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

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the March 19, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Director then reviewed with the Commission the Budgetary Control Report. The Commission reviewed the budget request for FY 2009 as requested by the State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB). Following an extensive review of all estimated expenses the Commission concluded that the Fiscal Year 2009 budget request was incredibly lean and that any cuts would sacrifice basic services. The Commission agreed to, when appropriate, send a memo to the SRMCB detailing their conclusion relative to the FY 2009 budget request. The Commission then considered the current holiday schedule and unanimously agreed, as an effort to bring the projects policy in line with the state policy, to replace the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Projects personnel policy holiday schedule with the state personnel policy holiday schedule as detailed in the “New Employee Orientation Guide – Commonwealth of Massachusetts”. This vote was following a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea. The new holiday schedule would become effective immediately. As a final budgetary issue the Commission discussed the current salary structure and concluded that all aspects of the current employee compensation package should continue as is.

On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report including the above mentioned items.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The issue of the best time to conduct ULV applications was discussed. The Commission discussed possible alternatives to early morning applications. Following a lengthy discussion the Commission agreed to have staff monitor species activity patterns this season so that data will be available specific to Norfolk County and to collect this data so that the Commission may make a more informed decision relative to the most effective time to conduct ULV applications. The Director also reviewed with the Commission the on-going monitoring of the aerial larvicide trials using VectoMax CG. The Director noted that senior staff were still in the process of collecting post treatment data and would report the results back to the Commission when completed. As a final fieldwork note the Director reviewed with the Commission the new DPH mosquito submission policy. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then considered new/old business. The Director presented to the Commission a copy of legislation proposed by the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project and filed by Senator O’Leary relative to Mosquito Control Project Commission authority. The Commission took no action relative to this legislation but instructed the Director to attend a meeting of the Superintendents/Directors to review this legislation.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Thursday, May 29, 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. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting March 19, 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

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the February 13, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The minutes of the February 19, 2008 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then considered the Budgetary Control Report. The Director reviewed with the Commission the following budgetary items:

· The purchase of a small truck ($12,500), a laptop computer (@$2,000) and a microscope (@$300) for use by the new entomologist.

· The new charges from the Department of Public Health relative to mosquito pool submissions after the first 400 submissions – charge of $25 per pool (estimates cost to the Project @$10,000).

· The Commission discussed the continuing salary moratorium put in place by the SRMCB.

On a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report including the above mentioned purchases.

Next the Commission considered the Fieldwork Accomplished Report which included a year-to-date review of all fieldwork completed. The Director informed the Commission that he had been approached by Valent Biosciences for the purpose of conducting field trials of a new product called VectoMax CG which is a granular formulation of Bti and Bs. The Director noted that certain select wetlands will be monitored and used during the spring aerial larvicide program to evaluate this product. As a separate issue the Director informed the Commission that we had received the endangered species overlays for areas where select pesticide applications would be restricted. The Director noted that with the exception of certain areas where Altosid would be restricted, these new maps would not significantly restrict Project application activities. There could be certain restrictions which would affect water management activities. Following completion of Commission review of fieldwork accomplished the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then considered new/old business at which time Commissioner Chapell reviewed with the Commission a CDC “Fight the Bite” contest. The Commission instructed the Director to forward the link relative to this contest to all the Boards of Health in the Projects service area. Commissioner Pollack also suggested that the Director notify the Commission in January when the contest renews. The Director also notified the Commission that Commissioner Jacques has been reappointed for another five year term by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board at their most recent meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 in the office of the Project at 4:00 P.M.

At 5:40 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 February 19, 2008

The Meeting was called to order at 9:30 A.M. in the office of the Project.

The meeting was delayed one hour due to the cancellation of the interview with candidate 2. Candidate 2 withdrew her application.

Those present were: Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The Commission conducted interviews with the last candidate who applied for the second posting of the entomologist position. This candidate was screened and selected for an interview using the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Model Hiring Plan for guidance. The Director asked each candidate a previously agreed to set of questions approved by the Commission.

At the completion of the interview the Commission discussed the qualifications of both candidates. Following a lengthy review the Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack, to offer Candidate 3 a “grade 5” entomologist position. The Commission also unanimously agreed that if Candidate 3 declined the offer the Director would offer candidate 1 a “grade 3” entomologist position. Candidate 3 was given a deadline of March 1, 2008 to make a decision relative to the offer.

At 11:04 A.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard J. Pollack, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting February 13, 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

John J. Smith, Director

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

The Commission then conducted the first of three interviews of candidates who applied for the second posting of the entomologist position. This candidate was screened and selected for an interview using the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Model Hiring Plan for guidance. The Director & Commissioners asked the candidate a previously agreed to set of questions approved by the Commission. At the completion of the interview the Commission informed the candidate that they had several more candidates to interview but would inform all candidates of their decision as soon as possible once the interviews were completed.

Next the Commission considered the Budgetary Control Report. The Director informed the Commission that he would be placing an order for Bti granular and Altosid 150 day briquettes to be used in the larval control program. The Director also informed the Commission that the funds being made available from the state may be released shortly and that these funds would be used for the purchase of two GPS Tracking ULV Units as well as a low temperature freezer as agreed to by the Commission. On a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report.

The Commission then reviewed the Year-to Date Fieldwork Accomplished Report. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, the Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted.

Under new/old business Commissioner Pollack briefed the Commission on the recent meeting with the Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources. Commissioner Pollack expressed his disappointment that the Commissioner was not able to attend but that the Assistant Commissioner was able to sit in. Commissioner Pollack thanked the staff of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project as well as the other Projects for their presentations during this meeting.

The Commission agreed to hold a Special Commission meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2008 in the office of the Project at 8:30 A.M. This meeting will be for the purpose of interviewing the remaining two candidates for the entomologist position.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:55 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 January 23, 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

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the December 19, 2007 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern

The Commission then elected new officers for 2008. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, the Commission unanimously elected Richard J. Pollack as Chairman and Linda R Shea as Vice Chairman.

The Commission then considered the Budgetary Control Report. As part of this report the Director briefed the Commission on a proposal/quote he had received from True North Mapping, Inc. entitled “Contract for Professional Services - Service Request Application Development”. The Director noted the cost associated with this proposal to design for NCMCP a more user friendly complaint call logging database system would be $9,500 but not to exceed $10,000. On a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report which included unanimous agreement to purchase the services of True North Mapping, Inc as described in the proposal. The Commission also discussed, as part of this report, a recent request from the Department of Revenue for additional justification for the Projects 8.7 percent budget increase requested for Fiscal Year 2009. The Director noted that he had sent the additional information as requested.

