Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting December 15, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. at The Project Headquarters

Those present were: Norman Jacques, Chair

Robin L. Chapell, Vice-Chair

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the November 15, 2011 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission heard a report from the Director on the SRMCB meeting that took place on December 14^th, 2011 in Boston. Primarily, the Director noted that the revised SRMCB Budget Policy was approved with some minor changes to wording. The Commission engaged in discussion about the likely response of the towns to this new policy and the possible effect that the new policy would have on our current and future budget request(s). The Commission agreed that this new policy was not acceptable and discussed possible responses. Mrs. Chapell suggested that the Commission temporarily hold off on sending out the new policy and signature form for the towns until the Director, Assistant Director and representatives of the Commission meet with D.J. Wilson, Public Health Liaison for the Massachusetts Municipal Association, to see what further action might be appropriate. The idea was unanimously agreed to after a motion by Mrs. Shea and seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Assistant Director briefed the Commission on the field work accomplished chart, which showed close to year-end figures. The field work accomplished report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, and seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission was briefed on the Director’s retirement plans. The Director also briefed the Commission on their options for transition to a new Director. The Human Resources Director of the Department of Agriculture had indicated that there were two options for this transition (promote from within, or do an outside search). Mrs. Chapell made a motion, stating that since the project had a very competent candidate in house, that the Commission should promote the current Assistant Director to the Directors position following the retirement of the Director. The idea was to give the Assistant Director a raise (TBD) after the Director leaves service but is still on payroll (Assistant Director working as an Acting Director), and then another raise (TBD) when the Director officially retires and is off the payroll. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Shea and unanimously accepted.

The Commission unanimously voted to make Mrs. Chapell, Chairman and Mr. Pollack the Vice-Chair effective at the next Commission meeting in the calendar year 2012, on a motion by Mrs. Shea and a second by Mr. Jacques.

The next 2 meeting dates were set as January 19^th, 2012 at 4:00 P.M. and February 9^th, 2012 at 4:00 P.M., both at the Project Headquarters.

At 5:05 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting November 15, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 8:30 A.M. at Walpole Town Hall

Those present were: Norman Jacques, Chair

Robin L. Chapell, Vice-Chair

Maureen P. MacEachern

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

Caroline Haviland

Nathaniel Boonisar

Channsotha Suom

The minutes of the November 3, 2011 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

This meeting primarily consisted of a PowerPoint presentation by the office staff of the district to the public as part of our compliance with the SRMCB Budget Policy*. Three members of the public were present (1 for a short duration) for this presentation. After the presentation a time for question and answers was offered but no questions were posed from the members of the audience.

At 10:00 A.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Vice-Chair

*A record of these presentations was made available on the project website.

Opening Remarks http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/Research/SRB%20Meeting/FY2013%20Opening%20Remarks.ppsx

Surveillance & Outreach http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/Research/SRB%20Meeting/FY2013%20Surveillance%20Outreach.ppsx

Water Management http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/Research/SRB%20Meeting/FY2013%20Water%20Management.ppsx

Geographic Information System http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/Research/SRB%20Meeting/FY2013%20GIS.ppsx

Larvicide & Adulticide http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/Research/SRB%20Meeting/FY2013%20Larvicide%20Adulticide.ppsx

FY 2013 Budget Review http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/Research/SRB%20Meeting/FY2013%20Budget%20Presentation.ppsx

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting November 03, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 4:03 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Vice-Chair

Maureen P. MacEachern

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the September 22, 2011 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

As part of the Budgetary Control Report the Director indicated that he wanted the Assistant Director to review the budget presentation with the commission. This PowerPoint presentation is to be presented as part of the annual budget meeting which will be held at the Walpole Town Hall at 8:30 A.M. on November 15^th,, 2011. The director indicated that considering his pending retirement, this budget presentation for FY2013 should be the responsibility of the current Assistant Director. The Assistant Director reviewed his presentation with the commission and numerous adjustments were made to the presentation. There was general discussion regarding details of the upcoming meeting.

The commission then engaged the Director and Assistant Director in discussion regarding the recent SRMCB meeting on October 26^th, 2011. An updated Budget Policy had been presented at this meeting, but voting on the policy was tabled to a later meeting that is to be held December 14, 2011. After the October 26^th SRMCB meeting, Commissioners Pollack, Shea, and Chapell agreed to contact town officials in the towns that they work in and reside in, with the intent of receiving feedback from them on the proposed policy update. Commissioners Pollack, Shea, and Chapell, shared feedback they had received from various town officials regarding this policy. It was noted that feedback from Needham, Dover, Canton, Weymouth, and Walpole, were critical of the proposed policy and that towns did not want to deal with signing off on a declaration of “support” or “no support” for mosquito control budgets. Commissioner Pollack also noted that the towns he contacted were also supportive of the commission’s policy of providing a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for project employees if a majority of the project Towns had also given this COLA to its employees. The commissioners agreed to continue canvassing the towns for feedback, and then create a document of collected feedback which can then be forwarded to SRMCB, Representative Garlick and to other representatives as needed. The Budgetary Control Report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea and seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. Following a review by the Assistant Director of a spreadsheet detailing the year-to-date fieldwork accomplished, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

At 5:17 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Vice-Chair

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting September 22, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the August 11, 2011, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by

Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then discussed options for the location and time of the upcoming Budget Meeting required under the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Boards (SRMCB) “Massachusetts Mosquito Control Budget Notification and Compliance Certification Policy”. The Commission agreed that the Walpole Town Hall would be the location and 8:30 A.M. would be the commencement time. The date for this budget meeting was set for Tuesday, November 15, 2011. As required by the Policy the Project will send out the necessary notices including all required SRMCB forms. The Notice of the meeting will also be published in the Boston Globe. SRMCB would also be notified for the purpose of posting this information in the Environmental Monitor. The Commission then reviewed the justification document for the FY 2013 Budget Request which was prepared by the Assistant Director. The Commission agreed that this document should be retained and submitted but that a second one page “executive summary” should be prepared as well. The Commission briefly reconsidered an FY2012 Supplemental Budget proposal which was tabled at the last meeting but agreed not to pursue this proposal at this time. Following one final review of the FY 2013 Budget proposal the Budgetary Control report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Commission then reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report year-to-date. The Director informed the Commission that an emergency ground ULV application had to be conducted in the Town of Sharon in the evening hours due to an EEE isolation in human biting mosquitoes (Ochlerotatus canadensis) and that three field employees had agreed to work the extra shift. On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell the Commission unanimously agreed that they fully supported this effort. The Commission wanted it noted in the minutes of this meeting that they appreciated the extra efforts by these employees and wished to thank them for their performance above and beyond their normal duties. On a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by

Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report.

The Commission agreed to the following two meeting dates:

1. Regular Meeting of the Commission, Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

2. Regular Meeting of the Commission, Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

On a motion by Mrs. Chapell the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting August 11, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the June 30, 2011 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Director then presented the Commission with three options for the FY 2013 Budget. These were as follows:

Budget % increase

Case 1 Maintain 5 Field FTE’s/ one truck / one back-up sprayer

Sub-option 1 - no summer aerial larvicide $1,561,942 5.5%

Sub-option 2 - include summer aerial larvicide $1,709,842 15.5%

Case 2 Hire 6^th Field FTE / one truck / one back-up sprayer

Sub-option 1 - no summer aerial larvicide $1,618,227 9.3%

Sub-option 2 – include summer aerial larvicide $1,766,127 19.3%

Sub-option 3 – buy 2 trucks instead of one add $18,000 $1,784,127 20.5%

The Commission discussed each option and after considerable debate agreed unanimously on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell to, upon the request of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board, submit a budget request for FY 2013 totaling $1,766,127 (Case 2 – sub-option 2) which includes the addition of a sixth field employee (FTE) and funding for a summer aerial larval control application. The Commission instructed the Director to begin preparing all the necessary supporting justification for this budget including an analysis for adding an additional sixth field employee. The Director was instructed to have preliminary drafts of these justifications for Commission review at the next regular meeting of the Commission. The Commission agreed to table a review of an FY 2012 Supplement Budget until the next regular Commission meeting.

The Assistant Director then reviewed with the Commission the Fieldwork Accomplished Report year-to-date. The Director complimented this report with a review of the West Nile virus and EEE mosquito monitoring data both at NCMCP as well as across the state. On a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Pollack, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on September 22, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

On a motion by Mr. Pollack the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting June 30, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 8:30 A.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the June 16, 2011 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission then reviewed a revised draft letter from the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project relative to a review of the recent budget cycle involving the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Commission instructed the Director to include in the minutes of this meeting that they had reviewed the letter and to keep them informed relative to this issue. On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission agreed unanimously that it should appear in the minutes that they support the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Projects letter.

The Director then briefed the Commission on the status of operations at the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project. The Director noted that there was no extra capacity available operationally in the program due to recent restrictions in funding. The Director indicated that manpower and equipment are maxed out. The Director went on to explain that one of the five field technicians was retiring unexpectedly and that manpower would be further limited until the Project is able to replace this employee which may not be until late in the summer. The Director detailed for the Commission the impact of vehicle/sprayer breakdowns on services to the member communities. The Director noted that it is imperative that older equipment be replaced and that the field technician staffing level be increased so that the Project can maintain adequate manpower to address the summer surges in resident requests caused by unexpected mosquito population increases and the occurrence of WNv and EEE.. Following a lengthy discussion relative to manpower and equipment capacity the Commission agreed, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea to take a look at the FY2012 Budget to see if the Project can cover these unforeseen expenses and if not then the Commission would consider submission of a supplemental budget for FY 2012.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on August 11, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

On a motion by Mrs. Chapell the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting June 16, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the May 5, 2011 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Director then presented the Commission the Budgetary Control Report which included a review of the final FY 2012 budget as certified by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (the Board) at their meeting held on June 3, 2011. The Director noted that the Board had modified the Commissions budget request downward to a level of $1, 480,292. The Director reviewed with the Commission the impacts this reduced budget would have on Project services. The Director indicated that the most notable impact would be to the spring and summer aerial applications. The Director provided the Commission with a budget spreadsheet which included a calculator for determining what level of aerial coverage the Project will be able to provide. The Director indicated that if a summer aerial application was required then the subsequent spring application would be limited. The Director also noted that capital funds to replace aging vehicles would not be available given the restrictions in this Board modified budget.

