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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-25-2021 IPM MinutesINTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL MAY 25, 2021 Cali to Order -- The meeting was called to order by Mr. Benton at 2:00 p.m. II. Pledge of Alleviance was recited by all. III. Roll call Present ❑r. Cox (Zoom) Ms. Callaghan (Zoom) Mr. Carrano Mr. Stadeiman Ms. Munroe (Zoom) -- Late Arrival Absent Ms. Lovell -- Excused Also Present: Brian Benton, Leisure Services Director Kim Haigler, Environmental Planner Joseph Perez, AV Technical Assistant Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) IV. Aor)roval of Minutes -- May 3, 2021 Chairman Benton asked if everyone had a chance to review the Minutes as presented. All indicated they had. Mr. Benton called for a motion. A motion approving the May 3, 2021 Minutes as presented was made by Mr. Stadelman, seconded by Mr. Carrano, and approved unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements A. IFAS, Audubon, and Leisure Services Native Test Plot Project Ms. Haigler described that the IFAS Extension Office via Nickie Munroe, who is the Director of the Master Gardeners program, is partnering with the City and the Audubon Society in implementing a project in the City's parks where 4' x 4' test plots are going to be planted with native plants for pest control. It will begin with insect surveys over the summer in different areas to create the base data. In the fall, 4' x `4 plots will be planted INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 M IN UTES OF MAY 25, 2021 in some of the parks and will be maintained through next year, and the program will then be reassessed. This is in line with the City's Parks and Properties IPM Plan. Mr. Stadelman asked if volunteers will be needed for that program, and Ms. Haigler said volunteers will be solicited for that program in the fall. VI. Public Inaut There being no one in Council chambers and no one present on Zoom, Mr. Benton moved to the next item on the agenda. VII. New Business A. Approved Pesticide Table Ms. Haigler reviewed that this Sub -Committee has approved other versions of this table that were not complete. This version is now complete. It sets forth the cost and the cost rating, and the EIQ and the Field Use EIQ are also set forth. She explained that there are a couple of numbers that are really high. There is a conversion issue about many chemicals being put into acre feet, which is a measurement that includes depth. So it may be that the Field Use EIQ will not apply to these, so more research will be done on the copper and the Diquat. Also added was the "Label Signal Word." She explained that the signal word in these two products actually applies to the toxicity to humans, and it has to do with the handling of the products. There are different areas in which they can be toxic, such as when they are eaten or absorbed through the skin or gotten in the eyes. Whatever is the highest Signal Word that applies is the one that is applied to it. All of those methods can be eliminated by wearing a PPE. That is how the "Label Signal Word" works. That word does not apply to environmental toxicity or indirect contact with it. She called for questions/comments from the Sub -Committee members. Ms. Callaghan stated her comment is not of huge importance, but she is a person who desires definitions for symbols, and she asked if it is worth defining what a single dollar sign symbol represents. She also pointed out that Diquat and Endothall have a single dollar symbol, and she questions the single dollar symbol next to something that looks more expensive than the two dollar symbols for the same quantity. Ms. Haigler explained that the amount that is actually used per acre is a lot less_ Ms. Callaghan asked if there will be another version of this table presented regarding this subject. Ms. Haigler said she has reached out a few times to Cornell University for some additional input, but she has not gotten anyone to reply to her. She will explore this question with someone else who specializes in this kind of measurement. Ms. Callaghan commented that the use of WOW is not going to be in this table, and she suggested that that is correct. Ms. Haigler PAGE 11 OF 62 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF MAY 25, 2021 recalled that at the last meeting when she went over the treatment sheets from AVC, the contracting company, they tested WOW in a few areas along the canal system, and there were poor results. So they do not recommend using it considering how much they would have to use, and they feel it is not safe for the water. So that product has been removed. Ms. Callaghan suggested that the WOW product might need to be added should it need to be defended in some way in the future, stating that it was considered at one time; however, because of the findings that were made, it has been excluded from consideration for chemical treatment. Ms. Haigler stated it could be included where there is talk about biopesticides. Mr. Benton stated his opinion, which is that the WOW product should not be included in the plan because it is not an approved aquatic product. Also, he thinks Sebastian should not be involved in giving a company or product a bad name on something that the City has done a minimal test on. if they would want to make it an approved aquatic pesticide, they would do more in-depth testing. He recommends that at this point we leave that product out and do not state that it is something that does not fit with our plan. If the manufacturer does further testing of it or comes up with an alternative product, etc., the City can adjust the plan at that time. Dr. Cox emphasized that WOW was never intended for use in aquatic environments. He agrees that it does not need to be included. He also stated he would like to have more information on what the dollar signs on the table represent. He would like to see somewhere in the text an explanation of that subject. He also asked what the units are in the WSSA resistance management