THIS IS THE METRO HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S IDEA
OF APPROPROPRIATE SIGNAGE?

Even with a law that outlines the requirements for these signs,
this was the job they did.

After searching all 4 perimeter street entries, we found ONE sign. We found a couple of signs at entry streets off Bell Road. The law and MPHD's policy requires them at every entry around the perimeter.

Why didn't health officials print professional signs so they'd be prepared? Why couldn't someone have guessed that these signs would not last for 48 hours?

Photo #1 = August 18:
11 inches by 17 inches
Paper
Printed with an Ink Jet Printer
Headline text= one and 1/4 inch type
2 paper signs were stapled back-to-back to a sign stand

Certainly, one of the health officials they had buzzing around with the press in the spray zone Monday night would have noticed how inadequate these signs were and would fix the problem the next day.
Or maybe one of the 6 Metro truck drivers who were driving around the spray zone all evening would take the initiative?

Photo #2 = August 21:
The signs were the same except
they were printed on slightly larger paper (11x24).

Okay, give them a break.
Maybe a week and a half later they might be capable of providing appropriate signage?

Photo #3 = August 28 at 2:00PM
We found 2 signs after driving the perimeter of the spray zone.
Still paper!
Still ink jet ink!
However, this time, it had rained.

See how we found this sign. VIEW THE VIDEO. Click here.

Photo #4 The new "improved" laminated signs on September 14, 2008

Keep in mind that we suggested in 2007, during a multitude of meetings with them about the ordinance, that they print the signs on corrigated plastic and have a plastic pocket for the date that could be changed so the signs could be reused. We had a sample sign we showed them. We gave them the name of a sign maker who gave an extremely reasonable quote. We suggested that they print them up in advance so they would be prepared.

We contacted them after they found the first positive mosquito in July to ask to see the signs. They had none. They had over a month to purchase signs before they sprayed. There are also printers who make signs on quick order. So, what is their excuse?

Photo #5 September 14, 2008 after rain and some wind that morning.

From 2003-2007, we pleaded with the Health Department for changes in policy and to uphold the policies they had because citizens were being harmed and protocols were not being followed. They reacted with indifference. Fed up, after over 96 pedestrians in Fisk Park were left in clouds of pesticide in 2006, we asked city council to pass a law in 2007 to provide citizens with basic protections. They passed it.

Photo #6 The triathlon folks could post a readable sign in the neighborhood but not Metro.

Now, you know why citizens have to legislate to bring about change in the Pest Management Department and why having a clause that allows the Director of Health to forgo ANY aspect of the ordinance in a public health threat (defined exclusively by him) is just allowing them to continue the incompetence and indifference they have displayed on this issue since 2003.