Gayle Gardner

The regular board meeting included a ceremony where Attorney Wayne Flowers administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Commissioner Don Girvan. Key discussions involved the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, which included approval of the Treasurer's Report, vouchers, chemical inventory, the AMCD Apartment Lease Agreement, reclassification of a Pilot Job Description, and the Quarterly Budget Analysis. Under unfinished business, the Board approved the Health, Dental, and Life Insurance package recommendation with a nominal rate increase of just over 2% on the medical plan. An update was provided on the 8 Acre Parcel and Research Property Construction Project, noting that most buildings were nearing completion, though a waste issue remained with the chicken house. New business focused on planning the 70th Anniversary celebration for 2019, resulting in the approval of a $3,000 budget for the celebration and Open House. Discussions were held regarding the intern student program and the results of the AGO Collaborating Projects Report, which showed high capture rates of non-target species. The Director's report summarized 2018 arbovirus activity, noting 2 positive EEE horse cases and no locally transmitted human cases. The Attorney briefed the Board on the potential impact of the newly approved Amendment 12 (Ethics in Government) on special district Board members, particularly concerning lobbying restrictions.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and an invocation, followed by roll call which included approval for one Commissioner to attend by phone due to family circumstances. Key discussions centered on the project update for the Fieldseeker software implementation, which involves Fieldseeker core (based on ESRI ARGIS online) and a ULV truck spray tracking application. The update detailed an extended timeline due to the complexity of migrating historical data (2004 onward) and concurrent work on upgrading the Fieldseeker Office application's technology stack. The project scope was slightly reduced by excluding certain public notification app features and separating data entry handled by the new Bamboo HR system. Financials were reviewed, noting that costs have not increased despite the timeline extension, and user testing and training remain priorities for the immediate future. A subsequent significant discussion focused on authorizing staff to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an additional lobbying firm. Concerns were raised regarding duplicating efforts already covered by the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) lobbyists, particularly concerning the upcoming property tax ballot issue, leading to a discussion about delaying the RFP vote until after March when the current lobbying term expires and more legislative information is available.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the administration of the oath of office to a newly sworn-in commissioner. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, noting that certain items were moved to unfinished business. Key discussions included an update on the operations for year two of the Disease Vector Education Center, which showed exponential visitor growth, increased digital footprint via social media, and enhanced programming like using the Bluekit app for retention tracking and redesigning the scavenger hunt into a three-tier passport system. Construction updates covered completing outdoor signage, finishing the slat wall, and redoing the ant farm exhibit, with procurement assistance from the University of Florida. Future plans highlighted the successful initiative to become an autism center, including developing sensory kits, and exploring digital app integration and AI capabilities for automation. A presentation on the five-year strategy plan (2026-2030) detailed five major goals, focusing on integrated vector management, advanced research, expanding public education engagement, building organizational capacity, and seeking partnerships for sustainable funding, while also emphasizing the need for greater financial transparency. The CFO commented on the strong positive public reception to the education center. The board also directed staff to work on an RFP for a lobbying firm.

This Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Anastasia Mosquito Control District of St. Johns County, Florida, outlines a forward-looking roadmap to enhance operational excellence, research capabilities, and educational outreach from 2026 to 2030. The plan establishes five overarching goals: strengthening Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM), advancing research and innovation, expanding public education and community engagement, building organizational capacity and workforce development, and fostering partnerships and sustainable funding. The strategic direction aims to align the district's mission and resources with the evolving needs of St. Johns County, ensuring public health protection and an improved quality of life for residents and visitors.

The regular Board meeting included the approval of the Agenda and the Consent Agenda, which covered items such as the Treasurer's Report, Vouchers, Chemical Inventory, the Contract for the Vector Disease Education Center Building, and the 2020/2021 Budget Calendar. Unfinished Business focused on an Aerial Program Update Report, detailing the acquisition and maintenance of the Bell 206 helicopter, staffing needs, and future plans for the program. A Solar Power Study Report was presented, analyzing the costs and viability of rooftop solar panels; this item was postponed until the 2021/2022 fiscal year. New Business included reports from recent legislative meetings and a consensus to allow staff and the attorney to finalize the revised employee handbook for approval in April 2020. Discussions were held regarding updates to the Dress Code Policy concerning headwear allowances and the provision of dress uniform shirts for Commissioners, Supervisors, and Technicians.