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.
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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
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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