Policy Order O-3

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge continues to have a serious rodent problem that needs to be addressed in new and creative ways; and

WHEREAS: Despite city departments collective efforts and education programs, rodent activity in the City remains rampant and continues to be a health and quality of life issue for many of our residents; and

WHEREAS: While some concerned citizens and property owners take the initiative to hire exterminators for their properties, the results are dependent on the number of properties owners willing to participate in extermination; and

WHEREAS: Lack of participation by adjoining properties can result in less than satisfactory extermination of an area; and

WHEREAS: Cambridge residents would benefit greatly from additional staff that can handle rodent related issues and should consider the creation of a municipal exterminator and contracting exterminators to help eradicate the rodent problem; and

WHEREAS: The Public Works Department currently has release forms for the removal of graffiti on private property, a program with the intention of addressing the cleanliness of our streetscapes, and a similar practice should be examined to allow for thorough exterminations; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Inspectional Services Department, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, the Animal Commission, and any other relative department that could help in determining the best way to employ or contract a exterminator on either a permanent or temporary basis for the City of Cambridge and report back to the City Council.