OKANAGAN-KOOTENAY STERILE INSECT RELEASE BOARD
Members:
Chair
Mike Kowaluk Regional
District of North Okanagan
Director
Colin Day, Vice Chair Regional
District of Central Okanagan
Director
Tom Mann Regional
District of Central Kootenay
Director
Wayne Matthews Regional
District of Columbia-Shuswap
Penny Gambell B.C.
Fruit Grower’s Association absent
Pierre Calissi B.C.
Fruit Grower’s Association absent
Joe
Sardinha B.C.
Fruit Grower’s Association
Bob
McCoubrey North
Okanagan Organic Association absent
Hugh
Philip Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food
Gavin
Young SIR
Grower/Industry Advisory Committee
Guest:
Dr.
Joan Cossentine Agriculture
and Agri Food
Staff:
Peter Mackiewich Liaison
Officer absent
Sherri
Kimmie Zone
2 Supervisor
The Chair called the meeting to order at
The Chair had all in attendance introduce themselves.
PART 1 – ADOPTION
OF MINUTES
a.
Regular
Meeting –
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Day
“That the minutes of the regular meeting of
the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Board held on January 16, 2004 be
adopted.”
CARRIED
The Board discussed the matter of
how minutes should be recorded when appeals for orchard tree removal orders are
being heard. It was suggested that the
proceedings be recorded verbatim. The
Board concluded that when there is a quasi legal hearing only the resolution
will be recorded.
Joe Sardinha from the B.C. Fruit Grower’s Association thanked the
Directors who attended the BCFGA convention.
He stated the Growers appreciated them attending and the opportunity
they had to speak to them. Mr. Sardinha
further stated that the SIR Program not only benefits the Growers but the
taxpayers as well and it is very important to preserve the program. Mr. Sardinha presented the Directors with a
BCFGA pin, as a token of appreciation.
PART 2 – DELEGATIONS and PETITIONS
a.
Orchard Tree
Removal Orders Report –
Mr. Henk
van Dijk (representative for Father Pat Monette) addressed the Board.
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Cardoso
subject
to the following terms and conditions:
That the property owner work with SIR staff to develop a codling
moth control program by April 1, 2004 for the noted property including, but not
limited to, the following:
¨
Proper
spraying program for entire property
¨
Stripping
infested fruit as required
¨
Banding
and damage assessment for each generation
¨
Professionally
calibrate sprayer to proper standards before end of April 2004; and
That
orchard codling moth damage be reduced to a level of less than 2% throughout
the 2004 season; and
further
that SIR staff continue to monitor the said property and work with the property
owner to ensure that the conditions of the control program are met; and
If,
at any time during the 2004 season, the conditions of the control program are
not met and cooperation of the property owner is not forthcoming, that staff be
authorized to carry out the Orchard Tree Removal Order as originally issued.”
CARRIED
PART 3 – COMMITTEE MINUTES
PART 4 – BUSINESS
ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
PART 5 – CHAIR’S
REPORT
PART 6 – COMMITTEE
REPORTS
a. Sterile Insect Release Technical Advisory Committee
Report to SIR Board February 20, 2004
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the
item Part 6.a. Sterile Insect Release Technical Advisory Committee
Report to SIR Board February 20, 2004 be moved to Part 10.f.”
CARRIED
PART 7 –
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
a.
The General Manager reviewed
his
He further noted the BCFGA Convention was successful and thanked the Directors for attending.
b. Lorne Tomlin – Production Operations Report
–
c. Summary of Urban Sites for 2003 for all
Zones
The General Manager reviewed the Summary of Urban Sites for 2003 for all Zones with the Board.
d. Gift Certificates 2003 – Breakdown of Zones
The General Manager advised the Board that the Zone 2 Supervisors will be sending out over 300 letters this Spring for codling moth control orders. The question arose concerning having 121 infested sites amongst 3,500 and how will the program make it to the finish line. It was noted that the program must ensure that clean sites do not get reinfested and that urban residents have to be just as sensitive as the Growers.