As part of the Budgetary Control Report, the Commission considered the pay rates of the hourly employees. Assistant Director Lawson reviewed with the Commission a poll he had conducted with the Departments of Public Works (DPWs) in the member communities. Mr. Lawson noted that he had received both Step Rate and Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) information from most of the DPWs. Mr. Lawson also presented the Commission with a revised spreadsheet showing the hourly pay rate chart with the first two steps removed and two new steps added. The Commission agreed unanimously, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack, that the chart be left as is and that two steps (11 and 12) be added to the higher end of the chart. The Commission went on to instruct Mr. Lawson to conduct another poll with the payroll department of each community within the district for the purpose of comparing the Project’s rates with the DPWs. The Commission wishes to determine if the Project’s current hourly pay rate chart is comparable with similar positions within the DPWs. The Commission asked Mr. Lawson to report back to them within ten months.

The Commission then considered pay rate increases following a discussion of the employee evaluations and based on the information provided by Mr. Lawson. The Commission agreed unanimously on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, to advance each hourly employee one step effective July 4, 2011.

The Commission then considered the Director and Assistant Director. The Commission conducted an evaluation and agreed to the following:

On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission agreed unanimously to award a 3% salary increase to Director Smith and Assistant Director Lawson as “top managers”.

The Commission, upon completion of this pay rate review, agreed unanimously to accept the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

Next the Director presented the Fieldwork Accomplished Report which covered field activities completed year to date. The Director noted that ULV applications had commenced although weather conditions (mainly low temperatures) had delayed these applications. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

As Informational, the Commission agreed to draft a letter to Representative Garlick thanking her for her support during this most recent budget cycle.

The Commission also reviewed a draft letter from the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project regarding the problems with the most recent budget cycle involving the Board. The Commission noted that they agreed “in principle” with this letter and asked the Director to keep them informed relative to this matter.

Commissioner Jacques requested that a standing agenda item be added to the monthly agenda relative to a review of an addendum to the annual reports which are submitted to the member communities at the end of each calendar year.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on August 11, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

On a motion by Mrs. Chapell the meeting was adjourned at 5:32 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting May 5, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the March 17, 2011 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Budgetary Control Report was then reviewed by the Commission. Commissioner Pollack began the discussion by reviewing his pending presentation before the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. Following a lengthy discussion relative to what points Commissioner Pollack should concentrate on and a thorough review of both the current Fiscal Year 2011 Budget and the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 Budget, the Commission agreed unanimously to accept the Budgetary Control report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, second by Mrs. Shea.

Next the Director presented to the Commission the fieldwork accomplished. Assistant Director Lawson gave a complete review of the recently completed aerial larval control application. Mr. Lawson indicated that this application had the most weather related delays that we can remember which did result in some minor decreases in acreage treated. Mr. Lawson also indicated that preliminary review of pre/post data from treated sites showed over a 90% control as compared to untreated sites. Following a review of other water management activities the Commission unanimously accepted the fieldwork accomplished report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

As Informational, the Commission discussed additional ways to increase public notification and public education relative to the various activities the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project provides to the residents of the member communities. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously agreed that the Director should pursue face book and tweeter as ways to expand communication with residents in the member communities.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on June 16, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell the meeting was adjourned on a unanimous vote at 5:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting March 17, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

The minutes of the January 13, 2011 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director reviewed with the Commission the final revisions to the FY2012 proposed budget which now totals $1,638,250. The Commission then discussed the January 13^th Budget meeting and reviewed with the Director as to whether the Commission had complied in full with the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Boards policy entitled “The Massachusetts Mosquito Control Budget Notification and Compliance Policy “. The Director noted that a summary of the public feedback was necessary to complete the compliance process and that this would be sent before the deadline of April 15th. The Director noted that due to an adjustment in the group insurance chargeback rate the estimated cost of this component of the budget can be reduced by $7,775. The Commission instructed the Director to adjust the Budget Request for F/Y2012 accordingly and resubmit to the Board. The Commission then agreed unanimously to accept the Budgetary Control report on a motion by Mrs. Shea and a second by Mr. Pollack. The Commission then considered the content of a presentation to be made by the Commission to the Board at the Boards next regular meeting to be held on May 25, 2011 at the Walpole Town Hall. The Commission agreed to continue this discuss at their next regular meeting in May.

Next the Commission considered fieldwork accomplished. Due to the length of the budget review the Commission tabled this discussion until the next meeting on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

Under agenda item “As Informational” Commissioner Pollack previewed the video conversions of the staff presentations which were recorded by Walpole Cable TV on January 13^th. Commissioner Pollack noted that these video clips did not convert well to DVD format but that these videos viewed in concert with the power point presentations/PDF files (all of which will be placed on the Projects website) will provide the public with a detailed accounting of the Projects operations and budget. The Commission agreed that these video clips should be available on-line and instructed the Director to upload these as soon as possible.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on May 5, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project. The Commission also agreed to convene a follow-up (tentative) meeting on May 19, 2011 if necessary.

On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell the meeting was adjourned on a unanimous vote at 5:14 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting January 13, 2011

The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the main meeting room of the Walpole Town Hall.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

Caroline Haviland, Water Management Program Coordinator

Nathaniel Boonisar, Surveillance Technician

Channsotha Suom, Entomologist

Elizabeth Donnell, Administrative Assistant

Robert Martin, Westwood Patch.com Reporter

Walpole Cable TV

The minutes of the December 14, 2010, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

Commissioner Shea then read an opening statement on behalf of the Commission which served as an introduction to a prepared power point presentation by senior NCMCP staff. This presentation was conducted in order to comply with the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board Policy entitled “The Massachusetts Mosquito Control Budget Notification and Compliance Policy”.

An outline of this presentation follows:

Opening Statement – Linda Shea, Commissioner:

"The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project Commission represents the interests of the member communities and their residents by providing oversight of Project activities. The Commissioners each live or work within a community serviced by the Project, were nominated by municipal authorities, and were evaluated and appointed to their posts by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Commission strives to ensure that the member communities receive services consistent with applicable laws and justified by tenets of public health, vector control, environmental safety and fiscal responsibility. The Commission invites input and questions from community officials and residents. The Project's website announces the Commission's monthly meetings and planned agendas, and hosts minutes from past meetings."

Field Operations at Norfolk County Mosquito Control – David Lawson, Assistant Director:

What to do about mosquitoes?

• Nothing? Historical disease and nuisance. Requests…

• Individual approach?

• Town approach?

• Regional approach? “…best applied at a regional level.”

• Small enough to mold to town needs, and to the unique local geographic and watershed characteristics.

• Large enough to avoid spillover from one town to another.

• In line with current trends to ‘regionalize’ municipal services.

Effective mosquito control requires

ü interdisciplinary efforts

ü best available science.

ü Proactive vs. reactive response

ü integrated pest management

Integrated Pest Management

A strategy that is recognized world wide.

IPM is applied in all kinds of pest control environments

Agricultural, structural, public health, etc.

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

Selection of biological, cultural, physical & chemical methods to provide:

The greatest benefit in reducing burden from a pest (damage, disease, nuisance)

The least risk to public & environmental health, at lowest effective cost

IPM at Norfolk County Mosquito Control

• Surveillance - Know the enemy for more effective control. Where? Why?

• Source reduction – Remove standing water /reduce need for insecticide treatments. Long term control vs. more frequent applications

• Larvicide - More effective to control in water than after they become adults

• Adulticide - When other efforts don’t achieve target control levels.

Surveillance & Outreach - Channsotha Suom, MS, Entomologist:

Review of Mosquito Life Cycle

Larval Surveillance

Weather conditions

Larvae dipper

Emergence jar

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Larval historical data

Focused surveillance

Adult Surveillance

Review of Equipment used

Specimen Processing

Random sampling

Identification

Data Entry

Risk assessment

Historical viral activity

DPH risk map

Lab Submission - WNv, EEE isolation

Public Outreach

Public outreach is another component of my duties.

Our newly improved website is the best resource for information about our operations. We provide such things as:

Notifications for planned work,

Weekly reports on surveillance and virus activity,

We have a frequently asked questions page,

Residents can request service online, and we provide data and analysis of our

field and lab work such as efficacy studies as seen from the previous slide. In short, our website has all the information a resident or visitor would want to know and if they have further questions or comments,

They can contact us via email or phone, both of which are available on the easy to find Contact Us tab on each page of our website.

Since the inception of our new website, we’ve had over 11,000 first time visitors.

In addition to an online presence, I promote our organization and services through guest speaking,

Exhibits and presenting work at conferences where we share ideas and information amongst fellow scientists and mosquito control workers.

Water Management Program -Caroline E. Haviland

Water Management Project Coordinator 12 ½ years

B.S. Biology - Environmental Concentration

Water Management - Our Goal is to ensure drainage systems, whether a constructed

ditch or natural stream continue to function in a manner that prevents larval mosquito development, referred to as

Source Reduction.

Source reduction is the physical or permanent elimination of stagnant water that is conducive to larval mosquito development and is a proactive component of the NCMCP’s IPM program.

Silt/Sediment (i.e. Road Sanding Efforts), Natural and Unnatural Debris (i.e. trash, tires,

branches or trees) impeding water flow is Removed from within an existing channel.

