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Item No. 5 Meeting Date: July 17, 2017 Type of Business: Work Session City Administrator Review: ______ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Don Peterson, Interim Director of Public Works Item Title/Subject: Becoming a “Pollinator Friendly” Community Introduction City Council recently discussed the possibility of become a ‘pollinator friendly’ city and Staff has researched what this would encompass. At the May 1, 2017 Work Session Staff inquired on what the City Council’s goals for this program are and to then establish a tentative timeline for Staff to complete the necessary research. Staff discussed the topic of being a pollinator friendly city with the Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission on April 27, 2017 regarding the possible effect on the city parks due to the proposed capital expenditures. The Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission is in agreement with moving forward with becoming a “pollinator friendly” community where it is practical and the budget allows. The Commission also was in favor of starting small and looking at a few parks and green spaces where pollinator friendly plantings could occur and be maintained. Discussion Attached is the Pollinator Protection Action List, provides a number of steps that could be taken to assist with the protection of not only bees, but butterflies, beetles and song birds as well. The City of Mounds View could take a number of the actions, for example ‘Cease systemic insecticides especially neonicotinoids and fipronil.’ However, that action may increase the amount of non- noxious ‘weeds’ such as dandelion throughout City owned property which. Staff will still be required to treat noxious weeds such as Canadian thistle. The Pollinator Protection Action List can be used as a guide along with using other resources to establish Best Management Practices, “BMP’s” that can be used by the City of Mounds View. Attached is a draft resolution ENDORSING "POLINATOR FREINDLY" POLICIES AND PROCEDURES for the City Council to review. Recommendation There are a large number of actions that could be incorporated into this effort. Staff would like to discuss the desired goals and possible effects that could occur as a result. Having clear goals from the Council will assist Staff in further selection of what BMPs should be established for the City of Mounds View. Respectfully Submitted, Don Peterson, Interim Director of Public Works