COLLIER MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT

Transcription

1 COLLIER MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT 2014

2 COLLIER MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT 600 North Road Naples, FL Executive Director James R. Stark Board of Commissioners Robert D. Geroy, Chair Jacquelyn D. Fresenius, Vice-Chair/Secretary David N. Pfaff, Treasurer David H. Farmer John F. Johnson

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Message from the Executive Director...1 Message from the Chair of the Board...2 OPERATIONS Surveillance...3 Larval Control...3 Adult Control...4 Operations Database...4 Diseases...5 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE Aircraft Maintenance...6 Bird Strike Prevention Lighting...7 RESEARCH Collection Bottle Rotator...8 Field Trials of Sumithrin as an Alternative Adulticide...8 Calibration of Equipment...9 New Surveillance Equipment...9 COMMUNITY RELATIONS Community Relations...10 New Projects for PERSONNEL Tenure Awards...12 ADMINISTRATION Finances...13 TECHNOLOGY Technology Activities...17 FACILITY MAINTENANCE Hangar Fire Suppression System...18 Sewer Project...18 Trench Drain Repair...19 Hangar Roof...19 TRAINING Training Activities...20 About the cover: Inspector, Nate Phillips, learning to use new database management system.

4 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I became the Executive Director for the Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD) on February 1, 2014, and my first year with the District has been exciting and very enlightening. My vision for CMCD is to continue providing effective mosquito control and associated services while expanding the scope of our operations. In 2014, I directed staff to work towards enhancing our surveillance network, broadening our larval and adult control efforts, increasing our disease risk reduction efforts and expanding our outreach. As you read this annual report, please note the efforts of staff to embrace the concepts of integrated mosquito management. A primary focus in 2014 was identifying additional larval and adult mosquito habitats, and testing alternative control materials and methodologies. We purchased a new web-based data management system that will allow us to record information in real time, and make data based surveillance and treatment decisions into the future. Protecting the public from mosquito transmitted diseases is our organization s primary responsibility. Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) loom on the horizon for Florida residents and visitors. Mosquito control professionals throughout the state are working to reduce the risk of these emerging diseases. CMCD began establishing baseline population data for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the two primary vectors of Dengue fever and CHIKV in Florida. We established an agreement with Florida Gulf Coast University, and adult mosquitoes were sent to their lab to be tested for these two viruses. In addition, staff continued to monitor vector mosquito species and test selected samples for West Nile virus in our lab. I recently met with Stephanie Vick, the new Administrator for Florida Health, Collier County. We discussed how we could best work together to share information, and reach out to the public to reduce the risk of mosquito transmitted diseases. I believe having well informed citizens within Collier County is critical to the success of our organization. People within Collier County need to know that we are good stewards of the environment, as well as the tax dollars they entrust us with. In 2014, we established a Facebook page to provide timely accurate information regarding our operations. In addition, we are updating our website to make it more interactive and provide greater opportunity for users to obtain information about our program. We will continue to press for further opportunities to reach out to the citizens of the District to help them gain a better understanding of who we are, and how we conduct our business. Thank you for your interest in CMCD, and if you have any questions regarding the information presented in this annual report please do not hesitate to contact me. Respectfully, Jim Stark, Executive Director jimstark@cmcd.org (239) Page 1