Next the Commission reviewed the Year-to Date Fieldwork Accomplished Report as prepared by the Assistant Director. The Director briefed the Commission on recent inclement weather conditions which had impeded outdoor fieldwork activities normally scheduled for this time of year. The Director informed the Commission that field personnel had been reassigned to shop/equipment maintenance tasks which need to be accomplished each year. The Commission also made inquires as to the posting of the entomologist position and as to whether additional candidate applications had been received. The Director informed the Commission that he had received several applications from the state and that the posting would continue until February 11, 2008 at which time interviews would be scheduled for the next regular Commission meeting. On a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, the Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted.

Under new/old business the Commission discussed several items:

1) The upcoming meeting with the Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner.

2) The recent State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board meeting.

3) Attendance of the upcoming American Mosquito Control Association meeting.

On a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, the Commission unanimously agreed, in an effort to be fiscally sensitive, to send only the Director and Assistant Director to the upcoming AMCA meeting and that no Commissioner would be asked to attend this year.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 6:03 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 December 19, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the November 14, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then conducted interviews with three candidates who applied for the posted entomologist position. These candidates were screened and selected for interviews using the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Model Hiring Plan for guidance. The Director asked each candidate a previously agreed to set of questions approved by the Commission. At the completion of the three interviews the Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea to offer Candidate 3 a “grade 5” entomologist position. The Commission also unanimously agreed that if Candidate 3 declined the offer the Director would offer candidate 2 a “grade 2” entomologist position. Candidate 3 was given a deadline of January 3, 2008 to make a decision relative to the offer.

Under new/old business the Commission discussed the procedure by which employees/commissioners might be selected to attend future American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) annual meetings. The Commission reviewed the Projects travel policy and unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea, to the following procedure:

At the discretion of the Director up to four senior staff employees of the Project may be selected to attend the annual American Mosquito Control Association meeting. If less than four senior staff employees agree to attend then the Commission may select a representative of the Commission to attend. The Commission also acknowledged that the number attending would be subject to approval of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board.

As a final agenda item under new/old business Commissioner Pollack presented to the Commissioners a letter he drafted on behalf of the Mosquito Advisory Group and the Commissioners of the nine regional mosquito control projects in which he requests a meeting between certain select mosquito control commissioners and the new Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, Douglas W. Petersen. The Commission unanimously agreed on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, that they approved of the letter and agreed Commissioner Pollack would represent the Project relative to this matter.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 11:50 A.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting November 14, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Norman P. Jacques

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the October 18, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

As part of the Budgetary Control Report the Director reviewed with the Commission discussions which took place at the most recent meeting of the State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) which was held on October 31, 2007. The Director noted that the meeting mainly dealt with finalizing the Best Management Practices document (BMP) for inland water management. The Director went on to note that Caroline Haviland, the Water Management Program Coordinator for our Project, represented the interest of the Project in a most expedient manner. The Commission wished it to appear in the minutes that they appreciate the extra effort Caroline made on behalf of the Project during these sometimes difficult negotiations. The Director indicated to the Commission that the BMP will now be opened to public comment. Also as part of the Budgetary Control Report the Commission considered the purchase of a small tracked dump truck. The Director noted that it has become apparent that future water management projects, especially those considered within the “Individual Permit” issued by the Corp of Engineers, can only be accomplished if a maximum effort is made to remove excavated spoil from the wetland habitat and that the use of this dump tractor would facilitate this effort. The Commission reviewed documents which detailed the capacity of this equipment and a price range. The Commission agreed that the Director should pursue the possibility of purchasing a used dump tractor. As a final item under the Budgetary Control Report, the Commission deliberated the posting of the entomologist position and reviewed the procedure they will use to screen and interview candidates. The Commission agreed to post the position for a five week period ending on December 6, 2007 and to hold interviews at their next regular meeting. On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, the Budgetary Control Report was accepted unanimously.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. As part of this review the Commission discussed possible ways of expanding the current level of arbovirus testing which included the possibility of purchasing additional capacity from the Department of Public Health. Commissioner Pollack reviewed with the Commission on-going discussions relative to blood meal analysis and genotyping of virus collected from Cs. melanura this season. Commissioner Pollack went on to detail on-going negotiations between the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health relative to the release of these mosquitoes which were collected by three of the Massachusetts mosquito control districts. Commissioner Pollack also briefed the Commission on other possible research efforts. Following a review of a spreadsheet detailing the year-to-date fieldwork accomplished the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Under new/old business Commissioner Jacques wished to discuss the procedure by which Commissioners might be selected to attend the next AMCA annual meeting to be held in Sparks, Nevada this March. The Commission reviewed the Projects travel policy and agreed to discuss the issue further at the next regular meeting of the Commission. Although no action was taken the Commission instructed the Director to forward to the Commission with the next meeting agenda a copy of the Projects travel policy.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 in the office of the Project.

At 5:24 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting October 18, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Norman P. Jacques

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the September 20, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Director then briefed the Commission on the Budgetary Control Report. First the Director reviewed with the Commission the results of his conversation with Mark Buffone, Chairman of the State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) relative to the Commissions invitation for Mark to meet with the Commission. The Director noted that Chairman Buffone had declined the Commissions invitation for several reasons. The Chairman mentioned the lack of a state issued vehicle for his use, his concern as to whether he would be representing the entire board as well as concerns relative to participating in an open meeting without proper prior notification as was recently brought to the Boards attention relative to the open meeting law. The Director went on to note that the Chairman had indicated that the Board may convene “regional meetings” where the Board would invite “select” Commissions to address issues of concerns within their districts. The Commission wished it to appear in the minutes that they welcome the presence of the SRMCB Chair (formally or informally) as well as any other member of the Board, at any and all of their future meetings. The Commission wished it to appear in the minutes that they need additional input, and guidance, from the Chairman on such items as salary structures, ways the Commission can work together with the Board to meet future goals, efforts to review current fieldwork operations, public relations efforts and the future roll of the Commission. The Commission hopes these “regional meetings” will be scheduled by the SRMCB sooner rather than later so these issues may be addressed in a timely manner.

The Director, as part of the Budgetary Control Report, discussed with the Commission the posting of the Entomologist position. The Director indicated that he needed guidance from the Commission on several issues relative to posting this position. Following a lengthy discussion the Commission instructed the Director to do the following:

1) Use the salary range established by the Commission

2) When posting the position, post for a five week period commencing with the first week of November 2007.