group. Ms. Haigler stated that the chemicals that are in the same group have the same mode of action as to how they work. Chemicals with the same mode of action should not be used consecutively, the idea being that to decrease weed resistance chemicals with different modes of action be used. The same chemical is not used the same way every time, because aquatic plants tend to build a resistance. So next time something in a different group would be used. Mr. Stadelman stated that as he researched the individual chemicals, he noted that a few of them had no published data for toxicity in humans. He is wondering if that is a concern. Ms. Haigler stated that, if it has a signal word, that means it has been tested. Mr. Stadelman said that when he researched it on the internet, it specifically stated that there was not a paper written on human study for several products. Ms. Haigler stated that the makers of the products do not have to do their own study on human toxicity; the active ingredient in the product is what is approved. That chemical has been tested when it was developed before it was approved. Any trade names developed under that do not necessarily have to do their own testing, because it has already been done for the active ingredient. Mr. Stadelman stated he would do some more research on this matter. PAGE 12OF62 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF MAY 25, 2021 Mr. Benton asked if the "Label Signal Word" only includes the effects on humans, not the effects on environments. Ms. Haigler stated that is correct. She added that when you put in for the Field Use EIQ, it is broken down into just the environmental data, so she could put in another column after the EIQ that just says Environmental EIQ, because that number is provided. Mr. Benton asked for that to be done. He also had concerns regarding copper, Diquat, and peroxides. He asked if peroxides are an actual good use EIQ. Ms. Haigler stated it is awfully high. Highs should be 42, 45; low would be 5, 8. So it is an outlier. She feels that it has to do with the acre feet. She needs to find a surface application number for it. Ms. Callaghan recommended to Mr. Stadelman when he is doing his research to look for the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). It is an EPA group that will provide listings by herbicides, pesticides, etc. It will list the human health risk assessments that have been done. Mr. Benton said that this is going to come back again before the Sub -Committee regardless of whether that section was added or not. He asked what the Sub - Committee's pleasure is on this first review of the pesticide table. A motion to approve the pesticides as it exists, minus the environmental issues that were discussed, was made by Mr. Stadelman and seconded by Mr. Carrano. An objection was raised by Ms. Callaghan by stating that we also have to comment that we are going to define the dollar symbol as well; otherwise she approves of the motion. Mr. Benton asked that, since there is so much information to be changed or added, Mr. Stadelman withdraw his motion. Mr. Stadelman withdrew his motion to approve Item A., Approved Pesticide Table. Mr. Benton reviewed that this item will be brought back at the next meeting, an Environmental EIQ will be added as well as a table that explains what the dollar signs signify. Those are the two main items that staff will come back with following their review of those items. B. Data Management Ms. Haigler reviewed this section and how the data is collected and reported. There is the Monthly IPM Log, which is done by the Stormwater Department. There will also be the Field Treatment Sheets, which is what AVC uses in the field. They are sent to her every month. That also will include any purchase orders for chemicals or IPM-related equipment and materials, and any contractors who operate, such as AVC. They will have a contractor agreement form to sign. The Program Transparency element is that all these records will be available on the City's IPM website or upon request. The Annual Report and Evaluation summarizes everything that is going to be included, which she reviewed. She then called for comments/questions. PAGE 13 OF 62 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF MAY 25, 2021 Mr. Stadelman asked regarding Data Management, if the weather is a part of this. Ms. Haigler stated that is on the treatment sheets, but there is not going to be a correlation between the weather and what they treat or where they treat. It is on the treatment document that they cannot spray when weather conditions prohibit spraying. Mr. Benton added that the data sheets from the contractor will show that information. The only thing that may be added is to record whether or not it rains within the next 48 hours or something of that nature. Mr. Carrano asked if there are any post -treatment visual inspections being done. Mr. Benton added that there are stormwater staff who are out there taking pictures. They are doing this a week or two after the treatment has been done. Mr. Carrano added that this allows the staff to know how precise their spraying method is — if they are spraying plants that should not be sprayed or if it was too windy so as to create a lot of overspray and that the City is getting what it is paying for. He suggested wording to that effect be added to the document. Mr. Benton stated staff will make sure they are documenting all that information from problem areas. Ms. Haigler stated she would make "Quality Control" a sub -title and include the information that way. Ms. Callaghan also suggested some wording that should be included, such as identifying the areas where problems are appearing. Mr. Benton agreed. Dr. Cox said page 24 is missing from his copy of the document. Mr. Benton stated that the pesticide chart will be page 24 when the document is finalized. There being no further discussion, Mr. Benton called for the Sub -Committee's position on this section of the document. A motion approving the Data Management Plan with the addition of a Quality Control section was made