The Ad Hoc Tick Borne Disease Action Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the
C.H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT
Attendance: Present: Mark Alexander, Kirk Blanchard, Pat Boily, Neil Chaudhary, David Delia, Robert Grossman, Kim Harrison, Peter Licht, Michele McLeod, Mary Gaudet-Wilson, and Maggie Shaw. Absent: George Miller. Also Present: David Shugarts and three members of the general public.
Dr. Grossman called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes (10/14/09 and 10/28/09) – Dr. Grossman motioned to approve the minutes of October 14, 2009. Motion approved unanimously as amended. Dr. Grossman motioned to approve the minutes of October 28, 2009. Motion approved unanimously as amended.
Tape of Meeting with Dr. Ostfeld – Dr. McLeod provided information about the taped meeting with Dr. Ostfeld. She noted that the tape is analog and not clear. She distributed answers he provided to the committee’s questions and played a portion of the tape that summarized his thoughts and suggestions of deer management in Newtown. She said he basically summarized it by saying that Tick Borne diseases are a multi-host and it would be a misrepresentation to remove one host of a multi host disease to eliminate the disease. The committee discussed their views on Dr. Ostfeld’s findings and determined that it may be beneficial to coordinate a conference call with him in order to get further information. Dr. Ostfeld is also available by e-mail.
Discussion of 4 Poster and Dr. Pound – Dr. Pound will tentatively be meeting with the committee the first or second Wednesday in December.
Pyrethrin-Based Sprays – The committee discussed different non-toxic sprays, including Pyrethrin that is safe to use around humans, but is toxic to ticks. It has been used around schools, in parks and on trails in forests. It was noted that it is toxic to arachnids and invertebrates.
Japanese Barberry – Ms. Gaudet-Wilson updated the committee on a group of volunteers that meet on Thursdays to pull invasive plants, including the Japanese Barberry.
Having Advisory Members attend the Next Meeting – Dr. Grossman suggested that the advisory members be invited to the November 18, 2009 meeting.
Preparing an Interim Report by Committee for New First Selectman – Dr. Grossman discussed compiling an interim report of the committee’s progress for the new First Selectman. In the case that the committee does not come to unanimity, two different recommendations could be provided and the Selectmen would decide which avenue to take. Dr. Grossman suggested this be discussed at the November meeting with advisory members present.
Public Comments – Tom Belote discussed his concerns about Lyme’s Disease and mentioned people who he has known to have been diagnosed with it. He noted that although many people who have been treated successfully with antibiotics, there are others who suffer and have chronic illnesses.
Announcements - A reminder that Dr. Telford is scheduled to speak on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Danbury Hospital and 2:00 p.m. at C.H. Booth Library.
Executive Session - None
Adjournment – Mr. Alexander motioned to adjourn at 9:44 pm, Mr. Chaudhary seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by
Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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