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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-2020 IPM AgendaQiY OF SEBAST, HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2020 — 3:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —ACTION ITEM February 19th, February 26th, March 3rd, and March 11th, 2020 Meeting Minutes IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. Weekly Meetings through approval of Final Parks Plan Item B. Solicit for Committee Member participation on Stormwater IPM Sub -Committee V. PUBLIC INPUT V1. NEW BUSINESS Item A. Discussion of potential chemical controls i. Which are most applicable for active, passive, and athletic properties? ii. Target pests of each method iii. Estimated cost for each method iv. Caution labeling and environmental toxicity VII. OLD BUSINESS VIII. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA 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 MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE. 0 r 4'( IPM SUB -COMMITTEE - - _- AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date: June 10th, 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 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 IFAS 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 Aaenda 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 -- Mr. Carrano -- Ms. Brothers -- Dr. Cox -- goose grass torpedo grass sedge grass pennywort Japanese beetles brown patch fungus 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. VIII. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr. Benton adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m. go ff Date: MOF SE080M IPM SUB-COMMITTEE - AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date: June 10th, 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 26th, 2020 CITY OF SEBASTIAN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 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. Approval 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 IPM 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 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. 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 turf 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 Aqenda 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. go Brian Benton, Chairman ff Date: OFT 4I *i IPM IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME Of PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date: June 10th, 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. II. 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 Input 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 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 product/chemical 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 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 Aaenda A. Each sub -committee presents IPM research on assigned pests and recommended chemicals for discussion and adoption into IPM Plan VIII. Adiournment There being no further business, Ms. Haigler adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m. Date Jg MOF SE080M IPM SUB-COMMITTEE - AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date: June 10th, 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 11th, 2020 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL MARCH 11, 2020 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mr. Benton at 3:08 p.m. II. Roll call Present: Ms. Haigler Dr. Cox Mr. Carrano Mr. Benton Not Present Ms. Brothers -- Excused Ms. Kelly-Begazo -- Excused Mr. O'Neill -- Absent Also Present: Janet Graham, Technical Writer III. ADvroval of Minutes -- February 19, 2020 Mr. Benton asked if the committee members had a chance to review the Minutes from February 19, 2020. As the committee members present had not reviewed the Minutes of the February 19, 2020 meeting, approval of those Minutes was postponed until the next meeting, March 18, 2020. IV. Announcements A. Only one more meeting after this Mr. Benton stated a discussion was needed about adding a meeting on March 25, 2020 if possible. He is not sure that staff can have everything prepared and ready to go by next Wednesday, in order to have something for the committee members to review and approve before going to City Council. It was the consensus of those members INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF MARCH 11,2020 MEETING present that a meeting on March 25 should be added. Dr. Cox volunteered to help staff work on the document in the meantime V. Public Input Mr. Benton called on anyone from the public who would like to speak. Hearing no one, he closed the Public Input section of the Agenda. VI. New Business A. Committee member discussion of cultural and mechanical control IPM methods i. Which are most applicable for active, passive, and athletic properties? ii. Target pests of each method iii. Estimated cost for each method Extended discussion ensued among the committee members regarding this item. Mr. Benton stated the plan for the passive properties (which were listed in the prior video presentation by Ms. Haigler) in the City is to only treat the playgrounds.. Only treatment for fire ants will be done, and only the perimeter around the playgrounds will