By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The increasing occurrence in many area communities of mosquitoes carrying the dangerous West Nile Virus and/or Eastern Equine Encephalitis was discussed by the City Council at its Sept. 10 meeting.
A communication was read from the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP), that thanked the city's Board of Health for its assistance in planning responses and working with the agency to help combat the problem.
According to the communication, the region is entering into the highest risk part of the season and spraying interventions may not always be possible. The standard residential spraying program will end when cooler night time temperatures predominate.
Officials are urged to continue to push the message of exercising caution when outside, including using repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible. The CMMCP will continue to monitor mosquitoes throughout September and possibly into October, according to the communication.
City Councilor-at-Large Mark Oram, who is also the public health officer in Ashland, emphasized the seriousness of the problem locally and in surrounding towns.
“It has been a horrific month for everyone and we should all be aware of the problem,” he said. “It is important to limit all activities from dusk to dawn and urge all departments to work together to eliminate the dangers.”
In other business, councilors approved Mayor Arthur Vigeant's request to accept a Police Department grant for $14,049 from the U.S. Department of Justice for costs associated with implementing a Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) program. RAD is a course that teaches self-defense tactics and techniques to women.
Councilors also approved the following appointments recommended by Vigeant:? Michael Gibson and Pascal Chenais to the Youth Commission for a two-year term; and Jeanne McGeough and Richard Collins to the Council on Aging, four years and three years, respectively.