Jennifer Bushnell

This plan defines the operational strategy and tactics for controlling nuisance and vector mosquitoes in St. Tammany Parish. It aims to protect the health and quality of life by minimizing mosquito-transmitted diseases and managing nuisance mosquitoes through a multi-modal Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) framework. This framework includes public education, source reduction, mosquito and arbovirus surveillance, larval and adult insecticide applications, treatment evaluations, and insecticide resistance monitoring.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on the recruiting and hiring process, a summary of the 2025 Research Entomologist activities, and a review of performance measures.

The board meeting agenda covers several key operational and financial topics, including credit card purchases, the executive director's time and leave, and the sale of an aircraft. Contractual discussions involve aircraft hull and liability insurance and expert consultation on mosquito assessment. The board will address compliance with personal financial disclosure statements and review financial documents such as the treasurer's report, incident and claim reports, and the 2026 millage recommendation. Additionally, the agenda includes discussions on open meetings law, employee benefits, travel policy, potential special meeting dates, staffing for deputy director positions, and a mosquito control report.

The Board of Commissioners discussed the millage renewal campaign plan, focusing on communication strategies, constituent demographics, outreach opportunities, and the use of AI in messaging. They also addressed the presentation of HB 286 to the Louisiana Legislature and its potential impacts. Furthermore, a helicopter cost analysis was reviewed, highlighting the operational efficiency and cost benefits of in-house helicopter ownership for the district.

The board discussed a service review proposal from the Balmoral Group, resulting in a motion to proceed contingent on an updated cost. Other topics included updates on legislative discussions regarding special district budgetary control, the approval of several service and consulting contracts, and the Integrated Mosquito Management Plan for 2026. The Treasurer presented a report on finances, and the board addressed the Executive Director's performance evaluation in an executive session, noting a commendable decision by the Director to forgo a merit increase due to budgetary constraints.