Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District

Board of Trustees Meeting

January 8, 2008

 

 

Agenda Item:  Consent Calendar

 

Discussion and/or support for the research of Dr. Carroll and Dr. Reisen as endorsed by the Board of the California Mosquito and Vector Control Association (CMVCA) as studies of significant value to the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) in an mount not to exceed $5,100 from Account #8510.01.600 – Research Projects—Dr. Lothrop, Scientific Operations Manager

 

Background:

California MVCA President Steve West, General Manager of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, indicates in his letter the need for collective financial support of all agencies within MVCAC to fund the projects of Dr. Scott Carroll of Carroll-Loye of Biological Research and Dr. William K. Reisen of the Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Research, UC Davis.  These projects have been endorsed by CMVCA Board as they concluded that these studies are of significant value to MVCAC.

 

  1. Dr. Carroll’s study is directed to the use of PMD/Citral Repellent (plant-derivede-menthane3,8-diol (PMD) and lemongrass oil) against Culex tarsalis as a convenient and safe alternative to DEET.- 1 year study - $ 5,330.00
  2. Dr. Reisen’s study is in regard to the efficacy of a new molecular method of testing (Luminex microsphere technology) which will, with a single assay, test a wide variety of vertebrate hosts, as well as identifying the vector species and determining the vector’s arbovirus infection status. – 3 year study / request for 1st year  - $12,185.00

 

The research grants for the District’s FY 2007/2008 budget were approved in the amount of  $217,569 and are shown in the budget as Account #8510.1.600. At the time of the budget approval, Dr. Greenberg of UC Riverside submitted his application for RIFA research in the amount of $20,000.00 for one year. Unfortunately, he informed us that he will be not in a position to do the research this fiscal year.

 

 For that reason, the District Staff would like to recommend to the Board that they consider supporting the efforts of the MVCAC by helping to fund the two above listed research projects in the amount of $5,100 (25.5% of the money which was approved for Dr. Greenberg research)

 

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends funding the two above listed research projects, as follow:

1.      Dr. Carroll’s study - $1,500 (30% ) of  needed amount

2.     Dr. Reisen’s study - $3,600  (30%) of needed amount

 

Fiscal Impact:

 

Current funds available from Fund #8510.01.600 – Research Projects are $217,569 which is 100% of the budgeted amount for this line item.  This expenditure is approximately 2% of the available balance.