Town of Newtown, CT Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
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The Ad Hoc Tick Borne Disease Action Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the C.H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Robert Grossman, Michelle McLeod, Mark Alexander, Kirk Blanchard, Pat Boily, David Delia, Kim Harrison, Maggie Shaw, Dr. Peter Licht, George Miller. ALSO PRESENT: David Shugarts, Kendra Bobowick from the Newtown Bee and two members of the general public.
Call to Order: Dr. Grossman called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: Dr. Grossman moved to accept the minutes of February 17, 2010. Seconded by Mr. Blanchard. The vote was unanimous.
Comprehensive and focused round table discussion regarding final report preparation, including subsections to be included in the final report, manner of preparation of final report and subcommittee assignments.
Dr. McLeod began by saying that they have to look past wording and emotions, adding that the report should not be an evaluation. A decision has to be made how to put it together and in what format. Dr. Alexander noted that time was limited. There is value in putting things down on paper. Dr. Licht said that sub-committees should write within their own expertise. Once in writing it should be left to the Selectmen to decide how to proceed from the Committee’s findings. He added that affiliations should be left at the door. The philosophy of what the Committee is charged with and overall view should be explained. There should be a list of various presenters. They need to define the problem, acknowledge the magnitude of the problem, then address methods of attacking
the problem. Ms. Shaw and Dr. Alexander have compiled a considerable amount of information from other towns that should be included in the report for reference purposes.
Mr. Shuggarts would like to see a more current survey of the town’s thoughts. Dr. Grossman will meet with Kendra Bobowick to discuss the possibility of a survey in the Bee and on the website. The survey should include people affected by lyme disease and if there is interested in investing money into the problem.
The Committee went on to discuss the philosophy of what the Committee is charged with. Dr. McLeod described the concept of the charge. It was formed in an effort to address tick-borne disease in the community. They were asked to look into specific areas and advise how to reduce tick-borne disease. While addressing this problem the state of forests and the number of vehicle accidents involving deer was addressed. Dr. Grossman stated that this is a matter of health and safety. Although dealing with lyme disease can be a passionate issue, the findings should be approached with open minds. The Committee will be making certain recommendations that should have reasonable chance of success. Sub-committees will do the legwork, write it down for distribution to the Committee for
discussion. Dr. Grossman noted that costs involved are not a part of their findings at this time but should be part of the report.
Dr. McLeod and Dr. Licht will work on defining the problem of tick-borne disease. Ms. Harrison and Ms. Shaw will work on transmission and Dr. Chaudhary was nominated to work on motor vehicle/deer accidents.
Two members of the public addressed speakers who had addressed the Committee.
Final Comments: None
Executive Session: None
Adjournment: Dr. Licht motioned to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Dr. McLeod seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Margaret R. Wilkin, Clerk
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