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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-2020 IPM Agenda - CancelledQsona HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB-00I6MITTEE MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH, 2020 — 3:00 P.M. UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —ACTION ITEM February 19°i, 2020 Meeting Minutes Februar 26'^, 2020 Meeting Minutes March 4 , 2020 Meeting Minutes IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. Reminder It was voted on at last meeting to add one more meeting date on March 25'h. V. PUBLIC INPUT VI. NEW BUSINESS Item A. Chemical Information Spreadsheet I. Information for suggested attemative chemicals and current chemicals included ii. Discussion of possible classification method VII. OLD BUSINESS Item A Third Draft of the IPM Plan I. Review and discuss second through fifth sections added to the plan II. Assess the items added to the appendix Vlll. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA Item A. March 25P is our last meeting, please review the draft IPM Plan carefully and be prepared to finalize. 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 VERRA77M RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TES77MONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICHAPPEAL IS TO BE HEARD SAID APPEAL MUSTBE FILED WITH THE CRYCLERx50FFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OFACTKW. (285.0105 FS). IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS LATH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA). ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITYS ADA COORDINATOR AT (407)3895330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. TWO OR MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYBE IN ATTENDANCE an0' SEBA" HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH, 2020 — 3:00 P.M. UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —ACTION ITEM February 19th, 2020 Meeting Minutes February 26th, 2020 Meeting Minutes March 4th, 2020 Meeting Minutes IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. Reminder it was voted on at last meeting to add one more meeting date on March 25th 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 VII. OLD BUSINESS Item A. Third Draft of the IPM Plan i. Review and discuss second through fifth sections added to the plan ii. Assess the items added to the appendix Vill. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA Item A. March 26M is our last meeting, please review the draft IPM Plan carefully and be prepared to finalize. 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. nn°or SEBASIMN IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meeting Date: March 18th, 2020 Agenda Item Title: III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- ACTION ITEM Recommendation: Submitted for Committee Member approval Backq round: If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Minutes from regular sub -committee meeting held on February 19th, 2020 CITY OF SEBASTIAN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL FEBRUARY 19, 2020 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mr. Benton at 3:10 p m. II. Roll call Present: Mr. Carrano Ms. Brothers Mr. O'Neill Ms. Haigler Mr. Benton Not Present Dr. Cox -- Excused Also Present: Janet Graham, Technical Writer III. Announcements: None IV. Public Input Mr. Benton called on anyone from the public who would like to speak. • Robert Bedea. Sebastian. His main concern is the presentation that was put forth at the last Council meeting. There was a PowerPoint presentation made without any time in a scientific fashion to make such claims. He also stated he is dismayed because the moratorium was lifted soon after it was put in place, all because of fire ants. He suggested that the best remedy for fire ant bites is coconut oil and baking soda mixed together. It takes the immediate sting away, and there is no residual sting or itch whatsoever. He suggested keeping some of that solution near the parks as a first -aid remedy that would be a better alternative than broadcasting poison. He also states that the community residents in general play a large part in this situation. The citizens must be educated as well, but he feels the City has to lead by example. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2020 MEETING Mr. Benton stated using Orange Guard was suggested by a resident at one of the meetings. His staff purchased the product. He mentioned the results of that test at the City Council presentation. The product was applied to two different fire ant hills. He is not stating that it works or doesn't work. He is only reporting on the facts his staff found. He emphasized that the City and staff are not a testing agency. There is the University of Florida, IFAS, who can do the testing. Other places have done testing similar to this along with other products such as rice. The University of Florida, IFAS, has already given the testing results from those products, that they did not work. However, Sebastian still did tests of it because it was a member of the community's suggestion. Referring back to the Orange Guard product, it was applied. He returned two days later, and there was already an ant hill right beside where it had been applied where the ants had just moved over, in his opinion. He did not return to investigate either hill, but he went back before City Council's meeting of February 12 and tested both of the previous mounds. Both of them were drenched. One of them was active still, one was inactive. However, both of them had new ant hills that connected to them. So that was his report on that product at the City Council meeting. • Andrea Ring. She addressed the fire ant situation. She would prefer to control the ants with natural remedies rather than chemicals. She mentioned hot water. Ms. Haigler stated this committee will be discussing that at today's meeting. Ms. Ring stated that Indian River County says they use the vinegar and water on the big areas and asked if Sebastian has tried that. Mr. Benton stated his understanding is that they used the vinegar, soap and water against weeds. The parks director did state they use Top Choice for their fire ants in Indian River County. Mr. O'Neill stated there is someone at UCF who has a boiling water applicator that he has come up with that is like a steam machine. Mr. O'Neill has a call in to this gentleman to find out if it is commercially available or if he has the plans that he would make available to this committee. Mr. Benton stated he has information from some places where this machine has been tested for weeds. Ms. Ring inquired whether hot water would kill the mole crickets. Mr. Carrano said he did not find anything that has been tested like that. If really hot water is sprayed, that will also take out the grass. Beneficial insects--earthworms--will also be affected. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2020 MEETING Seeing no one else from the public who would like to speak, Mr Benton closed the public input session for now. V. New Business A. Review of GI BMP Manual Ms. Haigler stated she requested to have the manual here today, but her contact person did not reply. She stated that this manual, Green Industries Best Management Practices, is the manual that City staff were trained on. She stated it has great detail on cultural and physical controls. She reiterated that WAS is the research institution for this; the City of Sebastian is not. They do statistically significant testing of things in different environments and different climates. They get research dollars to do this research to compile this information. It has been tested, retested, and proven time and again before it is published. Mr. Benton stated that a copy of this manual will be provided to all sub- committee members as soon as it is available. B. Committee member discussion of IPM for assigned species i. Description of the life history of each ii. Biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control recommendations iii. Consider methods for use on Bermuda turf grass and general park areas iv. Discussion of each method's