by Mr. Stadelman, seconded by ❑r. Cox, and was passed unanimously via voice vote. L►111l i]r•7:. I . A. Chemical Methodology i. Review recent edits made and vote for final approval Ms. Haigler reviewed that the main part that was changed is the first paragraph. The whole introduction did not fit with what our procedures are for the City's stormwater system. She has reworded the entire thing, and she read aloud the entire introduction paragraph. She then asked for comments from the Sub -Committee members. Dr. Cox suggested inserting the word "reluctantly" somewhere in this introduction PAGE 14 OF 62 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 6 MINUTES OF MAY 25, 2021 paragraph that would seem to say that we really do not want to revert to pesticides, but we know we are going to have to at some point. Ms. Haigler stated that it already says minimal chemical controls are to be utilized. She suggested that that clarifies that our goal is not to douse everything with chemicals. Mr. Stadelman commented that one of the goals of this Sub -Committee is to take the reluctance out of it, to have people use this as gospel, that they can rely on what we are doing, having gone through the process extensively for many months with input from several people, including people with experience in this field. He would hesitate to use the term "reluctance" in this area of the document. Ms. Haigler agrees. Mr. Carrano stated that the document is very well written as is. Ms. Callaghan commented on the sections of the document outside of the introductory paragraph. She commented relative to Dr. Cox's comment earlier regarding a suggestion in the herbicide resistance section to add a statement that explains what a low number or a high number means in that table. She suggests adding a statement about what those numbers represent. Ms. Haigler read the sentence which states, "To prevent or mitigate herbicide resistance it is advised to rotate or combine herbicide mode of action, which will help reduce the selective pressure applied by any one product." ❑r. Cox stated it would help if an example were used. Mr. Benton suggested that what they mean is to add an example there using one of the products, and when there is resistance to that, using a different product. Mr. Carrano commented that Diquat and 2, 4-D seem to be combined quite often. Mr. Benton stated that staff will make those insertions and will bring this item back as well. Mr. Benton asked what the Sub -Committee wishes to do. A motion to accept the Data Management section subject to the change of adding an example on the Herbicide Resistance WSSA group as proposed by the Sub -Committee was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Mr. Stadelman, and approved unanimously via voice vote. IX. Sub -Committee Member Matters Ms. Munroe said she is present as a listener. She is taking notes so if there is a time where Ms. Haigler may need Ms. Munroe to help her compile a few more lists or a few more examples of plants that have become resistant, she is here for educational support. Ms. Munroe addressed the term of "reluctantly." She agrees that we do not want to put our finger on the scale, so to speak, of tools that people might be able to have in their toolbox. We have to remember that, although we have our preferences, there are some PAGE 15 OF 62 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 7 MINUTES OF MAY 25, 2021 people for whom some of these items will not be an option. We cannot influence them by using that particular term because it might be misinterpreted. We need to be careful when speaking with others so that we d❑ not give them the impression that we may be slightly judgmental. Mr. Benton agreed and thanked Ms. Munroe for her assistance. Ms. Stadelman thanked everyone for participating in this project, He wishes there were more members of the public present. X. Staff Matters Mr. Benton stated that Ms. Haigler, he, and other members of City staff had the kickoff meeting with Arcadis, who is the Stormwater Master Plan contractor. That process will be getting started and is going to be a lengthy process and a very involved, detailed process that staff will be heavily involved with, and at some point, public education and public input will be presented. This IPM will be included in that and will play an integral part as we continue to move forward with the Stormwater Master Plan in the City. It is much needed and will be a great asset for the City. Mr. Benton stated he had the pleasure of going out to Lake Okeechobee yesterday. Federal and state legislators along with people from many of the federal agencies, state agencies, US Fish and Wildlife, FWC, Department of Interior, and Everglades Restoration groups were present. He got a chance to go out on an airboat to see portions of the lake, and the group came back and spoke about some of the watershed areas and what is being done there to improve water quality. One of the important things that he took from this event was that one of the legislators stated that they sat in the oval office, and it did not matter which side they were on, the one thing that they all agreed on was the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee. It was pointed out that it is going to take everyone from the top to the bottom of the state to fix this problem. It was a positive event, and lots of ideas for discussion were put forth. He was of the opinion that, as time passes, if they can get the appropriations monetarily from the government, we will see a lot of activity happening going forward. XI. Items for Next Aeenda -- Monday, .tune 14, 2021 A. Future Recommendations B. Appendix and Glossary C. Approved Pesticide Table XII. Adiournment PAGE 16 OF 62 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 8 M I N UTES O F MAY 25, 2021 There being no further business, Mr. Benton called for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Stadelman, seconded by Mr. Carrano, and approved unanimously via voice vote. Meeting was adjourned at 2:53 p.m. 6/0- va By Date: _ 19 PAGE 17 OF 62