TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work in concert with the City Attorney to explore the development of a comprehensive City policy and legal strategies to address the problem of "green pools."
DISCUSSION
As summer approaches, with it comes warmer weather. This combined with the tremendous rainfall Southern California has received, creates the perfect breeding ground for West Nile Virus caring mosquitoes - abandoned swimming pools. These abandoned swimming pools are most easily identified by their "green" appearance; stagnant water filled with algae and many times overgrown weeds. Ground zero for West Nile Virus.
We have the opportunity to significantly slow the spread of the Virus if we act now, early in the mosquito breeding season. Last year the Virus was found in infected birds and at surveillance locations throughout the City. The State Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control predict that the West Nile Virus will continue to pose a public health threat throughout California in 2005.
The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause debilitating illness and death to humans, and has had a devastating impact on our bird population. In 2004, West Nile Virus killed 27 people in California, including one Long Beach resident, and sickened over 800 others. Thus, a coherent and consistent city policy and legal strategy is needed to address problem owners who choose not to maintain their pools.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
[Fiscal Impact]
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]