property boil down to this, Collins said, "Don't do things that are sure to attract rodents. Don't do things that keep rodents around."
The fines will be different depending on the size and type of building. The owner of a building with three or fewer residential units would incur a written warning for a first offense and a $100 fine for a second offense. For third and subsequent offenses, the fine would be $200 per day until the issue is corrected.
The owner of a commercial building or of a residential building with more than three units would receive a fine of $200 for a second offense and $300 per day for third and subsequent offenses.
Of the fines, Collins said, "The goal is to be effective, not punitive."
Look for both measures to be discussed at future City Council meetings.