5 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD This year has been a very favorable one for the Collier Mosquito Control District. We have successfully suppressed mosquito transmitted diseases that threaten our citizens. Our integrated mosquito management processes have provided safety and comfort for outdoor activities, with sensitivity towards the environment and biological systems with which we interact. Expenses are under strict control. This has resulted in a decrease in the tax rate that supports our operations. We are proud that the District continues to be a leading-edge operation with respect to other mosquito control organizations throughout the world. Focus will be increased on researching new and alternative methods of mosquito control. Robert D. Geroy Chair, Board of Commissioners Your five elected Board Members thank our well-trained staff for their loyalty, hard work, and professionalism. Enhanced pilot training and state-of-the-art electronics will continue to provide safe, effective ultra-low-volume aerial application of insecticides, through the use of our eight aircraft. Jim Stark, our new Executive Director, utilizing proven leadership and management techniques, will improve upon our patterns of achievement, building on the culture that has brought us to today s successes. I invite all to come and visit our facilities and to meet our staff. Just give us a call at The future is bright and exciting! Robert D. Geroy Chair Board of Commissioners MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Collier Mosquito Control District is to serve the community by suppressing both pestiferous and disease carrying mosquito populations to a tolerable level in the safest, most economical manner, utilizing a variety of methods (Integrated Mosquito Management) and the latest research findings in such a way as to minimize potential effects on people, wildlife, and the environment. Collier Mosquito Control District Board of Commissioners: John Johnson, David Pfaff, Jacquelyn Fresenius, Robert Geroy, David Farmer Page 2

6 OPERATIONS SURVEILLANCE This season, the Collier Mosquito Control District worked on enhancing its adult mosquito surveillance network. The District began shifting from New Jersey Light Traps (NJLT s) as its primary adult surveillance tool to CDC style traps (designed by the US Centers for Disease Control) that utilize carbon dioxide as an attractant. We are confident that CDC style traps will give a more diverse representation of both fresh and salt water adult mosquito populations within the District. The District removed 14 of 53 light trap locations that were no longer providing representative data due to land development or other habitat changes. In order to optimize adult collections, the District utilized 14 CDC traps alternated over 22 different sites. The District also purchased 4 Biogents-Sentinel (BG) traps to collect adult Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in order to monitor populations and test pools for Dengue and Chikungunya (CHIKV). These traps utilize a special lure that releases an artificial skin odor (made of ammonia, lactic acid, and caproic acid) and is used in conjunction with carbon dioxide. The District used these traps in 13 locations. At one collection site, a BG collected almost 300 Aedes aegypti in one night, the most aegypti ever collected in a District trap. Finally, the District incorporated night landing rate counts to provide surveillance information about fresh water mosquito species activity after dusk. Inspectors performed these counts at 38 sites throughout the District. Moving forward, the District intends to phase out NJLT s, but may maintain a few locations for historical reference. These traps will be replaced with CDC traps. In addition, the District will implement sweep net collections of adult mosquitoes in order gain a better understanding of species composition during landing rate counts. LARVAL CONTROL Immature mosquitoes develop in water, so tidal surge and rainfall have a significant impact on mosquito production. In Collier County, roughly 80% of the 52 average rainfall occurs during the months of May through October, with approximately 65% of that occurring during the months of June through September started out relatively dry, but there was mosquito production in the salt marshes due to tidal flow. Rainfall became more normal in the middle of summer and on August 4 th, the National Weather Service reported that 6.45 inches of rain fell in Naples. The District conducted larval control within 1,285 acres during FY Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) was used for the majority of this control. Methoprene formulations were also tested in selected habitats. In addition, we have purchased a granular formulation of the active ingredient Spinosad that will be tested in selected larval habitats in Page 3

7 ADULT CONTROL Due to the relatively dry spring and early summer, the need for adult mosquito control was minimal. As rainfall increased, so did trap collections, landing rate counts and the need to conduct adult control. This continued throughout the month of September. CMCD conducted adult control over 1,260,976 acres during FY , which was a decrease of 831,000 acres from the previous year. OPERATIONS DATABASE For many years, the District has collected large quantities of data regarding mosquito surveillance, weather, disease, citizens requests for service, and the effectiveness of control operations. Unfortunately, very little of this data was interconnected or readily available for analysis. As a result, District staff has investigated several mosquito control oriented database systems. After this investigation, the District purchased GeoPro, created by ADAPCO, because it best suited the needs and the financial resources of the District. The GeoPro system is web-based, map oriented and can be operated from a browser on a computer or from an application on a tablet. It will also permit direct integration of data from the software used by the District, to record both aerial and truck ULV adulticide missions. Android tablets will be used by the Inspectors to geographically identify sites for mosquito trap collections, landing rate counts, rain gauges, and potential larval habitat sampling and treatment. Once the system is set up and sites are identified, named and entered into GeoPro, the Inspectors will use tablets to record data in the field, which will be available to any other GeoPro users. Laboratory personnel will be able to record the results of mosquito identification and tests for disease on computers in the laboratory, with the information instantly available for operational consideration. In the office, citizen requests for service can be recorded and sent out to the appropriate Inspector for follow-up. The system is being set up with trap, rain gauge, and landing count locations which are placed on the map. Training is planned for the Inspectors and office staff who will be using the database, with the intention of having the system completely operational by the 2015 mosquito season. Having all of this operational data in one system will allow District personnel to utilize the data for decision making and development of reports. Page 4