This Type of work serves to dewater an area before mosquito emergence can occur and may also provide habitat for larval eating fish, eliminating the need for larval or adult

intervention.

Complaint Sources:

Public Officials

Residents

NCMCP Field Technicians

Investigation of Documented Breeding Sites

(40 Requests in 2010 - Address each request, usually within 2 weeks)

Investigation:

Initial Site Visit

Inspect channel, laterals, any associated culverts and/or wetlands

Blockages

Blown down trees

High sediment accumulations

Dip/Collect mosquito larvae

Determine the Level/Type of WM work

§ No Work Needed

§ Culvert Clean

§ Hand Cleaning

§ Intensive Hand/Brush

§ Mechanical WM Project

In the office Utilizing MA GIS

Quickly Activate Data Layers and access Integrated Databases

§ Past work History/Details

§ Access Larval and Treatment Data

§ Wetland Boundaries/Types

§ Identify any Habitat/Site issues

• Endangered Species Habitat

• Vernal Pools

• Stream Types for Project Timing

Culvert Clearing:

Crews clear obstructions up and down gradient of man-made structures

in order to prevent flooding and restore continuous flow

• Requires Routine Maintenance

• Conducted during Foul Weather

Crews completed 633 total in 2010

Routine Hand Clearing:

Simple Hand Tools & Hard Work

In 2010 Crews checked 118,995’/22.5+ miles, cleared 36,505’ /6.9 miles

Intensive Hand/Brush Clearing:

Full Crew Projects utilizing Chain Saws, Brush Cutters, Loppers, Rakes & at times Dump Trucks to haul away cut brush, trash or debris to municipal Transfer Stations or Compost Yards

2010 Crews Completed 37,680’ / 7+ Miles

Beaver Management ?:

Beavers are Becoming More Common within Charles River Watershed

Many times we’re the first to identify a beaver issue

Currently

• Continue to Monitor Sites

• Offer information to Residents

• Offer assistance to Boards of Health and Con Coms

Mechanical Excavation Work:

Work Sites which require excavation to remove impeding sediment/debris in order to restore or maintain proper drainage and eliminate stagnant water

On average we complete 8 Projects per year

2010 completed 10 WM projects, 4 conducted during low-flow 9,545’ / 1.9 Miles

Conducted in compliance with state BMPs as well as federal and state law

The Process after determining Excavation is necessary

Following additional Site Work

Notification & Landowner Permission

Notification to USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers)

Notification to Regional DEP Office

Notification to Municipal Conservation Commission

If site determined to fall within Priority Habitat for Rare Species

Follow established NHESP Guidelines and notify if applicable

Procure Landowner Permission

Send Notifications

Additional Site Visits may be requested and performed

Planning & Site Preparation

Prior to Notification

§ Channel Measurements (+Profile)

§ Plan spoil disposal

§ Soil Evaluations (mineral/organic)

§ Plan Access/Egress

§ Project Timing

• Perennial/Intermittent Stream? Low flow?

• Frozen Ground/Vegetation Die Back

Snow Cover for lawn protection

Post Site with NCMCP Sign

Create a Photographic Record and

Map of photographic points

Flag Work Site (White Flag every 100’)

Contact Dig Safe

Process Ticket minimum 3 days prior

Receive Clear to Dig Date/Start Time

Check for Utility Markings

30 days post notification Transport Equipment to Site

Excavation Equipment

We utilize Wide-Tracked, Low Ground Pressure Equipment minimizes wetland/site impact

Excavators Switched to Chevron Clarity® Hydraulic Oil

inherently BIODEGRADABLE passes the EPA's acute aquatic toxicity (LC-50) test zinc-free and formulated to meet or exceed the performance requirements of conventional anti-wear fluids (better for colder weather conditions)

Link Belt 1600 Excavator

• Upland and Wetland Projects

• Very maneuverable

Kobelco SK60 Excavator

• Specialized Tracks

• Lowest Psi

• Salt marsh

• Fresh Water Sites

John Deere Bull Dozer

• Grading

• vegetation management

Excavation and Completion

• Minimize cutting of brush for access

• Maneuver around trees

• Retain vegetated Banks and/or Vegetated Buffer Strips if feasible

• Retain or reconnect channel to adjacent Flood Plain

• Remove excavate Off Site or within adjacent Upland Areas

whenever possible

• Seed exposed banks to Stabilize/Prevent Erosion

• Use straw as a seed cover, free of invasive species

Upon completion of any Mechanical WM Project Site is monitored for approximately 2 years

• Scheduled and Rain Event Site Visits

• Maintain a Photographic Record of each Mechanical WM Project Site

Our 5 Member Field Crew Performs all of the field work for the project throughout the ENTIRE year

WINTER

• Investigate, Plan & Perform WM Projects

• Post Frost INT & Routine Hand Clearing

• Culvert Clearing

• Equipment/Building Maintenance

• Site Monitoring/Photography

• GIS Mapping/Databasing

SPRING

• Investigate, Plan & Perform Mechanical and Hand WM Projects

• Larval Data Collections & ground applications

• County Wide Aerial application of Bti

Summer

• Investigate &Plan WM Projects

• ULV & Rain Basin Treatments

• Perform Low-Flow WM Projects

• Site Monitoring

Fall

• Investigate, Plan & Perform all WM Projects

• Complete Low-Flow Projects by Oct. 1^st

• GIS Mapping/Databasing

• Aerial Photography

• Site Monitoring

There is NO “Down Time” at the NCMCP

Larviciding – David Lawson:

A larvicide is any method or product designed to kill larvae or prevent larvae from becoming adults.

More efficient to control as larvae than to try and control as adults.

Aerial Larvicide 11,000 – 14,000 acres each spring, periodic summer applications.

Applied by helicopter

Ground Larvicide

Applied by hand to wetlands, rain basins, and other man-made water sources

Three larvicide products currently in use at NCMCP

Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis)

BS (Bacillus sphaericus)

Methoprene

All three products are Biorational products, meaning the product is of a biological origin and provides effective mosquito control with limited or no impact on the environment and beneficial organisms.

Adulticide – David Lawson:

Spraying” “Fogging” = Ultra Low Volume (ULV) aerosol

Active ingredient - Sumithrin

Synthetic pyrethroid – man made version of natural pyrethrin, found in chrysanthemum.

Applied from truck mounted equipment

Applied from 2am – sunrise.

½ ounce of product per acre of coverage.

Product breaks down in sunlight quickly.

Very low toxicity to people and environment.

Response to high nuisance populations and to knock down disease carrying mosquitoes.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Used in all aspects of our operations but primarily in conducting aerial larvicide applications, tracking ULV applications, and documenting water management projects.

Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the NCMCP

Nate Boonisar - GIS Analyst/Surveillance Technician

What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems - A computerized form of mapping that combines geographical and statistical data about a theme.

Why do we use GIS?

Can store massive amounts of data that can be shared with the public

Can view different types of data according to one’s needs

Saves time and money, provides greater transparency

NCMCP GIS

Started using ArcView GIS in 2001 primarily to simplify Spring Aerial Larvicide

Has expanded to nearly every aspect of our program

Continuing to discover new uses

State (MassGIS) provides a vast array of GIS map/data layers

GIS at NCMCP

Aerial Larvicide

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Applications

Aerial Larvicide – Old Way

Draw onto topographic maps

Planimeter to estimate acreage

Write larval data onto map

Aerial Larvicide – GIS – New Way

Shapefiles can be converted to AgNav aircraft navigation system.

AgNav flight data can be converted back to shapefiles

Show coverage of actual swath width as well as acreage calculations

Share data with the public

Continuing to make improvements on data maps

Eliminating or re-sizing wetlands that don’t breed or lack standing water

Improving efficacy within and along edges of wetlands

ULV Adult Control Applications – GIS

Request locations are mapped.

A record of request calls as well as ULV route can be stored for use year after

year

Visually seeing the request locations can help identify problem areas that may be

treatable with larviciding or water management

GPS tracking data can be integrated into our GIS software

Potential problem areas can be identified and investigated for larviciding, water

management, or targeted ULV Treatment

Maps are created showing our scheduled ULV Route.

Maps are posted on our website each day.

Trucks are equipped with a GPS navigation System that is integrated with the

ULV Application Equipment and our in-house computers

GPS tracking data is compatible with our GIS software and can provide important information about the application. Information can be stored and shared with the public.

A Review of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control, Board policy entitled “The Massachusetts Mosquito Control Budget Notification and Compliance Policy”, Comparison of The Fiscal Year Budgets FY2010, FY2011 and proposed Budget FY 2012.

John Smith, Director:

The Policy:

The State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board, in making its certification and approval of Districts Budgets requires that each District:

Invite the public to a meeting to be held on or before March 1 - present preliminary proposed budget and work plans

Send invitation and preliminary proposed budget to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Executive Officer and to the Finance Committee

Make available the District preliminary budget to local public officials and citizens

Send a report including summary of public comments along with the final District budget proposed to the Board by April 15th.

Publish and mail Form SRB‐1 and complete and return Form SRB‐2 to the board

Budget Review presentation divided into three sections:

Breakdown of the F/Y 2010 Budget (last completed budget)

Comparison of the F/Y 2010 Budget with the Projected FY 2011 (Current Budget) and the FY2012 (Proposed Budget)

Review of the Cherry Sheet Assessments

FOR THE BUDGET REVIEW PLEASE REFERENCE THE WORD DOCUMENT ENTITLED:

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Budget Review as presented at the January 13, 2011 Public Budget meeting, Walpole Town Hall AT 7:00 p.m.

