City considers plan to fight mosquitoes in tires

With widespread concern surrounding West Nile virus, City Council considered a bill at the Aug. 26 meeting that would set restrictions on businesses storing tires outdoors. Standing water accumulated inside tires is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the deadly disease. The bill proposes that tires stored outside must be covered or sprayed to hinder mosquito growth.

One member of the public, Danny Buck, told council it's not only a business issue, but also a problem in his neighborhood. He thinks a tire-recycling center in the city would help alleviate the problem.

Recycled tires have been used as rubber mulch in playground areas, in running/ recreational tracks and in rubber floor mats.

Councilwoman Teri Hacker welcomed the idea. "There is a need (for tire recycling) and we know it is done elsewhere."