Loading...
2016-047 Endorsing "Pollinator-Safe" Policies and Procedures CITY OF HOPKINS HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO 2016-047 A RESOLUTIO ENDORSING "POLLINATOR-SAFE" POL CIES AND PROCEDURES WHEREAS,the Hopkins City Council recognizes that bees and other pollinators are integral to the pollination of plants in order to grow a wide diversity of essential foods including fruit,nuts,and vegetables; and WHEREAS,pollinator population are threatened due to habitat loss, pesticide use, pathogens and parasites; and WHEREAS,recent research suggefsts there is a link between certain systemic pesticides,especially those that contain neonicotinoids and the die-off of plant pollinators such as honey bees,native bees,butterflies, moths and other insects; and WHEREAS, application of certain pesticides such as neonicotinoids and systemic herbicides may reduce pollinator habitat; and WHEREAS,the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted City policy for the City to demonstrate its commitinent to a safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of pest management practices in the maintenance of city parks,open spaces and city property. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hopkins: 1. The City shall continue its efforts to become a"Pollinator-Safe"City by undertaking best practices for management of plantings, including an emphasis on biological controls over pesticides,in all public places within the City, including parks and right-of-ways. 2. The City shall refrain fron the purchase and use of systemic pesticides on City property to the extent practicable,with emphasis on avoiding use of pesticides from the neonicotinoid family. 3. The City shall undertake best efforts to purchase and plant vegetation favorable to bees and other pollinators in the City's p1iblic spaces. 4. The City shall undertake best efforts to purchase plants that have not been genetically engineered to have herbicides or pest cides in their DNA. 5. The City shall undertake pest efforts to communicate to City residents the importance of creating and maintaining a pollinator-safe habitat. 6. The City shall maintain a list of native and naturalized pollinator-safe plants for reference by the community. ADOPTED by the Hopkins City Council on June 21,2016 611-(44 :;4. Molly Cummings, Mayor ATTEST: ausw___e/c Amy Domeier, City Clerk