3) The Director & Assistant Director will conduct the first phase of interviews and the Commission will participate in the final phase of the interviews.

4) The position will be filled on or after January 2, 2008.

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

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director presented the Commission with a spreadsheet analysis of fieldwork accomplished year-to-date which the Director noted concentrated on water management activities typically conducted this time of year. The Director also noted that the Water Management Program Coordinator has been working with the SRMCB, other mosquito control districts, DEP as well as other interested parties on a best management practices guidance document for “inland” water management activities. The Director noted that the Water Management Program Coordinator has been working extra hard on this effort and deserves congratulations for her hard work. The Commission asked, when convenient, to have the Water Management Program Coordinator appear before the Commission to brief the Commission relative to the BMP document and so the Commission may show their appreciation to the Coordinator for her extra efforts.

The Commission then discussed with the Director an interest expressed by one of the other mosquito control districts relative to approaching DPH and SRMCB on the use of RAMP (Rapid Analyte Measurement Platform) which is used for field identification of West Nile virus in mosquito collections. Commissioner Pollack made several suggestions relative to the use of RAMP, specifically questions such as why would this be necessary, will this be cost effective (will cost be worth the benefits), what has improved since the last time this type of testing was considered, how will this improve the current system of virus surveillance. Commissioner Pollack also thought it would be worth while considering other options such as asking DPH to expand current PCR testing beyond the 60 pool limit per week or sending samples out of state to Connecticut for example. Commissioner Pollack also warned that the mosquito control districts would have to consider the hazardous waste issue if pools were identified as positive for WNv. The Commission took no action on the use of RAMP and instead instructed the Director to keep them informed on this issue.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission had already agreed (see previous minutes) that the next Commission Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 in the office of the Project.

At 5:42 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting September 20, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Norman P. Jacques

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the August 22, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Next the Commission received a briefing from the Director of the Budgetary Control Report. As part of this report the Director reviewed with the Commission a meeting of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) held on September 17, 2007. As the Director noted the main reason given for the Chairman to call this meeting was to consider further the temporary moratorium on salary increases and cost of living adjustments. The Director informed the Commission that the SRMCB reaffirmed the temporary moratorium without considering a date certain for ending the moratorium. The Director went on to note that the SRMCB also considered other items such as employee evaluations and standard salary structures. Also as part of this report the Commission considered posting the full time entomologist position. The Director indicated that he planned to advertise this position in the next addition of the NMCA newsletter but was not sure as to whether the ad should include a salary range given the recent action on the part of the Board. The Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Shea. The Commission also decided as part of this motion to invite the Chairman of the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to the next regular meeting of the Commission to discuss items such as:

1) Standardized salary structures.

2) Ways the Commission can work together with the Board to meet future goals.

3) Review current fieldwork operations.

4) Public relations efforts.

5) To better understand the future roll of the Commission.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then presented to the Commission by the Director. The Director reviewed the results of on-going EEE and WNv mosquito trapping. The Commission continued their discussion relative to the pros and cons of switching to evening ULV applications and hoped this could be further discussed with the Chairman of the SRMCB at their next regular meeting. The Director noted that all ULV activities had been suspended as of September 7, 2007 due to lower temperatures and low collections of “human biting” mosquitoes in light traps. The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2007, in the office of the Project at a time convenient for the Chairman of the SRMCB. The time would revert to 4:30 P.M. if the Chairman was unable to attend. The Commission also agreed to hold the following meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 4:30 P.M. in the office of the Project.

At 5:32 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting August 22, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Norman P. Jacques

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the July 26, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director reviewed with the Commission the F/Y 08 Spending Plan which includes a “maintenance” budget estimate for F/Y09. Following a lengthy review of estimated expenses including capital expenses, the addition of a full time entomologist to staff and various continuing cost such as retirement and Group Insurance, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. Shea, Seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then considered by the Commission. The Director briefed with the Commission relative to the results of on-going EEE and WNv mosquito trapping and subsequent responsive control operations in areas of virus activity. The Commission continued their discussion relative to the pros and cons of switching to evening ULV applications. The Commission reached no conclusion and feel that further discussions including input from local communities is in order before any decision can be made. The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Under new/old business the Commission reviewed a letter from the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project Commission to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board relative to the temporary moratorium on salaries and COLA adjustments.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission Meeting will be on Thursday, September 20, 2007, in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:29 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mr. Jacques.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting July 26, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the June 28, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission entered into a discussion relative to budgetary items. The Director noted that the FY07 budget was in the “accounts payable” period. The Director estimated that the rollover amount from FY07 to FY08 would be approximately $60,000 which represented about 5% of the FY07 budget. The Director briefed the Commission relative to a meeting held in the office with the Corp. of Engineers, DEP, F&W and the EPA concerning water management project under the “individual permit” issued by the Corp. The Director noted that it became apparent during these discussions that the purchase and use of a low ground pressure, tracked dump truck would facilitate these projects due to the fact that this equipment would allow for the relocation of spoil off the wetland site. The Director discussed with the Commission possible ways to purchase and/or finance this equipment starting with the FY08 budget. The Commission agreed unanimously, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack, to accept the Budgetary Control Report as prepared by the Director. As part of this motion the Commission agreed to adopt the vacation accrual rates for new hires based on the state employment policy guidelines “the Red Book”.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director reviewed with the Commission current fieldwork activities and the results of mosquito trapping for the season. The Director noted that there had been no EEE or WNv identified in NCMCP collections submitted to the DPH Arbovirus Laboratory. The Commission once again entered into a discussion relative to early morning ULV treatments versus evening applications. Following a lengthy discussion as to how to approach any change in service of this magnitude the Commission agreed that Commissioners Shea and Chapell would conduct an informal review with some of their colleagues at other local boards of health. As a final note the Commission reviewed a letter from the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, to the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project relative to an “activities must cease immediately” order for water management work in progress at “the Glades” of Scituate, Massachusetts. The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

Under new and old business, the Commission considered the “temporary moratorium” placed on salary reviews by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Commission also reviewed recent emails from SRMCB relative to meetings with legislators on various mosquito (vector) control issues. The Commission expressed their concern that there apparently was no opportunity for Commission to provide input prior to these SRMCB legislative meetings/policy decisions. The Commission felt that their participation in these meetings and/or their input before these decisions are made would be useful so that the SRMCB would have the benefit the opinions of the Commission, the members of which were appointed by the SRMCB to represent the interests of the member communities.

The Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques, to draft a letter to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board expressing to the Board their request that when there are issues affecting mosquito control that the Commission should be involved in preliminary discussions with the Board since these issues may affect local communities represented by the Commission. To be included in this letter, the Commission wished to express a general concern over the “temporary moratorium” on salary reviews since an established pay scale, subject to annual review by the Commission, has been in place at NCMCP for many years.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:57 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting June 28, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the May 31, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report. The Director noted that the Project was about to enter into the “accounts payable” portion of the Fiscal Year 2007 budget and once all activity had ended he would prepare a complete review of expense for the fiscal year. The Director also noted that he estimated that the Project would rollover @ 5% (+/- $60,000) into F/Y08. Following a brief discussion relative to the next fiscal budget and resulting staffing levels, the Commission agreed unanimously, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, to accept the Budgetary Control Report as prepared by the Director.

The Commission then reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. After a brief review of work accomplished most of which concentrated on early morning ULV activities and rain basin treatments, the Commission considered the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was recently agreed to by the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) relative to the potential non-target impacts of pesticides to state listed species under Massachusetts Endangered Species Act found at G.L. c. 131A.. Commissioner Pollack reviewed with the Commission the hearing held by the State Pesticide Board on June 6^th at which Commissioner Pollack provided testimony on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner Pollack indicated that following all testimony the Board adopted the MOU “as is”. The Commission wished it to appear in the minutes that they were disappointed that this MOU was drafted without impute from the MCD Commissions and without serious consideration of this Commissions concerns. The Commission wished it to be known that this MOU in no way solves the problem relative to control efforts in these protected habitats when conducted in response to public health threats. These statements were unanimously agreed upon by the Commission on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

Under new and old business Commissioner Pollack brought up the issue that the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board wants to put pressure on the MCDs to switch to evening (after sunset) ULV adulticide applications. The Director noted that this would cause chaos in the communities we service since none of the communities in the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project service area has ever been exposed to evening applications in the 27 years the Project has employed this adulticide technique. The Chairman agreed that this would be “political suicide” to switch to evening treatments without full community involvement in this decision. The Director noted that IF we were conducting these applications in “empty woods or fields” where there were no people that this would be an easy transition but since this county has ¾ of a million residents, the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board MUST take into account the “political consequences” of such a change. The Director went on to note that there would be many areas in the county where evening applications would be impossible due to heavy human/vehicle activity during these hours and that efficacy would, in fact, be compromised as a result of the ULV equipment being constantly turned off due to this activity.

The Commission then unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea to include the following statement in these minutes:

The NCMCP Commission technically agrees that it makes more sense to conduct ULV applications several hours after sunset based on mosquito activity peaks but the Commission is reluctant to proceed due to the predicted (and potentially extreme) political fall out which could result as a consequence of this transition to evening applications. The Commission feels that the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board should conduct advanced public relations and community education prior to any consideration of this transition to evening treatments.

As a final note the Commission wished to note that they appreciated the Directors weekly activity report and suggested that the Director place these reports on the Projects website for public access.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission Meeting will be on Thursday, July 26, 2007, in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:26 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting May 31, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the April 25, 2007, Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission continued their deliberations relative to a public relations firm. The Commission discussed media days, public services announcements (PSA) and setting up a media spokes person. Commissioner Shea detailed the cost of hiring a PR firm and the various strategies for informing the public. Commissioner Chapell requested that this item remain on the agenda for future deliberation.

As part of the budgetary review the Commission considered the hourly employee pay scale. The Director noted that he and the Assistant Director had recently completed employee performance evaluations using the Employee Performance Review System for Supervisors (EPRS) evaluation form modified for use by the Project. The Director went on to note that all hourly employees had received satisfactory reviews. Based on the Directors recommendation, the Commission unanimously granted all hourly employees a 3% step increase within their classification, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern. The Commission then considered the performance of the Director and Assistant Director. The Director noted that he had conducted an

evaluation of the Assistant Director using the EPRS evaluation form for which Mr. Lawson received an “exceeds expectation” rating. Following a lengthy deliberation the Commission agreed unanimously, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, to grant the Director and Assistant Director a 3% salary increase based on their evaluations.

The Commission then entered into a discussion relative to the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Director and Assistant Director reviewed with the Commission the outcome of the recent aerial larval control operation completed the last week of April. The Director noted the high degree of control observed in areas where Bti granular had been identified and that the only “weak link” in the operations was uneven coverage by one of the three helicopter. The Commission also discussed with the Director the status of job postings for the entomologist and the recently vacated Field Technician position. The Director noted that the filling of the two seasonal positions was on-going. As part of the fieldwork review the Commission deliberated the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was being considered between the Department of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife relative to mosquito control applications in endangered species habitat. The Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques, to have Commissioner Pollack draft testimony expressing their concerns with potential restrictions which may be placed upon our operations by this MOU. The Commission also agreed under this motion that Commissioner Pollack would represent the Commission at the Pesticide Board hearing to be held on June 6^th when this MOU will be considered.

The Commission agreed that the next Commission Meeting will be on Thursday, June 28, 2007, in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:52 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting April 25, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the March 21, 2007, Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then entered into a discussion on budgetary control. The Commission continued their deliberations relative to a public relations firm. Commissioner Shea agreed to interview a family member who works for a PR firm for the purpose of investigation possible strategies and their associated cost. Next the Commission reviewed a policy statement on budgetary items. The Commission agreed to table this issue until there is full commission participation. As part of the budgetary review the Commission considered a cost of living (COLA) adjustment for all salaried/hourly employees. Following a review of the social security and related retirement COLA indices the Commission unanimously agreed to grant a 3.3% COLA to all salaried/hourly employees effective the first payroll in FY08, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was reviewed by the Commission. The Director reviewed with the Commission the on-going aerial larval control operations. The Director noted that due to recent flooding following heavy rain the targeted wetland acreage had been expanded to include selected areas of flood plain habitat. The Director indicated that this would increase the targeted acreage to approximately 14,000 acres. The Commission then, on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea, unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report.

