Commission considers granular goose repellent; members flag allergy and cost concerns

The commission reviewed a granular goose/deer repellent product that could be shared on the group's website for residents to use around private lawns and common areas, but members urged caution after noting cost and an ingredient concern.

S2 described the product (22-pound bags) and its potential to reduce labor compared with liquid spraying. "It's a repellent... it's 22 pounds," S2 said, explaining the product's format and how the commission might post the vendor information for residents. S2 warned, however, that buying the material for widespread application would be expensive for the commission.

S7 flagged a label concern after reviewing the product: "it does include peanut hulls," the member said, and asked the group to consider allergy risks before any recommendation. S2 and S1 agreed the commission should not purchase the product centrally if it could create a peanut exposure risk; instead they proposed sharing vendor information with an advisory note about contents and price.

Treasurer (S5) and other members noted the product is likely too costly for commission purchase. "It's too expensive for us to purchase," S2 said, and commissioners asked that product labels and pricing be circulated to the full commission before posting on the website. S2 also said a vendor representative had been responsive and would answer follow-up questions about formulation and application recommendations.

Next steps: staff will obtain the product label and pricing information, check for allergen carriers (company told commissioners the product uses a castor/fish oil base and peanut hulls as a carrier), and return to the commission next month with a recommendation on whether to list the product and what advisory language to attach.