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MINUTES/COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Wednesday, November 16, 1994 - 12:00 Noon

Members present: Beach, Hoeppner, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Sande, Klave, Beyer, Babinchak, Hagness - 8.

Mayor Polovitz turned chair over to Committee Chair Beyer.

1. Matter of mosquito control program.
Committee Chair Beyer introduced the committee members: Council Members Glassheim and Sande; Wallace Helland, Don Shields and Richard Klockman, Health Department; Tom Lax, Dexter Perkins, Russ Wilber.

Mr. Shields reported that from the health department perspective this was never considered as a health hazard but as a nuisance - this is a nuisance issue. He stated that since the program started has focused on larviciding.

Two options were presented by the committee:

Option l: A comprehensive program to include mosquito survey, source reduction, public education, expanded larviciding and city-wide adulticiding (ground spraying) program. Ground spraying would occur weekly only if the nuisance indicator is exceeded (average number of mosquitos trapped exceed 150). The cost of this option is $135,000 ($35,000 equipment and $100,000 operations). Effectiveness of this program is estimated at approx. 50-60%.

Option 2: This option includes mosquito survey, source reduction, public education, expanded larviciding, and a limited ground spraying of localized areas only during special events. Special event ground spraying would only occur if the nuisance indicator is exceeded (average trap count exceeds 150 mosquitos). The cost of this option is $120,000 ($26,000 equipment and $94,000 operations). Effectiveness: est. at approx. 50-60% during special events.

Mr. Shields reported both options include expanded larviciding programs from 40 sq. mi. to 150 sq.mi. Option l is more aggressive and used in wet years. He noted environmental concerns raised, can also affect small insects: flies, ticks, and possibly birds impacted. The conclusion of the committee - basically issue of what people want, what level of nuisance control and what they want to pay for.

Tom Lax presented another option for consideration: Option 3 - modification to proposed Option 1 - that we begin the attempt at reducing the mosquito population with the very first appearance of the adult insect, that this should be an attack on both the adult and larva stages; then with the second appearance of the adult insect, begin a regular and aggressive attack on the adult, while maintaining control of the larva. He stated he favors
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ground spraying over aerial spraying; that he would not oppose a portion of the city's sale tax going for this purpose; and that once program approved and implemented that there be no delay caused by permission having to be given to spray, and acceptance of the proposed excess of 150 trap count.

Dexter Perkins, stated he has received information from around country, even most aggressive programs don't get rid of lot of mosquitos - mosquitos are here. He expressed concern about aspects of spraying, ie. human health, concern about long term health threat. He also expressed concern about non-target species - also kill ladybugs, the good along with the bad; and stated that he favors second option rather than the first.

Russ Wilber stated adulticiding doesn't reduce number of mosquitos; that this is basically political decision. He stated benefit of spraying - people perceive City is doing something; no evidence to support spraying as health hazard; no documentation re. killing off beneficial insects - birds and fish shouldn't even be considered; any chemical used in improper quantities can kill other things; best thing is growth inhibitor but cost prohibitive; and favors Option 2. He stated that whatever City does, not very effective, but people not going to accept doing nothing.

Mr. Glassheim stated that we would have two years to see what happens with structured program, and then bring to vote of the people; and need to let people know, esp. if increase what people paying. He stated there was total committee unanimity to do away with aerial spraying and total unanimity with ground spraying. He stated he prefers Option 1, thinks people want us to take some action.

Mr. Klockman stated that the city of East Grand Forks is not larviciding, they thought best not to larvicide and to concentrate on adulticiding; we can show them what we are doing after seeing evidence, etc.

Mr. Hamerlik stated there is another option, to do nothing; that people not willing to pay and not get results, does agree with study, get survey out and get feeling of the people.

Chairperson Beyer stated they discussed that at committee level, that by increasing fee to $1.00/mo get equipment; put on ballot in 1996 for advisory vote; do need more money for either option. She stated cost includes $5,000 for growth inhibitor; if introduce mosquito fish, etc. do environmental impact study and don't even know if survive here; dragonflies are a natural enemy.
Mr. Glassheim stated it makes more sense to put something in
place which will sunset in two years, look at and evaluate.
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Mr. Perkins stated it is hard to collect scientific data; feels important for vote after program, whether worthwhile.

There was some discussion re. some residents not paying - renters, UND students, etc. Mr. Schmisek reported that every water meter charged.

Mr. Klockman reviewed breakdown of monies, and reviewed costs; leased vehicles for $12-1500 per season, that may continue for the two-year program; additional costs for larviciding, chemicals very expensive, and $20,000 additional for 3 people. Mr. Shields stated they need additional equipment, personnel, etc. whether ground spray or for special events. Chairperson Beyer also noted that our current liability insurance would cover.

Mr. Hamerlik asked if there were a lot of special events; and Mr. Shields identified several incl. Forx Fest, 4th of July celebration etc.

Mr. Glassheim listed various options/recommendations:
a) eliminate all sprayings
b) expanded larviciding program
c) Option 2 - larviciding and spraying special events.
d) Option 1 - expanded larviciding and ground spraying.
e) Mr. Lax' option.

Moved by Glassheim and Hagness that we request the city attorney to draft ordinance/resolution to put in operation Option 1, which is expanded larviciding with ground spraying for a two-year program, with a sunset clause, to call for a public vote at the end of the two-year program; and to increase fee on the utility bill to $1.00 per month for six months.

There was additional discussion and comments: that if paid from some other source (ie., sales tax) public not aware and wouldn't care. Question was raised re. $15,000 cost for storage of equipment, and if was explained that storage of equipment will be in street/sanitation garage if available, otherwise space may have to be leased. Mr. Lax noted that heartworm disease affects dogs, and is carried by mosquitos.

After further discussion and upon call for the question, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative; Sande voting no.

Moved by Sande and Beyer to adjourn. Motion carried.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk
Dated: 11/18/94.