costs, benefits and concerns FIRE ANTS -- Mr. O'Neill inquired regarding the Advion product. Ms. Haigler stated it has been approved by the State of Florida for spot treatment and broadcast. Mr. Benton stated Indoxacarb is the product that is in Advion. Mr. O'Neill also inquired if Spinosad is a more natural solution. Ms. Haigler stated the way to know is to find out how it works. Natural products attack the ants' reproductive systems or their maturity rate. Mr. O'Neill stated that Entrust is the product with the Spinosad, and he inquired of Mr. Benton whether Entrust had been used by the City. Mr. Benton said he had not used it, but he would look into that product. Mr. O'Neill stated this is the one product that he found that was touted to be the least harmful. He stated he had investigated some other ones, and he had sent the information on those to Ms. Haigler INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2020 MEETING Mr. O'Neill stated that Borax was another product that was mentioned several times in his research. Mr. Benton stated staff has not tested Borax, but it is something that can definitely be looked into. Mr. Benton emphasized that this committee is what is driving this project. He and Ms. Haigler want all the input that is possible but emphasized that the magnitude of the area that has to be maintained must be considered. Ms. Haigler stated that the City Manager pointed out there may be unintended consequences of testing some of these methods. Mr. O'Neill stated he got an email from Dr. Josh King at the Biology Department of UCF. He would like to have a conversation with Mr. O'Neill regarding fire ants. Mole Crickets -- Mr. Carrano stated the committee had seen examples of mole crickets when they visited two of the athletic fields. From what he has read, mole crickets are easy to kill with insecticides. Biological control is a bit more "iffy." There is a nematode and there is a Larra bicolor wasp which also targets only mole crickets. Indian River County was one of the counties where the wasps/flies were used. It is believed that these wasps/flies are present, but what is needed is to attract them. They are nectar eaters, so something like a butterfly garden should attract them. Their life cycle ends in the mole cricket. The female injects the eggs into the mole cricket, and that's how the mole crickets die. He stated there is a product called NEMATECH S which can be spread in different areas, and it only attacks mole crickets. Mr. Benton stated he had done some research on that product, and it was his understanding that it was not as successful as they thought it was. The manufacturer of the product no longer offers it. Mr. Benton made the suggestion to build a type of garden to attract the wasps/flies. He queried whether this is something that will work now or is it something that could be put in now in order to manage the mole crickets in the future in a proactive manner. Mr. Carrano stated that by the time everything was put in place, it may be too late to be effective this year. Dr. Cox -- Sod webworms. As Dr. Cox was excused from this meeting, Mr. Benton reviewed the information Dr. Cox had sent in. Basically, several species of sod webworm commonly infest home lawns. The most severe damage usually occurs in July and August. They are larvae of lawn moths. Mr. Benton described that staff identifies them with a soap mixture that is applied, and the sod webworms will come right to the top of the ground. Mole crickets will do the same thing. Healthy turf grass, proper fertilization, and irrigation can decrease the susceptibility of turf grass against the webworm. However, excessive fertilization is a leading cause of caterpillar outbreaks in lawns. For INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2020 MEETING biological control, there is a nematode that has been successfully tested against sod webworms in Florida. Mr. Benton will have Dr. Cox look into that and see if it's available to purchase. There is also a bacterial -based insecticide. Spinosad may help control without impacting beneficial species. Mr. Benton read from Dr. Cox's notes. The important question is whether integrated pest management works on this pest. Despite the economic importance of the sod webworms, there has been little information on integrated pest management programs for this pest. Several insecticides may be used to control this pest, but appropriate timing, risk of resistance, and non -target aspects need to be considered. Finding larvae with soap flushes, especially if moths were previously seen, and spot treatment of infested areas are recommended. Current control recommendations are mainly application of above- ground chemical insecticides against larval stages. Control should be aimed at damaging larvae, not the flying moths. At least 10 chemical compounds are currently registered for control of lawn caterpillars, including sod webworms, in North America. Directions for applying these products comes from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Department of Entomology. Crabgrass -- Ms. Brothers stated that crabgrass is an issue in the ball fields, not so much an issue in the non -athletic parks. The main cultural practice is already in place, which is to keep it mowed at whatever height is needed for the Bermuda grass, removing the clippings when the seed heads are present, and making sure the Bermuda grass is thriving, so the crabgrass doesn't take over. She said there is a long list of chemicals listed on the IFAS site that she still needs to research further. She inquired if there is a website where the costs of different products can be compared. Mr. Benton stated anything that any member finds that they want costs for, send it to staff, and he can get a cost estimate from the company that the City uses. Ms. Haigler stated she could set up a spreadsheet template to help list the products, what chemicals are used, how they work, cost, etc. Mr. Carrano mentioned that Florida has a very high ground water table in most areas, and so most things put into the ground leaches into the water. Mr. Benton asked whether anyone looked into the products the City uses currently to form an opinion as to whether we should absolutely not use those products. No one has done that yet. Mr. Benton asked that the members look at all the MSDS sheets that he sent out and provide input on those. Hearing no further questions or comments from the committee, Mr. Benton opened the meeting up for public input regarding the four pests that have been discussed. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 6 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2020 MEETING • Andrea Ring inquired about the fire ant situation at Friendship Park. Mr. Benton stated there is still a problem. It is not at the magnitude that it was previously. At this point some spot treatment can be done on the hills. He still wants to give it a little more time for what was applied the first time to allow it to run its course. He estimates that since the treatment was done the ant hills have been reduced by about 80 per cent. That was using Advion. Ms. Ring asked if the hot water could be used, because it does work. If it is necessary to buy a machine to produce the hot water and spray it properly, she thinks that would be the way to go. But it is necessary to know if it's going to work. Mr. Benton stated there are some issues with that. How do we get the water hot and keep it hot and get it out there? Mr. Benton stated the machine costs money. Staff can wait for some feedback and see what kind of results those people are getting. Let them do the testing. They have the funds. If Sebastian gets positive results from that, then City staff will make an effort to do the same tests, or something similar. He reminded everyone that with the number of parks in the City, it would involve a lot of time. Ms. Haigler stated the large park areas are 280 acres, the sports complex alone is 22 acres. The City grounds are 8 acres, and the medians and walkways are 5 miles. Mr. Benton stated that everywhere across the City there are ants, and there is not one employee designated to