Note - This document will be attached to the minutes and a copy of this entire presentation including the budget review can be found at the Projects web site:

http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/Research/Research.htm

Salary Structure:

Salary Range – Hourly rate (annual salary)

Grade 1 Grade 10

Field Technician $17.55 ($36,733) $22.89 ($47,611)

Field Tech Supervisor $20.66 ($42,973) $26.95 ($56,056)

Tractor Operator $20.15 ($41,912) $26.29 ($54,683)

Water Management

Project Coordinator $25.19 ($52,395) $32.88 ($68,390)

Surveillance Technician $23.34 ($48,547) $30.45 ($63,336)

Entomologist $23.83 ($49,566) $31.10 ($64,688)

Administrative Clerk $16.01 ($33,301) $20.89 ($43,451)

Assistant Director $35.64 ($74,131)

Director $44.64 ($92,851)

Cherry Sheet Assessment Review:

Department of Revenue Cherry Sheet Assessment is based on a formula legislatively established.

The Formula takes into account both a communities equalized evaluation and land area (square miles) to produce percentages for each Community.

Once the State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board “certifies” the Projects budget the Department of Revenue then applies these percentages to establish the cherry sheet assessment for each community

Fiscal Year 2011 Cherry Sheet Assessments:

Community District Assessment

Avon 17,365

Bellingham 54,140

Braintree 73,069

Canton 78,918

Dedham 54,746

Dover 49,394

Foxborough 59,464

Franklin 96,968

Holbrook 26,085

Medfield 49,061

Medway 37,421

Millis 29,020

Milton 65,229

Needham 75,277

Norfolk 37,378

Norwood 56,414

Plainville 29,137

Quincy 112,084

Randolph 49,892

Sharon 65,960

Stoughton 68,573

Walpole 79,035

Westwood 53,771

Weymouth 89,070

Wrentham 50,989

Total 1,458,460

Note:

1.48 percent of each assessment provides funding for the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board.

As a final presentation note the Director thanked the staff for their extra efforts putting together this informative presentation.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on March 17, 2011 at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

At 8:10 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Budget Review as presented at the January 13, 2011 Public Budget meeting, Walpole Town Hall.

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting December 14, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 8:30 A.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

Caroline Haviland, Water Management Program Coordinator

Nathaniel Boonisar, Surveillance Technician

Channsotha Suom, Entomologist

Elizabeth Donnell, Administrative Assistant

Christina Gleason, Norfolk Resident

The minutes of the November 9, 2010, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director reviewed with the Commission the final revisions to the FY2012 proposed budget which now totals $1,638,250. The Director noted that this budget has been submitted to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board for their review and forwarding to the Department of Revenue for their use in establishing the preliminary FY 2012 cherry sheet assessments. The Director explained that these revisions were necessary due to a miscalculation of the fringe benefit costs on the states spending plan spreadsheet. The Director indicated that it appears that the state spreadsheet does not remove the calculation for the state retirement system which project employees do not belong to.

The Director then indicated that each of the senior staff had prepared their revised power point presentation for the upcoming SRMCB policy mandated public budget meeting. Commissioner Shea first presented her suggestions on open comments. At this point the following employees presented:

David Lawson – General Operations Review and IPM Planning

Caroline Haviland – Water Management Operations

Channsotha Suom – Mosquito Surveillance and Public Relations

Nathaniel Boonisar – GIS Mapping, Data maintenance and GPS tracking systems

John Smith – Budget Review

The Commission once again provided feedback for each presentation. Following a brief review of other budgetary matters the Commission agreed unanimously to accept the Budgetary Control report on a motion by Mrs. Shea and a second by Mr. Jacques.

Next the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished report. The main focus of field operations this time of year continues to be on water management. The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then voted to elect new officers for 2011. On a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack, the Commission unanimously elected Mr. Jacques as Chairman and Mrs. Chapell as Vice Chairman.

Under agenda item “As Informational” the Commission received comments from Christina Gleason a resident of Norfolk, Massachusetts. Ms. Gleason commented on several issues including public relations, water management and the responsibilities of maintaining existing storm water structures once they are constructed. The Commission reviewed with Ms. Gleason the legal aspects surrounding maintenance of these structures indicating that the Project has no enforcement powers relative to their maintenance.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on January 12, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. in the Walpole Town Hall.

The Commission agreed to hold their next meeting (following the January meeting) on Thursday, March 17, 2011.

At 10:23 A.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting November 9, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

Caroline Haviland, Water Management Program Coordinator

Nathaniel Boonisar, Surveillance Technician

Channsotha Suom, Entomologist

Elizabeth Donnell, Administrative Assistant

The minutes of the October 21, 2010, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack. Commissioner Chapell abstained from this vote.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director indicated that each of the senior staff had prepared a preliminary power point presentation for the upcoming SRMCB policy mandated public budget meeting. At this point the following employees presented:

David Lawson – General Operations Review and IPM Planning

Caroline Haviland – Water Management Operations

Channsotha Suom – Mosquito Surveillance and Public Relations

Nathaniel Boonisar – GIS Mapping, Data maintenance and GPS tracking systems

John Smith – Budget Review

The Commission provided feedback for each presentation and agreed that final presentations should be made at their next regular meeting in December. Following a brief review of other budgetary matters the Commission agreed unanimously to accept the Budgetary Control report on a motion by Mrs. Shea and a second by Mr. Pollack.

As a last agenda item the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished report. The main focus of field operations this time of year is water management. Upon completion of a review of these operations, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission agreed to elect the new Commission Officers at the conclusion of the December 14, 2011 meeting.

At 10:08 A.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting October 21, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the September 8, 2010, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Commission next reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. As part of this report the Director presented to the Commission an outline for the upcoming Budget/Work Plan meeting to be held on January 12, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at the Walpole Town Hall. The Commission reviewed additional comments relative to the areas to be covered within this meeting and after modifications to the outline the Commission agreed to the structure of the Budget/Work Plan presentations. The Director then reviewed with the Commission his preliminary power point presentation which deals with the FY 2010 budget breakdown as well as comparisons with the current (projected) FY 2011 budget and the FY 2012 (proposed) budget. This presentation will also discuss the Cherry sheet assessment process. Following a lengthy discussion relative to modifications to this presentation the Director agreed to make the necessary changes for Commission review at the next regular meeting. The Commission also instructed the Director to expand the mailing list of invitations to this meeting to include boards of health, DPW Directors and the Town Clerks. The Director noted that the Town Clerks are notified prior to every commission meeting in compliance with the open meeting law. The Commission then accepted the Budgetary Control report on a motion by Mr. Pollack and a second by Mr. Jacques.

As a final agenda item the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished report. The Director noted that the main focus of daily operations is water management. The Assistant Director briefed the Commission on some of the work which has been completed by field personnel using both excavators and hand tools. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

At 4:57 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Pollack.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting September 8, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 8:30 A.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the August 12, 2010, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission then considered the Budgetary Control Report as presented by the Director. The Commission entered into a lengthy discussion with the Director and Assistant Director relative to preparations for a public meeting as mandated by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board’s policy entitled “The Massachusetts Mosquito Control Budget Notification and Compliance Certification Policy”. The Director noted that the policy required the Commission to hold a public meeting before March 1, 2011, and that invitation must be made not only to the public but also to the following town/city officials:

The Chief Administrative Officer

The Chief Executive Office

The Finance Committee

The Director informed the Commission that this budget meeting must present the following information:

Districts preliminary proposed budget (FY 2012) with two previous years

Work plans for the upcoming mosquito season

Finally, the Director noted that additional budgetary information had to be made available upon request and that the Commission was required to submit compliance forms to the Board once the meeting had taken place. The Commission then discussed, in great detail, what information and in what format these requirements should be met. The Commission agreed upon the following date, time and location subject to Commissioner Chapell’s securing of the room.

Date – January 12, 2011 (snow date January 13, 2011)

Time – 7:00 P.M.

Location – Walpole Town Hall

On a unanimous vote the Commission accepted the Budgetary Control report following a motion by Mr. Pollack and a second by Mrs. Shea. The Commission requested that the Director have available for the next meeting an outline reflecting the format of the presentation which will be used for this public meeting. The Commission further requested that the Director inform senior staff to be prepared to provide their preliminary work plan presentations at the November and December meetings of the Commission.

Next the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report as prepared by the Assistant Director. Mr. Lawson noted that all ULV applications would be suspended as of Friday, September 10, 2010, due to long range predictions of low morning temperatures. The Assistant Director went on to describe the nature of the fieldwork performed which centered on water management. To finish up the report the Director reviewed with the Commission the current status of the arbovirus surveillance both within the county as well as state wide. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then agreed on the following schedule of monthly meetings:

Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 4:00 P.M.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 8:30 A.M.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 8:30 A.M.

At 9:40 a.m. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting August 12, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the July 15, 2010, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report which included a preliminary review of the F/Y 2012 proposed budget. The Commission reviewed with the Director the status of the vehicle fleet. The Director noted that several of the pick up trucks used as ULV sprayer mounts have reach 100,000 miles and are becoming costly to maintain. The Director noted that these vehicles would need to be replaced in the next year or so. The Commission discussed the various options available such as out right purchase versus a lease/purchase option. The Commission modified the Director’s original budget request to accommodate the replacement of two of these pick up trucks. The Commission expressed concern that the recent string of multi- year level funded budgets was beginning to erode the Projects services especially the aerial larval control operations. The Director noted that it would be very difficult to fiscally sustain both a spring and, if needed, a summer aerial larval control application as each operation cost approximately $150,000 to $200,000. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack. The Commission suggested that the Director place on the next regular meeting agenda the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board’s Massachusetts Mosquito Control Budget Notification and Compliance Certification Policy for their review.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was the next agenda item reviewed by the Commission. As part of this report, the Director briefed the Commission relative to the current arbovirus surveillance data. The Director noted that to-date there has been no virus isolates in mosquitoes collected in the Project’s service area. The Director went on to note that most “human biting” mosquito species are at low levels in trap collections. As the report indicated, the main focus of the field operations has been ULV applications, rain basin treatments and sporadic ground larval control applications. The Water Management Specialist has been able to squeeze in a number of water management projects this summer as is also reflected in the report. The Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission changed the next regular meeting of the Commission which will now be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. in the office of the Project.

