RES 19-062 ENDORSE POLLINATOR PROTECTION AND PROMOTING POLLINATOR HABITAT

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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 19-062 RESOLUTION TO ENDORSE POLLINATOR PROTECTION AND PROMOTING POLLINATOR HABITAT WHEREAS, pollinators, including bees, butterflies, other insects, and birds, are an indispensable component of a healthy ecosystem and food system, providing flowering plants with the pollination needed to grow fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs; and WHEREAS, the practices that help to protect pollinators, such as planting habitat with native plants that help filter groundwater, reducing pesticide use, and educating the public on conservation practices, are also beneficial for the environment and people; and WHEREAS, research has shown that the decline of pollinator populations is a result of multiple, interacting factors, including loss of food and habitat, pathogens and parasites, climate change, and the increased use of pesticides, including neonicotinoids; and WHEREAS, many St. Anthony residents and businesses are concerned about the well-being of pollinators; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of St. Anthony Has declared the City of St. Anthony a Pollinator Friendly Community and shall undertake its best efforts to reverse pollinator decline by adopting new policies and practices that protect pollinators, including: • The City shall conduct an inventory to determine a baseline of existing pollinator forage in St. Anthony. • The Public Works Department will work in partnership with residents and community groups to pursue planting more pollinator forage in appropriate locations on City property, including flowering pollinator lawns and educational pollinator gardens in City parks. • The City shall seek to clarify guidelines against the use of neonicotinoid pesticides and pesticide treated plants. • The City will encourage developers seeking permits to plant more pollinator forage where appropriate. • The City Planning Commission shall also encourage private developers to incorporate pollinator friendly plantings into required landscaping. • The City of St. Anthony shall support efforts to educate the broader community about the action it has taken and the importance of creating and maintaining pollinator friendly habitat. • The City shall create and periodically review an Integrated Pest Management Plan, including an inventory of all pesticides currently used by the City, to better accomplish the goal of controlling pests with the least possible disruption to ecosystems. • St. Anthony shall manage for pollinators by selecting native plantings for any future City storm water management projects. • The City will not mow rain gardens and other native plantings where bees may overwinter. • The City shall work in coordination with the St. Anthony -New Brighton School District to pursue an ongoing reduction in the use of herbicides and insecticides on managed lawns and sports fields. • The Department of Public Works shall be responsible for ensuring the success of the agenda presented in this resolution.