Under new/old business the Commission reviewed letters of support for H742, H743 and opposition to H2116, H829, S495 drafted by Commissioner Pollack relative to pending Senate/House of Representative legislation. The Commission unanimously agreed on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea, to have the Chairman sign these letters of support for H742, H743 and opposition to H2116, H829, and S495 for the purpose of forwarding to the appropriate legislators and legislative committees.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Thursday, May 31, 2007, in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:58 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting March 21, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Richard J. Pollack

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the February 28, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Commission then reviewed the travel policy for the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project. The Commission made minor changes to the draft policy. On a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission accepted the draft and then instructed the Director to forward to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Commission also reviewed a draft Policy on Budgetary Items. Following a lengthy review the Commission decided to create another new draft incorporating the items discussed. Commissioner Shea agreed to redraft for the next meeting.

Next the Commission discussed the possibility of contracting with a public relations firm. Commissioner Chapell proposed that each mosquito control district voluntarily contribute $2,000 to $3,000 for this purpose with the balance raining at the end of the fiscal year going back to the contributing districts. The Director noted that there was a contract established by the Operations Services Division for public relations. Commissioner Pollack noted that he would check with other mosquito control districts, most notably in California, for the purpose of reviewing their use of PR firms.

The Commission then received Kimberly King a resident of Hanson (formerly Halifax). Ms. King discussed various topics relative to research and control efforts for combating Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Ms. King noted that she is in the process of establishing a non-profit corporation to be used to educate the public on EEE and the methods used to control mosquitoes. The Commission reviewed with Ms. King current trends in EEE research and limitations of the local programs. The Commission thanked Ms. King for her ongoing efforts and offered their support where ever appropriate. As a final gesture, Ms. King presented the Commission with a plague of appreciation. As part of this discussion Commissioner Pollack reviewed five different legislative bills which have been filed and deal with mosquito control. Commissioner Pollack noted that there had been four house bills and one senate bill filed. The Commission agreed to continue to track the progress of these bills and communicate with legislators when appropriate.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was reviewed by the Commission. The Director noted that the main activities of the field employees involved water management projects done by hand and using mechanized equipment. The Commission, on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea, unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 in the office of the Project at

4:30 P.M.

At 6:05 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting February 28, 2007

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

Those present were: Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Richard J. Pollack

Maureen P. MacEachern

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the January 25, 2007 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern. Commissioner Shea abstained from this vote

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report which included a spreadsheet reviewing all expenditures to date for F/Y 2007. The Director noted that a large insecticide order would be placed shortly to replenish stocks but that this order would only replenish stocks until mid August. The Director advised the Commission that an additional order will be needed to complete the summer. The Commission then considered the memo from Michael Rock, Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Agricultural Resources, relative to restrictions on travel to the American Mosquito Control Association meeting to be held in Orlando. Following a lengthy review of the current policy for travel, the Commission unanimously agreed on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern to send two representatives to the upcoming meeting in Orlando. The two representatives will be Commissioner Linda Shea and Director John J. Smith. Next the Commission entered into a discussion on drafting a travel policy for the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project. The Commission instructed the Director to prepare a draft travel policy based on the Commissions discussion and send to the Commissioners via email for their review. The Commission then voted to unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Pollack seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Fieldwork Accomplished (year-to-date) Report was reviewed by the Commission. The Commission welcomed Caroline Haviland, the Water Management Program Coordinator who then reviewed with the Commission the Corp. of Engineers NCMCP Individual Permit. Ms. Haviland reviewed all aspect of this permit including what type of work fell under both this new permit as well as under the general permit. Following a lengthy discussion including Commissioner questions relative to this new permit and equipment needs to accomplish work under the restrictions of this permit the Commission instructed the Director to sign the permit application on behalf of the Project. The Commission instructed the Water Management Program Coordinator to investigate the cost of rentals and/or purchase of the equipment needed including a tracked dump truck unit. The Director noted that he would continue to investigate the possibility of sharing this equipment with other mosquito control districts. The Commission, on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea, unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 in the office of the Project at

4:30 P.M.

At 5:54 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin L. Chapell, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting January 25, 2007

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

Those present were: Maureen MacEachern, Chair

Robin Chapell

Richard Pollack

David Lawson, Asst. Director

The commission first discussed whether they could elect a new slate of officers if one of the officers was not present. Norman Jacques was slated to be made the new chair with Robin Chapell as the new vice-chair. In the absence of Norm Jacques, the commission, on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern and a seconded by Mr. Pollack voted to elect Mrs. Chapell as the new chair, with Mr. Jacques as the new vice-chair.

The minutes of the December 14th, 2006 Commission meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission entered a discussion regarding the creation of an entomologist position at the project. The Commission reviewed a preliminary document describing the position and its requirements. After reviewing the document, a few changes were recommended and it was requested that the Director e-mail the updated document to the Commissioners before the next meeting to bring it to completion at the next meeting. Mr. Lawson told the Commission that at a previous days SRMCB meeting, the Director had been told that the Project would need to justify its request of a 22% budget increase. The Commission instructed the Director to write out an explanation, justifying the Projects request. The Commission had a short discussion regarding a PR firm. They asked that the Director talk to other Projects and ask who among them are interested in a PR firm, what they would be willing to contribute, and to find out if SRMCB would even allow it. The Budgetary Control Report was unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Assistant Director presented graphs representing year end field work reports for 2006. There was a short discussion regarding some of the trends. Mr. Pollack recommended that the Project try and represent in some concrete form the increased amounts of larvicide and adulticide used as a result of decreased water management work. On a motion by Mrs.

Chapell, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern, the Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted. The Assistant Director then showed two video clips of recent OMWM work in the City of Quincy. The Commission stated that the video was helpful for them in understanding some of the work of the Project.

It was noted that Mrs. MacEachern was re-appointed to another term as a commissioner until October of 2011.

The next Commission meeting will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:22 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern

Respectfully submitted,

Robin Chapell, Chair

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting December 14, 2006

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

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David A. Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the November 15, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

As part of a budgetary review, the Director first questioned the Commission as to which employees should be offered an opportunity to attend the American Mosquito Control Association meetings. The Commission agreed that the Water Management Program Coordinator and the Surveillance Technician should be approached if the program offered would be beneficial to their duties. The Director noted that no program is available at this point but at such time as an informed decision can be made these two individuals will be approached. The Director then presented to the Commission a cost analysis and product description for ULV application equipment to replace three existing Leco units. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously approved of the purchase of this equipment. Next the Commission reviewed various job specifications and salary ranges for a full time entomologist position. The Director presented job duty listings from several of the Massachusetts Mosquito Control Districts who currently employee full time entomologists. The Commission instructed the Director to consolidate from these various job specifications a list of duties which would be appropriate for a position at the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project for their review at the next Commission meeting. The Commission instructed the Director to include a discussion relative to hiring a public relations firm on the next agenda as well.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report for the period since the last Commission meeting as well as year to date was presented to the Commission. The Director noted that the figures shown in the year to date spreadsheet would represent the figures for the annual reports with only minor adjustment before the end of the calendar year. The Director reminded the Commission that full multi year reviews would be presented to the Commission as soon as these reports could be prepared. The Commission discussed the use of an interactive webpage for residents to file complaints and requests for service. The Assistant Director reviewed with the Commission difficulties which were encountered this past summer while attempting to set this up. He indicated further investigation was in order. Following this review the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

As a final note the Director informed the Commission that the office would be closed on Monday, December 25^th due to the holiday and Tuesday, December 26^th due to the two half day holiday allowances being combine.