At 4:53 p.m. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting July 15, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the July 1, 2010, Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report which included a preliminary review of F/Y 2010 total expenditures and an estimate of the rollover amount into F/Y 2011. The Director noted that this was an estimate only and that there could be additional Group Insurance charges as well as miscellaneous unemployment/Medicare change backs. The Director then briefed the Commission on the status of the F/Y 2011 spending plan which will be submitted to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board in the near future. The Director then request guidance from the Commission relative to the F/Y 2012 Budget request. The Commission instructed the Director to approach this budget request by identifying the Projects basic funding requirements. The Director noted that the deadline for submission of the first F/Y 2012 Budget proposal would be the end of August. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. As part of this report, the Director briefed the Commission relative to the current arbovirus surveillance data. The Director also provided a review of the current mosquito populations by species. The report indicated that the main focus of the field operations was ULV applications, rain basin treatments and sporadic ground larval control applications. The Director then presented the Commission two reports on recent water management projects. These reports were prepared by Caroline Haviland, Water Management Coordinator. The two sites were the “Winter Street to Willett School” project and the “Bade Canoe Launch” project. The Director noted that Caroline had worked closely with the Town of Norwood on both of these projects. As a matter of fact, the school project was part of a larger town effort to establish a bike path for recreational purposes in this area. The Director indicated that this effort on the Water Management Coordinators part is just one example of how our water management program has added value to our services to the member communities. These reports also high light the extra effort and level of professionalism expressed by our field staff (Bill, Brian, John, Bob and Dave). The Commission wished it to appear in the minutes that they appreciate the extra efforts of both Caroline and the field staff as is evident in the quality of the work shown in these reports. The Commission also hoped that these two reports could be incorporated into the website at some point. Following this water management review, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Thursday, August 12, 2010. The Commission also set the September meeting for Thursday, September 9, 2010 both meetings will convene at 4:00 P.M.

At 4:47 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting July 1, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 8:30 A.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the June 23, 2010 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then reviewed with the Director the Department of Public Health recently issued EEE Risk map which indicted Walpole as a “moderate risk” area. This designation is in response to the late season identification of a cow infected with the EEE virus in October of 2009. The Director discussed the possibility of locating additional mosquito traps in the vicinity of this 2009 case. Commissioner Chapell noted that she would contact the property owner to inform them of this additional trapping. The Commission also reviewed the risk map for West Nile virus which showed all of Norfolk County as a “low risk area”.

The Commission had already agreed to hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, July 15, 2010 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 9:00 A.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting June 23, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the May 26, 2010 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director then presented to the Commission a set of documents prepared by the Assistant Director after extensive interviews with the Directors of Public Works at each of the member communities relative to pay rate step increases and COLA adjustments. The Director expressed to the Commission the excellent job done by the Assistant Director who was able to interview all but one of the DPW Directors. The Commission noted once again that they felt that the projects personnel profile and community function more closely resembled the DPW personnel profile than any other municipal or state agency. Following an extensive review of these documents, as well as a follow up review of the board of health pay rate reviews conducted prior to the last commission meeting, the Commission took the following action:

On a motion by Commissioner Linda Shea, seconded by Commissioner Norman Jacques, the Commission unanimously agreed to grant all hourly employees one step increase as detailed on the NCMCP pay scale chart. The Commission wished it be known that their decision was based on reviews of pay rate adjustments collected during interviews/communications with both the Boards of Health as well as the Departments of Public Works Directors in the member communities. Their decision was also based on favorable personnel evaluations which were conducted using employee performance review forms, based on the Commonwealth’s form. These pay rate adjustments will become effective the first full payroll week of FY 2011.

They also took the following action:

On a motion by Commissioner Norman Jacques, seconded by Commissioner Robin Chapell, the Commission unanimously agreed to grant the Director, John J. Smith and the Assistant Director, David Lawson a 3.5% salary increase effective the first full payroll week of FY 2011. The Commission noted the following relative to this action:

“The Commission appreciates your fiscal responsibility, your dedication, the long hours you work and your professionalism.”

The Budgetary Control Report was then unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

Next the Commission considered the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Director then reviewed with the Commission the following documents:

a. GEIR Update and Certificate of the Secretary of

Energy and Environmental Affairs.

b. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The Director covered the major items detailed in each document and discussed with the Commission the potential impacts to the Projects various control strategies and surveillance system. The Director indicated that there was a public comment period continuing for 45 days. The Commission agreed to continue to analyze these documents and to consider collaboration with other mosquito control districts and/or the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board as to how best to pursue the NPDES permit once the final draft was issued in December. The Commission agreed with the Director’s suggestion that he should convene a meeting with the other mosquito control district Directors to help facilitate this collaboration. Following a brief discussion of work accomplished since the last Commission meeting, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission agreed to hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, July 15, 2010 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:00 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting May 26, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the April 14, 2010 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director presented to the Commission a spreadsheet review of remaining expenditures for FY2010. The Director noted that there would be a potential rollover of funds from FY2010 to FY 2011 of approximately 3.7% or around $55,000. The Director went on to note that it was difficult to estimate final Group Insurance Charges but that if they were higher than estimated the rollover amount would cover this. The Commission then reviewed the current pay rate chart for hourly employees. The Director presented to the Commission a chart which incorporated responses from the member communities. This chart was prepared by Elizabeth Donnell, the Administrative Assistant, following a canvassing of the boards of health in each member community. Following a lengthy discussion relative to COLA and step increases awarded by member communities the Commission decided to table any further action on pay rates until the next regular meeting of the Commission. The Commission requested that the Director canvas the departments of public works in each member community for the purpose of further clarifying step rate increase with in the member communities. The Commission instructed the Director to place this on the agenda for the next regular meeting. The Budgetary Control Report was then unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Director then reviewed with the Commission a spreadsheet analysis of fieldwork accomplished year to date. The Assistant Director briefed the Commission relative to the recently completed aerial spring larval control application. The Assistant Director, as part of this review, described a swath width study conducted by office staff headed by himself and the project’s entomologist Chan Suom. The Assistant Director noted that preliminary analysis of the data collected indicated that the operational swath width, which was previously categorized as 100 feet, would need to be reduced. The Assistant Director noted more analysis and a review with the aircraft vendor would be necessary before a final swath width would be considered. The Commission wished it to appear in the minutes that they congratulate Mr. Lawson and Mr. Suom for they excellent work in preparing this analysis. Following a final review of the work accomplished spreadsheet, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Under new business Commissioner Pollack briefed the Commission on two items. First Commissioner Pollack noted that the GEIR update had been accepted by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and that his certificate has been issued. Secondly Commissioner Pollack briefed the Commission relative to a meeting he was invited to attend in Concord, New Hampshire which was convened to discuss the expanded EEE activity in the northeastern United States. Issues such as sharing data between states and lack of funding were major components of the discussion.

The Commission agreed to hold their next meeting on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:31 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting April 14, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

The minutes of the March 15, 2010 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report as presented by the Director. The Director brief the Commission on a proposal to purchase a truck mounted mistblower to be used for barrier applications of municipal properties. The Commission unanimously agreed, as part of the Budgetary Control Report, to allow the Director to spend up to $10,000 for this mistblower. The Budgetary Control Report was then unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Director then reviewed with the Commission the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Director noted that the aerial spring larval control program was on-going. The Director brief the Commission on surveillance activity preceding this application and that there was heavy floodplain acreage involved which would expand the acreage treated. The Director also noted that due to the warm March the application had been scheduled a week earlier this year due to the advanced development of the larvae. The Commission then noted for the record that they were impressed with the new website format and wished to thank the office staff for their efforts especially Chan Suom the webmaster. Following a review of the work accomplished spreadsheet, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission agreed to hold their next meeting on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:13 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting March 15, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norman P. Jacques

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the February 25, 2010 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then considered the Budgetary Control Report. The Commission reviewed with the Director the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) policy on holding an annual "proposed budget meeting" prior to March 1st of each year. The Commission developed some ideas on what should be covered during this meeting but wanted to continue deliberations as to when the best time would be to hold this meeting. The Commission moved on to the F/Y2010 – F/Y2011 Spending Plan review. The Director briefed the Commission on a five year spending analysis he had prepared on all major expense categories. After a lengthy discussion relative to anticipated expenses remaining for F/Y2010 and a thorough review of estimated expenditures for F/Y2011, the Commission unanimously agreed to resubmit the spending plan with level funding for F/Y2011. This vote carried unanimously following a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques. The Budgetary Control Report was then unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was next on the agenda. The Director reviewed with the Commission a year to date spreadsheet analysis of work accomplished which focused on equipment maintenance and water management. The Assistant Director noted that there were brief periods during January and February when field work was not practical and personnel were assigned vehicle and equipment maintenance projects. The Director informed the Commission that the need for this maintenance has increased due to the retirement of the Project’s mechanic. The Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

As a final note the Commission discussed the new design for the Project’s website. The Commission discussed at length a question and answer link for the new website which would cover areas not regularly covered by media outlets as well as those areas where the office received the most requests for information from the general public. The Commission agreed to work with the Director to prepare these questions and answers.

