DEAR SUN SPOTS: Good morning! Recently I noticed three vehicles about the size of golf carts zipping along on sidewalks on Sabattus and Main streets in Lewiston. Signs on the vehicle read “Weed Control.” It appeared that the occupants were private contractors spraying chemicals on grass or weeds on Lewiston’s sidewalks.

I have questions. How much is the city of Lewiston paying for this?

Shouldn’t adults be warned to keep children and pets off the sprayed areas?

How many times will this be done?

Who, if anyone, inspects the results?

When private lawns are treated for weeds, homeowners are advised to stay off lawns for a safe period of time, and most of the time these lawns have temporary signs posted that read “Keep Off Grass: Pesticides.” — Gene Gilbert, Lewiston

ANSWER: For this question, Megan Bates, the deputy director of Lewiston Public Works Department, referred Sun Spots to Steve Murch, the city arborist, who supervises the weed control program in the city. He wrote the following:

“The city of Lewiston has had a weed control program for more than 20 years. Every three to four years the city goes to bid and secures a contract to have specific sidewalks and landscape areas sprayed.

“The contractors are licensed applicators with the Maine Board of Pesticide Control. The material they use and the manner in which they perform their job are regulated by the Board of Pesticide Control.

“The application is done four times a year, once a month, June to September.

“The cost is around $14,000.

“There is no requirement that we notify or warn people of the chemical that is sprayed, and it would be extremely difficult to do so given the number of miles and square footage we spray in one single application.

“In addition, the nature of the chemical is that once it is dry, it is safe to touch. So under normal conditions this is usually dry and safe within minutes.

“The state does maintain a list of property owners that do not want to have any chemical applied along their property. It is the responsibility of our contractor to check that list and avoid those areas. To my knowledge there are only a couple in Lewiston.

“Weeds are sprayed directly rather than a large broadcast spray of a sidewalk. This spot spraying is cost efficient and safer for the environment. After the application, the material is absorbed into the plants vascular system and taken in its roots. Death of the plant usually occurs within 10 to 14 days depending on the weather.

“A couple of other points:

“There are several other municipalities in the state that have similar weed control programs. Westbrook and Portland to name a couple.

“There have been two times in the last 20 years that this program was cut from the budget, and both times, outcry and complaints from citizens complaining about the appearance of the city led to the program being reinstated.

“I hope this was helpful. If you have any other questions, let me know.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know of any help available for older people who can no longer do their own housework? Thanks so much for your great column. — No Name via email

ANSWER: One possibility is Claire Morgan, owner of Xtreme Clean, 577-2030. Claire said she is fully insured and has references from medical and law offices, as well as residential accounts.

Others will undoubtedly write in and offer their services.

No matter whom you hire, please be sure and get references. You need to be able to thoroughly trust anyone who comes into your home.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link