strictly treat the ant problem. He further asked, if the hot water machine works, how will the City be able to use that method and use it efficiently. Dedicating one employee to go around and treat ants is going to be labor intensive as well as costly, where there might be another method that does something different with less manpower and time involved. Ms. Haigler stated that there are costs involved with whatever method is chosen, and the funds to do it have a limit. Going forward there is also going to be a project to treat the waterways, and that is going to be very expensive. So there needs to be a balance. Mr. O'Neill inquired about the budget. Mr. Benton stated that roughly what is budgeted for all the services which maintain the parks, city grounds, etc. to cover pests, fertilization, and chemicals, including the splashpad, totals approximately $13,000.00. VI. Old Business -- None VII. Items for Next Agenda A. Each sub -committee member presents IPM research on assigned pests for discussion and adoption into IPM Plan INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2020 MEETING PAGE 7 The following were assigned for research to present at the next meeting of the sub- committee: Mr. O'Neill --grubs Mr. Carrano -- moles Ms. Brothers -- dollar weed Dr. Cox -- broad leaf weeds The following were assigned to research the balance of the items to present the research at meetings going forward: Mr. O'Neill -- goose grass torpedo grass Mr. Carrano -- sedge grass pennywort Ms. Brothers -- Japanese beetles brown patch fungus Dr. Cox -- signal grass mice Mr. Benton stated at the next meeting the projector will be set up. He and the members of the committee thanked Ms. Haigler for all her hard work on this project. Mr. Benton further stated that the information that is gathered at these meetings will be put into a written plan, and he wants 100 percent agreement on what is presented to City Council. Vill. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr. Benton adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m. la jg Date: "OF SEBASTIAN IPM SUB -COMMITTEE wEM AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meeting Date: March 18th, 2020 Agenda Item Title: III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- ACTION ITEM Recommendation: Submitted for Committee Member approval Backqround: If Agenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Minutes from regular sub -committee meeting held on February 26th, 2020 CITY OF SEBASTIAN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1226 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL FEBRUARY 26, 2020 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mr. Benton at 3:00 p.m. II. Roll call Present: Ms. Haigler Dr. Cox Mr. O'Neill Mr. Benton Not Present Ms. Brothers -- Excused Mr. Carrano -- Excused Ms. Kelly-Pegazo -- Excused Also Present: Janet Graham, Technical Writer III. Aooroval of Minutes -- February 12. 2020 Mr. Benton asked if everyone had seen the Minutes from February 12, 2020. All stated they had. Mr. Benton called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes as presented was made by Ms. Haigler, seconded by Mr. O'Neill, and approved unanimously via voice vote. IV. Announcements Mr. Benton stated that he and Ms. Haigler are going to give a short update at this evening's City Council meeting. He reviewed that there may be some questions coming from Council regarding fire ants in the playgrounds and how we plan to move forward with that. So there needs to be some discussion regarding fire ants during this meeting. IV. Public Input INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2020 Mr. Benton called on anyone from the public who would like to speak. • Patrick Powers, Sebastian. He gave some of his background. He is now a golf course superintendent with the PGA. He voiced his main concern is what is the goal of this IPM plan. He attended the last City Council meeting and saw the presentation made by Mr. Benton and Ms. Haigler. He questions how the present situation all came about. Mr. Benton replied that in November, City Council directed City staff to adhere to a 120-day moratorium on the application of pesticides and herbicides within the City parks. He reviewed that there were a couple I PM workshops that invited public input at those workshops on how to move forward with this process. The moratorium prevented the application of all pesticides and/or herbicides. To address Mr. Powers' other concerns, Mr. Benton reviewed the City's past practices regarding pesticides. When glyphosate became such an issue, City staff were directed by City Council to look into alternatives to glyphosate. Staff investigated and tested products. They found a product that they thought would work for the City, but the decision was made by Council in November to place a moratorium on all pesticides in City Parks. • Mary Ann Krueger, Sebastian. She gave her history of many years working on environmental issues. She described how many wild birds were present in her neighborhood in the past and how their numbers have dwindled since the spraying of chemicals began. She has witnessed spraying being done where children are playing. She is very much against spraying of pesticides or anything that is harmful to the immune system. • Andrea Ring, Sebastian. She is appreciative that City Council has finally addressed this problem. VI. New Business A. Chemical Information Spreadsheet i. Information for suggested alternative chemicals and current chemicals included Ms. Haigler stated it is impossible to put all the pertinent information on one spreadsheet. She displayed the form that she has created (SEE ATTACHED). She explained how to do the research and displayed an example. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2020 Dr. Cox asked if these sheets will be done for just the products that the City staff have listed as being used in the past by the City, or will they be done for a wider range of pesticides. Mr. Benton said they are only being done for those products that have been used in the past by the City or are currently being used. What the sub -committee members are being asked to do is, once someone finds a new product that might be used, they then fill out the form for that product. He also stated that City staff can also fill out the forms if they get the product information from the committee member. ii. Discussion of possible classification method Mr. Benton stated, once all the sheets are in on the products and what pests they are successful in treating, then the classifications will be assigned. Mr. Benton called for public input. • Mary Ann Krueger, Sebastian. She questioned whether any product is effective for an extended length of time because the sandy soil is so conducive to leaching. • Patrick Powers, Sebastian. He questioned the licensing of the City's applicators. Mr. Benton described that within the Parks Department there are two certified applicators. Each of those employees has his own applicator license. The State of Florida has its certified applicator's license that has to be renewed, etc. He emphasized that this is only for the parks system, not canals, etc. Mr. Powers said he himself has sprayed thousands of gallons of Roundup. It is still questionable whether glyphosate is or is not a carcinogen. He reiterated that, while the City is spraying its parks, residential homeowners are buying and using gallons and gallons of Roundup to treat their yards. So his question is, what is the City trying to accomplish, and he questions why the moratorium on all products because of one specific product. Mr. Benton stated that City staff can only control the City's properties, and this committee was formed to come up with an IPM. He recommended that the public who are here at this meeting attend the City Council meeting this evening and present their input during the Public Input section of the agenda. B. Committee Member discussion of IPM for assigned species. i. Life history traits of each INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2020 ii. Biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controlled recommendations iii. Best methods