Friday, March 27, 2009

Questions for Anastasia Mosquito Control Commission of St. Johns County on Consultant's Tepid, Timid "Work" -- We Need Answers, not Obfuscations!

1. How does the Anastasia Mosquito Control District determine when and where to apply adulticides? Does this process comply with the applicable standard of care? What peer review and internal controls could be added? How can the process be improved?

2. How does the Anastasia Mosquito Control District determine when and where to apply larvicides? Does this process comply with the applicable standard of care? What peer review and internal controls could be added? How can the process be improved?

3. How does the Anastasia Mosquito Control District determine when to perform aerial spraying does this process comply with the applicable standard of care? What peer review and internal controls could be added?

4. How can the Anastasia Mosquito Control District reduce its use of pesticides altogether?

5. What regulatory program can the Mosquito Control District establish to warn, fine and enjoin landowners with standing water on their property? Should the Mosquito Control District follow the example of Los Angeles, California and other jurisdictions by using aerial surveillance, to detect, deter and prevent stagnant water (e.g., in unused swimming pools and vacant land), to keep mosquitos from breeding and save money and avoid pesticide use?

6. How does the Mosquito Control District comply with Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection and Due Process requirements? Are low-income and minority areas receiving equal service? Is there a procedure for resolving residents' complaints?

7. How does the Mosquito Control District inform our employees of their rights under the District's November 20, 2008 whistleblower protection policy and federal environmental whistleblower laws?

8. What improvements can be made in the Mosquito Control District's policies regarding transparency, Sunshine and Open Records?

9. What improvements can be made in the Mosquito Control District's use, storage and application of chemicals with an eye toward avoiding use of organophosphates (OPs) except in bona fide emergencies, pursuant to District policies?

10. How does the Mosquito Control District determine when to purchase capital items? Does this process comply with legal requirements and the applicable standard of care?

11. How did the Mosquito Control District determine to close the PV/PV station and did this process comply with the applicable standard of care?

12. How did the Mosquito Control District determine to purchase $1.2 million worth of land that was not advertised on the open market, not subject of competitive bidding, without an appraisal, survey or title search, while paying half the real estate commission? Did this comply with the applicable standard of care?

13. Will you please provide the detailed c.v. and client list for each of the consultants?

14. What work has each the consultants done for each of the organizations listed in their solicitation and proposed scope of work?

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