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, March 24, 2010 at the C.H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Michele McLeod, Mark Alexander, Kirk Blanchard, Pat Boily, David Delia, Kim Harrison, Maggie Shaw, Dr. Peter Licht, Neil Chaudhary, Mary Gaudet-Wilson and George Miller.
Not Present: Robert Grossman. Also Present: David Shugarts, Kendra Bobowick from the Newtown Bee.
Call to Order: Dr. McLeod called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: Dr. McLeod made a motion to approve the minutes of March 3, 2010 as amended and March 10, 2010 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Blanchard. The vote was unanimous
Discussion: March 19, 2010 field walk with Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station representatives.
The field walk was attended by Dave Delia, Kirk Blanchard, Mary Gaudet-Wilson, Michele McLeod and Pat Boily. Conservation found about six sites over 20 acres. They noted that there was less tree growth on town owned property and those under forest management control. The Committee asked if controlling the deer population would result in healthier forests. Ms. Wilson felt the conclusions incomplete and not that simple. 100 years ago Newtown was 25% forest. It is now 60%. The difference was made up by agriculture. Dr. McLeod added that determination of what is a healthy forest is hard to determine. Mr. Shugarts noted that there were no deer 100 years ago. There is a need to encourage and protect native species.
DVD – “Lyme Disease – Guide & Prevention”
The Committee watched the above titled DVD narrated by Meryl Streep. The video was prepared for 6th grade students. There are also videos for 3rd and 9th graders. They arre on the curriculum of various schools in the area, but so far nothing is planned for Newtown students. Dr. Licht questioned some of the data. With treatment lyme disease can be cured. Mr. Chaudhary thought it might be too technical for 6th graders. Ms. Shaw stresses the importance of getting the information into the schools. Perhaps it could be shown on the educational cable channel. Ms. Harrison stressed the need to get the message out there. Dr. Licht said that care has to be taken not to scare people. Ms. Wilson thought a slide show might be
preferable over a DVD. BLAST has a Powerpoint presentation available. The First Selectman would like to have some kind of presentation.
Discussion: March 18, 2010 Dr. Stafford presentation at WCSU:
This was attended by Pat Boily, Peter Licht, Kirk Blanchard, Mary Gaudet-Wilson and Michele McLeod. A Powerpoint presentation will be ready for distribution to the Committee in a few days. Dr. Licht briefed the Committee on the status of vaccines. Dr. McLeod had some statistic data. Mr. Shugart said that more consistency is needed. Dr. Stafford’s emphasis was more prevention. It was difficult to assess the accuracy of the data. (Ms. Harrison left the meeting at this juncture.)
Discussion: Progress on final report by subcommittees.
Dr. McLeod asked for updates on progress. Dr/ Alexander is not ready right now. There is still some work needed by the Forest Committee. Mr. Delia is still putting notes together. Once finalized he will e-mail them out for comment. Once the initial drafts are distributed there will be discussion about where there is disagreement and decide on final decisions. Ms. Shaw said that the education subcommittee is almost ready. Two sections should be discussed at the next meeting.
Final Comments: None
Executive Session: None
Adjournment: Dr. Alexander motioned to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. Mr. Chaudhary seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Margaret R. Wilkin, Clerk
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