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Resident proposes pilot program to tackle Formosan termite infestations; requests city share of costs
Summary
A resident presented a proposal at public comment asking the city to fund 50% of a 24‑month pilot using termite bait stations in a selected neighborhood, estimating a city share of about $96,000; council took no action on the proposal.
At the start of public comment on May 6, resident Mead Lewis presented a detailed proposal asking the City of Temple Terrace to fund half of a pilot program to control Formosan termites using area‑wide bait stations.
Lewis said Temple Terrace has a major Formosan termite problem, that two leading experts (Dr. Catone of New Orleans and Dr. Thomas Chovanec of the University of Florida) have agreed to assist, and that bait‑station programs in other jurisdictions produced near elimination in 12 months. He proposed selecting a test neighborhood (south of St. Augustine, east of Riverside Park, west of St. Lehi Avenue), comprising about 96 structures in a 1.2‑mile radius, and running the pilot for 24 months.
Lewis estimated the city's 50% share would be about $96,000 (he called that a liberal figure and said public bidding would likely lower costs); he also suggested public bidding and a phased approach. No council action followed — the item was presented as public comment and council did not make a motion to fund or study the proposal during the meeting.
Outcome: Council did not vote or direct staff to act on the termite pilot at the May 6 meeting. The proposal remains a public suggestion available for staff to consider at a future date.