Moved by Director Matthews Seconded by Director Day
“That the reports Part 7 –Department Reports,
a. – d. be received for information.”
CARRIED
PART 8 – CORRESPONDENCE
a.
Letter from Alan Kuroyama, Chief
Administrative Officer, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, dated
b.
Letter from Dan Ashton, Chair,
Regional District Of Okanagan-Similkameen, dated February 2, 2004 re: SIR Program Governance
Mr. Sardinha, BC Fruit Grower’s
Association stated that he feels it is important to support where the SIR Program
is going and that he supports the concept of delaying the changes to
governance. The Board discussed Columbia
Shuswap Regional District’s request to provide a commitment ensuring that all
Regional Districts that have been participants to the SIR Program receive the
full benefits of the Program prior to the end of 2005 or other such time as the
SIR program is concluded.
Moved by Director Matthews Seconded by Director Mann
“That Part 8 – Correspondence, a. – b. be
received for information.”
CARRIED
PART 9 – UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
a. Environmental
Impact Assessment of OK SIR Program prepared by Christine Dendy - November 2003
The General Manager distributed the
Environmental Impact Assessment of OK SIR Program to the Board and asked that the
report be received. He further read the
conclusion of the report to the Board.
Moved by Director Matthews Seconded by Director Mann
“That the Environmental Impact Assessment of
Okanagan-Kootenay SIR Program be received for information.”
CARRIED
PART 10 – NEW
BUSINESS
a.
Orchard Tree
Removal Orders Report –
c/o
This matter was dealt
with earlier in the meeting.
b. Memorandum from
The General Manager advised the
Board that Mr. Gidda stated he received his letter late notifying him to appear
for his appeal and he would like the opportunity to appeal. He further
recommended that the SIR Board reconsider the resolution denying Mr. Gidda’s
appeal and allow him an opportunity to meet the objectives for codling moth
control for 2004.
Moved by Director Cardoso Seconded by Director Mann
That the property owner work with
SIR staff to develop a codling moth control program by April 1, 2004 for the
noted property including, but not limited to, the following:
¨
Proper
spraying program for entire property
¨
Stripping
infested fruit as required
¨
Banding
and damage assessment for each generation
¨
Professionally
calibrate sprayer to proper standards before end of April 2004; and
That orchard codling moth damage be
reduced to a level of less than 2% throughout the 2004 season; and
Further that SIR staff continue to
monitor the said property and work with the property owner to ensure that the
conditions of the control program are met; and
If, at any time during the 2004
season, the conditions of the control program are not met and cooperation of
the property owner is not forthcoming, that staff be authorized to carry out
the Orchard Tree Removal Order as originally issued.”
CARRIED
b.
Memorandum
from
Moved by Director Day Seconded by Director Matthews
That the property owner work with SIR
staff to develop a codling moth control program by April 1, 2004 for the noted
property including, but not limited to, the following:
¨Proper spraying program for entire property
¨Stripping infested fruit as required
¨Banding and damage assessment for each generation
¨Professionally calibrate sprayer to proper
standards before end of April 2004; and
That orchard codling moth damage be
reduced to a level of less than 2% throughout the 2004 season; and
Further that SIR staff continue to
monitor the said property and work with the property owner to ensure that the
conditions of the control program are met; and
If, at any time during the 2004
season, the conditions of the control program are not met and cooperation of
the property owner is not forthcoming, that staff be authorized to carry out
the Orchard Tree Removal Order as originally issued.”
CARRIED
d. Memorandum from SIR Finance Committee
dated
i. SIR
Travel Policy No.3.1.8
ii. Memorandum
from
The General Manager reviewed his memorandum and the SIR Travel Policy No.3.1.8 with Board.
