05-09-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 6B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: May 9, 2022 TOPIC: Consider Approval of Resolution No. 22-49, Proclaiming No Mow May in Lino Lakes VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting the City Council consider proclaiming "No Mow May", which would permit residents to voluntarily delay lawn care until June by directing staff to not issue correction notices for long grass and weed violations for the month of May. BACKGROUND Pollinator species are essential components of ecosystems. Many species of bees, butterflies, flies, beetles, and other pollinators are struggling to survive due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors. We can help these critical species persist by improving their habitat and forage opportunities. Early spring is a critical foraging time for pollinators. There are few floral resources (pollen and nectar) available in the period before more tree species are in bloom. One way to increase habitat and forage opportunities for pollinators is to let flowers grow in turf grass lawns by simply not mowing in the month of May. "No Mow May" is a conservation initiative first popularized by Plantlife, a conservation charity in the United Kingdom. Bee City USA, an initiative of the Xerces Society, an international invertebrate conservation organization, has been promoting "No Mow May" with the support of a growing number of cities throughout the country. New Brighton, Edina, Vadnais Heights, Mankato, Rochester, and others have passed resolutions in support of this effort. The City can support "No Mow May" by directing staff to not issue correction notices associated with Chapter 904 of the City Code for long grass and weed violations for the month of May. Chapter 904, which in part sets a height limit of eight inches for grass and weeds, would then resume in June. If this resolution is approved, residents who wish to take part in this voluntary program could print a sign to display in their yards to enhance the educational component of this initiative.