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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-2020 IPM AgendaQiY OF SEBAST, HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH, 2020 — 3:00 P.M. UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —ACTION ITEM February 12th, 2020 Meeting Minutes IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. Staff to present IPM update at tonight's City Council meeting V. PUBLIC INPUT VI. NEW BUSINESS Item A. Chemical information Spreadsheet i. Information for suggested alternative chemicals and current chemicals included ii. Discussion of possible classification method Item B. Committee Member discussion of IPM for assigned species i. Life history traits of each ii. Biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control recommendations iii. Best methods for use on Bermuda turf grass and general park areas iii. Discussion of each method's costs, benefits, and concerns Item C. Past and Current Condition of Athletic Fields i. Proactive cultural and mechanical pest control methods ii. Primary pest concerns and immediate needs to maintain playability VII. OLD BUSINESS Item A. IPM Program Introduction and Implementation Plan i. Review and discuss the draft first section of the final report VIII. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA Item A. Each sub -committee member presents IPM research on assigned pests and recommended chemicals for discussion and adoption into IPM Plan IX. ADJOURNMENT ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. SAID APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 F. S). IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT (407)-589-5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING.TWO OR MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYBE IN ATTENDANCE. 0 r 4'( IPM SUB -COMMITTEE - - _- AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date: February 26th, 2020 Aqenda Item Title: III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- ACTION ITEM Recommendation: Submitted for Committee Member approval Backqround: If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Minutes from regular sub -committee meeting held on February 12th, 2020 CITY OF SEBASTIAN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL FEBRUARY 12, 2020 I. Call to Order Mr. Benton called the meeting to order. He identified himself and his position as Leisure Services Director with the City of Sebastian. He reviewed that the reason for this meeting is for this sub -committee as a branch of the Natural Resources Board to devise an Integrated Pest Management Plan for the City's parks and their facilities. This direction comes from City Council. These meetings are open to the public. There will be dedicated Public Input to be held as is stated on the Agenda. If any public attend the meetings, they can present their input, and after every New Business item there will be other public input offered at that time. He directed both the public and members of the committee that there is not to be any back -and -forth dialog. It is to be treated like every other meeting of the City for the various boards and commissions. II. Roll call Present: Ms. Kim Haigler Mr. Brian Benton Dr. Graham Cox, Advisor Mr. Thomas Carrano Mr. Brian O'Neill Ms. Kathy Brothers Also Present: Janet Graham, Technical Writer III. Announcements A. Statement of Sub -Committee's Purpose Mr. Benton reviewed the purpose for which this sub -committee was formed. He stated Kim Haigler will present a PowerPoint presentation which describes the concept and process. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2020 B. Introduction of Sub -Committee Members Mr. Benton called for introduction of the members. Ms. Haigler introduced all members and advisors who were present. She also identified Ms. Ruth Callaghan, who is an environmental chemist who is working in Australia this month, and staff and this sub- committee will appreciate her input. For scientific consultants, there is Christine Kelley- Begazo, who is the Director of the US WAS extension office, and Dr. Graham Cox, from the Pelican Island Audubon Society. Ms. Kelley could not be at this meeting, but she has reviewed the entire presentation and offered her notes. IV. Public Input Mr. Benton opened the meeting for public input. Dr. Cox asked for clarification about back -and -forth during these meetings. Mr. Benton explained that, if members of the public have finished their input and members of the sub- committee have questions or comments, those can be discussed among the sub- committee members. Mr. Benton stated the Florida Sunshine Laws will be adhered to with this committee. It was also clarified that if any members have anything they would like to discuss outside of these meetings, the member(s) can send those items to Ms. Haigler, and she will disseminate them to all sub -committee members. V. New Business A. Explanation of the IPM Process and Regulation Community IPM Cycle Ms. Haigler conducted a PowerPoint presentation (SEE ATTACHED). She emphasized that this sub -committee's goal is to develop an integrated pest management plan. She pointed out the cycle that will be implemented. She stated the focus is on planning and prevention, with the use of chemicals as a last resort. Explanation of each step in the cycle was covered. It was pointed out that proper identification of the pest or weed will be the most important thing. Mr. Benton reviewed that there are two City employees who are certified applicators who are out in the field addressing the pests and weeds. He stated that as this process goes forward, it will be necessary to identify which pests/weeds are present in which parks/facilities. He emphasized the need to be proactive rather than reactive, and that can be accomplished by using a multitude of different methods. