HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-046RESOLUTION NO.2022-46
Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights Supporting No Mow May.
Whereas, the Columbia Heights City Council recognizes bees and other pollinators are integral to pollination of
plants in order to grow a wide diversity of essential foods including fruit, nuts, and vegetables; and
Whereas, pollinator populations are threatened due to habitat loss, neonicotinoid use, pathogens and
parasites; and
Whereas, the city of Columbia Heights has taken many actions to protect and promote pollinators including
planting native and pollinator friendly plants and trees in public spaces, establishing test native turfgrass
areas, and providing native and pollinator education at the Library and Recreation; and
Whereas, recent research suggests pollinators make use of non -mown spaces as key floral resources during
early spring in the upper Midwest of the United States; and
Whereas pollinators and floral resources have a positive relationship, where the increase in pollinators can
increase the amount of flora and vice versa; and
Whereas the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted City policy for the City to
demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of
initiatives that help increase the pollinator population.
Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia
Heights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby Orders:
ORDER OF THE COUNCIL
1. The City continues its efforts to become a pollinator friendly City by ensuring best management
practices for management of vegetation.
2. Proclaims May 15t through 315t annually as "No Mow May", and encourages all residents of the City
who wish to participate in this initiative refrain from mowing their lawns in the month of May to
provide vital early spring flowers for bees and other pollinators that emerge from hibernation.
3. The City temporarily suspends enforcement of Columbia Heights City Code requirements in Section
4.203 (A)(c) and (B) "Any tall weeds or grass growing upon any lot or parcel of land in the city to a
height greater than nine inches ..." and "The weed inspector or delegated assistant shall notify the
affected property owner that weeds which are on his property, must be eradicated, or controlled, in
the manner prescribed by the inspector. . .".from May 1 through May 31 of each year.
4. The City will continue to enforce City Code Section (A)(a) and the Minnesota State Mandate regarding
the management of noxious weeds.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Resolution Page 2
Passed this 11' day of April,
Offered by: Murzyn, Jr.
Seconded by: Novitsky
Roll Call: All Ayes
on, City Clerk/Council Secretary