COMMISSIONERS MINUTES                                              SEPTEMBER 2, 2004


The Elmore County Commissioners met in special session on the above date in the Commissioner’s Room, basement of the Elmore County Courthouse, 150 South 4th East, Mountain Home, Idaho.

Present at the meeting was Chairperson Mary Egusquiza, Commissioners Larry Rose and Calvin Ireland. Also present was Sheriff Rick Layher and Chief Deputy Sheriff Nick Schilz.

The purpose of this special session was to discuss the present mosquito problem. West Nile Virus is now in Elmore County. A dead bird tested positive for the virus and a horse located on 18th street has died. Chairperson Egusquiza stated she had been told that Central District Health is not responding to local calls on the matter, an upon further investigation found the staff had not been well versed about the problem. She called the Boise office and talked to Kathy Holley and they have been out checking the ponds from the underpass and have found mosquito larvae. Central District Health suggested instead of requesting the State to spray the ponds, that we should request to have the ponds drained. Chairperson Egusquiza contacted the State and was informed they are draining the ponds and at the end of October the responsibility of the ponds will revert to the City. She also talked to the Mayor and that was not his understanding regarding the responsibility of the ponds. It was suggested we try to get the Mayor and city officials, Commissioners, and State of Idaho to work to get something accomplished. Central District Health is encouraging people to wear long sleeves and long pants and use mosquito spray containing deet, and if someone suspects a problem in a certain location to request Central District Health to check it out. Central District Health said they would as soon as they possibly can. Mir Seyedbagheri, from the Elmore County Extension Office, knows of two people who were licensed to spray for mosquitos and Chairperson Egusquiza has the names and numbers.

Randy Harney, 2903 E 42nd S. (Hamilton Road) Mtn Home, and stated two years ago no one was interested in the mosquito problem, as it was quite prevalent in his neighborhood then. He stated they sprayed out there and if the next guy doesn’t spray it doesn’t help. Discussion followed on where the mosquito problem is and how to expedite a mosquito abatement district. It would take two years to implement one if the voters passed it. The commissioners pointed out that they didn’t design the abatement district rules. Other Counties are having problems with private property being sprayed and the owners not wanting the chemicals from the spray. Randy stated to start an abatement district a petition signed by 10% of registered voters in the proposed district would have to be presented to the Commissioners and then the money to run the election would have to come from somewhere. Chairman Egusquiza stated that if everyone put in $1.00 that would help. Commissioner Ireland stated he didn’t think there was enough support for an abatement district. Not everyone in Elmore County is affected by mosquitoes the same way every year. Randy stated the legislature needs to address the problem on abatement districts and the creation of them.


Mary asked Nick Schilz, Disaster Services Director, if there was anything that could be done from that standpoint. Also, at what point could you declare an emergency? Larry questioned the Sports events such as track and football. The major mosquito problem is in that area of the town. Would that be an emergency? Nick answered it could at least be presented. By the time the disaster was officially declared the mosquito season will be over with. Commissioner Rose stated when the mosquitoes are here everyone is up in arms, once the mosquito’s go away no one cares. He stated at the Hammett labor camp there have been complaints too. Commissioner Rose doesn’t know what the solution is regarding standing water, example: drinking water for horses and cows. Discussion followed on the protection to horses. The vaccinated horses will get some protection with the first vaccination but need a booster three weeks later. Discussion returned to the State ponds. Also, Marty Jones from the Central District Health’s Office stated that one big factor is that alfalfa is being cut and that is activating the mosquitos. Out in the problem area alfalfa is being cut.

Commissioner Egusquiza stated she and her fellow Commissioners wanted to have a meeting to discuss the mosquitos and see what is going on out in the community and report on what she has learned.

West Nile Virus is not communicable from person to person. It is not terribly fatal unless you are in certain risks factors. Central District Health is asking people not to report dead birds anymore.

Chairperson Egusquiza asked it everyone wanted to get together with mayor, State of Idaho and other entities to have a community meeting. Commissioner Rose stated he thought it was too little too late and something should have been started a long time ago and we need to start something for next spring. Last week was the last date to get the question of an abatement district on the ballot for voting. The boundary lines for a district were discussed. Chairperson Egusquiza did not think an abatement district would pass County wide. The Commissioners said they could form sub committees in the different communities so we could see who wanted to be included in the district.

Commissioner Ireland stated he had heard that other Counties would rather have bugs than chemicals. Chairperson Egusquiza stated the longer we wait the worse West Nile virus will be.

Discussion followed and Nick Schilz will check to see if Disaster Services can help in anyway.

Motion by Ireland to have Mary sign the worksheet for Nick for Disaster Services, second by Rose.
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
ROSE - AYE
IRELAND - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Discussion followed on the School District spraying on a daily basis.

Chairperson Egusquiza read from Idaho Code on how to form a mosquito abatement district and then briefly explained how to do it. It must be initiated by the people. Commissioner Ireland stated a boundary has to be set, and he feels it would be tough to get one passed.


Chairperson Egusquiza stated health issues are directed to Central District Health. She also stated that the Commissioners are in charge of health issues within the county and that is why the problem comes back to them, and that is why they have a member on the Board of Central District Health.

A long discussion followed on spraying, horses and vaccinations, and forming an abatement district.

Motion by Ireland to adjourn, second by Rose,
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
ROSE - AYE
IRELAND - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

/S/MARY EGUSQUIZA, Chairperson
ATTEST: /S/ GAIL L. BEST, Clerk