The Commission will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, as previously agreed upon, in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:05 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting February 25, 2010

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norman P. Jacques

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the December 17, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The first item on the agenda was the Budgetary Control Report. The Commission reviewed with the Director the draft State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) policy on holding an annual "proposed budget meeting" with certain specified "town officials" and the public prior to March 1st of each year. The Director noted that SRMCB, at their meeting held on January 27, 2010, had agreed to hold another meeting on March 4th so that the Mosquito Control Project Commissions might have an opportunity to comment on the proposed budget meeting policy. The Commission reviewed a written response to this policy in which the Commission notes that they are in full agreement with this proposed budget meeting and that it should be incorporated into a meeting suggested within the pending GEIR update. The GEIR update suggests a "public" meeting each year for the purpose of reviewing operations with the member communities. The Commission felt that this would be the proper forum for a review of the proposed budget as well as prior budgets. The Commission unanimously agreed on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques, to forward their response via electronic email as was the request of the SRMCB. The Budgetary Control Report was unanimously accepted by the same motion. The Director gave, as part of this report, a brief status update on the GEIR.

Next the Commission considered the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Assistant Director presented to the Commission a graphical analysis of the fieldwork accomplished data over the last fourteen years. Following a review of this data and consideration of further, more in depth, reviews of each fieldwork strategy by senior staff, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

As a final note the Commission elected the new Commission officers for this year. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously elected Mrs. MacEachern as the Chairman and Mr. Jacques as the Vice Chairman.

The Commission agreed to hold their next two regular meeting on Monday, March 15, 2010 and Wednesday, April 14, 2010 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:20 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting December 17, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the October 22, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then considered the Budgetary Control Report as presented by the Director. The Director reviewed with the Commission all major expenditures incurred by the Project through the first half of Fiscal Year 2010. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report as presented, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then presented to the Commission. Following a brief review of ongoing water management activities, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. MacEachern.

The Commission then entered into a lengthy discussion relative to the GEIR update. Commissioner Pollack and the Director briefed the Commission on an exchange of emails between the mosquito control districts and Dr. Sam Telford (contractor for the GEIR update) concerning surveillance protocols. Dr. Telford had indicated that certain stakeholders were pushing for more elaborate surveillance protocols to be incorporated into the GEIR update for the purpose of further demonstrating adulticide and larvicide efficacy. Although no action was taken by the Commission, they agreed to continue to monitor this issue and to consider further formal comments at a future meeting of the Commission.

The Director went on to brief the Commission on the high lights of the recent Northeastern Mosquito Control Association Annual Meeting held in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The Director noted that several Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project employees (Nate Boonisar & Chan Suom) had contributed to research papers presented at this meeting and that overall the program was very informative.

As informational, Commissioner Pollack reviewed with the Commission a recent legislative hearing on House Bill H704 which amends the make up of the current SRMCB board. Commissioner Pollack noted that it was unclear as to whether this bill would advance out of the Joint Committee on Environmental, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

The Commission agreed to hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:04 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting October 22, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the September 17, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director informed the Commission of a request from the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to review the Commissions F/Y 2011 budget request as detailed in the spending plan. Following a discussion relative to estimated expenses and justifications to support this budget request, the Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques, to let stand the original budget request as detailed in the spending plan. The Commission instructed the Director to so inform the Program Manager as to their decision. Next under the budget review the Commission considered employee/commission attendance of the upcoming Northeastern Mosquito Control Association meeting to be held in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack, to send employees/commissioners based on the schedule established in the submitted and approved F/Y 2010 budget. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report as presented, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then presented to the Commission. The Director noted that all fieldwork activities have shifted back to water management projects and that the acreage/count totals noted in this report for all “in season” mosquito applications would be the totals for the year. As part of the fieldwork report the Director reviewed with the Commission the results of the Projects mosquito surveillance as well as the data collected by the Department of Public Health. The Commission discussed at length the ramifications of the department’s identification of an EEE infected cow in the Town of Walpole. The Director noted that this had resulted in the Department of Public Health raising the risk level for the Town of Walpole to a high risk status. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. MacEachern.

As informational, the Commission asked the Director to send a request for an “organizational chart” to the Program Manager of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board in light of the recent change to the make up of the board and the establishment of an “Executive Director”. The Commission makes this request so the Commission will know who to interact with on various issues as they arise.

The Commission agreed that their next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:03 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting September 17, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the August 27, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director noted that the F/Y 2010 Spending Plan, which included an F/Y 2011 & F/Y 2012 Budget Estimate, had been submitted to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board as request. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report as presented, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then presented to the Commission. The Director noted that all ULV activities had been discontinued on September 11^th due to unfavorable weather conditions and low trap counts. The Director went on to inform the Commission that recent tropical rains did not result in flooding significant enough, based on field observations, to warrant an aerial larval control operation. Commissioner Jacques requested that the Director include previous year’s totals on the presented spreadsheet under the various categories of fieldwork accomplished. The Director noted that a more complete review of fieldwork over multiple years will be presented to the Commission at the end of the calendar years as has been done in the past. Following a review of mosquito surveillance and virus activity to date, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

As informational, Commissioner Pollack briefed the Commission relative to a potential application for a grant to study the ecology of Culiseta melanura and its associated habitat, the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp. Commissioner Pollack noted that this issue was “under discussion” with several interested parties. Commissioner Pollack noted that there might be an opportunity for mosquito control districts, in the Commonwealth, to be involved in this effort.

The Commission reconfirmed that their next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 4:55 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting August 27, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the July 16, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Director then presented the Budgetary Control Report to the Commission. As part of this report the Director reviewed the F/Y 2010 Spending Plan which included an F/Y 2011 Budget Estimate. The Commission agreed that the Director should submit this spending plan with an estimated F/Y 2011 budget reflecting a 2.5% increase. The Commission felt that, if necessary, and depending upon the economic situation next year, that this budget request could be modified before final certification by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Commission also reviewed the final figures tallied following the poll of member communities relative to COLAs/Step Increases granted to their employees. Following a brief review of all expenses incurred and a review of estimated rollover funds from F/Y 2009 to F/Y 2010, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission then reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report which included a review of all mosquito surveillance data. The Director presented a report showing all virus isolates identified to date from across the state as well as from other New England States. The Director also briefed the Commission relative to the pending impacts of Hurricane Danny. The Commission agreed that if field investigations indicated a need, that the Project should consider a late season aerial larval control application. The Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission agreed to hold their next two regular meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2009 and Thursday, October 22, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:17 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting July 16, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the June 11, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Budgetary Control Report was presented to the Commission by the Director. The Director reported to the Commission the results of a poll taken with the member community’s boards of health relative to step/COLA increases. The poll indicated that more than half the communities granted either a COLA or step increase to their municipal employees. A statistical analysis of the polled numbers indicated a “mode” of 2.5 percent. Following a discussion of these results and a review of similar actions at other mosquito control districts, the Commission agreed unanimously, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques, to grant all employees of the Project a 2.5% COLA increase effective immediately. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack, the Commission unanimously agreed to instruct the Director to seek additional information from some of the respondents whose town either had not acted on increases or who were not originally asked the complete question as to whether they had granted either a COLA and/or a step increase. The Commission felt this was important so as to have a complete analysis of employee pay rates across the Projects service area. Following a brief review of all expenses incurred, to date, in FY 2009 the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission then reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Director briefed the Commission relative to the results of surveillance conducted this season. The Director reported that no virus isolates have been identified in the Projects service area so far this season. The number of pools submitted has been low due to poor weather conditions limiting collections and/or depressing mosquito populations. The Commission then considered recent events which had taken place in Framingham relative to public notification of adult control activities. The Commission deliberated the need for enhanced notification in non-English formats. The Commission discussed the use of community groups to assist with this public notification effort. Due to the complicated issue of properly translating these messages to specific local dialects, the Commission took no action on this item but felt a discussion at higher levels such as at the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board level would be useful. Following a report of field activities accomplished year-to-date the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

As informational Commissioner Pollack mention that he had spoken with Director Tim Deschamps at the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project relative to a video the Central Mass Project was preparing as a public relations tool. The Commission suggested that the Director speak with Mr. Deschamps for further information and to see if there was a possibility of a collaborative effort with the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project.

Under New/Old Business, the Commission reviewed a written request from Caroline Haviland relative to working four days per week for the next year to accommodate her child care schedule. The Commission instructed the Director to inquire of the DAR Human Resources Manager as to how this would affect accrual of vacation and sick leave as well as any impacts to retirement. Several Commissioners noted that on the municipal level these items are usually prorated based on the hours worked per week. The Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern to accept Caroline’s request following a determination of (and Caroline’s notification of) these impacts to her employment benefits.

The Commission agreed to hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:18 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting June 11, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the May 30, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Budgetary Control Report was presented to the Commission by the Director. The Director inquired of the Commission if they were considering either a Cost of Living adjustment (COLA) or a step increase for the employees of the Project. The Commission debated the merits of this and instructed the Director to correspond with each of the member communities’ Boards of Health for the purpose of determining what pay increase each town has offered for Fiscal Year 2010. The Commission then took the following action:

On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, the Commission unanimously decided that if more than half the Communities in the Project’s service area offered pay increases to their employees, then the Commission would offer an increase to the Project employees.

On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mr. Jacques, the Commission unanimously agreed that to calculate this increase the Director would determine “the mode” of the percent increases offered by the towns.

Following a review of the Director’s estimate of the rollover amounts from Fiscal Year 2009 to Fiscal Year 2010, the Commission accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

Next the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Director first provided the Commission with the DAR Commissioners response to the NCMCP Commissions resolution relative to the vacating of the EPA Final Rule by the Sixth District Court. The Commission agreed that this response was adequate to allow the Project to continue operations while under the “potential” threat of possible litigation. The Director then briefed the Commission on the American Mosquito Control Associations “official” update of the actions taken by the EPA as well as other interested parties relative to the vacating of this Final Rule as well as the “potential impacts” these actions may have on mosquito control operations across the country. Following a report of field activities accomplished year-to-date the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

As informational the Director briefed the Commission on the most recent meeting of State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Director noted that the main issue was tracking the size of rollovers of certain Mosquito Control Projects (not NCMCP) which the Board considered excessive.

