Even aldermen who agree properties with absentee landlords are a problem do not agree a registration ordinance is the solution.

“The director told me when I asked him pointedly, is this necessary, and the answer was, no, it is not necessary,” said Ald. Jim Donelan, “because they have the ability to find the property owners through the electronic means and services the public works department and legal department has.”

Ald. Roy Williams wanted to take a registration ordinance off the table. He said as recently as Monday, people having cookouts complained of raccoons and possum next door.

“We’ve dealt with this for thirty years on this city council,” said Ald. Chuck Redpath. “Same problems. We’ve tried to put in solutions, we have taken things to public works and tried progressive discipline. Ald. Williams has a point: there is a problem that we’ve got to deal with. I don’t agree w the wording on this, but I’m willing to sit down with him or anybody else and work through this.”

There was not enough support on the council for Williams’ motion to put the ordinance on next week’s agenda.