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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2020-42_Endorsing_Pollinator_Friendly_Policies_and_Procedures RESOLUTION NO. 2020-42 A RESOLUTION ENDORSING POLLINATOR FRIENDLY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WHEREAS, the Edina City Council recognizes that bees and other pollinators are integral to pollination of plants in order to grow a wide diversity of essential foods including fruit, nuts and vegetables; and WHEREAS, pollinator populations are threatened due to habitat loss, neonicotinoid use, pathogens and parasites; and WHEREAS, recent research suggests there is a link between certain systemic pesticides, especially those that contain neonicotinoids and the die-off of plant pollinators such as honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths and other insects; and WHEREAS, broad application of systemic herbicides may reduce pollinator habitat; and WHEREAS, alternative land management practices to mowed turf grass are available that dramatically increase pollinator foraging and nesting; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted City policy for the City to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of pest and turf management practices in the maintenance of city parks, open spaces and city property NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Edina: 1. The City shall continue its efforts to become a pollinator friendly City by continuing best management practices for management of vegetation, and continuing to adhere, update and report on the stated goals of the Turf Management Plan which incorporates the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 2. The City shall limit the purchase and use of systemic pesticides on city property to the extent practicable, with emphasis on avoiding use of pesticides from the neonicotinoids family. In addition the City will avoid the purchase of plants or seeds where neonicotinoids have been applied or coated. 3. The City shall continue to identify actively maintained areas that could be converted back to vegetation favorable to bees and other pollinators, or left natural to promote nesting areas for bees. 4. The City shall continue best efforts to purchase and plant vegetation favorable to bees and other pollinators in the City's public spaces, emphasizing native plants where possible. 5. The City shall undertake best efforts to communicate to City residents and businesses the importance of creating and maintaining a pollinator friendly landscape. 6. The City shall provide resources on the City website like lists of native and naturalized pollinator-safe plants for reference by the community. Adopted this 21st Day of April, 2020. Attest: Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) SS CITY OF EDINA ) CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina do hereby certify that the attached and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina City Council at its Regular Meeting of April 21, 2020 and as recorded in the Minutes of said Regular Meeting. WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this _____ day of __________, 20___. _______________________________ City Clerk