The Commission agreed to hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 4:54 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting May 30, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the April 13, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director reviewed with the Commission the recent Town Meeting in the Town of Milton. The Director informed the Commission that those present at the meeting voted in the majority to remain in the program. The Director also informed the Commission that he had been providing information relative to the assessment formula to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board who had been approached by Senator Joyce’s office for this information. The next budgetary item the Commission considered was a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the employees. On a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, the Commission unanimously agreed to table this review until the next meeting. Finally under the Budgetary Control Report the Director informed the Commission that he and the Assistant Director have submitted a schedule for their planned furloughs as required by the memo issued by the DAR Commissioner. The Director noted that he is required to take five (5) unpaid days and the Assistant Director is required to take three (3) unpaid days before the end of the fiscal year. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

Next the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report which included a review by the Assistant Director of the aerial larvicide application conducted in mid-April. The Director noted that pre and post larval counts showed very good results and that a report would be placed on the website as soon as possible. The Commission then debated the ramifications of the Clean Water Act relative to the Sixth District Court action. Commissioner Pollack presented to the Commission a resolution he had prepared. Following a lengthy debate the Commission unanimously agreed to adopt the resolution, as presented, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea. The Commission further agreed unanimously, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern to have Commissioner Pollack send the resolution on behalf of the Commission to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Commission instructed the Director to forward this resolution to all the Massachusetts Mosquito Control Districts for their review. After a review of the fieldwork accomplished year to date, the report was unanimously accepted, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission agreed to hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:16 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting April 13, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the April 19, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director reviewed with the Commission the cost of the upcoming aerial application as well as expected insecticide purchases to replace depleted Bti stocks in advance of any potential summer applications. The Director indicated that he would be conducting a budget review post aerial application for the purpose of determining the level of funding which would be remaining for rollover (if any) at the end of the current fiscal year. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director briefed the Commission on pending options relative to court action on the vacating of the EPA’s final rule of the Clean Water Act. The Commission instructed the Director to monitor the EPA website and to email or call Joe Conlon at the American Mosquito Control Association if no action had been taken prior to the aerial application. After a review of the fieldwork accomplished year to date, the report was unanimously accepted, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

At 4:35 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting March 19, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

Richard J. Pollack

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

Caroline Haviland, Water Management Program Coordinator

The minutes of the January 22, 2009 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Commission then considered agenda item #4, a review of the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Commission reviewed with Caroline Haviland her application for FMLA leave. The Commission noted receipt of a letter from Caroline detailing her thoughts relative to the administrations handling of her FMLA paperwork. The Commission determined at this time that Caroline’s FMLA request had been approved by the Department of Agricultural Resources, Human Resources Division and that no further action was needed. The Director noted that he had instructed the Assistant Director to research the required postings for FMLA as well as all other labor law legal postings and to bring the Project into compliance with these posting requirements. The Commission then considered the need for Caroline to participate from time to time in water management activities during her leave. After a lengthy discussion relative to ongoing water management issues, Commissioner Chapell made the following motion:

If, on rare occasions during Caroline’s FMLA leave, issues arise relative to water management the Assistant Director may, at his discretion, request the assistance of the Water Management Program Coordinator. The Assistant Director will be responsible for determining the need for, and duration of, this time which will be reimbursed as “comp time”.

This motion was seconded by Mr. Jacques and agreed to unanimously.

The Commission then went back to agenda item #2, the Budgetary Control Report. The Director informed the Commission that he had received correspondence from the Department of Public Health (DPH) relative to continued funding of the arbovirus surveillance program, specifically the funding of mosquito collections submitted by the mosquito control districts. The Director noted that no formal announcement has been received but that the projects were asked to submit letter of support to DPH. The Director reviewed with the Commission letters which had been sent to DPH from several projects. Commissioner Pollack questioned whether we had been charged for the two pools we submitted over the 400 pool limit during the 2008 season. The Director noted that he did not believe we had been charged but would ask at the next DPH meeting. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director had prepared for the Commission a thorough review of all activities on-going and pertinent to the vacating of the EPA’s final rule relative to the Clean Water Act. The Director noted that the deadline for appeals (rehearing) is April 9^th. The Director indicated to the Commission that if the court refuses to rehear the decision to vacate the rule under appeal that this would interfere with both larval control and adult control operations. The Commission agreed to meet shortly after the deadline to review their options. The Director then briefed the Commission on a meeting recently held with Dr. Sam Telford who has been charged with updating the GEIR/SRP. The Director noted that most of the mosquito control districts, including Norfolk County, had sent the information/data requested by Dr. Telford. After a review of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board meeting, held recently, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

As informational, the Director informed the Commission that the Secretary of EOEEA declared that there would be no “out of state” travel allowed except for emergencies. The Director noted that this would result in no NCMCP representation at the upcoming American Mosquito Control Association meeting. The Commission set the next regular meetings of the Commission for the following days:

Monday, April 13, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

and

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:20 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

There was no February 2009 Commission meeting.

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting January 22, 2009

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

Richard J. Pollack

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the November 20, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission then considered new officers for 2009. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques, the Commission unanimously voted to appoint Linda Shea as the chairman and Maureen MacEachern as vice chairman.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director informed the Commission that all employees of the Project participated in the IPM Webinar presented by the American Mosquito Control Association. The Director noted that this webinar was very informative especially for the field staff and that it reinforced the fact that the Project is following most of the IPM guidelines outlined in the webinar. The Commission agreed that the webinar was an important tool to help Project personnel better assess where the Projects strengths and weaknesses were relative to IPM. The Director also informed the Commission that the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Boards sent out a memo suggesting all mosquito control districts consider level funding their operating budgets for Fiscal Year 2010. The Commission felt, given the economic hardships facing the member communities, that level funding was the prudent thing to do and instructed the Director to modify and resubmit the FY2010 Spending Plan reflecting level funding. Following a request by the Assistant Director to upgrade the GIS mapping software to ArcView 9.0, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director informed the Commission that a panel of three judges within the United State Court of Appeals for the Sixth District threw out the Final Rule of the EPA relative to the Clean Water Act. The Director noted that the EPA’s Final Rule exempted mosquito control programs from filing for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit under the Clean Water Act while conducting pesticide applications near or in wetlands of the United States. The Director went on to note that if mosquito control districts were required to file for a permit, the implementation of the monitoring procedures required to satisfy the conditions historically established within these permits (i.e. California) would result in costs well beyond the budgets of the mosquito control projects in the Commonwealth. As a result, the larval control operations of the Project would need to be discontinued and adult control operations would be severely restricted. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously agreed that a request be made of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board suggesting that the board begin researching the application process for this permit and estimate the associated cost. The Director then briefed the Commission on pending legislation which would change the make up of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. This legislation would change the board to the following:

One employee of the department of environmental protection designated by its commissioner, one employee of the department of food and agriculture designated by its commissioner and one employee of the department of fish and game designated by its commissioner and two employees of the department of public health designated by its commissioner, one of whom represents environmental health shall constitute the state mosquito- borne disease control board

The Commission instructed the Director to keep them informed as this bill advances within the legislative process. The Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission set the next regular meeting of the Commission for Thursday, March 19, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 4:57 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Chapell.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman

There was no December 2008 Commission meeting.

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting November 20, 2008

The Meeting was called to order at 3:30 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the October 23, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission began the review of the Budgetary Control Report by reviewing the recent decision by the Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAF) to restrict the number of NCMCP employees/Commissioners who may attend the Northeastern Mosquito Control Association to be held in Providence, RI. On a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, the Director was instructed to resubmit the original Travel Authorization Form (TAF). The Commission also agreed under this motion to have the chairman draft a letter to the Commissioner of DAF indicating the need for those listed to attend the meeting who were duly authorized to attend by the NCMCP Commission. The Chairman’s letter will ask the Commissioner of DAF to please process the TAF as originally prepared and as resubmitted. This motion carried unanimously. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report as presented, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director, Assistant Director and Commissioner Pollack all briefed the Commission relative to discussions with Coastal Zone Management. The Commission was briefed on the conditions Coastal Zone Management wishes to place on monitoring of future Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM) projects. The Commission was informed that future approval of OMWM permits will be subject to these new monitoring conditions. The Commission also reviewed an excel spreadsheet detailing all fieldwork accomplished for the year to date. Following review of this document the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission set the next regular meetings of the Commission for Thursday, January 22, 2009 and Thursday, March 19, 2009 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M. There will be no regular meetings scheduled for December 2008 or February 2009.