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2020 He presented a list of all City parks and their classifications: Athletic Fields, Active Parks, and Passive Parks, and explained the differences. Dr. Cox mentioned the boat ramps and the possible number of items that will need to be identified and addressed. Ms. Haigler stated that that is managed by the Aquatic Preserves Program. If they determine that there is an invasive plant that is entering through boats or could enter through boats, or is becoming a problem, they will determine that and will decide how to address it. It is not in the City's purview. That program is handled by Emily Dark, who is based in Stuart. Methods of controlling pests/weeds were described by Mr. Benton. Ms. Haigler then addressed chemical control. She emphasized it is important to carefully weigh the environmental costs and benefits, then choose the least -toxic option that will do the job. Along with that, accurate record keeping is a must. Ms. Haigler described that the IPM sub -committee meetings will be held every Wednesday for the next six weeks, beginning today. The meetings will be held at the upstairs conference room of City Hall at 3:00 p.m. Official Minutes are being recorded. At the April 8th meeting of City Council this committee will present its completed IPM plan. Mr. Benton encouraged members to present input at the City Council meetings if they have ideas to present, but it is not necessary for them to attend those meetings. Mr. Benton suggested that testing of products can be done at Friendship Park, as all the weeds/pests that exist at the athletic fields are present at Friendship Park, where the impact on the grass/turf would not be as severe. Dr. Cox reviewed the tour of the Barber Street complex and Friendship Park that Mr. Benton conducted for Dr. Cox where he could see what was taking place in both areas. He suggested that it might be useful for all the members to go to those areas and see the conditions for themselves. Dr. Cox brought up the product called W.O.W. He could not find an MSDS sheet on that product. Mr. Benton produced one and stated copies will be sent out to all sub -committee members Ms. Haigler reiterated that this committee is not to address aquatics. That is a different department and different process. Mr. Benton stated that, even though the parks are INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2020 being addressed at present, he is certain the aquatic questions are going to be addressed in the future. For now, this committee is to address the parks and their facilities. Mr. Benton stated that he and his certified applicators applied the W.O.W. product at the test site, and the site has been monitored. Over four months from the time of application there are some weeds popping up, but where the application was done is still visible. The W.O.W. product was applied side-by-side with Roundup. The last time he checked, a couple days ago, there is more greenery showing in the Roundup plot than there is in the W.O.W. plot. Florida State Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapters 482 and 487 Ms. Haigler stated that all chemical products that are applied by the City are required to be labeled as specified per the above statutes. For the protection of the public, the City is prohibited from using any products that are not correctly labeled for use as a pesticide, with accompanying application instructions. There must also be an ingredient statement and, if necessary, a warning or caution statement. The pesticide product label is a binding legal agreement among three parties: The US Environmental Protection Agency, the product registrant, and the product user. The label is the law, and the City's certified applicators must follow the instructions on the labels of all pesticide applications. Mr. O'Neill inquired as to the cost. Mr. Benton said a 55 -gallon drum of W.O.W. costs in the range of $2,500.00. He will have to get the numbers for a comparable amount of Roundup. He opined there is not too much difference in the cost of the two. Dr. Cox asked about the role of a citizens' advisory group on the whole process, not just presently, but over an extended period of time. Mr. Benton stated the IPM is going to be a working document. What is presented to City Council in April will need to be revisited from time to time, because new ideas and new products will surface that will need to be considered. It will be the job of this sub -committee to research and study those new products and new ideas. There will not be weekly meetings, but it will be process of review and revision. Dr. Cox suggested getting the people involved who use the parks. Mr. Benton stated he will send out invitations to have the user groups of these parks and facilities come to these meetings and City Council meetings to voice their opinions. In that way, the community can get involved. Seeing no members of the public present, Mr. Benton moved on to the next item on the agenda. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2020 B. Summary of the City's pest management program on parks and properties i. Summary of standard pest management activities prior to current moratorium Mr. Benton gave a summary of the products and how and when they are used at the City parks and facilities. These products include Topchoice insecticide, Lesco Crosscheck Plus Multi -Insecticide, Advion Granular Fire Ant Bait, EcoMight W.O.W. Non -Selective Herbicide, Dimension Selective Pre -Emergent Herbicide, Revolver Post -Emergent Selective Herbicide, Q4 Post -Emergent Selective Herbicide, Speedzone Post -Emergent Selective Herbicide, and Mansion. Ms. Haigler further explained the difference between pre -emergent and post -emergent products. Staff members follow the labels for all applications. Best -management practices are followed by all City staff. Each staff member went through the University of Florida IFAS Green Industries best -management practices class last summer, including Ms. Haigler and Mr. Benton. The goal is to achieve preventive maintenance. Ms. Haigler stated the products that will be used will depend on the space needed to cover and what extent the population is at. Right now things are growing up in some areas. It may take one thing to get things under control but a different product to prevent the problem. Mr. Benton stated he has a pesticide report that gives what the active ingredients are, etc., and he will send all the members copies. Mr. Carrano inquired whether there is any artificial turf used by the City. Mr. Benton said there is not. There are facilities in other communities which have artificial turf installed. The major issue with artificial turf here in Florida is how hot it gets in the summer. Update on current extent of pest populations and related concerns Mr. Benton stated that the Barber Street complex is showing signs of all the pests that are listed in the PowerPoint presentation. There is not a major issue with fire ants only because Topchoice was applied last year around March. There are fire ants at most of the City parks. Mole crickets are beginning to be seen at Barber Street. Sod webworms are an issue on the football field. There is also a fungus on the football field. There is crabgrass, dollar weed, etc. on the football field. The baseball fields for the most part are holding up, but the weeds are beginning to come back there. