Adopt Resolution #17-02-047 Supporting Pollinator Initiatives in the City of Ramsey and Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the Mayors for Monarchs Pledge

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 is not required.

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 in the Water Conservation Tool Box, found on the City's website, which highlights appropriate native plants for Anoka County.

While the City has eliminated the regulatory barrier(s) to establishing pollinator friendly landscapes, there has admittedly been a lack of education and promotion of benefits of this type of landscape. Promoting this concept can be accomplished through the newsletter, website, and community gatherings such as The Draw Summer Concert Series and Happy Days. Additionally, there are also potential opportunities to modify current maintenance practices, such as reducing the size of mowed areas within parks. That alone does not necessarily create pollinator friendly habitat, nor does it constitute an acceptable means of establishing a native landscape. However, converting some of these under utilized areas to more sustainable and pollinator friendly landscapes could reduce the need for mowing, irrigation, fertilizers, and herbicides.  Alternatively, another option may be to start infusing milkweed plants, the sole source of food for monarch caterpillars, into established natural areas and rain gardens on city owned lands.

On a broader and more long-term scale, it would seem appropriate to have greater emphasis on pollinator friendly practices incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. With the update to the Comprehensive Plan beginning in earnest this year, it is an ideal time to consider this concept, regardless of whether the City opts to participate in a formalized, yet voluntary, program of some sort.

Staff is attempting to schedule a joint work session with the City Council and EPB to brainstorm potential work plan items for the board.  This joint meeting presents an favorable time to also consider potential actions the City could employ to support and promote pollinator-friendly practices.  
 
Taking the Mayors for Monarchs pledge does not obligate the City to any one specific action.  Rather, it suggests that the City is concerned with the plight of the monarch butterfly and wants to contribute to the effort to restore the monarch butterfly population.  This can be achieved by promoting education and awareness of the issue (via the newsletter and website), looking at current City practices for improvements, and incorporating milkweed and other native plants into public improvement projects.
 

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Both the Environmental Policy Board and the Parks and Recreation Commission were supportive of the Mayors for Monarchs program and the EPB was also supportive of a broader pollinator initiative as well.

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-02-047 supporting pollinator initiatives in the City of Ramsey and authorizing the Mayor to officially sign the Mayors for Monarchs pledge.