SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
August 21, 2007
Chairman Ulcickas opened the public meeting at 6:01pm. In attendance were Chairman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Selectman Trisha J. McCarthy, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Mary Winglass.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (e) – Litigation. Second by Selectman Donovan. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Ulcickas – yes, Selectman Donovan – yes, Selectman McCarthy – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to close the non-public session. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Per unanimous roll call vote, the minutes of the meeting will remain confidential until in the opinion of the majority of the members the circumstances no longer apply.
Chairman Ulcickas reopened the public meeting at 7:04pm.
Chairman Ulcickas announced that the Selectmen are meeting with Town/State Officials to discuss the notice from the State of NH Department of Health and Human Services regarding Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Present at the meeting was Town Health Officer Robert Leverone, Sarah McGregor of Dragon Mosquito, Inc., Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keith Pfeifer, Sanborn Regional Middle School Principal Sandy Rutherford, Memorial School Principal Brian Buckley and State of NH Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Jason Stull.
Health Officer Bob Leverone stated that there is sufficient evidence to implement road side spraying for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and recommends to the Board to move forward as soon as possible and to continue with tracking and testing of mosquitoes of the targeted areas for the remainder of the mosquito season. Residents need to take precautionary measures by wearing protective clothing and using an insect repellent when outside.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to have Dragon Mosquito conduct road side spraying for mosquitoes in the Town of Newton as soon as possible and to include the backpack spraying as needed. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Superintendent Dr. Pfeifer added that the Sanborn Regional School District has posted the information about protecting oneself at each school and on the school’s website. A hard copy was mailed out to the parents in both communities. The practice hours on the fields have been changed so that no practice runs any later that 6pm. The School District has purchased 10,000 repellent wipes to be used with parental permission to protect those outdoors as the District is prepared to do whatever is necessary to make sure the community and the staff are protected.
Sarah McGregor, President of Dragon Mosquito stated that she hopes to begin roadside spraying on Thursday, August 23rd and Friday August 24th. The schedule will be affected if the weather does not cooperate as there cannot be any wind or storms while spraying. The spray will come from the back of the truck and if anyone comes up behind one then they can pass when it is safe. Residents will hear and see the truck coming for it is loud and has a strobe light and will be traveling at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Sarah added that they will continue tracking and larviciding the wetlands and catch basins but many of the wetlands have dried up as we have had a dry spell this season. Residents need to check their properties for anything holding water such as containers, boats, wheel barrels, footbath
used near pools and dog bowls. Every little bit helps and to make sure the screens are patched to keep the mosquitoes out of the house. Personal prevention and protection are the key components necessary to keep safe and by adding road side spraying will help reduce the numbers and therefore reducing the risk of disease.
Residents were told to shut the windows and go indoors when the truck is spraying your area. Dragon Mosquito will be practicing their route sometime tomorrow.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to amend the previous motion to include that road side spraying is to be done multiple times throughout the mosquito season as necessary. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Ulcickas thanked everyone for attending and for the residents to keep watch of the website for updates regarding this issue.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to adjourn at 7:15pm. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
| 