be treated, which has already been done. There have been no other pests identified that need to be treated in those parks as of now. Once the condition of those playgrounds gets back to what it needs to be, they will only need spot treatment. Dr. Cox described that plan as being a cultural solution. Regarding the active parks (which were listed in the prior video presentation by Ms. Haigler), so far the playgrounds have been treated. Mr. Benton stated he has some concerns in Hardee Park and Riverview Park and somewhat less at Easy Street Park because of the lake that is present. In Hardee Park he has some concerns about the center -field area, as there are some exercise groups who use that area. So there may eventually need to be some proactive action taken there to treat fire ants. Riverview Park is the major concern right now. Only the playgrounds have been treated. There was an event there this past weekend, and there were reports of some fire ant bites during the event. There are more activities coming up in the next several weeks, so he feels that Riverview Park should be treated because of the number of events that are held there. Once again, only the fire ants are being treated presently. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF MARCH 11,2020 MEETING Regarding the ballfields, they haven't been addressed yet. Hopefully, later this week the ballfields will be treated. Dr. Cox inquired as to whether staff has a threshold for how many complaints are received before action is taken. Mr. Benton stated staff must be more proactive at Riverview Park because of the number of people who come to that park. Different parks may have different thresholds, and different pests will require different thresholds. Regarding the amount of product that is used to treat the parks, Mr. Benton stated staff strictly follows the label on the product. A new wind anemometer and a new scale have been purchased. These are new ones that are properly calibrated. Dr. Cox is concerned about how decisions are made as to what products are to be used. He wants to take the guesswork out of making these decisions. Mr. Benton stated the first consideration is to identify the pest(s) in order to know how to properly treat them. The level of the pest population is also important to consider. Also, cost is a consideration. He will get together with Ms. Haigler and the applicators and discuss these questions. He is of the opinion that he and his staff and this committee should depend more on the research that has been done in addition to reading the label on the product. Discussion regarding natural and/or organic methods of addressing the pests was had. Aeration of the soil was among the suggestions. Mr. Benton stated he plans to get turf tires for one of their tractors, and he will be able to rent an aeration machine. Ms. Haigler presented photos on the monitor of parks in the City and the conditions existing there. There was discussion regarding reducing the sod in the passive parks, especially by introducing native plants that would give good cover and would fill in well. On the water side of the concrete walkway, Mr. Carrano suggested changing the landscaping along the river from sod to xeriscaping. Ms. Haigler suggested salt -tolerant grasses in that area. These suggestions could be implemented over the long term. Mr. Benton said staff has done a test area with the W.O.W. product and Dr. Kirchner's product. He will bring updated photographs of those test areas to the next meeting. Dr. Cox mentioned that he has talked to the CEO of the company that makes W .O.W., who has agreed to have a conference call with the committee sometime in the near future. Mr. Benton stated he has read where some communities have tried going to a vinegar - based product to address the weeds. Use of the vinegar -based product began to change INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF MARCH 11,2020 MEETING the pH in the soil, and employees actually complained about the effects of applying it, so they discontinued using it. He plans to try some products in an area that will not cause major damage, but the effects will be able to be seen on the turf grass in this environment. Mr. Carrano stated that, no matter what is used, everything has an impact. Ms. Haigler stated it is important for this committee to meet again after the summer months so that they are able to immediately evaluate things that are not working financially, culturally, etc. That way, changes can be made immediately. Mr. Benton called for public input under this item. Andrea Ring, Sebastian, is concerned about the moratorium being lifted on treating the fire ants in Riverview Park. She inquired whether signs will be posted informing people that pesticides are being used in that area. Mr. Benton said that City Council gave staff permission to treat playgrounds across the City at the last Council meeting. The signage is already in place at Riverview Park, and signage is up around playgrounds that have been treated already. He also said that presently the landscape contractors are not permitted to do applications of fertilizer or pesticides within the City. They are only doing maintenance right now such as