The Ad Hoc Tick Borne Disease Action Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at the C. H. Booth Library on Main Street in Newtown, Connecticut.
Present: Mark Alexander, Kirk Blanchard, David Delia, Neil Chaudhary, Mary Gaudet-Wilson, Kim Harrison, Peter Licht, Michele McLeod, George Miller, and Maggie Shaw. Not Present: Robert Grossman Also Present: Pat Boily, Dave Shugarts, one member of the public and two members of the press.
Call to Order: Dr. McLeod called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: Dr. McLeod said that the corrected minutes of July 14, 2010 will be approved at the next meeting. Dr. Chaudhary motioned to approve the minutes of July 21, 2010 as amended. Motion seconded by Mr. Blanchard. Motion approved unanimously.
Deer / Tick Borne Disease Relationship Subcommittee Report (Second Half) and Vote
The committee reviewed this report beginning with a discussion of Dr. Rutberg's deer contraception study and the use and benefits of 4 Posters. The committee also discussed the benefits of using several options together.
The committee took a vote on all items individually. The voting results are attached to these minutes.
Forestry Subcommittee Report Review and Vote
Dr. McLeod asked for a discussion on the Forestry Subcommittee report. Mr. Blanchard reviewed the updated version of the recommendations that include and incorporated all the suggestions the committee made at the last meeting, with the exception of #9, where the subcommittee felt it would be best not to break down the deer density levels because it would complicate the issue.
The committee then voted on each recommendation individually from the Forestry subcommittee. The voting results are attached to these minutes.
Update on Other Sections of the Report.
Dr. McLeod said that Donna Culbert will help to finish up with the Education Report and would like to meet with the committee either for an early morning or late afternoon meeting. Mr. Miller and Ms. Shaw will contact Ms. Culbert to set up a meeting and will work on writing up the resolutions.
Discussion Time Frame for Completion of Report; Review of Content for Completeness.
Dr. McLeod discussed the continuation of meetings. She asked the committee members to review all sections to see if there are items that have been missed and then to bring forth these items to the committee at the next meeting.
Dr. Licht said if anyone has any suggestions regarding the discussion on vaccines to forward them via e-mail. Dr. Chaudhary stated concerns over not being able to change resolutions during a meeting because of those absent and are voting in absentia. Dr. Chaudhary then motioned to allow flexibility to change a resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blanchard. The pros and cons of this item were discussed. This motion was withdrawn.
Public Comments
Richard Husking from Key Rock Road said the general perception has been that the committee is asking for a mass extermination of deer, but after sitting through this meeting he gets the sense it’s not true. Committee members explained that it is not the view of the committee to remove all the deer, but that they have been discussing the effectiveness of reducing the population. Mr. Husking stated concerns of the committee ignoring costs and said emphasis should be placed on educating the public on tick prevention. He felt the onus should be placed on individuals protecting themselves and not on the government. He felt there is no way to eradicate Lymes and that deer are a part of nature and there are consequences if nature is tampered with. He feels the committee has good intentions but
Lymes is cured with 28 days of antibiotics. He said he has 50 acres behind his property and still does not see many deer. He said they are a majestic and gentle animal.
Another member of the public stated that non-lead ammunition is a lot more expensive than lead. She stated that the cost of four posters are negligible compared to the costs of Lymes disease and treatment. She said educating Newtown is important and that hunts in Redding, Litchfield and Wilton were all followed by failures.
Final Comments – None.
Executive Session – None.
The committee adjourned at 10:30 pm.
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