8 DISEASES Protecting public health and reducing the risk of mosquito transmitted diseases is CMCD s primary responsibility. In 2014, we worked closely with mosquito control professionals and others around the state to share information and review operational plans designed to reduce disease risk. This spring, staff attended an event with other Southwest Regional members of the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) to discuss sharing resources and established rapid response teams to deal with Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus. In early summer, staff and Board Chair, Robert Geroy, participated in a workshop, Protecting Florida from Dengue and Chikungunya through the control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, sponsored by the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. In 2014, CMCD increased its surveillance for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and began establishing baseline population data for these two primary vectors of Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus in Florida. We established an agreement with Florida Gulf Coast University, and adult mosquitoes were sent to their lab to be tested for these two viruses using Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The tests were conducted on 36 pools of adult mosquitoes, consisting of 705 Aedes aegypti and five Aedes albopictus, and all tests were negative. In addition, staff continued to monitor vector mosquito species and test selected samples for West Nile virus in our lab using the Rapid Analyte Test Platform (RAMP). RAMP tests were conducted on 169 pools of adult Culex nigripalpus mosquitoes, and all tests were negative. This fall, Executive Director, Jim Stark, met with Stephanie Vick, the recently hired Administrator for Florida Department of Health in Collier County. They discussed how our agencies could best work together to share information and reach out to the public to reduce the risk of mosquito transmitted diseases. Mosquito transmitted diseases remain a threat to Florida residents and visitors, and we have included a 2014 Florida Arbovirus Surveillance map for your reference. Page 5

9 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE Routine aircraft maintenance included annual inspections on all District aircraft, to include an oil analysis on Skyvan N643M, which passed the inspection within the specified parameters. Included in the routine maintenance were service bulletin compliance and airworthiness directive compliance on fixed and rotor wing aircraft. During inspection of one of the District helicopters (N5288X), it was noted that there was corrosion under the cargo floor. This aircraft has been sent off for repair and we anticipate it will be back in service during the fiscal year. During pilot training, the District experienced an incident with one of the helicopters (N8618F), prompting the District to contract with MD Helicopters for future pilot training utilizing MD Helicopters equipment. This aircraft is back in service at this time. With the ongoing evaluation of adult control materials, rotor atomizers were modified to provide desired droplet size for the products. Micronair has ceased product support for its Model AU6600 rotary atomizer, which is used on the Districts aldulticide helicopters. The District contacted the manufacturer, Parvalux, and ordered 14 spare atomizer motors, enabling the District to continue utilizing this technology. Clarke, an environmental services company in the mosquito control Close up view of tundra pads industry, worked with the District in the calibration of granular larvicide products utilizing CMCD s larviciding helicopter. Proper application rates and associated settings were established, and the District appreciates Clarke s assistance in this process. Staff loading the District larviciding helicopter in preparation for a mission Side view of District helicopter with tundra pads Tundra pads for use on the District field inspection helicopters were installed on one aircraft. These pads aid in stability of the aircraft when landing in soft terrain while not allowing the landing gear to sink in otherwise unsuitable landing areas. Additionally, pulse lighting aircraft recognition lights were installed on two of the District helicopters. Page 6