mowing, etc. VII. Old Business A. IPM Plan Review and discuss new changes to the draft first section of the final report Mr. Benton called for discussion of any changes. He is going to review some of the numbers listed on the first page of the draft. He also stated that every contractor who is doing business within the City will be notified in their contracts that they must follow this Integrated Pest Management Plan within all City properties. Ms. Haigler suggested that an Appendix A be added to the contract where the third -party contractor would acknowledge that they had received the IPM Plan and will abide by the Plan by executing the document. Mr. Benton also addressed the Sebastian cemetery. Discussion was had as to what classification the cemetery should be after which it was the consensus that this property should be identified as an active park. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF MARCH 11,2020 MEETING Ms. Haigler emphasized that focus should be on other controls and other methods, and chemicals as the last resort. The end result of the plan in three months should be that it is already being seen that less chemicals are being used. Mr. Benton stated there will be an increase in the chemicals used on fire ants this year because of the moratorium. So it will take more applications in order to get the pests under control. Thereafter, spot treatment will be done. Dr. Cox stated that public perception is very important. It is important that the public sees that the City is using the minimum chemicals that are necessary. Mr. Benton suggested a plan to implement public outreach to educate the public and to focus on transparency of what is being done. VIII. Items for Next Agenda Mr. Benton stated an additional meeting will be added on March 25. He also asked that committee members review the first six pages of the plan and be ready to approve them at the next meeting, so that by the 25th meeting those pages will not need to be reviewed again. IX. Adjournment There being no further business, Mr. Benton adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. By: I7 Date: arrof SEBASTBN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title Recommendation IPM SUB -COMMITTEE AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM June 10th, 2020 VI. NEW BUSINESS Item A. Discussion of potential chemical controls For Committee Member Discussion Backqround: suggested chemical controls compiled from previous meetings If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Table Comparison of Potential Chemical Controls Advion Fire Ant 41.60 per 3 $ Bait Insecticide 100-1481 Indoxacarb .045% Caution Least Limited Fire Ants All Parks 3 Pounds Dimension 2EW Pre Emergent Herbicide 62719-542 Dithiopyr 24% Warning NOT ALLOWED Broadleaf Weeds •ALLOWED$116.75 per 64 ounces Liquid EPA Peppermint Oil 4.5% COS Use Parks Product $2,595 per 55 Eco Might WOW Herbicide Exempt Potassium Sorbate 3.5% Label Hazard Least Limited pests Treated by All Parks Cost of Product Name Type Registration Ingredient(s) Limitation is Permitted gallons Sodium Chloride 3.5% Level Product Product # Type for Use Advion Fire Ant 41.60 per 3 $ Bait Insecticide 100-1481 Indoxacarb .045% Caution Least Limited Fire Ants All Parks 3 Pounds Dimension 2EW Pre Emergent Herbicide 62719-542 Dithiopyr 24% Warning NOT ALLOWED Broadleaf Weeds •ALLOWED$116.75 per 64 ounces Liquid Peppermint Oil 4.5% $2,595 per 55 Eco Might WOW Herbicide Exempt Potassium Sorbate 3.5% Least Limited All Weeds All Parks gallons Sodium Chloride 3.5% Athletic Fields, Lesco Crosscheck Insecticide Fire Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Riverview Park 0.069% Plus 70506-123- $20.47 per 50 & Mini Bifenthrin .069 % Caution More Limited Mole Crickets, Sod (For Special Fertilizer (0-0-7 10404 Pounds Fertilizer Webworms Events) and Mini Fertilizer) Playgrounds Only Athletic Fields, Lesco Crosscheck 279-3206- Fire Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Riverview Park $59.70 per 1 Insecticide Bifenthrin 7.9% Caution Most Limited Mole Crickets, Sod (For Special Plus 10404 gallon Webworms, Termites Events) and Playgrounds Only Athletic Fields $37.77 per 2 Mansion Herbicide 228-373 Metsulfuron Methyl 60% Caution Most Limited Broadleaf Weeds Only ounces $29.95 per Orange Guard Insecticide 61887-1 d-Limonene 5.8% Caution Least Limited Ants, Roaches, Fleas All Parks Gallon Quinclorac 8.43% Sulfentrazone .69% Signal Grass and $301.44 per Q4 Plus Herbicide 2217-930 Caution NOT ALLOWED • ALLOWED 2,4-D 11.81% Dicamba Torpedo Grass 2.5 gallons 1.49% Revolver Post Athletic Fields $595.000 per Herbicide 432-1266 Foramsulfuron 2.34% Caution Most Limited Goose Grass Emergent Liquid Only 87 ounces Athletic Fields and Speedzone 2,4-D 10.49% Mecoprop-p Broadleaf Weeds, Surround $168.38 per Southern Post Herbicide 2217-835 2.66% Dicamba .67% Caution Most Limited specifically Florida Common Areas 2.5 gallons Emergent Liquid Carfentrazone .54% Pusley Only Fire Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Athletic Fields $139 per 50 TopChoice Insecticide 432-1217 Fipronil .0143% Caution Most Limited Mole Crickets Only Pounds Tribune Herbicide 100-1390 Diquat 37.3% Caution NOT ALLOWED Non -Selective NOT ALLOWED