Iola will no longer spray for mosquitoes.
City Council members voted, 6-0, Monday to discontinue the spraying, continuing an on-again, off-again debate on the cost vs. effectiveness of mosquito control.
The Council heard from residents Jud and Josh Hawley, both of whom cited concerns about the pesticide’s unintended consequences, on humans and other critters, such as pollinators.
“I go on a walk with my kid every day,” Jud Hawley said. “And if I hear the (mosquito) truck, I’m going right inside. I don’t want to get sprayed, and I don’t want my kids sprayed with pesticides.”
While the chemicals the city uses are less toxic than some used by farmers, there are still hazards to humans, he continued.
Councilwoman Joelle Shallah questioned the effectiveness of the spray, noting city crews only treat north-south roads in town, and sprayers are never taken along alleys.
Councilman Mark Peters agreed, noting the spray must come into direct contact with adult mosquitoes to be effective.
City Administrator Matt Rehder warned the Council that “you guys are gonna take heat, no matter which decision you make.”
At $16,000 annually, the measure isn’t a budget-breaker, nor is it a “massive money saver” to discontinue.
Discussion also focused on other mosquito control measures, such as treating standing water with larvicide bricks, but the city can only treat water on public property. It’s up to property owners to treat standing water, such as pools, tires or ponds, on private property.
Josh Hawley suggested the city look at CO2 mosquito traps, which he said is a less costly and safer measure.
Council members Jonathon Wells and Jeremiah Ivy were absent from Monday’s meeting.
CAMILLE LAVON and Kylie Cromer, representing the Office of Economic Development, spoke on whether the city is interested in hosting a bare knuckles fighting event, and potential ways to aid downtown businesses adversely affected by the ongoing rebuild of U.S. 54.
The bare knuckle brawling issue was brought to the city earlier this summer, with Council members non-committal, but seeking additional information.
Lavon brought an information sheet from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Athletic Commission, which helps venues host professional boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing and bare-knuckle fighting events.
Such events can draw as many as 500 out-of-towners, Lavon said, which would boost Iola’s hotels and motels.
