Agenda - Council - 02/14/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of RAMF Cur Miiilr}Im: Tr, wort together ko respotibiy grow our community, and to provide quality, cost-effective, and efficient government services. CC Regular Session 7. 6. Meeting Date: 02/14/2017 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Adopt Resolution #17-02-047 Supporting Pollinator Initiatives in the City of Ramsey and Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the Mayors for Monarchs Pledge Purpose/Background: In May of 2016, the topic of Mayors for Monarchs was discussed at a City Council Work Session. Shortly thereafter, the topic was also reviewed with both the Environmental Policy Board and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Both advisory boards were supportive of the program and thought that it represented an opportunity for the City to promote awareness about the plight of the monarch butterfly. Additionally, the EPB also noted that, from a broader perspective, this is an opportunity for the City to provide information to residents about pollinators in general. Based on those past discussions, Staff has crafted a broader framework document (attached) outlining information and potential initiatives related to pollinators in general. Contained within the document is information about specific programs and initiatives that are available should the City wish to explore or participate. Examples would include, Humming for Bees, Pollinate MN, and Mayors for Monarchs. These all have a similar focus, which is to incorporate pollinator friendly practices into maintenance routines and to create, restore and protect pollinator habitat. The remainder of this case focuses more specifically on the Mayors for Monarchs program as the more general pollinator initiative(s) are likely to be discussed at a future joint meeting with City Council and the EPB. Notification: Notification is not required. Observations/Alternatives: The Mayors for Monarchs program (and other similar initiatives such as Humming for Bees and Pollinate MN), strive to engage and encourage both local municipalities and their residents to take actions that will improve and/or establish necessary habitat for butterflies, honeybees and other pollinators. Establishment of pollinator friendly practices is obviously beneficial for pollinators but would also support other goals of the City, such as water conservation and water quality, as well as fit within the Smart, Citizen Focused Government imperative of the Strategic Action Plan. In general terms, a sustainable landscape with native plants and grasses, a key for pollinator habitat, requires fewer inputs such as irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers, compared to a more traditional lawn of turf grass. The reduced water inputs (irrigation) would lessen the demand on groundwater and the reduced need for pesticides and fertilizers would benefit water quality in storm water ponds, lakes, and wetlands. The City has taken steps to eliminate obstacles for a property owner desiring to install a native landscape, which gets at the heart of the various pollinator -friendly programs. This includes an Ordinance Amendment to Section 30-3 of City Code to allow for the use of acceptable prairie restoration plant materials as well as having information