HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 19-062 ENDORSE POLLINATOR PROTECTION AND PROMOTING POLLINATOR HABITATCITY 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.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of St. Anthony urges all property owners, residents,
businesses, institutions, and neighborhoods to assist pollinators by adopting practices including:
• Committing to avoid using pesticides, including systemic insecticides, on their lawns, trees,
plants, and other property;
• Avoid planting flowering plants that have been treated with systemic insecticides;
• Discontinuing the sale of pesticides and plants that are treated with systemic insecticides;
• Incorporating more pollinator forage into their property.
APPROVED in the regular session of the City Council on August 27, 2019.
ATTEST:
Nicol Miller, City C eNrk
Reviewed for administration:
erome O. Faust, Mayor
Mark Casey, City Mana - r