10 BIRD STRIKE PREVENTION LIGHTING Work has been done to develop the use of lighting on the District s helicopters to prevent bird strikes. Initially, the incandescent landing light on one of the helicopters was replaced with a multi bulb L.E.D. light. Trials indicated that this offered only a slight improvement (see 2013 Annual Report). Consequently, a different design was chosen. Last year s work suggested that the use of separate pulsed forward facing High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) lights would be optimal. Jay Wilson and Greg Schiegner finalized a design for fabrication and installation incorporating two forward facing H.I.D. lights mounted on the port and starboard front landing gear struts. The lights can be pulsed (where left and right units alternate off and on), or selected steady/continuous. Installation of this system was completed on helicopter N52934 toward the end of August. The lights are very bright and can be clearly seen off center, projecting illumination across an approximately 160 degree field of view, and to a lesser extent, in the vertical aspect. Aircraft conspicuity is significantly enhanced, both from a bird s point of view, as well as other nearby aircraft. In September, the system was installed on N102CW, our dedicated larviciding helicopter. Ultimately all of the District s helicopters will be fitted with this system. Page 7

11 RESEARCH COLLECTION BOTTLE ROTATOR In order to provide the most efficacious application of aerially applied adulticides, it is essential that applications are performed during the peak activity time of the targeted mosquito species. Currently, aerial operations take place between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Preliminary findings appear to indicate that the majority of mosquito activity occurs between 10:00 PM and 1:00 AM. If this information can be confirmed, it could lead to a change in the timing of aerial adulticide operations. A study was designed to determine the major activity time of mosquitoes at both the beginning and the end of the mosquito season. Four John W. Hock collection bottle rotators (#1512), each with a CMCD modified John W. Hock model 512 trap, were used during the study. The rotators allow the operator to establish up to eight collection periods by rotating collection bottles under the trap. For this study, collection sites were established at the Immokalee airport and the staff housing area at Collier Seminole State Park. Two rotator units were used at each collection site, allowing 14 hourlong collection periods. Collections were begun at 5:00 PM and terminated at 7:00 AM. Samples were collected at each site for two weeks at the beginning of the season and one week as the season began to subside. All of the samples collected were returned to the laboratory on a daily basis where they were frozen for identification during the off-season. Results of these collections will be analyzed by staff and any changes to application times will be determined prior to the next mosquito season. FIELD TRIALS OF SUMITHRIN AS AN ALTERNATIVE ADULTICIDE As the list of effective and economical adulticides approved for aerial application diminishes, it is important to have alternative products available to the District. Toward this end, a series of field trials were designed and implemented to test Sumithrin. An area of approximately 18,000 acres was selected as a test area. Within the test area, two transects were established, one running north-south and the other running east-west. Along the north-south transect, 15 sampling sites were identified while the east-west transect had 17 sites identified. Sample sites consisted of two cages containing approximately 25 mosquitoes per cage, and a rotating impinger with two 1/8 th Dr. Jeff Stivers and Derek Drews, Field Biologist with Clarke, prepare mosquito cages for efficacy test inch wide Teflon coated acrylic rods. These coated rods were used to collect information on the droplet size and density of Sumithrin when it reaches the sample site. An untreated control site was also established with similar equipment. Pre and post application landing counts were also recorded within the test area. Four trials were completed using this procedure. In two of the trials, the untreated control mortality exceeded an acceptable level, invalidating the mortality data derived from the caged mosquitoes. The untreated control mortality from the other two trials was acceptably low, allowing the use of the caged mosquito mortality in analysis of the efficacy of the application. Page 8