for use on Bermuda turf grass and general park areas iv. Discussion of each method's costs, benefits and concerns Mr. Benton called on Mr. O'Neill to update his research on fire ants. Mr. O'Neill stated he and Ms. Haigler and Mr. Benton had a conference call with Dr. Joshua King who is an associate professor at the Biology Department of the University of Central Florida. Dr. King is in the process of developing a system/device for maintenance of fire ants using very hot water. It is very effective, as it kills the queens. Plans will be made to have him come with his machine and give a demonstration of how it works. Mr. Benton explained that this system is something to consider for use in the future. Mr. Benton said he asked Dr. King what he recommended for treating fire ants. His recommendation was to use a broadcast product two to three times a year and use this machine as a control method. When Mr. Benton asked about the effect of this system on Bermuda turf grass, Dr. King stated that in all likelihood this system will kill the tun` grass in the immediate area of the mound. Mr. O'Neill will have further updates at next week's meeting. Dr. Cox was absent from last week's meeting. Mr. Benton had read most of Dr. Cox's information at that meeting in Dr. Cox's absence. General discussion was had in order to further delineate exactly how to present the research from the committee members and to look at both short- and long-term solutions. Regarding his research on broad -leaf weeds, Dr. Cox found that maintaining a healthy turf cover is very important in keeping the broad -leaf weeds under control. Also on his list of pests to address is tropical signal grass. Maintaining good turf cover will also help to control this weed. Mr. Benton stated what has been used for broad -leaf weeds is SpeedZone. For signal grass weeds and torpedo grass, Q4 has been used. Dr. Cox's last assignment was how to deal with mice. With the problem around restaurants and concession areas, the solution is probably going to be baiting and/or traps. Ms. Haigler also suggested owl boxes. Mr. Benton opened the meeting for public input regarding the assigned species. Patrick Powers, Sebastian, mentioned what he called the "Kudzu" warning. He stated when new products and/or methods are brought in, thinking that they will INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2020 suppress one problem, another problem may be created. • Mary Ann Krueger, Sebastian, expressed that it must be kept in mind that everything that is used is going to leach into the lagoon, lakes, and streams. She is also advocating having an environmental specialist attached to the Building Department. Ms. Haigler explained her duties in regard to land clearing of residential lots in the City. • Andrea Ring, Sebastian. She stated that educating the public is important and suggested using the Natural Resources Board in that regard. 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 Mr. Benton stated he will show some pictures that he has taken of the turf fields at next week's meeting. The important thing presently is that the growing season is beginning, and right now the pests are beginning to take over the fields once again. He suggested testing some of the products on Friendship Park that have been tested by others and have been successful. If any of those prove to be successful, then they may be able to be used at Barber Street. It was also discussed that signs could be posted letting the public know that pesticides are being used in those areas. Ms. Haigler emphasized that, just because someone sees spraying being done, that doesn't necessarily mean that it is a pesticide being sprayed; it may be micronutrients to enhance root health. Mr. Benton then called for public input on the above item. • Mary Ann Krueger, Sebastian, asked whether the Bermuda grass is a good choice as the temperature goes up. Mr. Benton stated Bermuda grass is the premier athletic turf that is found all across the state of Florida. • Patrick Powers, Sebastian, stated that Bermuda grass is a lot more pest resistant. As was previously pointed out, keeping the Bermuda grass healthy is very important. He also suggested over seeding with different types of grasses. VII. Old Business A. IPM Program Introduction and Implementation Plan INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 6 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2020 Review and discuss the draft first section of the final report Mr. Benton stated the draft of the first section of the final report has been done. He asked if all members had had a chance to review it. Mr. Cox said he had not. Mr. Benton suggested discussing that item at next week's meeting. VIII. Items for Next Acenda A. Each sub -committee member presents IPM research on assigned pests and recommended chemicals for discussion and adoption into IPM Plan Mr. Benton asked that members continue to research their assigned pests and the recommended chemicals. He then asked if any members of the committee have suggestions for what can be used on fire ants at the present time. Mr. O'Neill suggested the Entrust product. Dr. Cox suggested City staff continue doing what has been done. IX. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr Benton adjourned the meeting at 4.20 p.m. By: Brian Benton, Chairman A Date: l�n"t�F IPM SUB -COMMITTEE qi AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date: March 18th, 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 March 4th, 2020 CITY OF SEBASTIAN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL MARCH 4, 2020 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mr Benton at 3:00 p.m. Il. Roll call Present: Kim Haigler Kathy Brothers Dr. Graham Cox, Advisor Thomas Carrano Brian O'Neill Brian Benton Ms. Christine Kelly-Begazo -- Late Arrival Also Present: Janet Graham, Technical Writer III. Announcements Mr. Benton announced that early voting will be going on at City Hall during the March 11 meeting time; however, it is still planned to proceed with this meeting as scheduled. IV. Public Inaut Dr. Cox reported that he had contacted Patrick Powers and invited him to the meeting. Mr. O'Neill reported that Arnold Diehl is an organic farmer in Fellsmere and is interested in giving this committee feedback. Mr. Benton stated anyone who can give additional input is encouraged to attend any of these meetings. Dr. Cox reported that he has been conducting email correspondence with Michael Briansky, the CEO of the company that makes W.O.W. He has offered to come and talk about both the product and the thinking that there is in the non -toxic chemical world INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2020 concerning what products are available. Mr. Benton stated he has spoken to this gentleman specifically about W.O.W. He is a great resource to be utilized at some point going forward. V. New Business A. IPM Treatment Data Sheets i. Discussion of pest management activities currently occurring at City parks Mr. Benton stated he does not have a hard copy of the signs that are being used, but he passed his phone around which had a photo of the signs. He stated he will have a copy to put in the formal Minutes when they are ready. The sign states that the park occasionally receives a pesticide application. He thanked everyone who attended the City Council meeting last week and gave input for the IPM plan. City Council has given permission for staff to treat the playgrounds and to treat the Barber Street complex. Council gave staff permission to review what they are doing and to move forward with what they felt was necessary. No further steps have been taken other than treating for fire ants in the playgrounds as of this date. The applicators have been starting at 6.00 a.m. to avoid applying the product once the wind picks up. ii. Review of reporting spreadsheet method as a standard for IPM Plan He introduced the data sheet which is the chemical control log (SEE ATTACHED). Mr. Benton described and explained each section, and discussion was had regarding the form. He asked for input on what changes should be made or what else should be included on this form. Ms. Brothers inquired if this information will be posted online. Mr. Benton stated he will keep track of the logs, and his applicators will keep track of them. Those logs will be available to anyone who wants that information, such as on the website, if that is what the committee desires. He will also have the documents with him at the City Council meetings so he can present the information if it is requested. Ms. Brothers suggested having a link on the website. Mr. Benton will look into that. Mr. Benton asked for any comments from the public. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2020 Mr. Patrick Powers, Sebastian, suggested, instead of revealing the applicator's name, it could just list his/her license number. He also suggested wind speeds should be considered when applying the products. Mr. Benton stated that CrossCheck is the product that he and his staff would prefer to use at this time. Advion can also be used as a bait. Mr. Carrano stated that in his research of CrossCheck he found that this product binds to the soil. Therefore, it is not going to leach through and get into ground water. It is also much less toxic. Ms. Kelly-Begazo stated that because the soil in Florida has low organic matter, the binding is not going to happen as much as it would in other soils. She further explained the chemical action of the product. Extended discussion was held among committee members discussing the science of soil and grasses in Florida. Mr. O'Neill will contact Dr. Joshua King, University of Florida, about bringing his machine to Sebastian to conduct a demonstration. Mr. Benton asked if any Committee members had issues with staff using CrossCheck currently for the playgrounds, specifically using it for fire ants. No one indicated he/she had any issues with it. Regarding the most pressing needs presently, Mr. Benton stated fertilizing will be done soon. CrossCheck will be used at Barber Street, and broad -leaf weeds need to be addressed. Mansion has been recommended to be used for broad -leaf weeds. It is to be applied as needed, but no more often than every four to six weeks. 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 iv. Discussion of each method's costs, benefits, and concerns Dr. Cox was to research broad -leaf weeds and what products could be applied to them. He stated he is somewhat overwhelmed by the information that is available. Mr. Benton stated that what staff is basing their decisions on is either using products they have used INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2020 in the past or the information they are receiving from what are considered professionals in the field. Mr. Powers reviewed what his experience has been on the golf courses he was associated with. Ms. Brothers was given dollar weed to research. She is confused as to what prod uct/chemica I should be recommended from all those listed to treat this pest. General discussion was had regarding this pest. Mr. O'Brien stated it is somewhat discouraging that this committee is on such a tight timeframe to come up with a program. (AT THIS POINT, MR. BENTON LEFT THE MEETING, AND MS. HAIGLER LED THE DISCUSSION.) Extended discussion was held regarding various pests and their treatments, which products are labeled "organic" and the fact that a product is labeled as "all natural" doesn't mean that it is not harmful to grass. Ms. Haigler stated that for next week's meeting she is asking members to research for recommendations as to what cultural and mechanical control methods may be applicable to the three park categories. At the end of the discussion, it was explained by Ms. Kelly-Begazo that one single product is not going to be successful on all pests. She also stated it is not possible to address the pest problem without using at least some hard chemistry. She complimented this committee and its hard work so far. It was also discussed that the frequency of applying organic products versus applying toxic chemicals needs to be considered, as well as the cost of the chemical itself. VI. Old Business A. IPM Program Introduction and Implementation Plan i. Review and discuss the draft first section of the final report Ms. Haigler stated Ruth Callaghan, who is also a member of the Natural Resources Board and is an environmental chemist, will be available soon to attend these meetings. She will have useful input regarding what goes into the first section of the final report. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2020 Ms. Haigler stated she has pared it down to something simpler so it can be built on. There is a focus on the transparency of what is being done at the City's parks. All of the data will be posted online. An annual report should be done to bring everyone up to date and allow for review and revisions, if needed. She suggested the committee reevaluate the Plan in July regarding the change in seasons and how to address that. She also suggested preparing a resolution that dictates how the Integrated Pest Management Plan is managed in the future VII. Items for Next Agenda A. Each sub -committee presents IPM research on assigned pests and recommended chemicals for discussion and adoption into IPM Plan VIII. Adjournment There being no further business, Ms. Haigler adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m. in J9 Date Mor HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date: Agenda Item Title Recommendation: IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM February 26th, 2020 VII. OLD BUSINESS Item A. Third Draft of the IPM Plan Submitted for Committee Member review and discussion Background: This is the third draft 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 25t" meeting. If Agenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: City's IPM Plan- DRAFT Integrated Pest Management Plan For City Parks and Properties April 2020 CRU SEBASTLA HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Integrated Pest Management Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION..................................................3 Scope.......................................................3 IPMPlan....................................................3 Goals........................................................4 Implementation.........................................4 Community IPM Cycle................................5 Strategy Method Selection ..........................6 IPMProgram .............................................: II. ATHLETIC PARKS................................................9 Overview...................................................9 Common Pests..........................................9 Non -Chemical Methods .............................10 III. ACTIVE PARKS..................................................11 Overview........._,_. ....... R... u a....l1 Commf;,,,,, ..........................n,o.<<�.01� NonMethods... IV. PASSIVE PARKS................................................13 Overvirzcv,....., ..13 <<...o,...��..0....13 Non `r� ems61 , �� �� ,, �>>C � '_��,,,��ds .............................13 V. NON -CHEMICAL RECCOMMENDATIONS ..............15 VI. CHEMICAL METHODOLOGY ............................... VII. DATA MANAGEMENT ........................................ Data Recording & Collection ....................... Annual Report ........................................... City of Sebastian Page 1 Integrated Pest Management Plan VIII. APPENDIX.......................................................... Appendix A: City Parks and Properties Map..... Appendix B: Approved List of Pesticides.......... Appendix C: Park Classifications ..................... Appendix D: R-00-00..................................... Appendix E: Contractor Agreement ................ Appendix F: Fertilizer Ordinance ..................... Appendix G: Field Data Form ........................... Appendix H: Annual Report Outline .................. Appendix I: Labels and SDS Sheets .................. City of Sebastian Page 2 Integrated Pest Management Plan I. INTRODUCTION Scope The City of Sebastian's Leisure Services Department is the steward of over 300 acres of land at more than 25 locations, including community parks, city grounds, street medians, pathways, and sports facilities. Large park areas comprise 280 acres of the properties. Within the City's parks there are: 10 tennis courts, 11 playgrounds, 8 pickle ball courts, 4 basketball courts, 3 football/soccer fields, 5 baseball/softball fields, 3 volleyball courts, a dog park, a splash pad, and a skate park. The park lands offer a large array of recreation and enrichment opportunities for people of all ages. The City's Municipal Cemetery is managed by the Public Facilities Department. The 11 acre property consists primarily of sodded groundcover and is subject to frequent foot traffic, beyond its roads and paths. Therefore, for the purposes of controlling pests on the property, the cemetery will be included into the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan as a part of the City parks and properties. The Leisure Services and Public Facilities Departments are charged with maintaining these diverse landscapes in a safe, attractive, healthy, and useful condition. These properties represent a major component of the City's capital assets and the City recognizes its responsibility to its employees, park users, and the general public, and seeks to employ the highest professional standards in the performance of its duties. To best manage pests on City properties, City staff and contractors will continue utilizing the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through the implementation of an 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." City of Sebastian Page 3 Integrated Pest Management Plan ■ Protect environmental quality by preventing pollutants from entering surface and ground water and minimizing effects on native plants, animals and habitats ■ 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 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 managemeni 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 Coordinator will prepare an annual report of the City's IPM activities, which 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 decide whether revision of the IPM Plan is required. City of Sebastian Page 4 Integrated Pest Management Plan C�OM1 MI U PY WN/A cyc e 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. 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 5 Integrated Pest Management Plan Strategy Method Selection When choosing a pest management method or pesticide, from the approved list the following will be considered: Site Factors. Use and function of the landscape. • Considering the use and function of the landscape, parks are divided into three functional categories _ ^ in which the action threshold and methods are decided: ➢ Passive: neighborhood parks which can more likely be maintained with a natural approach. Some of these parks have playgrounds, which will need to be assessed regularly. ➢ Active: do not contain Bermuda turf, and receive the most activity on a daily basis. They need to be treated proactively, due to the number of park patrons on a daily basis and the nature of the activities that take place. ➢ Athletic: turf grass must be maintained to a higher standard to ensure the playability and safety of the participants. Proactive treatments are necessary in order to provide the standard of care that is required. • Erosion and runoff potential of site • Presence of surface water Health and Safety Concerns. Potential effects on City staff and park visitors. • Toxicological properties and potential health effects of materials or methods • Equipment operation safety issues • Staff safety and injury concerns Environmental Considerations. Protection of native plants, animals and pollinators. • Consider toxicity or potential harm caused by the method to non -target organisms and habitat. • Potential for bioaccumulation of materials within soils and groundwater • Know if there is potential for effects on any federally or state protected species that may be in the area • Be aware of any nesting birds in the area and potential affects the method may cause • Understand the effects the method may have on pollinators Costs. Both short and long term costs, as they relate to: • Costs of the material or method • Application and Labor Costs • Effectiveness and duration of effects • Overall feasibility City of Sebastian Page 6 Integrated Pest Management Plan Product Characteristics. Specific product features • Possible residual effect and decomposition products • Volatility and flammability • Product formulation, recommended dilution and package size • Leachability and solubility • Equipment cleaning consideration before and after use • Potential synergistic effects of pesticide combinations Other Factors. Additional factors relevant to the selection • Special equipment required for method • Method of delivery • How all criteria may be affected by weather conditions • Previous pesticide applications on site and interval between treatments • Possibility of pest resistance IPM Policy. The IPM plan, as well as future modifications or amendments will be presented to City Council for final approval. The plan will then be incorporated as City policy through the adoption of Resolution R-00-00 by City Council IPM Program Coordination. The Leisure Services Director and the IPM Coordinator are responsible for coordinating, tracking, and reporting the implementation of the City's IPM Program. Tracking Pesticide Use. City Staff and Contractors conducting pest management activities within City parks and properties are required to record thorough field data. The IPM Coordinator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of pesticide use and non -chemical methods utilized 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 training sessions are coordinated by the Human Resources Director, who will track employees' attendance and submit to IPM Coordinator to ensure all City field staff hold an active certification. Licensed Applicators. At all times a minimum of 2 City staff members must be state certified pesticide applicators. The Human Resources Director will keep a copy of their certifications on file. City of Sebastian Page 7 Integrated Pest Management Plan 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. • The City's outreach to pest control operators (PCO's) and landscapers. • Distribution of IPM information and resources at public outreach and community events. • IPM information distributed to residents through the "New Homeowner Folders" during the final planning and zoning inspection. • Updates and status reports to City officials. Contract Provisions. The IPM coordinator will review contract provisions and/or amendment(s) to agreements that provide pest management services within city maintained parks, properties and facilities covered under this IPM Plan. Contract work will be monitored to ensure that City IPM policies and practices are adhered to by all contractors performing pest management work. Regulatory Reporting. The IPM Coordinator will handle reporting to regulatory agencies, which credit the adoption of an IPM Plan as a BMP. • Incorporate the IPM Plan into the as a new BMP for Element 6: Pollution Prevention/ Good Housekeeping. • Add as new project and update through the statewide Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) annual report on water quality projects • 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 Integrated Pest Management Plan II. Athletic Parks Overview At approximately 25 acres, athletic parks are the smallest size -wise of the City's park classifications. However, these parks arguably hold the most importance for its visitors and the community. The City's athletic parks host hundreds of sporting events each year. Athletic facilities play a major role in the physical, mental, and social well-being of all age groups. Youth are provided the opportunities to improve their confidence, self- esteem, and mental alertness. Adults are given a chance to become more physically active and socialize. Our athletic facilities promote a sense of community and prove safe spaces for our park patrons. Friendship Park and the Barber Street Sports Complex are the only parks classified as "athletic