Inside MVCAC’s October Board Meeting: DART Steering Committee Formed, Officer Vote Ratified, and 2028 Conference Planning Advances | | |
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Here’s What Your MVCAC Board Has Been Up To – October 8, 2026 Board Meeting Highlights
The MVCAC Board of Directors met virtually on October 8, 2026. Led by President Paula Macedo. The session focused on governance actions, the DART partnership, systems evaluation, conference planning, and updates amid elevated West Nile virus and Aedes aegypti activity across much of the state.
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Key Approvals
Prior minutes: Approved the July 30, 2026 meeting minutes.
Interim decision: Ratified support for AB 817 (cold storage contingency fund). Vector control language was amended out of the bill, which was viewed positively overall.
Officer vote: Ratified the unanimous officer election results. Omar Khweiss will serve as President-Elect and Jodi Holeman as Vice President.
DART actions: Formed a permanent DART Steering Committee and authorized the Executive Director and Board President to negotiate an MOU with UC Davis/DART (no immediate cost to the association).
Treasurer’s report: Approved the financial statements and investment matrix as of July 31, 2026 (MVCAC, NPDES, and investments). The 2026 audit is underway and will be shared before the November meeting.
Database/website transition: Directed staff to further evaluate a potential move from MemberSuite to GrowthZone (involving IT and PR committees), with a formal recommendation targeted for the January meeting.
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DART Working Group & Partnership
KP Public Affairs secured $250,000 for DART in the 2026–2027 state budget. The working group recommended (and the Board approved) forming a permanent Steering Committee to develop the final structure and pricing, while authorizing negotiation of a service agreement/MOU to streamline administration and reduce university overhead.
Discussion covered applicability (primarily MVCAC members, with non-members handled separately by DART), budget transparency, and building a sustainable “Plan B” while pursuing ongoing state funding. A longer-term annual subscription model (July 1, 2027–June 30, 2032) for agencies conducting adult mosquito disease surveillance testing remains under consideration for future approval; the $2,500 figure is a placeholder only. Steering Committee membership is being broadened—interested members should contact Michelle Brown or Amanda Poulsen.
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Executive Director & Staff Report
Staffing update: Kristi Maryman has moved on to a new position. Jessica Miller has joined as Events Manager (background in large conferences and hospitality).
On systems: The MemberSuite contract ends July 1, 2027. GrowthZone (used by AMCA) offers an integrated database, website, and member hub at lower ongoing cost—current MemberSuite + website is roughly $18,435/year versus a recommended GrowthZone package of about $9,893/year (savings of ~$8,500 annually), plus a one-time setup/data fee of ~$2,278. Staff will pursue evaluation over the winter with IT and PR committees and return with a recommendation by January. Officers should have access to the Board Document Repository for smoother transitions; additional materials will be shared shortly.
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Conference & Meeting Planning Highlights
2028 Annual Conference: Top Monterey options reviewed (Hyatt Regency Monterey and Portola Hotel & Spa). Hyatt appears more favorable overall on rates, food/beverage, and accessibility (roughly a five-minute Uber to downtown). Regional preferences noted (Southern Region favors easier travel options such as Hyatt SF Airport; others are favorable to Monterey). Khweiss and Miller will conduct site visits on November 20 and share notes/photos.
MVCAC Legislative Days: Targeted for the week of April 19 (staff will confirm once a location is secured).
Technician registration definition (refined with the Board): Available to staff in an entry-level or field technician classification (regardless of title). As a general guide, this typically includes Vector Control Technician I/II, Lab Technician, Fisheries Technician, or equivalent. It does not apply to Specialists, Supervisors, Managers, or Scientific/Program staff, regardless of pesticide applicator certificate(s) or license.
Upcoming meetings:
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Legislative & Regulatory Highlights
DART funding was secured in the signed state budget. AB 817 was signed (vector control amended out; viewed positively). Education outreach to legislators’ offices on mosquito/vector control emergency response is planned for the fall.
Regulatory Affairs (Bass, with Henke) continues to focus on CARB small off-road engine (SORE) regulations and access to adequately powered gas ULV sprayers/foggers. Electric alternatives have shown reduced effectiveness at distance. A one-pager was sent to CARB with a helpful follow-up conversation. Discussion addressed potential federal preemption (51% agricultural use) for certain engines/units; next steps may include manufacturer outreach. Vector control research efficacy work continues.
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Committee & Regional Snapshots
Leadership charge updates included a new webpage on public health use of pesticides, a Public Health Officer Toolkit and PowerPoint on member resources, and a private pest control engagement presentation template (for PAPA/CEU use with district customization). The SIT Toolkit remains in draft form, with collaboration underway for a more comprehensive document targeting the Planning Meeting. MVCAC proceedings migration to eScholarship is progressing. A new ADA-compliant cone-nose (kissing) bug information sheet is live on the public website. A 3D printing workshop is in the scheduling/design phase for the 2027 Annual Conference.
Regions reported elevated WNV and Aedes aegypti activity in multiple areas (with some variation), personnel transitions, mutual assistance needs, and operational updates (drones, lab modernization, equipment conversions, and more). CDPH/VBDS noted 298 WNV cases from 24 counties (19 fatal) as of October 8—well above 2025 and the five-year average—with the hotline closing October 16. Mark Novak is retiring at year-end; the Invasive Aedes Response Plan has been revised and posted. Other agency updates covered AMCA (Kay Hagan Tick Act, drones, 2027 meeting in St. Louis), CSDA, and related groups.
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Looking Ahead
Site visits and contract work for 2028, DART Steering Committee formation and MOU negotiation, systems evaluation through winter, Planning & Committee Meetings (November 2–4), and continued high-season vector activity monitoring.
Thank you to President Paula Macedo, the full Board, committee leaders, staff, and all participants for a focused and productive session. Your work keeps MVCAC responsive and mission-focused in protecting California communities from vector-borne diseases.
| | Questions or concerns? Reach out to the MVCAC Executive Director Megan MacNee at mmacnee@amgroup.us. | | | | |