The Commission then set the next Commission meeting for Thursday, January 25, 2007 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M. At 5:31 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting November 15, 2006

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

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David A. Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the October 16, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

Next the Commission considered the Budgetary Control Report. The Director first reviewed with the Commission a Quickens report of all expenses to date by spending category. Then the Commission entered into a discussion relative to the anticipated cost of replacing several ULV generating equipment. The Director noted that he planned to review the possible options with vendors at the upcoming NMCA meeting and would have a recommendation at the next regular Commission meeting. Following this discussion the Commission considered a request by an employee to expand paid maternity leave beyond that offered under the Family and Medical Leave Act. After considerable deliberation the Commission decided not to take any action relative to this request. The Commission instructed the Director to so inform the employee of their decision. The Commission then entered into a lengthy discussion relative to creating a full time entomologist position due to the expanded demand for surveillance. Following this discussion, and the potential impacts this position might have fiscally, the Commission instructed the Director to prepare cost estimates with possible options for how and when to establishing this position. The Director noted that he would seek input as to job specifications, salaries and off-season duties from other mosquito control districts in Massachusetts. On a finally budgetary note, the Commission debated the need for entering into a contract with a public relations firm. The Commission considered how this might be accomplished with the fiscal assistance of other mosquito control districts. At the completion of the Commissions various reviews, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

Last on the agenda, the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Assistant Director reviewed with the Commission upcoming Open Marsh Water Management Projects which are about to be undertaken in the City of Quincy. Following review of aerial photographs overlaid with the proposed work as well as excel sheets showing all work accomplished to date, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Commission then set the next Commission meeting for Thursday, December 14, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:51 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting October 16, 2006

The Meeting was called to order at 3:30 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 A. Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the September 28, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then considered the Budgetary Control Report. Due to the short period of time since the last review, the Director indicated that no report was prepared. Instead the Commission entered into a discussion relative to staffing at NCMCP and what the future employment needs of the program might be given the increased demand by the Department of Public Health for surveillance of mosquitoes specifically involved with vectoring EEE and WNv.

Commissioner Shea also informed the Commission that she had recently had a conversation with the Westwood DPW Director who had expressed to her his approval of work performed in the Town of Westwood by Caroline Haviland, the Water Management Coordinator.

Next the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Assistant Director detailed for the Commission the various water management activities which took place since the last Commission meeting. The Assistant Director noted that the primary assignment of the field staff at this time of year is water management. The Director further noted that office staff would be reviewing the Projects seasonal operations and mosquito surveillance for the purpose of providing the Commission with more detailed analysis of this year’s operations. Upon completion of these discussions the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then set the date for the next Commission meeting which will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 4:36 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 September 28, 2006

The Meeting was called to order at 4:30 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 A. Lawson

The minutes of the August 30, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report using the itemized expenditure by object code feature of the Quickens software. The Director once again reviewed the FY07 – FY08 Spending Plan with the Commission. The Director discussed with the Commission the need for a significant increase in funds going into FY08 due to the heavy demand this season especially on insecticide inventories and for aerial applications. Following a discussion relative to the amount of the FY08 Budget Request the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea. As part of this vote the Commission approved the Directors request to purchase a new GIS computer.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director noted that all ULV activities had been suspended and that all field personnel had been reassigned to water management projects. The Director also briefed the Commission relative to on-going mosquito surveillance. The Director informed the Commission that all mosquito surveillance activities would cease at the end of September due to the fact that the Department of Public Health informed the Mosquito Control Districts that they would stop processing mosquito collection as of the end of September. Upon completion of these discussions and a review of fieldwork accomplished to date, the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission revised the date of the next Commission meeting which will now be held on Monday, October 16, 2006 in the office of the Project at 3:30 P.M.

At 5:06 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 August 30, 2006

The Meeting was called to order at 4:30 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 July 19, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack. Commissioner Shea abstained from this vote.

The Commission reviewed a Quickens review of all expenditures for F/Y07. The Director then presented to the Commission a final FY06 expense review coupled with a preliminary FY07 estimated expense review and an estimated FY08 Budget Request. The Director noted that this was a preliminary review which needs Commission approval in the event that the state asks for a spending plan before the next commission meeting. If time permitted the Director would present a more formal request at the next commission meeting. Following a lengthy discussion during which the Commission made several adjustments to this preliminary FY08 budget request, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report, including this preliminary budget review, on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Next the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report. The Assistant Director briefed the Commission on the details of fieldwork accomplished since the last commission meeting as well as year-to-date. The Director concluded this review by briefing the Commission on the recent DPH conference calls relative to EEE activity in eastern Massachusetts. The Director presented to the Commission treatment efficacy spreadsheets which detailed surveillance data collected before and after the aerial adulticide application which took place in the Towns of Avon, Stoughton, Holbrook, Randolph, Weymouth and South Braintree on August 24 & 25, 2006. The Director noted that all data had been forwarded to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board for their review and inclusion in a summary report. Upon completion of these discussions the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Commission concluded the meeting by setting the next two commission meeting dates. The next Commission Meetings will be on:

Thursday, September 28, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

Thursday, October 19, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:35 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 19, 2006

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

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Norman P. Jacques

Robin L. Chapell

Richard J. Pollack

John J. Smith, Director

The Director informed the Commission that Commissioner Shea would be unavailable for this meeting due to a conflict with a Westwood Board of Health meeting.

The minutes of the June 28, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Budgetary Control Report was reviewed by the Commission which included a Quickens review of all expenditures for F/Y06. The Director noted that the FY07 Norfolk County Retirement Assessment which was submitted for payment in FY06 will in fact be paid in FY07. Therefore this amount (@$75,000) will unexpectedly be part of the rollover amount from FY06 into FY07 and may affect the rollover target of less than 10%. The Director noted that he would place a request to purchase enough Bti granular for one summer application of approximately 6,000 acres which would be conducted if conditions warranted it. Following a discussion relative to preparations for the FY07 - FY08 Spending Plan/Maintenance Budget, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Jacques.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then reviewed by the Commission. The Director briefed the Commission relative to on-going mosquito surveillance as well as EEE/WNv isolates collected to date. The Director also briefed the Commission on the recent DPH conference call and the ULV response to the WNv isolate in the Town of Needham. The Director gave details on the ULV application conducted in Needham the morning of July 3, 2006 in anticipation of a large gathering of residents for the 4th of July celebration in the area of the Needham High School as well as other areas identified by residents. As a final note, the Commission reviewed several scenarios dealing with mutual aid to other mosquito control districts, mutual aid to towns outside of the districts and mutual aid outside of the state. Upon completion of these discussions the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

Under new/old business the Director informed the Commission that he had been invited to participate in a public hearing sponsored by the Milton Board of Health. The Director noted that the purpose of this hearing was to inform the residents of Milton that the Board of Health was considering commencement of ULV activities in the Town of Milton. The Director had been asked to attend to answer any questions that might arise.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:15 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 June 28, 2006

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

Those present were: Norman P. Jacques, Vice Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The Director informed the Commission that Commissioner MacEachern would be unavailable for this meeting. Vice Chairman Jacques assumed the duties of the Chairman for this meeting.

The minutes of the May 24, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Director then reviewed with the Commission the Budgetary Control report which consisted of a complete review of all expenditures for F/Y06 using the Quickens report software. The Director noted that he would be able to more accurately estimate the rollover figure at the end of August when all account activity is complete. Following a discussion relative to overall pesticide costs and the cost of the aerial applications the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Fieldwork Accomplished was then reviewed by the Commission. The Commission concentrated their discussion on the recent isolate of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in Needham. Following a review of surveillance conducted in the Town of Needham Commissioner Chapell made the following motion:

Due to the fact that 40,000 plus people will be attending the 4th of July celebration NCMCP should conduct the appropriate control activities (off schedule - Monday, July 3, 2006) on and in the vicinity of the Needham High School as well as other areas of concern based on the Department of Public Health's Vector Control Plan and to notify the Needham Board of Health relative to these control efforts. The motion was seconded by Commission Jacques and then opened up for discussion.

Following a lengthy discussion relative to the Vector Control Plan and the concerns of the Needham Board of Health Director the following friendly amendment to Commissioner Chapell's motion was made by Commission Jacques:

To conduct the appropriate control activity following coordination with the Town of Needham for the purpose of guaranteeing compliance with the Children and Family Protection Act. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Chapell and opened for further discussion. Upon completion of further discussions the Commission voted unanimously to accept this friendly amendment.

The Commission then considered the original motion with the friendly amendment. On a motion by Commissioner Chapell, seconded by Commissioner Jacques, the motion, with the friendly amendment, was unanimously accepted.

Commissioner Jacques then made a motion instructing the Director to forward a letter to all member communities Boards of Health with a copy to the Selectman, or other governing body, requesting input from them relative to all future large outdoor gatherings of residents in their communities for the purpose of conducting mosquito control activities prior to these events if appropriate. This motion was seconded by Mrs. Chapell and carried unanimously.

Next the Commission considered a letter from Caroline Haviland the Water Management Program Coordinator for the Project. Mrs. Haviland's letter referenced the fact that "the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project, presently, does not provide paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child or for non job-related short-term disabilities". The Commission then entered into a discussion relative to what is covered under the Family and Medical Leave section of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rules Governing Pain Leave and Other Benefits for Managers and Confidential Employees and the benefits outline in the Family and Medical Leave Act as administered by the Department of Labor. Following a thorough review of these documents as well as Mrs. Haviland's letter and attachments the Commission unanimously agreed, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack, to table any further discussion relative to this request pending additional investigation of current benefits offered.

The Commission then considered a letter from Carline Haviland relative to the recent submission of an application for an Individual Permit for Fresh Water Management to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers New England Division. Mrs. Haviland went on to note that an application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate had been mailed to the Boston Headquarters of the Department of Environmental Protection. Mrs. Haviland presented to the Commission Water Management and Fresh Water Management Guideline Binders for the Commission review. The Commission then instructed the Director to pass on to Mrs. Haviland their appreciation of her extra efforts on behalf of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project and that they look forward to further briefs as these efforts proceed.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:40 P.M. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mrs. Shea.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman P. Jacques, Vice Chairman

Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

Commission Meeting April 26, 2006

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

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

Richard J. Pollack

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the March 29, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Next the Commission reviewed the Budgetary Control Report as prepared by the Director. The Director presented the Commission with an FY06 expense review including estimated remaining expenditures as well as an estimate for rollover funds. The Director noted that he might consider replacing an under utilized 4X4 pick-up truck with another compact car. The Commission suggested that the Director look into the purchase of a hybrid vehicle. Following a lengthy discussion relative to remaining expenditures and rollover amounts, the Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Commission then took up the issue of a Cost of Living adjustment (COLA). The Commission reviewed past COLAs given at NCMCP as well as COLAs granted for municipal employees, social security recipients and retirement boards. Following this review of COLAs granted by other public agencies and on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack, the Commission unanimously agreed to grant all employees a 3.55% COLA effective the first full payroll of FY07. In preparation for a pay rate review at next months meeting the Commission requested that the Director provide additional information such as years of service and job duties on each NCMCP employee for their review.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report was then presented to the Commission. The Assistant Director reviewed with the Commission preliminary results of the aerial larvicide application. The Assistant Director noted that approximately 13,000 acres had been treated and that these figures would be forwarded to JBI Helicopter Services, Inc. for their use in preparing the invoice. More detailed analysis of this application will be forth coming once the data has been fully reviewed by the office staff. The Director then provided further details on efforts to determine which of the competing GPS ULV tracking systems would best fit the needs of the Project. The Director indicated that further research was needed before he felt comfortable in making a proposal to the Commission. Following a review of all field activities since the last meeting as well as year-to-date the Commission unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:35 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 March 29, 2006

The Meeting was called to order at 4:30 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

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The minutes of the February 22, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell.

