By BOB COUPLAND

Staff writer

GIRARD — Several residents shared their concerns with city officials over rats, cats and skunks in their neighborhoods, noting some of the issues are caused by properties containing trash and other debris.

City officials say they are cracking down on zoning violations such as trash left for days at curbside, high grass and junk vehicles, but some residents say more needs to be done.

Resident Patty Rounds of Illinois Avenue told city council Monday that because of neighboring properties with trash, she has dealt with rats in her garage.

“I take care of my property but other people on the street do not. My garage had to be gutted because of the rats. Christmas ornaments were damaged because of a rat’s nest in my garage. That was a devastating loss because my husband and I bought many of the decorations together,” she said.

Rounds said she appreciates that the zoning department is doing what it can to crack down on violators who have caused problems for other people by not maintaining their properties.

Resident Annette Minniti of Stambaugh Street told officials three houses on Stambaugh, with two of them vacant, have very high grass, overgrown bushes and junk in the yards, which is attracting skunks.

“The skunk or skunks is a problem. Every year I come down here with a skunk problem,” Minniti said.

She said there also is a problem with stray cats using her property to leave their waste.

“The cats are all over and laying on our patio furniture. Who can we call about the cats to trap them and take them somewhere,” Minniti said.

Mayor Mark Zuppo said the city is cracking down just like it did when people were not paying their water bills.

“We recognize the problem and are working to place more teeth in the laws,” he said.

Zuppo said the city will address the properties with high grass and trash and also see what can be done about the cats.

Resident Judy Worley of Idaho Avenue said it is frustrating that people are not following zoning guidelines and making improvements.

“How many citations does it take for people to do something? Are they being fined, because money talks? We are all frustrated because it takes so long to get something done and for people to get it through their heads is unacceptable. Many of us do not like it and are tired of having to complain about it,” Worley said.

Frederick Torres, who owns rental properties on Crumlin Avenue, said he has made improvements to his properties, but neighboring properties are not being kept up including one with 10 vehicles in the backyard.

Councilman Thomas Grumley, D-4th Ward, said he has submitted nearly 40 properties in his ward to the zoning department.

“We are tired of people not taking care of properties with some in disarray with trash built up and a foot high of grass when people have had four days they could have cut it. People need to step up and take care of their properties. We are taking the violations seriously,” Grumley said.

Grumley told Torres the neighbor’s property he mentioned has several violations and is being addressed.

He said the city also has been in contact with the Trumbull County Combined Health District about problems with trash and debris in yards, which can cause health issues.