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 6 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2020 iii. Assign specific pest species to sub -committee members for research. Mr. Benton stated the thought was to assign pests to different members, and those members can do the research, which includes options on turf grass and Bermuda turf. Ms. Haigler suggested the members begin with one pest this week, and then as they have more experience in doing the research, that number can be increased. She added that each method that is put into the IPM plan must be backed by research. It will need to have research cited. She noted that the first place to start would be EDIS. This is the IFAS publication, and that is the University of Florida Extension Office. They have a sheet for every pest, ornamental, and native plan with all the information on one item and treatment methods that have been researched for it and are accepted. Another source is Google Scholar. When this website is accessed and a pest name is entered, it will only return peer-reviewed research. Mr. O'Neill will do the research on fire ants. Mr. Carrano will research mole crickets. Dr. Cox will research sod webworms. Ms. Brothers will research crabgrass. Mr. Carrano asked if there is a big problem with mice. Mr. Benton replied there is right along the riverfront area. Ms. Haigler added, if you have garbage and water, you are going to have mice and rats. Mr. Benton stated the goal is to maintain their population at a certain threshold, as it is very hard to completely rid these areas of mice and rats. Mr. Benton stated the reason Ms. Haigler and he did not take on a pest is because they want to get feedback from the committee. Mr. O'Neill stated he understands there are different kinds of sprayers or applicators. He inquired what type the City has. Mr. Benton stated there was in the budget this year the purchase of a new applicator for spraying and granular. It is a new machine called the Z - Max Z -spray that would assist in controlling the applications more efficiently. However, that purchase has been put on hold because of the moratorium by City Council. That will be addressed going forward. He described the equipment that the City desires to purchase once the decision has been made on extending the moratorium or not. If the go-ahead is given to purchase this machine, Mr. Benton does not foresee that it will take very long to obtain it. He added that any of the products can be used with this machine. Ms. Haigler added that it must be kept in mind the size of the areas to be treated. Some of the suggestions made at past City Council meetings just would not be practical when talking about the size of the areas that need attention. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 7 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2020 Mr. Benton stated he and Ms. Haigler will be making this same presentation at the next City Council meeting. VII. Items for Next Agenda A. Each sub -committee member presents IPM research on assigned pests for discussion and adoption into IPM Plan It was decided by all members and staff to meet at the Barber Street complex an hour before next week's meeting, after which they will proceed to Friendship Park in order to see for themselves what the conditions are at those locations. VIII. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr. Benton adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m. In RF1i1 Mi Me , H Date: On 4T SEBAS-T!AN _- HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title Recommendation IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM February 26th, 2020 VII. OLD BUSINESS Item A. IPM Program Introduction and Implementation Plan Submitted for Committee Member discussion Backqround: This is the first section of the final report that will be presented to City Council. It will be reviewed and revised, as agreed on by the Committee. Staff will edit draft and present for final committee approval at the March 4t" meeting. If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Introduction and Implementation of the City's IPM Plan- DRAFT DRAFT 2/20/20 Integrated Pest Management Plan For City Parks and Properties April 2020 Jn OF SEBASTIAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Integrated Pest Management Plan IPM Plan In February of 2020, the IPM Sub -Committee was formed to assist City staff in the development of an Integrated Pest Management Plan for the City of Sebastian's parks and properties. The sub -committee consists of City Staff, Natural Resource Board Members, and local scientific consultants. For the purposes of this plan, the City adopts the following IPM definition as established by the City's IPM Sub -Committee: "To promote nature -based pest management methods, based on planning and prevention; which minimize risks to human and environmental health through the limited use of chemicals, while also remaining economically sustainable." Goals ■ Protect environmental quality by preventing pollutants from entering surface and ground water ■ Ensure effective, economic pest management on City property, while minimizing health risks to the public, City staff, and the environment ■ Promote the transparency of the City's pest management activities ■ Increase public awareness of IPM methods and benefits Implementation