At 4:30 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting October 23, 2008

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the September 18, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission then considered the Budgetary Control Report. The Director began the review by presenting to the Commission graphs depicting spending levels in all major categories for the past five years. These included payroll, payroll related expenses such as group insurance and retirement, space rental, insecticides and aircraft contracting expenses. The Commission discussed these expenses and once again determined that given state wide budget cuts, the budgets presented by the Director for the past five years have in fact, been lean and that their is no place for further cuts without causing major disruptions to current services. As part of this review, the Director also presented to the Commission a graphical review of services rendered to the member communities over the past ten years. Following a review of certain 9C budget cuts proposed by the Governor, the Commission unanimously agreed to accept the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. As noted above, the Commission reviewed graphs depicting services rendered over the past ten years that included water management, larval control, adult control and surveillance activities. The Director noted that the Project had submitted 401 pools of mosquitoes to the State Department of Public Health for virus analysis this season. It was noted that this exceeded the State’s limit by one although this would have been substantially higher if EEE transmission had been more intense this season. The Commission was also briefed on the year-to-date fieldwork accomplished during which the Director noted that all field activities were in the area of water management both by hand and mechanized. Upon completion of the fieldwork briefings and discussion, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Under new/old business, Commissioner Pollack, as chair, asked the Director to brief the Commission relative to the last State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) meeting held on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. The Director informed the Commission that the majority of the meeting dealt with the newest version of the Best Management Practices (BMP) for freshwater water management. This discussion then focused on the current status of the GEIR, which has now been replaced with a Special Review Process (SRP). The SRMCB described on-going discussions with Coastal Zone Management (CZM) relative to changes in the sampling standards for mosquito control as well as for environmental monitoring post alterations to the salt marsh. The Director noted the final discussion of the meeting dealt with the salary moratorium put in place by the SRMCB. Several MCP officers and Commissioners expressed their concerns that certain employees who had been granted promotions and accepted increased responsibilities had not received the promised additional compensation. The SRMCB Chairman refused to place this issue on the next SRMCB meeting nor would he allow for a discussion at the current meeting. Following a lengthy discussion relative to the salary moratorium Commissioner Pollack then presented to the Commission the results of an informal poll he took with those local boards of health representatives he was able to reach by phone. Commissioner Pollack wished the following transcript be included in these minutes which the Commission unanimously agreed to:

On October 23, 2008, Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project (NCMCP) Commission chair Pollack contacted by telephone officials and representatives of the communities serviced by the NCMCP. The goals of the calls were to:

1) ascertain the level of satisfaction of each community (as concluded by the BOH/DOH contact) with the NCMCP, and to invite town representatives to offer any questions and comments pertinent to the NCMCP;

2) obtain insight regarding municipal employee compensation issues in light of recent fiscal constraints;

3) Gather opinion regarding whether NCMCP personnel and operation issues should be decided regionally or by the state.

For each call, the highest-ranking official available was asked to offer comment. These included: Needham - Janice Berns, BOH Director; Quincy - Cindy DeCristofaro, Chief Sanitarian; Bellingham - Mike Graf, Health Agent; Norfolk - Betsy Fijol, Board of Health Administrative Assistant; Sharon - Linda Rosen, Board of Health Administrator; Randolph - John McVeigh, Director Board of Health; Canton - John Ciccotelli, Board of Health Director; Milton - Michael Blanchard, Health Director; Braintree - Mary Beth McGrath, Executive Health Officer; Dedham - Catherine Cardinale, Health Director; Franklin - Ginny McNeil, Administrative Assistant, Board of Health. Comments were also received at the October NCMCP Commission meeting from Commissioner Shea; Health Director Westwood and Commissioner Chapell; Health Director - Walpole. Commissioner Pollack concluded that this informal sampling was sufficient to assess the views of the serviced communities. Each respondent invited to have any other BOH/DOH officials contact him or other commissioners at any time to express questions, concerns or praise, as appropriate.

In response to questions regarding satisfaction with the project, the respondents reported, without exception, exceptionally positive experiences. Respondents reported that: they were ‘very happy’, ‘very pleased’, and ‘satisfied’ with the project and project activities; project director Smith, assistant director Lawson, and other project personnel were ‘very responsive’, ‘accommodating’, ‘most helpful, informed and polite’ and did a ‘phenomenal job’; and the NCMCP website was ‘great’. When pressed for complaints or concerns, none of the respondents could think of a problem. Commissioner Pollack concluded that BOH/DOH officials in member communities universally had the highest regard for the NCMCP, officers and personnel.

Regarding financial issues, respondents in Needham, Bellingham, Norfolk, Sharon, Randolph, Canton, Milton, and Braintree reported COLA increases were awarded to municipal employees during the past or current fiscal year. These increases ranged from 1 – 3%. In several municipalities, unionized employees received a negotiated increase; in others, negotiations are still underway. Merit or step increases were said to continue in Norfolk, Sharon, Canton, Milton, Braintree, and Dedham, but union-negotiated increases were in effect or under negotiations in other municipalities. Franklin apparently is not issuing raises. Hiring has continued in Norfolk and Dedham, is reviewed on a case-by-case basis in Milton, and appears unofficially frozen in Sharon and Canton. Because many towns serviced by NCMCP continue to offer COLA and merit/step increases to their own employees, such benefits to NCMCP employees would not seem inconsistent with local practices.

Finally, every respondent advocated that the NCMCP Commission should render decisions pertaining to the finances and operation of the NCMCP. Without exception, each suggested that s/he believed the Commission was, and would continue to be, more likely aware and more responsive to the needs and desires of the communities and their residents.

Commissioner Pollack made the following motion:

That he had made contact with representatives of many of the member towns and without exception they were in agreement that the Commission be responsible for personnel decisions including, but not limited to the hiring and firing of personnel; the establishment of rates of compensation for personnel representative of the regional economy; and the hiring of appropriate outside professionals pursuant to Outside Section 73, of the 2009 State Budget; that it was clear to this Commission that we have authority to make decisions given to us under Outside Section 73, and that as duly appointed Commissioners, we expect the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to abide by our decisions and process them as they occur.

This motion was seconded by Mrs. Chapell and agreed to unanimously.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Thursday, November 20, 2008 in the office of the Project at 3:30 P.M.

At 5:30 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

There was no September 2008 Commission meeting.

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting August 21, 2008

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the July 17, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Commission discussed the memo they had received from the Chairman of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) relative to the new salary legislation just passed by the state legislators. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques, the Commission agreed unanimously to have the Chairman draft a letter to the Chairman of SRMCB asking for clarification as to if the SRMCB has requested an assessment from the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) relative to the override of outside section 73. The letter would also request a time table as to when a response would be forthcoming and request a copy of DAR counsel’s written response once available. The Commission also discussed the interruption of internet email due to a late payment to Verizon. The Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, to have the Chairman send a letter to the SRMCB requesting that they revisit the possibility of providing both email accounts and website space to each district so as to avoid future disruptions of this kind. Upon completion of a review of the ongoing transition between Fiscal Year 2008 and Fiscal Year 2009, the Commission unanimously agreed to accept the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director reviewed the current status of the surveillance program with the Commission including details as to EEE and WNv isolations. Once the Director finished his review of all fieldwork conducted since the last Commission meeting, the Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Thursday, September 18, 2008 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 4:55 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting July 17, 2008

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the May 29, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Commission further discussed the ramifications of a budget increase for FY 2009 held to a cap of 2.5%. On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission agreed unanimously to place in the minutes a request urging the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to convene meetings as soon as the season ends to address the issue of whether the districts are in fact subject to this 2.5% levy cap and if so how the mosquito control districts can operating under this condition without a clearly defined override mechanism. Following a lengthy discussion relative to effects this cap will have on the FY 2009 operations, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director reviewed with the Commission the current status of the surveillance program relative to virus isolations. The Director noted that the surveillance program was fully operational and as of the date of the meeting no WNv or EEE had been identified in mosquito collections. The Director noted as part of the Fieldwork Accomplished report that the field staff was making good progress toward treating rain basins in higher urban areas of the county in an effort to reduce larval production of Culex in these structures. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then considered new/old business at which time the Commission entered into a discussion relative to public relations. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously agreed to place in the minutes a request that the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board put on their agenda in the near future consideration of coordinating efforts relative to public relations. The Commission feels it would be much more effective to have the board conduct a coordinated effort rather than each district speaking with separate voices.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Thursday, August 21, 2008 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 4:50 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

There was no June 2008 Commission meeting.

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting May 29, 2008

The Meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Norman P. Jacques

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the April 30, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea. Mr. Jacques abstained from this vote.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Commission considered a request from the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) to reduce the FY 2009 Budget Request to 2.5%. After a lengthy debate the Commission agreed to reduce the request to 2.5% on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Shea. The Commission wished it to appear in the minutes that reducing the budget to this level could impact “core” services and that this budget would be extremely lean. Commissioner Chapell noted concern that if the summer is warm and wet then the Project could be faced with an inability to appropriately respond to a public health threat if present. The Commission instructed the Director to monitor this budget carefully for any impacts to services which might affect the Projects response to any mosquito transmitted virus threat. The Commission also expressed their concern relative to the application of Prop. 2.5 to the Projects budget since Prop. 2.5 is a cap on property levies. The Commission noted that Prop 2.5 has an override mechanism for towns but that a similar mechanism for mosquito control districts would be virtually impossible to operate under. The Commission questioned how an override would function if scenarios such as receiving override approval from certain towns governing bodies and not others were realized. The Commission felt that there needs to be much more discussion relative to this 2.5% cap and how this will function under a cherry sheet system of assessment.

The Commission then considered a cost of living increase for the employees. On a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, the Commission unanimously agreed to grant all employees a 3% COLA effective July 1, 2008. The Commission noted that a lack of a step increases under the SRMCB imposed salary moratorium could result in a real hardship to the Project employees.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Assistant Director reviewed with the Commission a new fieldwork accomplished category called “Intensive Hand Cleaning”. As the Assistant Director noted this new category better describes work done by employees that is more intensive than ordinary ditch cleaning. This work requires more preliminary investigation and preparation by the Water Management Project Coordinator and is much more labor intensive for the field employees. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

Next the Commission entered into a discussion relative to Commission Protocol specifically as it relates to communication with the public and other boards. Following a lengthy review of when Commissioners may act on behalf of the Commission or as individuals, the Commission agreed to work on a written protocol for future reference.

The Commission then considered new/old business. The Director entered into a discussion with the Commission relative to an Atlantic White Cedar restoration project which has been proposed in the Town of Sharon. The Commission instructed the Director to go to the scheduled meeting for the purpose of gathering information and to inform those present of the possible negative public health effect such a proposal might have on Sharon residents. The Director was instructed to report back to the Commission.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Thursday, July 17, 2008 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:20 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting April 30, 2008

The Meeting was called to order at 4:30 P.M. in the office of the Project.

Those present were: Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Linda R. Shea

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell