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ROLL CALL:
Council Members
Present:
City Staff:
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2004 - NOON
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 990 PALM STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
Council Members John Ewan, Christine Mulholland, Allen K. Settle,
Vice Mayor Ken Schwartz and Mayor Dave Romero
Present: Ken Hampian, City Administrative Officer; Jonathan Lowell, City
Attorney; Audrey Hooper, City Clerk; Wendy George, Assistant City
Administrative Officer; Jay Walter, Civil Engineer; Todd Beights,
Parks and Urban Forest Supervisor
STUDY SESSION
LAGUNA LAKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT.
City Engineer Walter and Parks and Urban Forest Supervisor Beights presented the staff
report.
City Engineer Walter introduced the following:
City Staff representatives:
Todd Beights, Parks and Urban Forest Supervisor
Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
Barbara Lynch, Supervising Civil Engineer
Paul LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director
County staff representatives:
Dr. Gregory Thomas, County Health Officer
Steve Carnes and Kim Catherina, County Environmental Health Services
Robert Stockel and Janice Campbell, County Ag Department.
Vice Mayor Schwartz asked for clarification regarding the difference between San Luis
Obispo's lakes and San Diego's lakes. Parks and Urban Forest Supervisor Beights clarified
that they are similar.
Public Comment
Dr. Thomas discussed the current status of the West Nile Virus (WNV), the County Health
Department's request that the County expand its mosquito control program, and strategies
employed by the San Diego Mosquito Abatement District to reduce the mosquito
population. He asked for Council support of a helicopter application of the larvicide in the
fall.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - Noon
Page 2
Steve Carnes clarified that the larvicide is a granular substance. He explained the
difference between a full Vector Control District and the County's proposal to establish a
Mosquito Abatement District under the jurisdiction of the County Health Department.
City and County staff responded to Council's questions.
Council Member Mulholland suggested staff investigate ways of increasing habitats for
natural predators and the feasibility of using goats to control the growth of reeds.
Mayor Romero called for public comments at this time.
Mary Beth Schroeder, San Luis Obispo, spoke in opposition to a mosquito abatement
program and the use of larvicides.
Tom Freidman, San Luis Obispo, supported the abatement proposal as outlined in his letter
distributed at the meeting (on file in the City Clerk's Office). He suggested using
government, rather than private, helicopters for the application of the larvicide.
Andrew Christie, representing the Sierra Club, supported the use of the an aerial application
of the least toxic substance and noted the need for public education, the use of an airboat
or hover craft and the aerial application of the larvicide. Mr. Christie also concurred with
Council Member Mulholland's suggestion to improve the habitats of natural predators.
Steve Poguette, San Luis Obispo, discussed a natural product available through his
company that can be used to eliminate bacteria in the lake, as well as in the sewage system.
—end of public comments —
Council discussion ensued, during which County and City staff responded to Council's
questions.
Mayor Romero stated that dredging the lake and taking other steps to keep it viable is an
issue that Council will have to address, and that Council should reexamine what actions are
in the best, long -term interest of the community.
Council Member Mulholland inquired as to whether it would be appropriate to initiate the
permitting process at this time to dredge the lake. Council Member Settle added that he
has concerns regarding the long timeframe and extensive process involved in obtaining
those permits.
City Administrative Officer Hampian explained that staff intends to bring the subject of
dredging the lake to Council in November or December. He also clarified that staff is
recommending Council adopt the resolution calling for the formation of a Vector Control
District.
Mayor Romero recommended that it should be made clear to the County that the Council
will likely support either a Vector Control District or, at least, a mosquito control program.
Council Member Ewan said it is his hope that the County will take into consideration the
entire vector control problem. He concurred with Council Member Mulholland''s suggestion
to have staff investigate bringing in goats and pursuing other steps to control the mosquito
population such as creating habitats for predators.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - Noon
Page 3
Vice Mayor Schwartz said that while he will support the motion, he wants it made clear to
I the Board of Supervisors that health matters are the responsibility of the County. Council
Member Settle said he will include this suggestion as part of his motion.
Mayor Romero reiterated that staff should also investigate natural methods of mosquito
control (i.e., via the use or bat or swallow houses, goats, etc.).
ACTION: Moved by Settle/Ewan to 1. Adopt Resolution No. 9602 (2004 Series)
calling for the County Board of Supervisors to form a Vector Control District.
2. Direct staff to prepare and implement a citizen education program on the West
Nile Virus. 3. Direct City staff, within resources currently available, to continue to
work with County staff as needed to assist them in implementing mosquito
abatement efforts using the "tools" currently available, until a District is in place.
4. Direct staff to return with a mid -year budget request for $15,000 for the cost of
helicopter application of larvicide at Laguna Lake in the spring of 2005, if no funds
can be found from the County for this work. 5. Adopt Resolution No. 9603 (2004
Seriesi calling for State and Federal Funding for Vector Control Programs.
6. Support an application of larvicide this fall, if recommended by the County, and
direct staff to investigate enhancing habitats for natural predators as well as the
possible use of goats to assist in controlling the reeds and tules. 7) Direct staff to
communicate to the County that public health matters are the responsibility of the
County; motion carried 5:0.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Romero adjourned
the meeting at 1:28 p.m. to Tuesday, September 7,2004,7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
C
Audrey Ho per, CM
City Cle
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 9/21/04
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