SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
September 12, 2005
Call to Order
Chairman Harding called the meeting to order at 6:50pm. In attendance were Selectman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Gary F. Nelson, Chairman Norman P. Harding and Town Administrator, Nancy J. Wrigley. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager, Mary B. Winglass.
Chairman Harding asked for moment of silence before starting the meeting.
Introduction of Guests
Sarah MacGregor, President of Dragon Mosquito Control, Inc.
State Representative from Health and Human Services
Chairman Harding introduced Sarah MacGregor, President of Dragon Mosquito Control and Dr. Jose Montero from the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Chairman Harding added that tonight we will discuss the activity in town regarding (EEE) Eastern Equine Encephalitis and the West Nile Virus and what we can do to protect ourselves and our families. It is very sad for all of us that we are meeting tonight as a result of the loss of Kelly Labelle who lost her life at 20 years of age from Eastern Equine Encephalitis and we extend our condolences to her family and friends.
Dr. Montero spoke about what is EEE and how it is acquired and then he opened up a period of discussion for questions from the public. Sarah McGregor then spoke about how her company has been catching and testing mosquitoes in Newton for the past three years and larvaciding when mosquitoes are found that carry either virus. Sarah then stated that she was asked to do some trapping over this past weekend and they found an increased level of mosquitoes. The locations tested were Greenie Park Skateboard area, Memorial and Middle School, Packer Meadows and at the Crane Crossing Road Trailer Park (Willow Grove). Dr. Montero stated that the Department of Health and Human Services recommends spraying in these areas at this time.
Dr. Montero and Health Officer Robert Leverone stressed the need to all residents that prevention is very important at this time. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when outside during early morning (dawn) and early evening (dusk) when mosquito activity is high. Dr. Montero does not recommend stopping outside activity. He encouraged everyone to protect themselves around their house by getting rid of any standing water i.e. boats, tarps, buckets, birdbaths and clean out the gutters.
The Selectmen urged anyone who knows of a culvert or catch basins in their area to clean it out and if they are unable to, then to contact the Road Agent. Chairman Harding added that he has been cleaning out a culvert near his property for years and all residents need to pitch in to help out.
Rick Labelle of 48 North Main Street asked the town to take some action and to start with spraying and then he spoke about what his daughter went through to make the community aware of what happened. Mr. Labelle thanked the Town of Newton for the outpouring of affection and condolences.
Health Officer Robert Leverone asked if the permit application to implement spraying is in place and if so how soon could spraying begin? Sarah MacGregor responded that spraying is part of the permit application and that they could start as soon as tomorrow as long as they have the right weather conditions. The Selectmen agreed that they would find money in the budget to cover the cost of spraying these four areas. Road spraying is the next alternative to the town and it is a less conservative approach and not as affective. Sarah MacGregor will put together a proposal for Newton for next year to cover spraying alternatives if/when they may be needed. Sarah MacGregor added that residents should not throw grass clippings in any swamp area as they create the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Newton Learning Center owner discussed that the town land abutting her property is deteriorating and creating a large puddle and she would like this area fixed. Chairman Harding stated that this area is on the Road Agent’s list of jobs to be completed this year.
Fire Chief Bill Ingalls added that there are abandoned Fire Ponds that the department does not even know about as they were required in older subdivisions by the Planning Board. Chief Ingalls added that the Fire Ponds that are not being used could be filled in.
Ann Miles, resident and owner of the Carriage Barn Equestrian Center in Newton stated that the Carriage Barn and Equestrian Center urges residents to match her plan to adopt a Fire Pond in their area. Ms. Miles added that in order to adopt a Fire Pond she would need information on how to care for it in order to help manage the mosquito population. Ms. Miles added that she is willing to match half the cost of the recommended spraying in Town by Dr. Montero, Department of Health and Human Services.
Again Health Officer Robert Leverone stated that prevention is your best course of action. Refer to the Newton web site for further information on spraying in the town and to the State of New Hampshire Health and Human services website for preventative guidelines.
Old Business
New Business
Announcements
Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
Reports from Department Heads
Review of Action Items
Adjourn
Chairman Harding motioned to close the meeting at 8:24pm. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
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