12 While the final analysis of the data collected will not be completed until the off season, preliminary analysis indicates variable mortality among caged mosquitoes, post treatment landing count numbers, and Sumithrin droplets. Because of this variability, further testing of Sumithrin will be performed in the coming year. No conclusions can be reached on the addition of Sumithrin to the CMCD program until more testing with less equivocal results is completed. CALIBRATION OF EQUIPMENT As the District works to expand the scope of its mosquito control operations, larviciding will become a more important part of the program. Toward that end, the District purchased a motorized backpack for the application of granular larvicides. The backpack was calibrated for two granular products with the active ingredients, Methoprene and Spinosad. All of the Inspectors were trained in the proper use of the backpack. The District s larvicide helicopter was also calibrated for these new products and will be ready to make applications of the products next mosquito season. At that time, trials will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the new granular products. Butch May using backpack sprayer to larvicide The District has for a number of years had a truck-mounted ULV cold fogger for use in the control of adult mosquitoes in locations amenable to this type of application. Since the District plans to incorporate this type of treatment into routine operations, the flow control system was upgraded. A GPS based control system was installed on the truck. This system records the movement of the truck, the status of the fogging switch (on or off), as well as controlling the flow of adulticide based on vehicle speed, stopping the flow when the vehicle exceeds 20 mph or slows below 5 mph. This equipment has been calibrated and potential operators have been trained on its proper use. The fogger is in service now and will be deployed as soon as conditions warrant this type of application. The District also purchased two hand-held ULV foggers that will be used for more localized mosquito populations. Domestic mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are daytime active and generally not susceptible to larger scale adult operations. NEW SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT The surveillance equipment utilized by the District to monitor adult mosquito populations are an excellent source of general information. However, none of them are very good at measuring the population of Aedes aegypti, which transmits Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus. A new type of trap, the BG Sentinel, was used in several areas to monitor the population of this mosquito. This trap design, coupled with CO 2 and an Aedes aegypti specific attractant, proved to be highly successful at collection of Aedes aegypti. This vector species was found in relatively large numbers in every location where the traps were used. Inspector, Richard Ryan setting BG-Sentinel trap The baseline data developed this year makes it possible to target areas of high Aedes aegypti populations in the event that Dengue fever or Chikungunya virus is imported to the Naples area. Page 9

13 COMMUNITY RELATIONS A comprehensive public affairs program is essential to a successful mosquito control agency. CMCD considers itself a vital member of the Collier County community, and promotes a strong community relations program. In addition, the District works to educate our many audiences about the variety of integrated mosquito management services we provide. The people we serve want the basic questions answered Who? What? When? Where? and Why? CMCD s Public Information Officer is an active member of the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA), and past chair of Adrian Salinas giving a presentation the Public Relations Committee. CMCD s relationship with FMCA to UPS workers about mosquitoes and the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) allows for information sharing and the continued development of innovative approaches to communicate with our audiences. CMCD is committed to promoting public awareness and educating our many audiences. Primary to this is providing timely information about mosquito transmitted diseases and how CMCD is working to reduce disease risk. In addition, The District works to partner with Collier County citizens in protecting public health, providing information on ways citizens can help CMCD manage mosquitoes and reduce disease risk in their own neighborhoods. More information is always better than less. When people know the reason things are happening, even if it s bad news, they can adjust their expectations and react accordingly. Keeping people in the dark only serves to stir negative emotions. Simon Sinek The Collier Mosquito Control District utilizes a variety of tools and mediums to provide accurate timely information to our many audiences. Community events County fair, tire drive, Estuary Day Service calls door hangers School programs programs that meet the State of Florida benchmark standards Public speaking Rotary, Kiwanis, UPS Newspaper Columns, press releases Television PSA s Radio - interviews CMCD facility tours Website Social media Facebook Executive Director, Jim Stark, talking to reporters during an interview Page 10

14 NEW PROJECTS FOR 2014 In acknowledgment of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2014, a tire drive, in coordination with the Collier County Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Department, was conducted in Immokalee. To advertise the tire drive, a press release was sent out and a 30 minute radio interview was held with WAFZ 92.1 FM La Ley, in Immokalee. Six CMCD employees visited approximately 170 residents and collected 35 tires. Collier Mosquito Control District employees CMCD staff and Think Tank Solutions are developing prepare mosquito repellant for a new District website. The new website will feature St. Matthews House, enhanced user interaction to facilitate finding The Friendship House and AMI Kids information quicker and more efficiently. There will be current information posted regularly about a wide range of activities, from operations to disease transmission, and mosquito activity. The new website will also utilize a carryover, which is a mapping feature used to locate planned treatment missions, discover if you are inside or outside of a treatment zone, and learn about previous treatments. The new website will be available to view in early This year, CMCD began utilizing social media and has established a Facebook page to provide accurate, timely information through narratives and pictures. The focus is to post current information relevant to CMCD operations, public health, and community events, both locally and globally. Screen shot from new CMCD website Page 11