parks." On athletic fields, Bermuda Turf is the dominant groundcover and it must be maintained to a higher standard than other parks and public areas to ensure the playability and safety of the participants. Proactive pest treatments are necessary in order to provide the standard of care that is required. Therefore, the tolerance threshold for pest activity, before action is taken is considered low. Bermuda Turf is associated with its own unique assortment of animal and plant pests. These include, but are not limited to: • Insects: Fire Ants, Sod Webworms, Mole Crickets, Japanese Beetle Grubs, Cut Worms • Vertebrates: Mice, Moles • Weeds: Broadleaf Weeds, Signal Grass, Goose Grass, Crab Grass, Dollar Weed, Pennywort, Torpedo Grass, Sedges Meth6u-s Maintaining the vigor and health of a groundcover is the focus to preventing damage from insects, weeds, and disease. Understanding the biological needs and growth of Bermuda Turf groundcover is essential to reducing the use of chemical pest control methods. In order to prevent pests, the following cultural and mechanical methods will be conducted reaularly as part of the standard proactive park maintenance procedures within the City's athletic parks: • Maintain healthy soils. Florida soils are very sandy and well -drained. Amending with organic material and microorganisms can increase water -holding capacity and reduce the need for fertilizers. City of Sebastian Page 9 Integrated Pest Management Plan • Irrigate uniformly and efficiently. Maintain efficient irrigation equipment and schedule irrigation in correlation with weather conditions and temporal requirements of the groundcover. Water should be uniformly distributed. Conduct regular water audits to ensure systems are not leaking and the pressure, alignment, and distribution of the heads are correct. • Fertilize properly. Annual testing of the soil should be conducted to ensure that the proper nutrients are being added. The addition of micro -nutrients at the appropriate time of the year will enhance the root system. Fertilization activities must be in compliance with City Ordinance # 1234 • Aerate regularly. Compacted soils can inhibit water, air, and nutrient infiltration. Compacted soil also is more susceptible to weed invasion. Aeration of ground covered area receiving the most traffic creates pores in the root zone for air, water, and nutrient uptake that facilitate root growth. Often aeration is combined with a compost top dressing for maximum results. • Mow at correct height. Mowing at the incorrect height for the groundcover species can thin out and starve the grass, or encourage the build-up of thatch. Bermuda Turf is to be mowed at I" height. Mowing is conducted often enough so that no more than 1 /3 of the leaf height is cut. • Always mow with sharp blades. Dull mower blades cause uneven cutting and weaken the grass blades. The City owns its own blade sharpener and all mowing blades are sharpened as needed. • Tool Sanitation. Pests can easily spread among sites by hitchhiking on un- sanitized lawn equipment. Cleaning the mower and all landscape tools between areas minimizes pest transport. In addition, separate mowers are used for Bermuda Turf than is used on the St. Augustine common areas. • Verticutting. Thatch buildup can impede air and water infiltration, much like compaction. Verticutting allows the grass to absorb nutrients and moisture more efficiently by ensuring that all the moisture is absorbed by the fresh, young blades of grass instead of the thatch. • Over Seeding. The appearance and/or removal of pests as well as extensive drought conditions often leave open patches of disturbed soil behind, which are favored habitat for many weeds. Broadcasting Rye Grass seeds over Bermuda Turf will fill in these areas and prevent weed infiltration, while enhancing the greenness and overall aesthetics of turf areas. • Mulching. To prevent weeds and promote water retainment, mulch has been amended to areas surrounding some of the trees and shrubs bordering athletic parks. The mulched areas will be amended annually, as needed to maintain its effectiveness. • Infield Dragger. A wide row of metal spikes, attached to a tractor is routinely dragged along the baselines and infield of baseball and softball fields. This levels the ground for running and prevents infiltration of groundcover and weeds. City of Sebastian Page 10 Integrated Pest Management Plan III. Active Parks Overview Active Parks are parks, which do not contain Bermuda turf, and receive the most activity on a daily basis. Active parks feature open grassed areas for play, paths for walking and playgrounds. Predominantly, the groundcover in these parks is St. Augustine, and occasionally Bahia grass. Depending on the pest, active parks also need to be treated proactively, due to the number of park patrons they receive on a daily basis and the nature of the activities that take place. The City's active parks include: Riverview Park Complex, Schumann Park, Hardee Park, Friendship Park, Bark Park, the Pickleball Complex, Barber Street Park common areas, and the cemetery property. Groundcover in these parks does not have to be maintained to as high a standard as on athletic fields, as playability is not a factor. However safety must be maintained throughout the park, therefore, the tolerance threshold for pest activity, before action is taken is considered moderate. Common Pests The common park areas of active parks have fewer pests that would require treatment and for most of them the tolerance threshold is quite high. These include, but are not limited to: • Insects: Fire Ants, Mole Crickets • Vertebrates: Mice, Moles • Weeds: Broadleaf Weeds, Signal Grass, Dollar Weed, Similar to the Athletic parks, maintaining healthy groundcover is key to preventing damage from insects, weeds, and disease. Understanding the biological needs and growth of St. Augustine groundcover is essential to reducing the use of chemical pest control methods. However, optimum health is not required, as pest tolerance thresholds are much higher. Therefore, in order to prevent pests, the following cultural and mechanical methods will be conducted as needed, as part of the selective maintenance of the City's active parks: • Maintain healthy soils. Florida soils are very sandy and well -drained. Amending with organic material and microorganisms can increase water -holding capacity and reduce the need for fertilizers. • Irrigate uniformly and efficiently. Maintain efficient irrigation equipment and schedule irrigation in correlation with weather conditions and temporal requirements of the groundcover. Water should be uniformly distributed. City of Sebastian Page 11 Integrated Pest Management Plan Conduct regular water audits to ensure systems are not leaking and the pressure, alignment, and distribution of the heads are correct. • Fertilize properly. Annual testing of the soil should be conducted to ensure that the proper nutrients are being added. The addition of micro -nutrients at the appropriate time of the year will enhance the root system. Fertilization activities must be in compliance with City Ordinance # 1234 • Mow at correct height. Mowing at the incorrect height for the groundcover species can thin out and starve the grass, or encourage the build-up of thatch. St. Augustine is to be mowed at 3-5" height, depending on the season. Mowing is conducted often enough so that no more than 1 /3 of the leaf height is cut. • Always mow with sharp blades. Dull mower blades cause uneven cutting and weaken the grass blades. The City owns its own blade sharpener and all mowing blades are sharpened as needed. • Tool Sanitation. Pests can easily spread among sites by hitchhiking on un- sanitized lawn equipment. Cleaning the mower and all landscape tools between areas minimizes pest transport. In addition, separate mowers are used for Bermuda Turf than is used on St. Augustine. • Over Seeding. The appearance and/or removal of pests as well as extensive drought conditions often leave open patches of disturbed soil behind, which are favored habitat for many weeds. Broadcasting Rye Grass seeds over sparse groundcover areas in Riverview