Minutes of the Board of Trustees – Wednesday, March 11, 2009.

 

1.      Roll Call:

Present:      President, Evan Long; Secretary, Belen Gomez; Bette George*; Harold Dozier and Bruce Myers.

Staff:          Manager, Michael Alburn., Assistant Manager, Yolanda Lourenco.

*    Bette George arrived at 4:40 p.m.

 

2.      Building Project:

Lloyd Fogelhut, A.I.A., Vice-President, Hayashida Architects, Emeryville spoke of the proposed laboratory/ multipurpose facility and how his firm can assist the District in getting a conceptual design through site plan review enabling the Board to have an understanding of the potential and cost of such a project.  The Trustees and representatives from the Hayashida firm had a lengthy exchange of questions and ideas.

 

3.      Approval of February Minutes:

It was moved by Harold Dozier, seconded by Bruce Myers, and unanimously carried that the Minutes of the February meeting be approved as mailed.

 

4.      Approval of February Bills:

Following discussion, it was moved by Bruce Myers, seconded by Harold Dozier, and unanimously carried that the February Bills be approved as mailed.  See:  Board Order to disburse funds No. 17, Exhibit I.

 

5.      Approval of March Payroll:

Following discussion, it was moved by Harold Dozier, seconded by Belen Gomez, and unanimously carried that the March Payroll be approved as mailed.  See:  Board Order to disburse funds No. 18, Exhibit II.

 

6.      Public Forum:

None.

 

7.      Operational Report:

The Manager reported on the following activities:

·        The mosquito Grower Letter was sent out with personal follow up to occur during the month of March for those who can meaningfully address their water management.

·        Pre emergent/ sterilant treatments on the contracted wastewater treatment facilities and dairies have been completed.

·        Source Reduction work has been completed.

·        Calibration of spray equipment/ cans/ blowers/ power sprayers/ larval & weed rig has been accomplished.

·        Shelving has been put up in the lab to accommodate additional counter space.

·        Carport gutter was repaired.

·        Electrical outlet was put in at the Vector Control Supervisor’s workstation.

·        Catch basins will be treated on Monday for the first time this year.

·         Won’t be able to get fish from our vendor until late May, we are in the process of collecting samples and evaluating them for parasites.  We will seine fish until we can purchase.

 

8.      Scope of Work Proposal:

The Board considered the proposal (See: Exhibit III) from Hayashida Architects for $2,000.  Following discussion, it was moved by Belen Gomez, seconded by Bruce Myers and unanimously carried to authorized $2,000 for the Concept Phase as described in Exhibit III.

 

9.      WNV Surveillance:

Yolanda Lourenco, Assistant Manager, spoke in detail of the District’s intentions with regard to the surveillance that will be carried out in 2009. Personnel, Sentinel Flock, CO2 and Gravid trapping, Red Boxes, and Dead Bird pick up were addressed.

 

10.  2008 Annual Report:

The Manager provided a draft of the Report for Trustee review.  It is expected that the document will be completed in time for the season when we will use it to further educate legislators, city and county leaders, as well as members of the public.  The publication will be set at 100 copies and citizens will be able to review and download from the web site as well.

 

11.  Seasonal Hiring:

The District placed an ad in the Dinuba Sentinel, Exeter Sun, and Visalia Times-Delta to hire six new seasonal employees this summer.  One hundred forty eight applications were received.  Candidates were able to pick up or download the specific job description and an application from the office or web site.  Interviews were conducted March 10th.

 

This year’s summer hires, program, college, community (new hires only), and start date include:

 

Vincent Grijalva, Tech II, Zone 2, 2003, March 16

 

Jared Cruz, House Mosq., Visalia, March 30

Rene Rodriguez, House Mosq., Woodlake, March 30

Kody Tipton, House Mosq., Visalia, March 30

Ryan Spratt, House Mosq., 2008, April 27

George Lopez, House Mosq., 2003, April 29

Alex Aguirre, House Mosq., 2008, May 15

 

John Johnson, Weed Control, 2008, April 6

Dexter Patton, Weed Control, 2008, April 6

 

Michele Dempsey, Lab, 2000, April 13

Samuel Hernandez, Lab, Seville, SD St. (Satellite Campus at Fresno St.), April 13

John Siegler, Lab, Visalia, U of SD, Visalia, May 26

 

One positive drug screen so far.

 

12.  Label, Calibration, Respirator Training:

The staff will be calibrated for walking speed, swath, have respirator fit testing, complete an online medical questionnaire, set up their truck first aid kit, and, receive crop map training the week of March 16th.  The Manager asked that the District sponsor a hamburger barbeque as part of a “Rodeo” in completing these tasks.  It was moved by Bruce Myers, seconded by Belen Gomez and unanimously carried to approve the barbeque as requested.

 

13.  AMCA:

The Manager requested that Katherine Ramirez, Biologist attend the Annual Conference in New Orleans, April 5-9.  Katherine is a member of the AMCA Education Committee and as such, will be giving a talk on the Delta VCD’s public education program.  In addition, Katherine will participate in the AMCA’s Education Day by joining mosquito control professionals who will visit local elementary schools promoting awareness. It was moved by Bruce Myers, seconded by Belen Gomez, and unanimously carried to approve the travel.

 

14.  MVCAC:

The Manager informed the Trustees that the MVCAC will hold its Spring meeting at the Marriot in Visalia, May 7-8.  A Board meeting will occur as well as all committee meetings.  An agenda will be made available to trustees who are welcome to attend and learn more about the California Association.

 

15.  Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

 

Board Minutes approved on April 8, 2009.

 

__________________________________

Michael W. Alburn, Recording Secretary