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Day
“That the memorandum and
travel policy be received; and
further, that SIR Policy
No.3.1.8, being the SIR Employment Practices – Professional Development Policy
be adopted as amended.”
CARRIED
e. Memorandum from Lorne Tomlin dated
The
General Manager explained to the Board that backup would be required if
something were to happen to Lorne Tomlin, Rearing Facility Production Manager. He further recommended that Scott Arthur be
that person and that he take the course “Principles and Procedures for Rearing
Quality Insects”. It was noted the
course is orientated toward the quality control of rearing insects (diet,
pathogens and micro organisms) and would be considered to be very
technical. The Board was advised that
Lorne Tomlin had taken the course previously and he felt it was very
beneficial. The Board was further advised of Scott Arthur’s current duties and
responsibilities as the engineer at the rearing facilities.
The question was raised
as to who is responsible for quality control. The Board was advised that
A discussion ensued with regards to an employee who is sent on a course. It was suggested that there be a policy which states if that employee were to leave employment during a specific time period, that they would be required to pay back the course expenses. The General Manager advised he would review the Employment Standards Act and report back to the Board on the feasibility of implementing such a policy.
Moved by Director Matthews Seconded by Director Day
“That the SIR Board
authorizes S. Arthur to travel to
further, that all
reasonable expenses for this trip be paid for by the SIR Program.”
CARRIED
Director Cardoso opposed.
The meeting recessed at
The meeting reconvened
at
f. Sterile Insect Release Technical Advisory Committee
Report to SIR Board February 20, 2004
Hugh Phillip, Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food presented to the Board the Sterile Insect
Release Technical Advisory Committee Report.
He stated that he believed
science prevailed and that they were successful in drafting a proposed strategy
for post 2005.
Mr. Phillip reviewed recommendation
#1 of the report and went through the chart regarding long-term codling moth
management in regions with <0.5% codling moth damage in >95% of
the area. He explained each program recommended for the low and high risk
orchards, which he stated was based on science, a combination of culture,
biology, behaviour and agriculture.
Question arose concerning what in
the Committee’s opinion would be the weakest links with the
recommendation. Mr. Phillip stated if
it does not happen it would destroy all that the program has accomplished. He further advised that the urban situation
is always a challenge and ensuring that urban sites are in full compliance.
It was recommended to the Board that
a grower advisor be available to discuss the choice of an appropriate control
strategy, as it is critical to have good advice and to ensure if an outbreak
occurs that it is dealt with immediately.
Mr. Young, SIR Grower/Industry
Advisory Committee representative stated that in his opinion mating disruption
and trapping is a weakness even with a 10 mg lure. He further stated removing the regular
release of SIT in low risk sites means they would have to depend very heavily
on monitoring.
The question was raised on how
important it is that Growers actively participate in this recommended program. The Board was advised adding Growers into the
equation provides more eyes, however there is overlap with banding/trapping. Dr. Cossentine, Agriculture and
Director Day expressed concern about
the Grower who is in the moderate range and has the presence of wild codling
moth. The Board discussed that some
Growers have complained that the SIR program is not working. It was suggested that some Growers think that
because there is an SIR program that they no longer have to monitor. It was noted that emphasis should be made
that the Grower is responsible to monitor their orchards. If a hatch takes place the field service
will advise Growers that they have to monitor their orchards.
The General Manager advised the
Board that SIR staff have access to packing house data, however SIR data is the
best available.
Mr. Phillip reviewed recommendation #2 of the
report and went through the chart regarding short-term strategy to reduce wild
codling moth populations in Zones 2 & 3.
The Board discussed the importance of reacting but in some cases there
is a need to find the cause, especially if it is a good Grower.
A discussion ensued with regards to associating
costs and showing the economic value to the Growers. An example suggested was what
a low pressure orchard would cost versus what it would cost the medium pressure
orchard.
The Board was advised by Mr.
