HomeMy WebLinkAboutFAC Minutes 4.11.16Proposed Minutes for April 11, 2016
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Fertilizer Advisory Committee
Special Meeting
Town of Nantucket
16 Broad Street
Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554
www.nantucket-ma.gov
Members: Michael Misurelli (chair), Gregory Raith (Vice chair), Mark Lucas, Cormac Collier, Ben Champoux,
Steven Collette, Frederick McClure
Staff: Jeff Carlson, Roberto Santamaria
~~ MINUTES ~~
Monday, April 11, 2016
4 Fairgrounds Road, Training Room – 2:00 pm
Called to order at 2:00 p.m.
Staff in attendance: R. Santamaria, Health Director; Jeff Carlson, Natural Resources Director
Attending Members: Michael Misurelli (chair), Gregory Raith (Vice chair), Mark Lucas, Cormac Collier,
Ben Champoux, Steven Collette
Absent Members: Frederick McClure
Agenda adopted by unanimous consent
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS – ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC MAY ADDRESS MEMBERS AT THIS TIME
1. Lee Saperstein, Lucinda Young, Joseph Perry expressed interest in observing the committee
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. None.
IV. INTRODUCTIONS
Sitting Misurelli, Raith, Lucas, Collier, Champoux, Collette
Recused None
Documentation None
Discussion Santamaria – Discussed the purpose and scope of the newly formed Fertilizer Advisory
Committee (FAC). Further explained that the Board of Health (BOH) has given him authority to
appoint members to the FAC. All seven people who had expressed interest in joining the
committee will be appointed.
All members introduced themselves to the group.
V. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Sitting Misurelli, Raith, Lucas, Collier, Champoux, Collette
Recused None
Documentation None
Discussion
Action
Vote
Santamaria – At this point, it is necessary to appoint officers for the committee.
Lucas – Nominate Michael Misurelli for Chair
Champoux – Second.
Misurelli – Accepts nomination.
Motion to appoint Michael Misurelli as Chair of the FAC.
Carries Unanimously
Proposed Minutes for April 11, 2016
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Santamaria – Call for nominations to chair
Raith – Volunteers
Collette – Seconds
Action Motion to appoint Gregory Raith as Vice-Chair of the FAC
Vote Carries Unanimously
VI. REGULATION REVIEW & ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS
Sitting Misurelli, Raith, Lucas, Collier, Champoux, Collette
Recused None
Documentation None
Discussion
Champoux – Has seen a lack of adoption of the BMP throughout the island. It has to be adopted
comprehensively
Collier – Education is a big issue as well. Not many people signed up for the spreader calibration
class. Should these classes be required for licensing?
Lucas- Even if ten people show up to the calibration, it will still be effective. A continuing
education (Professional development) requirement to maintain licensing may be a good idea.
Classes like the calibration may work as part of that.
Misurelli – Should licensing be more focused on the supervisors rather than the laborers? A lot
can be done to keep lawns green that does not require Nitrogen and the supervisors should know
that.
Collier – The committee should prioritize three goals in education and enforcement that will help
with all factors of the fertilizer discussion.
Collette – Is the Trespassing issue the hardest part of the enforcement?
Santamaría – Yes. It is a fourth amendment issue (due process| Unlawful search and seizure)
VII. FERTILIZER EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Sitting Misurelli, Raith, Lucas, Collier, Champoux, Collette
Recused None
Documentation None
Discussion
Raith – It may be a good idea to involve vendors such as Island Lumber and Marine Home in
part of the education.
Champoux – Is it possible to ban the sale of non-compliant fertilizer?
Collier – Cannot ban the sale as the sale is regulated by the Department Of Agriculture
Misurelli – Reaching out to the homeowners and having their buy-in could have a significant
impact
Lee Saperstein – (Public Comment) – The Civic League could hold a forum regarding fertilizer
Lucinda Young – (Public Comment) – A one-page mailer sent to homeowners can also work
Collier – The Great Harbor area should be priority #1
Misurelli – When planning subdivisions and new communities, fertilizer should be something to
plan for.
Proposed Minutes for April 11, 2016
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Misurelli – Education is one of the most important aspects. SiteOne and Harrell’s have been
really good at providing education and at providing the right products.
Collette – Some clients tend to push for bad practices
Collier – Self-policing and educating among other landscapers is an important aspect of the
regulation
Champoux – Timing is also important. There should be no green lawns brought up by
fertilizer before daffodil weekend.
Raith – That is all part of the education piece.
Misurelli – For next meeting bring 3 education goals that we can discuss, and put together
basic charter ideas, to begin deliberating.
Motion to Adjourn: 3:10 p.m.
Submitted by:
Roberto J. Santamaria