|
|
Town of Ocean Ridge |
|
|
Town Hall: 561-732-2635 561-737-8359 (fax) |
Town Hall Hours: |
Police Dept.: |
|
|
Town Hall
Building & Zoning Police Department
Local Weather
Privacy and Usage Policy
|
The Utilities Infrastructure Advisory Board of the Town of Ocean Ridge, Florida meeting held on Wednesday, July 21, 1999 at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Meeting Chambers. The meeting was attended by Town Manager Dunham and Deputy Clerk Herrmann and the following members: Vice Chairman Smith, Craig Baskin, Barry Essig, Sandy Foster, Michael Nevins, and Peggy Smith.
Craig Baskin moved to approve the minutes of May 19 and June 16, 1999 as submitted, seconded by Barry Essig. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bernston began his presentation with an explanation of the biology of the insect including information that the insects only live for five days, are found in marshy and tidal areas, and are active mainly at dusk and dawn. He advised that it is a problem that they live in tidal areas and mangroves which are protected areas. He explained that the bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide or people’s breath. He stated that the CO2 method consists of a small buried tank which emits small amounts of CO2, which attracts the no-see-ums, and they are then trapped in a treated wire mesh which is placed around it. Michael Nevins questioned if it would be feasible to treat the whole town advising that he felt that there are enough private individuals on Inlet Cay who would pay for a service which would decrease the number of no-see-ums. Mr. Bernston explained that his company is currently treating the Sanctuary in Boca Raton and while the impact is not the same for every property, all the residents have agreed that the treatment has improved their property values. He explained that his company has placed a liquid pesticide on the foliage around the area and that the length of protection varies depending upon weather. He stated that under perfect conditions, an application would last for two to three weeks. Mr. Essig questioned if the pesticide was harmful to which Mr. Bernston advised that they apply the product during the period when there is the least amount of activity although any pesticide can be harmful. He added that it is generally only harmful during the application which is approximately twenty minutes. Town Manager Dunham questioned if the treatment would take place in the fresh water mud flat area where the breeding takes place to which Mr. Bernston replied that it would adding that the mosquito ditches in town are considered jurisdictional wetland areas and can not be treated. Mr. Essig questioned if the residents could request services on an individual basis to which Mr. Bernston replied that they could at a cost of approximately $50 for a one third acre lot per application. Town Manager Dunham explained that he had tried to schedule a presentation from Clarke Environmental to discuss the CO2 method, but they didn’t return the requests. He stated that John Day who is the engineer from Clarke Environmental developed the CO2 method. Peggy Smith advised that the CO2 method has been used at St. Mark’s in Boynton Beach. Dr. Smith advised that in Panama City, sterile males were released into the sand fly population which significantly decreased the number of bugs. Mr. Bernston advised that he has never heard of that being done with the no-see-ums. Craig Baskin questioned if any State agencies could be approached so that the town could participate in any type of study to which Mr. Bernston advised that the county mosquito control could be contacted for studies. Mr. Bernston advised that he could do a survey of the town and provide recommendations. He explained that the cost for spraying, not including those individuals who are privately paying for extra applications, for the ninety-two homes in the Sanctuary is $50,000 a year. Mr. Essig stated that while it may not be practical to do the whole town, there may be areas where adjacent homeowners are willing to try this for a trial period of time before giving a recommendation to the town. He added that a decision would have to be made whether the town would fund this trial or the homeowners. Mr. Bernston advised that he would need to isolate the areas which need attention and know the accessibility of the areas. Mr. Baskin questioned if it would be possible to get estimates for certain areas so that the individual homeowners will have an idea of cost to which Mr. Bernston advised that he could provide that information. He added that he could also provide the costs for applications in the public areas. Dr. Smith advised that he would like to have an estimate for the public areas near the crossovers. Sandy Foster stated that she would like to treat the area of the easement on Thompson which would give great relief to the residents of Harbour Drive. Mr. Essig stated that he felt it would be a good idea to have a trial period in a number of differing areas and then give recommendations to the town. Town Manager Dunham suggested that he meet with Mr. Bernston and identify areas needed for a trial assuming that permission would be given by the homeowners to be on their property for the applications. The board recommended that Harbour Drive, Hudson Ave, Inlet Cay and a beach area be included in the areas to be surveyed. Mr. Bernston informed the board that in order to get results, residents would need to physically compare the number of no-see-um bites before and after the spraying. Mrs. Smith advised that she would contact John Day of Clarke Environmental and Air Liquid regarding the CO2 traps. Town Manager Dunham advised that he would give Mr. Essig a contact within the county to discuss any studies being conducted. Town Manager Dunham advised that the town has entered into a contract with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to complete the survey data necessary for the stormwater drainage. He advised that this information would then be forwarded to an engineering firm who would then submit a plan for floodplain management. He stated that the ACOE has surveyors on staff for this type of work and the cost will be $230,000 of which the town will pay half. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM. |