It was noted that GIS technology is in
place for the SIR program. The Board was
advised that there are approximately 500 acres in the high pressure orchards with
75 – 80 Growers. A discussion ensued on the possibility of
having the behaviour match the costs. It was further noted Growers are sometimes
hampered by the thought that SIR program is looking after the orchards for them
and it is difficult to change that mind set.
The Chief Financial Officer
suggested to the Board setting up a parcel tax based on the grade of fruit from
the previous year. He further stated it
would give the Grower incentive to work that much harder to bring the levels
down, that would in turn bring down the cost of the program. The Board was advised by Mr. Sardinha that it
would very difficult to assess parcel tax based on fruit grades due to hail
storms or sunburn causing the grade come down.
The Board discussed the large focus
on using mating disruption and the budget impact. Dr. Cossentine, Agriculture and
Mr. Phillip reviewed recommendation
#3 of the report with the Board on how increases in wild codling moth can be
correlated with bin movement into low risk areas. The Board discussed the need to have packing
houses and industry come onboard, becoming part of the solution. It was further noted other measures could be
implemented such as if packing houses do not comply not to take their product.
The Board discussed having a
protocol issued to packing houses on how to deal with bins. It was noted Zone 1, 2 and 3 have specific
dates in which they are allowed to haul bins.
Dr. Cossentine advised the Board where the infestation is coming from,
explaining in the fall larva find a crevice in the bin, when the bins are taken
apart and distributed moths emerge. She
further stated to stop the infestation in bins, packing houses need to build a
fumigation chamber to fumigate the bins, perhaps with carbon dioxide. It was further noted that a CA room could
perform this.
Director Cardoso stated the need to identify everything that has to be done in order to have a sustainable program. It was noted that bin management at the orchard level needs to be discussed. Director Mann expressed concern that the issue has not been addressed sooner. Director Matthews stated he can not believe that people are taking a reactive approach instead of proactive.
Mr. Phillip reviewed recommendations #4, 5, 6 and 7 of the report with Board. He stressed the importance of high quality moths being fundamental to the success of the SIR program.
The Board asked the question if the recommendations were in the order of their importance. It was noted that all recommendations are equally as important. It was agreed that the Board take the recommendations and move as strongly ahead as possible and determine who has to do what to achieve the goals.
Moved by Director Day Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the SIR Board receive
in broad definition and implement Recommendations 1 through 7 of the Sterile
Insect Release Technical Advisory Committee Report.”
CARRIED
Mr.
The meeting recessed for
lunch at
The meeting reconvened
at
PART 11 – SUBSTANTIVE MOTIONS
a. Draft
SIR 2004 – 2008 Five Year Financial Plan for 2004
The Board reviewed the 2004 – 2008 Five Year
Financial Plan. The Chief Financial
Officer advised the Board that there will be a $449,559 deficit, based on the
recommended direction from the Technical Committee. He further stated that there is a reserve
available, however there would still be a shortfall between $75,000 to
$100,000.
Chief Financial Officer advised the Board he
did not have an opportunity to review the 3.2 million required for 2006 based
on the recommended direction from the Technical Committee. The Board was informed that there was not a
revenue formula from the participating Regional Districts beyond 2005. Mr.
The Board had a lengthy discussion on the post 2005
plan. It was noted that all the Regional
District representatives need to confirm their commitment to the program, as it
does not end in two years. A discussion
ensued with regards to the political process and the need to get a solid plan
The Chief Financial Officer advised the Board that
the program is shown to continue after 2005, but certain Regional Districts
have concerns with the funding of the program after 2005. Given this concern no
amount was reflected as an ad valorem
requisition. He indicated that the
funding has been shown separately until the funding formula is determined.
Director Day stated the
The Chair stated it important that Mr. Berry,
Agriculture and
The Board discussed setting practical timelines
in which decisions need to be made. A
discussion ensued about ordering pheromone, it was noted that the contingency
fund will cover the costs.
Director Cardoso left the meeting at
The Board discussed $3.2 versus $2.4 million
and it was noted that the $3.2 has not yet been scrutinized. It was noted that with the zone amalgamation
that perhaps the $3.2 would not be required.
Director Cardoso returned to the meeting at
The General Manager advised that 2006 is based
on trapping and implementing all the Technical Advisory Committee’s
recommendations.
A discussion ensued regarding adding members to
the Technical Advisory Committee, especially people who have technical expertise
there. The Board agreed that it was not
a problem appointing new members to the Technical Advisory Committee.
Director Cardoso advised that the Regional
District of Okanagan Similkameen’s Board supports the SIR program beyond 2005
as long as there is a clear plan with a reduced plan on ad valorem. He further stated if the monies are coming
from urban taxpayers it should be used for them.
Mr. Young, SIR Grower/Industry Advisory representative
advised the Board that their research program is moving into fairly new
research on mating disruption which they will be able to put into a commercial
setting. He further stated, the point
of view from the Growers is we are moving into a new world, where the use of
pesticides has to change. The Board was
advised the organic industry is trying to get certification for fruit, establishing
a standard for production around the world.
Mr. Young stated it is very important for the SIR program to proceed,
especially when looking at it in the big picture. He encouraged the Board not only look at the
day to day issues, but look at the impact the program has on the community and
environmental issues.
A discussion ensued with regards to why the
budget is showing a deficit. The Chief
Financial Officer explained the deficit shortfall was to show the shortfall
based on the revised plan of action recommended by the Technical Committee. He further stated that shortfall is the
amount that will be needed in funding from the Province or the Federal
Government to balance the budget
A discussion ensued with regards to tabling the
budget until the March Board meeting, allowing the Chief Financial Officer and
the General Manager the opportunity to meet with the Province to see where they
are at and then come back with a balanced budget.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding parcel tax. It was noted that there is already a
commitment to increase parcel tax by 3% a year to 2005.
Director Cardoso
stated that the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen pays the most in
parcel tax and
The Chief Financial Officer advised the Board
that there is a $1.1 million dollar grant shown over three years in the budget,
so it is possible to show a higher level of the grant being used in 2004 to
balance the budget, which would allow the Board to go to the Province to get
funding for 2005.
Director Day stated he is reluctant to make any
changes in how the funds are collected.
He further stated ad valorem collects
substantially more than the parcel tax.
The Board discussed that the program is not marketed enough as a “Green
Program”. It was further noted that the
program has a greater benefit to the environment and public, more than just the
fruit industry.
The Chief Financial Officer recommended to the
Board that he work with the General Manager to prepare a revised draft budget,
which he would then distribute via fax/e-mail to the Board and then hold a
conference call with the Executive Committee to discuss.
Moved by Director Day Seconded by Director Cardoso
“That the SIR 2004 – 2008
Five Year Financial Plan BE TABLED until the March 2004 SIR Board meeting.”
CARRIED
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
That the SIR Board authorize
the expenditure of $370,000 to purchase pheromone for mating disruption.”
CARRIED
PART 12 – OTHER MATTERS
PART 13 – MOTION TO MOVE TO IN-CAMERA
a. Motion
to convene In Camera Meeting of the SIR Board to deal with matters deemed
closed to the public in accordance with section 242.2 of the Local Government
Act.
Moved by Director Matthews Seconded by Director Cardoso
“That the SIR Board convene an In Camera Meeting to deal with matters
deemed closed to the public in accordance with section 242.2 of the Local
Government Act to deal with legal matters.”
CARRIED
The regular meeting of the Okanagan
Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Board adjourned to meet “In Camera” at
The
regular meeting of the Okanagan
Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Board reconvened at
PART 14 – MATTERS ARISING FROM IN CAMERA MEET ING
PART 15 – ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
“That there being no further business, the
meeting be adjourned at
CARRIED
The next regular meeting of the SIR Board will be left to the call of the Chair.
Chair Corporate Officer