INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT REPORT

 

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report.

 

Background :

At Council’s direction, on July 1, 1999 Staff implemented an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program throughout the City and particularly on the Greenbelt from Pier Avenue north to Gould Avenue. In that area, we have eliminated the use of all pesticides and herbicides.

 

Analysis:

In this "Pesticide Free Zone", the following has been noted:

• There are several areas where a grass/weed (Kuikuia) has developed. It is spreading slowly and is difficult to remove.

• The contractor has expended approximately one hundred (100) additional man-hours pulling these and other weeds by hand vs. the normal twenty man-hours of spraying.

• In addition to chipping the jogging path, City crews are now chipping the bare areas.

• City crews continue to monitor and adjust the irrigation system.

• Signs have been posted identifying the area as pesticide free.

• City crews have planted approximately 50 of the 1-gallon size limonium perezii and lantana in this area. Both are noted for being drought tolerant.

• Several residents are also pulling weeds in this area.

In all other park areas the following has occurred:

• The City has required the contractor to use a posted notification procedure when spraying pesticides.

• A written authorization is required prior to the contractor using any herbicides.

There is little visible difference between the two sections of the Greenbelt, other than the relatively minor exceptions noted above. It is recommended that the test continue through June 30, 2000.

 

Fiscal Impact

• FY99 – 2000 001-4202-4201 - 0 - (Contract Services)

• FY99 – 2000 001-4202-4309 $500 (Signs and Advertising)

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