15 PERSONNEL On February 1, 2014, Jim Stark became CMCD s Executive Director, replacing Dr. Frank Van Essen, who was with the District for 27 years. Jim relocated from Minnesota where he had worked for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District for over 33 years, the last eight as their Executive Director. Other personnel changes included the promotion of an Inspector to Aviation Assistant and the retirement of a pilot and mechanic. Three employees entered the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) through the Florida Retirement System, thus indicating that they will each work for the District for five more years. In addition, one of the CMCD s Commissioners resigned from the Board and was replaced. TENURE AWARDS Jim Stark, Executive Director Danny Weeks 30 years Butch May 15 years Ken Bouck 10 years Derrick Klein 5 years Page 12

16 ADMINISTRATION The District concluded fiscal year (FY) with an ending cash balance of $4,924,755. The budget is balanced and the District continues to maintain satisfactory reserves as well as available cash into FY The primary financial objective of the District is to maintain low property taxes while efficiently utilizing funds to support its core operations. Revenue for FY was generated by a millage rate of.1050 ($10.50) per thousand of taxable property value, which was a 2.33% decrease from the rolled-back rate of per thousand. Total proceeds for the FY were $6,279,625, which included $74, from aerial treatment outside of District boundaries. Fiscal year expenditures were $5,945,762, an increase of less than one percent from the prior fiscal year. The five-year Revenue Comparison Chart shows the prior four years of revenue, and projected income for FY Due to the fact that revenue from treatment outside of the District boundaries cannot be predetermined, it was not included for budgeting purposes in FY Page 13

17 The Ad Valorem Receipts/Millage Rates Chart depicts the Collier County tax base, the millage rate, and the District s cash flow over time. In correlation with the stabilization of the local economy, the tax base in Collier County has begun to strengthen, increasing by 1.4 billion in FY and 3.6 billion for FY In May of 2014, CMCD signed a new 30 year lease with the Naples Airport Authority. The lease went into effect June 1, 2014 and terminates May 31, In conjunction with the lease signing, the District connected to the City of Naples sewer system, installed a backflow prevention device/meter, and a water distribution system to separate irrigation and potable water. As you can see from the five-year comparison of reserves on the following page, the Future Capital Outlay account has been reduced by approximately $275,000. These funds have been transferred into the operating budget for fiscal year to cover upgrades to the facility, now that the new lease has been signed. The reserve for self-insurance has also decreased in unison with the self-insurance liability. Employees continue to contribute three percent of their earnings to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). In accordance with Florida Statutes, the District also contributes a percentage of employee wages to the FRS. The percentage is established by the Florida Legislature on an annual basis. On behalf of the pilots, the District contributes to a 401(a) plan, in recognition of the special level of risk associated with their positions. Page 14

18 Funding our retirees future health benefits is important to the District, thus the Board of Commissioners made discretionary payments totaling $298,547 to the CMCD IRC Section 115 Retiree Benefit Trust during the fiscal year. The District continues to participate in a high deductible, defined contribution health insurance plan that is offset by a personal health fund (PHF), which runs by calendar year. We continue to utilize Heritage Consultants, Inc., as the third-party administrator, as well as Cigna as our preferred provider organization (PPO). In January of 2014, the District began a healthy living program for participants in the health insurance plan over the age of eighteen. One hundred percent of the eligible enrollees participated in the initiative, and we plan to go one step further with this plan in the upcoming calendar year, as the District is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of its employees. The current plan includes twice weekly exercise sessions conducted by a YMCA instructor, and a wellness screening. The new initiative will incorporate an interactive wellness website with questionnaires, e-learning opportunities, and health challenges. As a direct result of this initiative, there will be no increase (0%) in health insurance costs to the District in January of The Employee Assistance Program contract was renewed in April of 2014 with Aetna Resources for Living for a three-year period, ending in June of 2014 marked 10 years that the District has utilized the services of F. Joseph McMackin, III, Esquire, with Bond, Schoeneck & King, P.A., as general counsel for the District. Page 15

19 Fiscal year represents the final year of the District s agreement with CliftonLarsonAllen for auditing services. The District will complete the Request for Proposal (RFP) process early in 2015 for the fulfillment of auditing services going forward. Ensuring that our facilities and equipment are well maintained and adequate to meet the needs of the organization is critical to the success of the District. In FY , CMCD spent $585, to repair and maintain aircraft, repair and maintain facilities, and address other infrastructure needs. These repairs are explained in more detail within the aircraft maintenance and operational maintenance sections of this report. CMCD budgets for and purchases control materials based on average usage over time. The District s larval and adult control efforts are described under operations, but from a financial standpoint it is important to note that carryover of adult and larval control materials for use during the 2015 season is valued at $1.73 million dollars. Page 16

20 TECHNOLOGY Today, most every discussion about change in integrated mosquito management begins with data collection. Many in our industry have a wealth of experience, and use that experience to shape their decisions. Having the ability to analyze data to support those decisions has become critical to our industry. Thanks to an abundance of devices on the market and the infusion of technology into the daily mosquito surveillance and collection process, data that we capture each day can now be electronically stored, analyzed, and used to create a more efficient, cost effective, and sustainable mosquito control. Cloud computing with our new GeoPro Data Center, created by Adapco, Inc., which will utilize tablets in the field, assures realtime interaction between field personnel and treatment decision makers in the office. This software affords the District the potential to be at the leading edge of mosquito control technology. In support of this technology, tablets were purchased for each Inspector, and the wireless access points within the buildings were replaced to create the appropriate infrastructure. Collier Mosquito Control District Facebook page Currently, the electronic face of the District is under construction. From the creation of a Facebook page to development of a new website, the image of the District is being updated. Think Tank Solutions, a company that specializes in web identity design, is at the helm, working with staff to revitalize the District s appearance. The website will include an updated interactive treatment schedule application, which will enhance resident s awareness of which areas within the District will receive treatment, as well as a historical view of past missions. In addition, staff will have the ability to upload the web content to the Facebook page, and residents will be able to view information via their smart devices. At the same time, Administration is working to upgrade the payroll system, moving from a 32-bit visual Foxpro system, to a SQL server based system. This upgrade has allowed the District to add on web based time & attendance software, which will increase efficiency and begin to reduce the paper footprint by incorporating environmentally conscious practices into everyday tasks. In support of this enhancement, addresses have been created for all staff members, and five new desktop computers as well as two laptops were purchased. The above listed items, as well as future technology plans, are intended to help balance the District s core responsibility to the public with a direct focus on improving customer service, while reducing the footprint the District makes on the community at large. Page 17

21 FACILITY MAINTENANCE HANGAR FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM Simplex Grinnell, the company that maintains and inspects the District s fire systems, informed CMCD the water tanks that feed the hangar fire suppression system needed to be inspected. Simplex Grinnell contracted Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co. to conduct the inspections using a radio controlled submersible video system that moved around the inside of the tanks and recorded the interior conditions. After the inspection was complete, Simplex Grinnell provided an analysis of the findings, detailing actions that needed to be taken. According to the report, there was $320,000 worth of repairs and maintenance needed. Submersible video camera system Staff watching live video footage from inside the hangar water tank Because the tanks are 25 years old, staff decided to look for alternatives in providing fire suppression to the hangar. John Appezzato, Director of Operations, contacted Armando Lendian, Sprinkler Representative at Simplex Grinnell, to discuss other solutions including systems that do not utilize water tanks. John and Armando discussed the possibility of removing the tanks and connecting the system to a local water line that would provide the same flow rate and pressure generated by the existing tanks. At this time, the District is continuing to work with Simplex Grinnell, and others to resolve the hangar fire suppression system issue. SEWER PROJECT In June of 2014, the CMCD officially connected to the City of Naples waste water system. CMCD contracted with Chris Mitchell, of Mitchell Engineering Group, to design the wastewater collection/transmission system and assist in obtaining competitive quotes from area contractors to complete the project. In order to keep costs as low as possible, the District divided the project into two parts; connecting the District facilities to the city sewer line, and running new irrigation water pipes via a non-potable water meter to sprinklers and wash bays. Kyle Construction was awarded the sewer connection portion of the project, and Coastal Plumbing was chosen to install the new irrigation water pipes. In addition, CMCD hired US Water to install three new pumps in all of the lift stations that work with the wastewater transmission system. CMCD contacted the Naples Airport Authority at the end of the project and thanked them for their assistance in the process. The new system is working well. City sewer pipe Page 18

22 TRENCH DRAIN REPAIR The trench drain that runs between the hangar and the taxiway was beginning to deteriorate due to age. Initially, the District was going to repair a small portion of the drain, but after inspection, it was determined that the entire trench drain needed to be replaced. John Appezzato spoke with Kerry Keith, Director of Airport Development and Facilities for the Naples Airport Authority, who provided contacts for several companies that had the expertise to conduct the repairs Example of trench drain damage to the trench drain. The District contacted Jason Caneer of Erickson s (a company that manufactures trench drain material in Cape Coral) to inspect the trench drain and estimate what the cost of repair and replacement might be. It was determined that the grate in the drain was not damaged and could be reused; therefore, contractors would only need to replace the trench drain material that lines the drain, which was deteriorating. Competitive bids were sought and the District contracted with Quality Construction to repair the trench drain. The District saved approximately $5,000 by reusing the existing grates. HANGAR ROOF During rain storms, the east side of the hangar building was accumulating large amounts of water because it was not being properly displaced by the gutters. The District hired Southern Soffit to install new gutters and flash guards on that side of the building. After the new gutters were installed, a significant amount of water began coming through the roof and down the wall of the hangar building. Southern Soffit returned to inspect the new gutters and discovered corrosion as well as holes in the purlin that runs along the ceiling and wall of the hangar. John Appezzato contacted Brian Jones, owner of Mr. Metal, View of hangar roof panel being replaced who had previous experience working on our metal buildings, to repair the roof and holes in the purlins. The repairs were completed and water no longer enters the building in those areas. Page 19

23 TRAINING CMCD supports personal and professional growth, and training of staff remains an important component of the District s activities. Presenting staff the opportunity to hone their skills, network with peers, and obtain a deeper knowledge of their role in the industry has proven time and again to enhance employee confidence and stimulate new ideas to help the District excel at its core mission. During the fiscal year, various staff members attended meetings in direct support of mosquito control activities, such as: the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) annual meeting, American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) annual meeting, FMCA Dodd Short Course mosquito control training, FMCA Aerial Short Courses (Fly-In) for aerial applications, FMCA Tallahassee Legislative Day, and the AMCA Annual Stacy Welch and Freddie Williams accepting the Waste Reduction Award Washington Conference. In addition, one mechanic attended a two-week turboprop line maintenance school, and a webinar on Dengue & Chikungunya was broadcast for all employees to view from the Boardroom. Administrative staff viewed webinars regarding the Affordable Care Act, records management, disaster preparedness, and fraud prevention. During the winter, a representative from Collier County Solid & Hazardous Waste Management gave a presentation to all employees on recycling, encouraging the District to take proactive steps to manage recyclables that are generated at the facility. As a direct result of the recycling efforts initiated here at the District, in August of 2014, CMCD became the first governmental entity in Collier County to receive the Waste Reduction award from the Collier County Board of Commissioners. The Executive Director also set in motion supervisory staff training utilizing a variety of learning techniques: to include seminars hosted by TalentForce Solutions, as well as reviewing current leadership and management resources. The first resource the group reviewed was a book entitled The Trust Edge, by David Horsager. Page 20