The Commission then reviewed a request by the Director to begin a new hire at a higher rate than the starting rate on the current pay scale for Field Technicians. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Commission unanimously agreed to eliminate the first two Field Technician steps and place the current step 3 as the starting rate. This motion also instructed the Director to create two new steps (9 & 10) using the standard 3% increment. All current hourly employees will remain at the same pay rate as on the old scale. This motion carried unanimously. The Director was then instructed to offer the new hire the new Field Technician step one rate. The Commission agreed that at the next meeting there should be a discussion as to whether current field staff are in the appropriate step given their years of service and qualifications. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

Next the Commission reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report since the last meeting and year-to-date. The Director reviewed with the Commission on-going preparations for the aerial larvicide application to be conducted in mid April. The Director briefed the Commission as to recent deliberations relative to potential exclusions to endangered species priority habitat The Director indicated that he had been invited to a meeting with the Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources and the Departments Legal Counsel concerning the Endangered Species Act. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Director was instructed to continue on-going preparations for the aerial larval control application targeting large wetlands including endangered species priority habitat pending advice as to any exclusions from the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board.. This motion carried unanimously. The Director also noted as part of this report that he needed additional time to investigate the pros and cons of the two ULV application GPS tracking systems before briefing the Commission. On a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mrs. Shea, the Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted.

As requested by the Director, the Commission declared the GMC Jimmy Blazer SUV as surplus which can then be made available for use by the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:14 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 22, 2006

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

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The Commission first considered a policy statement relative to Commissioners attending meeting via telephone. Commissioner Shea made a motion as follows:

Specific to Commission meetings, a Commissioner must be physically present to participate and/or receive compensation. This motion was seconded by Mrs. MacEachern and deliberated by the Commission. No vote was taken.

Commissioner Pollack made an amendment to the motion as follows:

In order to vote and/or receive compensation a Commissioner must be physically present. Commissioners may, however; call in to participate and offer input without the capacity to vote.

Commissioner Shea allowed the amendment to her original motion. The amended motion was seconded by Mrs. Chapell and carried unanimously.

The minutes of the January 25, 2006 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mrs. Chapell, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report which included a presentation on CD from Clarke Mosquito Control Products relative to their GPS tracking system. The Director noted that he had made arrangement for NCMCP staff to review the installation of a similar GPS tracking system available from Adapco. Commissioner Pollack asked if the Clarke unit was capable of being locked down in the vehicle. Commission Pollack also asked about the status of a "third party" software company. The Director indicated that he would check it out and report back to the Commission. The Director alsdo noted that he would have more information on both systems for the next commission meeting. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report since the last meeting and year-to-date was reviewed by the Commission. The Assistant Director reviewed with the Commission on-going preparations for the aerial larvicide application to be conducted in mid April. The Commission also discussed with the Director the purchase of portable weather stations to be used during ULV applications. Following this review and on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, the Fieldwork Accomplished Report was unanimously accepted.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:58 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 January 25, 2006

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

Those present were: Maureen P. MacEachern, Chairman

Richard J. Pollack

Robin L. Chapell

Linda R. Shea

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The Commission first considered a request by Commissioner Jacques to attend the meeting via conference call. Following a lengthy discussion it was decided that Commissioner Jacques' request not be considered pending review of his request by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board. The Commission agreed that Chairman Shea should draft a letter to be sent to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board Chairman requesting his interpretations as to whether attending a meeting via conference call is appropriate under the open meeting law. The Commission noted problems with visual presentations which are frequently used at Commission meetings. The Commission was also concerned that this would set a precedence for other Commissioners who might wish to teleconference from their office rather than physically attending the meeting. Commissioner Shea requested that the Director draft this letter for her review and signature.

Next the Commission elected new officers for 2006. On a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pollack, the Commission unanimously elected Mrs. MacEachern as Chairman and Mr. Jacques as Vice Chairman.

The minutes of the December 21, 2005 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. Shea.

The Commission then reviewed the Budgetary Control Report which included a review of all expenditures to date for F/Y 2006. The Director noted that a large insecticide order would be placed shortly to replenish the Bti granular stock in anticipation of the spring aerial larvicide program. The Commission then unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mrs. MacEachern, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Fieldwork Accomplished Report year-to-date was reviewed by the Commission. The Commission also reviewed a ten year comparative summary of work accomplished. This review included water management, larval control and adult control activities. The Director then briefed the Commission on the recent notice by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board of a pending policy change which would phase out the use of Resmethrin due to a change in the products risk category classification. Following a brief review of the Projects preparations of GIS data for an aerial adulticide application as requested by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board, the Commission, on a motion by Mrs. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Chapell, unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

At 5:57 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 December 21, 2005

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

Those present were: Linda R. Shea, Chairman

Maureen P. MacEachern

Richard J. Pollack

Norman P. Jacques

Robin L. Chapell

John J. Smith, Director

David Lawson, Assistant Director

The Commission extended a warm welcome to the newest member of the Commission, Robin L. Chapel, who serves as the Director of the Walpole Board of Health and is a resident of the Town of Foxborough.

The minutes of the November 16, 2005 Commission Meeting were unanimously accepted on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack.

The Director then reviewed with the Commission the Budgetary Control Report which included a review of all expenditures to date for F/Y 2006. The Director gave a brief overview of anticipated expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. Items such as the purchase of an alarm system for the storage building, GPS tracking systems for the ULV application equipment and portable weather stations to be used during ULV efficacy studies were discussed. The Director indicated that he would have a more complete review of remaining expenses, including an estimate for rollover funds into F/Y 2007, after insecticide orders have been placed in February. The Commission unanimously accepted the Budgetary Control Report on a motion by Mr. Pollack, seconded by Mrs. MacEachern.

The Commission then reviewed the Fieldwork Accomplished Report for the period since the last Commission meeting as well as year to date. The Director noted that at the January Commission meeting he would have a final report of work accomplished in 2005. The Commission, on a motion by Mr. Jacques, seconded by Mr. Pollack, unanimously accepted the Fieldwork Accomplished Report.

As informational, the Director and Commission Chairman reviewed with the Commission their attendance of the Northeastern Mosquito Control Association meeting held in Northampton, Massachusetts between November 27, 2005 and November 30, 2005. The Director noted that he did receive a field demonstration of the Adapco GPS ULV tracking system and had set up a meeting to further review this system. Other items of interest included a state by state review of arbovirus activity this past summer as well as reviews of various efficacy studies. Both the Director and the Chairman found the review of hurricane damage in the gulf states and the resulting mosquito control activities to be very interesting and informative.

The next Commission Meeting will be on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 in the office of the Project at 4:30 P.M.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Linda R. Shea, Chairman