Park will fill in these areas and prevent weed infiltration, while enhancing the greenness and overall aesthetics of grassed areas. • Mulching. To prevent weeds and reduce water requirements, mulch has been amended to areas surrounding some of the trees and shrubs bordering athletic parks. The mulched areas will be amended annually, as needed to maintain its effectiveness. City of Sebastian Page 12 Integrated Pest Management Plan IV. Passive Parks Overview Passive Parks do not contain Bermuda turf, and receive the least activity on a daily basis. Active parks do not feature larger open grassed areas for play. Traffic is primarily on pathways and playgrounds. Predominantly, the groundcover in these parks is St. Augustine, and occasionally Bahia grass. Depending on the pest, passive parks do not require proactive treatments. The City's passive parks include: Easy Street Park, Historical Park, Kildaire Park, Filbert park, Bryant Park, George St. Park, Periwinkle Park, Blossom Street Park, Cheltenham Lake Park, Main Street Boat Ramp, Garden Club Park, Yacht Club, Community Center, Stormwater Park, and 5 miles of road medians (Schummann, US1) and 512 intersections. Groundcover in these parks does not have to be maintained to as high a standard as on athletic fields or active parks, as playability is also not a factor and safety does not need to be maintained as highly beyond the immediate trail areas and playgrounds. Therefore, the tolerance threshold for pest activity, before action is required is considered high. The common park areas of passive parks have fewer pests that would require treatment and for most of them the tolerance threshold is very high. These include, but are not limited to: • Insects: Fire Ants, Vertebrates: Mice, Moles V1-)--n-Chemicu lkiie ilods Similar to the athletic and active parks, maintaining healthy groundcover is key to preventing damage from insects, weeds, and disease. Understanding the biological needs and growth of St. Augustine and Bahia groundcover is essential to reducing the use of chemical pest control methods. However, optimum health is not required, as pest tolerance thresholds are much higher. Therefore, in order to prevent pests, the following cultural and mechanical methods will be conducted occassionallv, as part of the reactive maintenance of the City's passive parks: • Maintain healthy soils. Florida soils are very sandy and well -drained. Amending with organic material and microorganisms can increase water -holding capacity and reduce the need for fertilizers. • Irrigate uniformly and efficiently. Maintain efficient irrigation equipment and schedule irrigation in correlation with weather conditions and temporal City of Sebastian Page 13 Integrated Pest Management Plan requirements of the groundcover. Water should be uniformly distributed. Conduct regular water audits to ensure systems are not leaking and the pressure, alignment, and distribution of the heads are correct. • Fertilize properly. Annual testing of the soil should be conducted to ensure that the proper nutrients are being added. The addition of micro -nutrients at the appropriate time of the year will enhance the root system. Fertilization activities must be in compliance with City Ordinance # 1234 • Mow at correct height. Mowing at the incorrect height for the groundcover species can thin out and starve the grass, or encourage the build-up of thatch. St. Augustine is to be mowed at 3-5" height, depending on the season. Mowing is conducted often enough so that no more than 1 /3 of the leaf height is cut. • Always mow with sharp blades. Dull mower blades cause uneven cutting and weaken the grass blades. The City owns its own blade sharpener and all mowing blades are sharpened as needed. • Tool Sanitation. Pests can easily spread among sites by hitchhiking on un- sanitized lawn equipment. Cleaning the mower and all landscape tools between areas minimizes pest transport. In addition, separate mowers are used for Bermuda Turf than is used'on St. Augustine. • Mulching. To prevent weeds and reduce water requirements, mulch has been amended to areas surrounding some of the trees and shrubs bordering athletic parks. The mulched areas will be amended annually, as needed to maintain its effectiveness. City of Sebastian Page 14 Integrated Pest Management Plan V. NON -CHEMICAL RECCOMMENDATIONS In addition to the cultural and mechanical pest control methods currently being implemented within the City's parks and properties, observations of the areas prompted the following recommendations: • Updated Chemical Application Equipment. In order to adhere to the label requirements for pesticide application equipment must be carefully calibrated and maintained. Over time and with continual use, chemicals can erode parts of the equipment. Nozzles can deteriorate and triggers can become loose. This can result in a drastic, unintended increase in application rates. Updated motorized equipment cleans more efficiently, calibrates and hold calibration more accurately, and deteriorated parts can be easily replaced. • Warning Track. Replacing a wide strip of the turf that is closest to the back fence of the baseball/softball fields with rocks or other material will not further decrease the amount of turf grass that needs to be maintained. Also of importance, the change in terrain serves as a 'Warning" for fielders trying to make a deep catch that they are running out of room, without having to take their eye off of the ball. For maintenance, it is simply dragged regularly, just like the baselines, to prevent turf grass or weed infiltration. • Concrete Platforms. Weeds are a continual problem underneath sports bleachers, park benches, and trash cans. These areas cannot be mowed and it is difficult or even impossible to use a weed eater around. Chemical control becomes the most feasible option. Installing a concrete platform under these features will pay off through the reduction of staff hours and chemical use, as well as increase the parks' aesthetics. • Trees. Trees enhance the shade and comfort for spectators, provide wildlife habitat, and shade groundcover, reducing water requirements. While no trees should be placed on or in proximity to athletic fields, still there are many spaces for the addition of trees within the general park areas. Trees will also enhance the safety of playgrounds as they shade the equipment from the Florida sun. The addition of trees will also enhance the aesthetic of the parks overall. • Extended Mulching. Currently, the mulched areas in these parks are minimal. Enlarging the mulched areas, by grouping trees into large landscaped islands will reduce the amount groundcover that needs maintained. • Habitat for Beneficials. Many Bermuda Turf pests have natural predators, which can be attracted to the athletic field by installing landscape beds of native flowering annuals and perennials along the edges of the general park areas. The addition of owl and bat boxes around the perimeter of these parks will help to control moles, voles, and other rodents. City of Sebastian Page 15 Integrated Pest Management Plan Appern)dix E: City of Sebastian Page 20 Cf1YOF BLAST HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND The Contractor, following: Administrative Services Department Procurement Division 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL 32958 (772) 388-8232 IPM PLAN CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT (Company Name) , hereby agrees to all of the • Review and follow the IPM Strategy Method Selection, as listed in the IPM Plan. • Inform and train employees of the IPM Plan. • Use only chemicals approved in the IPM Plan, and apply in accordance with rates/methods on the associating label. • Notify IPM Coordinator at least three (3) business days before pesticide application. Provide the location, date and anticipated chemicals being used. • Report monthlv to the IPM Coordinator with all pesticides used in the City and provide treatment sheets. I am a legal agent of the above named company and am fully authorized to sign and bind the above listed Company to this IPM Plan Contractor. Print Name: Title: Signature: Date: