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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.g. Pollinator Habitat Resolution EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Council Regular Meeting: January 18, 2022 AGENDA ITEM: Approve Pollinator Habitat Resolution AGENDA SECTION: Consent PREPARED BY: Nick Egger, P.E., Public Works Director AGENDA NO. 6.g. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution APPROVED BY: LJM RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve the Resolution Supporting Pollinator Friendly Habitats and Environments BACKGROUND The Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC) put together a resolution to establish the City of Rosemount as a pollinator friendly community. Research was done by surrounding cities, including Eagan, and Saint Paul, to identify additional ways to create more friendly environments to help pollinators thrive in Rosemount open spaces. Limited or no Neonicotinoid use is a common strategy for cities to implement to prevent accidental killing of pollinator insects. Encouraging additional bees within the open spaces and planting pollinator friendly plants in open spaces are also encouraged. At the ESC’s January 11, 2022 meeting, the commission recommended that the City Council approve the resolution. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Council approve the Pollinator Friendly Habitat Resolution CITY OF ROSEMOUNT DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 2022 - 05 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING POLLINATOR FRIENDLY HABITATS AND ENVIRONMENTS WHEREAS, bees, butterflies, moths and other insects, collectively known as pollinators, are integral parts to a wide diversity of essential food production; and, WHEREAS, pollinators are being threatened due to habitat loss, pesticide use, pathogens and parasites; and, WHEREAS, research indicates use of neonicotinoid synthetic chemical insecticides causes die off of plant pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths and other insects; and, WHEREAS, the Rosemount City Council finds it in the public interest to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of best management practices in maintenances of the city parks, open spaces and property. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Rosemount shall undertake its best efforts to become a pollinator friendly city by undertaking best management practices in the use of plantings and pesticides in all public spaces within the city. RESOLVED FURTHER, that with the exceptions of the treatment of ash trees for emerald ash borer, the city shall refrain from the use of pesticides from the neonicotinoid family on city property. RESOLVED FURTHER, that the city shall undertake its best efforts to plant flowers favorable to bees and other pollinators in the city's public spaces, with a preference for native species in native spaces. ADOPTED this 18th day of January, 2022. William H. Droste, Mayor ATTEST: Erin Fasbender, City Clerk