North Fork Mosquito Abatement District
Board Meeting
Monday, July 20, 2009
7:00 p.m.
at the Hotchkiss Town Hall

I.   Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.  All Board members, the Operations Manager, Accountant, and 10 members of the public present.

II. Public comments, questions -

Rand asked about spraying - none so far this year due to low trap numbers and need to conserve budget.
Rosemary reports people on Back River Road report much lower numbers than last year.  Trap results are way lower, confirming the report.
Nina Parker asked about our approach - Kris explained that we are being more diligent about larviciding hot spots.  Biz responds to each call personally and finds and treats the hot spot, which results in a drop in mosquito population in about 5 days.
Nina asked about WNV - two cases and one positive mosquito pool in Weld, Larimer, and Jefferson counties.  No positive mosquito pools in Delta County so far, though Delta is behind on separating their Culex mosquitoes to send in for testing.  NFMAD has kept up using volunteers.
Viva Kellogg asked for donations for replacement batteries.

III.  Announcements -  Kwiki tires donated 4 tires for our trucks.  A thank you note was signed and issued.

IV. Approval of June 15 Minutes - Minutes approved as written

V. Officers Reports

     A.  President -      Kris - Paonia numbers way down, but Hotchkiss numbers higher than we would like (90 to 125 mosquitoes in three different traps).  Kris talked to  Leonard Felix about aerial spraying.  He has done the same thing for Mesa and Gunnison counties.  Kris proposed discussion about aerial spraying vs. truck spraying as it may get more complete coverage.  Biz reports sprayer will be calibrated on Wednesday.  It would cost about $3200 to aerial spray a square mile.  Truck spraying, especially localized, would be much less expensive.  Work session proposed for next week to take into account more recent data and budget to decide if, how, and when to spray.

      1.  Operations Manager Report -       Biz - See attached.  Going through Vectobac quickly now.  $10,142 spent on product this month.  $14,000 total spent this season.  Should wind down next month.  Barrier treatments offered if larviciding alone doesn't produce a satisfactory result.  Crew filled again after having to fire one employee for failure to show up to work after a warning had been given two weeks before.  Monday,  July 6 - mitigation meeting at Zach's BBQ.  Very productive.  Good suggestions.  Ditch level adjusted and flow improved.  Plan to narrow and deepen another ditch in the fall or winter when the flow is down and the ground is firm.  Cherry Days booth offered information - we need a banner for more visibility.

      B.Treasurer -   Still behind a bit on property tax collections, which is expected due to the economy.  Money may not come in later, but if it does, it will be after our spending for the season.  See attached financial sheets.  Gordon proposed we set up a different account for the reserve that is required by Tabor laws.  May be an interest-bearing account that can accrue interest.  Robin moved that we open a savings account to hold the reserve.  Motion seconded and passed.

VI.  Old Business - None

VII. New Business - Discussion of whether to fog fairgrounds as requested before the fair.  We will increase trapping around there to gather more data closer to the date.
Work session - Monday, July 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at State Farm  in Paonia to determine whether to fog at the fairgrounds.

VIII. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. (approx.)