The IPM sub -committee, Leisure Services, and environmental staff will develop and periodically review the IPM Plan, which will apply to the City's pest management activities on all of its parks and properties. The plan will include the following: ■ Adherence to IPM decision-making steps, for managing pests, as outlined in the "Community IPM Cycle" (see on next page) ■ Maintenance of accurate records on IPM implementation and use ■ Ongoing and periodic staff training in Green Business Best Management Practices ■ Development of standard IPM Operating Procedures for key pests across turf grass and general park areas ■ Inclusion of City IPM policies and practices in any third party contracts or purchase orders for pest management The IPM Plan will be reviewed annually, each March, by the IPM Sub -Committee and City staff in an effort to assess the effectiveness of pest control methods, feasibility of new methods and technologies, and discuss whether revision is needed. City of Sebastian Page 1 Integrated Pest Management Plan Community IPM Cycle This established cycle will serve as the guideline for IPM Plan development and is based on planning and prevention, with the use of chemicals as the last resort for pest control. IPM Decision -Making Steps 1. Inspection and Monitoring: Staff routinely scouts the landscapes and buildings to locate pests. Pest populations are monitored by visual checks and traps. 2. Identification: Pests must be identified to the exact species. Life history attributes are to be known for each species. This step is key to effective treatment. 3. Planning: The focus is on prevention- what it takes to keep pests out. Determine what action is needed and whether a threshold has been crossed. Proper techniques and timing are for required management. 4. Implement Strategy: All pest management strategies are classified as biological, cultural, mechanical, or chemical. Chemical control is the last tool in the IPM toolbox. All methods are combined to maintain pests at acceptable thresholds. 5. Record Keeping: Accurate record keeping is essential to a successful IPM program. Data must be kept on control methods implemented, chemical usage by staff, and purchase orders. Determine if control methods were effective by knowing what has changed through trap counts and observation. 6. Evaluate Effectiveness: Document if the treatments met expectations. Assess what was learned and determine whether the plan needs revised. City of Sebastian Page 2 Integrated Pest Management Plan IPM Program IPM Coordinator. The IPM Coordinator is responsible for coordinating, tracking, and reporting implementation of the City's IPM Program Tracking Pesticide Use. The IPM Coordinator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of pesticide use that are accessible for reference. Staff Training. All City employees who, within the scope of their duties, apply or use pesticides will be trained on the City's IPM Policies. An annual certification course on Green Business Best Management Practices will be provided through partnership with the University of Florida Indian River County Extension Office. The IPM Coordinator will track employees' attendance at training sessions. Standard IPM Operating Procedures. The City will follow Standard Operating Procedures below: 1. Use cultural practices and prevention measures to minimize the occurrence of pest problems. 2. Set a threshold of tolerance for pests. 3. Use biological and physical controls that are environmentally appropriate and economically feasible to control pests 4. Use pesticides to prevent or manage damaging pests only when necessary, and select and apply them in a manner to minimize risks to humans, non -target organisms, and water sources, including stormwater. Where feasible for structural pest management, insecticides will be applied as containerized baits. 5. Avoid the use of pesticides that threaten water quality especially in formulations and situations that pose a risk of contaminating stormwater runoff. Information Resources for Staff. The IPM coordinator will act as a resource to City staff to help identify when Standard Operating Procedures are not applicable or sufficient to solve a pest problem, to determine the best course of action consistent with IPM Principles, and to access expert resources when needed. Public Outreach. Public outreach efforts will include distribution of information, either created internally, or obtained through partnership with local and state government agencies. The IPM Coordinator will coordinate and keep records of the following: A City webpage where the public may obtain information on IPM techniques as well as view the City's IPM Plan. The City's efforts to promote the reduction of urban pesticide use through print and television media. 3. The City's outreach to pest control operators (PCO's) and landscapers. City of Sebastian Page 3 Integrated Pest Management Plan 4. Distribution of IPM information and resources at public outreach and community events. 5. IPM information distributed to residents through the "New Homeowner Folders" during the final planning and zoning inspection. 6. Updates and status reports to City officials. Contract Provisions. The IPM coordinator will review contract provisions or addenda to the purchase orders issued by all City departments that contract for pest management services and monitor contract work to ensure that City IPM policies and practices are adhered to by all contractors performing pest management work on city maintained parks, properties and facilities. Regulatory Reporting. The IPM Coordinator will handle reporting to regulatory agencies, which credit the adoption of an IPM Plan as a BMP. 1. Incorporate the IPM Plan into the NPDES MS4 NOI for Cycle 5, Year 1, as a new BMP for Element 6: Pollution Prevention/ Good Housekeeping. 2. Add as new project and update through the statewide Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) annual report on water quality projects 3. Add as new activity and provide update to the Indian River Lagoon Council for the Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) annual report on lagoon -related accomplishments City of Sebastian Page 4