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THAT THIS COUNCIL HEREBY DESIGNATES THE CITY OF GAHANNA A BEE CITY USA® AFFILIATE.
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WHEREAS, the mission of BEE CITY USA is to galvanize communities to sustain pollinators, responsible for the reproduction of 90% of the world's wild plant species, by providing them with healthy habitat, rich in a variety of native plants free to nearly free of pesticides; and
WHEREAS, due in part to the tremendous diversity of wild native bees, along with the honey bees that were brought to the United States from Europe in the 1700s, we have very diverse dietary choices rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables and even dairy products--one in every three bites of food we eat is courtesy of insect pollination; and
WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators have experienced population decline due to a combination of habitat loss, use of pesticides, and the spread of pests and diseases; and
WHEREAS, pollinator-friendly communities can benefit local and regional economies through healthier ecosystems, increased vegetable and fruit crop yields, and increased demand for pollinator-friendly plant materials from local nurseries and growers; and
WHEREAS, an ideal pollinator-friendly habitat:
• Provides diverse and abundant nectar and pollen from plants blooming in succession throughout the growing season;
• Provides water for drinking, nest-building, cooling, diluting stored honey, and butterfly puddling;
• Provides undisturbed spaces (leaf and brush piles, un-mowed fields or field margins, fallen trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering for wild pollinators
• Is pesticide-free or has pesticide use carried out with least ill effects on pollinators;
• Is comprised of mostly, if not all, native species of annual and perennial forbs, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees in landscapes because many wild pollinators prefer or depend on the native plants with which they co-adapted;
• Includes, where possible, designated pollinator zones in public spaces with signage to educate the public and build awareness; and,
• Provides for safe and humane removal of honey bees when required; and
WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sustainability, and increases interactions among community stewards, backyard beekeepers, farmers, children, educators, Master Gardeners, local businesses, faith-based organizations, and nature-related organizations; and
WHEREAS, in order to enhance understanding among local government staff and the public about the vital role that pollinators play and what each of us can do to sustain them, the City of Gahanna chooses to support and encourage pollinator habitat creation and enhancement on both public and private land.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the City of Gahanna is hereby designated as a BEE CITY USA sponsor.
Section 2. The Director of Parks & Recreation of the City of Gahanna is designated as the BEE CITY USA liaison.
a. Policy: Establish, through the City of Gahanna, a policy in the Comprehensive Plan to acknowledge and commit to the BEE CITY USA designation.
b. Plan Review: Review planning and other relevant documents to review pesticide management policies and practices as they relate to pollinator conservation, identify appropriate locations for pollinator-friendly plantings, and consider other appropriate measures.
Section 3. Facilitation of the City of Gahanna BEE CITY USA program is assigned to the Landscape Board Committee.
Section 4. The Landscape Board Committee is authorized to, and should:
a. Celebration: Annually celebrate National Pollinator Week (third full week of June) or some other appropriate occasion with educational events, pollinator habitat plantings or restoration, proclamations or promotions that showcase the City of Gahanna’s commitment to enhancing pollinator health and habitat.
b. Publicity & Information: Install and maintain at least one authorized BEE CITY USA street sign in a prominent location, and create and maintain a webpage on the City of Gahanna website which includes, at minimum, a copy of this resolution, links to the national BEE CITY USA website, contact information for the local government’s BEE CITY USA liaison, contact information for the “Landscape Board Committee,” and reports of the pollinator-friendly activities the community has accomplished the previous year(s).
c. Habitat: Develop and implement a program to create or expand pollinator-friendly habitat, which can include, but is not limited to:
i. Identification and inventory of City of Gahanna real property that can be enhanced with pollinator-friendly plantings.
ii. Creation of a recommended locally native species list to include forbs, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees and a list of local suppliers for those species.
iii. Creation of a least toxic integrated pesticide management plan, and
iv. Dissemination of informational and educational materials to the public.
v. Tracking annual area of pollinator habitat created or enhanced by square footage and/or acreage.
f. Renewal: After completing the first full year as a BEE CITY USA affiliate, each January, apply for renewal of the City of Gahanna’s BEE CITY USA designation following the format provided by BEE CITY USA, including a report of the previous year’s BEE CITY USA activities, and paying the renewal fee based on City of Gahanna’s population.
Section 5. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon passage by this Council.