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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBee Safe Resolution Adopted 2015 CITY OF LAKE ELMO WASHINGTON COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO.2015-13 A RESOLUTION ENDORSING "BEE-SAFE"POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WHEREAS, the City of Lake Elmo Park Commission is dedicated to the protection of pollinators and to promoting a healthy natural environment through the reduction and elimination of harmful pesticides; and WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators are integral to a wide diversity of essential foods including fruit, nuts, and vegetables; and WHEREAS, native bees and honey bees are threatened due to habitat loss,pesticide use, pathogens and parasites; and WHEREAS, recent research suggests that there is a link between pesticides that contain neonicotinoids and the die-off of plant pollinators, including honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects; and WHEREAS, neonicotinoids are synthetic chemical insecticides that are similar in structure and action to nicotine, a naturally occurring plant compound; 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 management practices in the maintenance of the city parks, open spaces and city property. THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo: 1. The City shall undertake its best efforts to become a Bee-Safe City by undertaking the best management practices in the use of plantings and pesticides in all public places within the City. 2. The City shall refrain from the use of systemic pesticides and systemic insecticides on City owned property including pesticides from the neonicotinoid family. 3. The City shall undertake its best efforts to plant flowers favorable to bees and other pollinators in the City's public spaces. 4. The City shall designate Bee-Safe areas in which future City plantings are free from systemic pesticides including neonicotinoids. 5. The City shall undertake its best efforts to communicate to Lake Elmo residents the importance of creating and maintaining a pollinator-friendly habitat. 6. The City shall publish a Bee-Safe City Progress Report on an annual basis. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council does hereby approve the Bee-Safe Ordinance for the City of Lake Elmo. Passed and duly adopted this 3nd day of March, 2015 by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Mike Pearson,Mayor ATTEST: Adam Bell, City Clerk Resolution 2015-13