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Home My WebLink AboutR2016-0202 1 - 2 RESOLUTION NO. A SOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS DESIGNATING DENTON, TEXAS A BEE CITY USAOO; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Denton, Texas strives to be a leader in sustainability as well as an environmental leader in every way possible, and is sensitive and aware of numerous enviro ental issues; and WHEREAS, the City has become aware of the activities of the organization named BEE CITY USA; whose activities are to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities far bees and ather pollinatars; and WHE AS, thanks to the tremendous diversity of wild native bees, along with the honey bees that were braught here from Europe in the 1$th Century, we now have very diverse dietary choices rich in fruits, nuts and vegetables; and WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators around the world have experienced dramatic declines aver time due to a cambination of habitat loss, the use of pesticides, and the spread of pests and diseases, with grave implications and consequences far the future health of both flora and fauna; and WHEREAS, cities and their residents have the opportunity to support bees and other pollinators on both public and private land; and WHEREAS, cities supparting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sustainability, and increases interactions among community stewards such as commercial and backyard beekeepers, farmers, children, educators, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, plant nurseries, municipalities, neighborhoads, and garden suppliers and clubs; and VJHE AS, there are also economic benefits of native and haney bee-friendliness, such as: • Healthy ecosystems. Insect pollinators are required for pollination and reproductian af about 85% of flowering plants glabally, plants that are vital for clean air and water; plants which provide faod, fiber and shelter far people and wildlife; and plants which support the very insects that pollinate our crops and farm the basis af foad webs. • Increased vegetable and fruit crop yields due ta bee pallination. • Increased habitat far natural enemies of crap pests and therefore, a reduced need far and costs associated with pesticides. • Increased demand far pallinatar-friendly plant materials from lacal nurseries and grawers. • Incame earned by beekeepers and others through the sale of bee products, beekeeping equipment and supplies, hive rentals for pollination; heightened prestige and premium asking prices for place-based haney, all of which activities enhance the visibility and reputation of its community af origin; and WHEREAS, Denton, Texas should be designated and certified as a BEE CITY USA community because: • The City of Dentan is committed ta expanding pollinator habitat within city property; � The City of Denton will host an annual beekeeping workshop and a local honey celebratian; � The City of Denton is committed to expanding the nineteen (19) acres of existing cammunity gardens, which wauld benefit pollinatars WHEREAS, an ideal pollinator-friendly habitat provides for: • Diverse and abundant nectar and pollen from plants bloaming in succession. • Clean water for drinking, nest-building, cooling, diluting stared honey, and butterfly puddling. � Pesticide-free or has pesticide use carried out with the least ill effects on pollinators. • Native species of annual and perennial wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses because many native pollinators prefer or depend on the native plants with which they co-evolved. • Designated pollinator zones in public spaces with signage to educate the public and build awareness. • Safe and humane removal of bees when required. • Undisturbed spaces (such as leaf and brush piles, un-mawed fields, field margins, fallen trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering for native pollinators; and WHEREAS, in arder to enhance understanding among City staff and the public about the vital role that pallinators play, and what each of us can do to sustain them, the City of Denton, Texas agrees io meet the following commitments required of all BEE CITY USA communiiies: • Pass this BEE CITY USA resolution; and • Designate the City's Sustainability Department, acting by and through its Sustainability Coordinator as the City's Bee City USA sponsar; and • The Sustainability Coordinator will be the Bee City USA liaison and assign facilitation of the local Bee City USA pragram, either to a new or existing city department or commission or to a non-profit organization, to encourage and coardinate local pollinator habitat and awareness activities. This arganizatian will serve as the intermediary between the citizenry and the municipality on all matters af enhancing pollinator awareness, health and habitat, fulfilling the fallowing cammiiments: 1. Annually celebrate "National Pallinatar Week" which is the third full week af June or some other appropriate occasion; with educational events, pollinator habitat plantings ar restoratian, praclamations ar promotians that showcase the City's commitment to enhancing pollinaior health and habitat. 2. Annually apply for renewal af the City's designation and submit a report af the previous year's BEE CITY USA activities following the format pravided. • Publicly acknawledge the City's cammitment by agreeing to: (a) install/maintain at least one autharized BEE CITY USA street sign in a prominent location, and b) create/maintain links on appropriate pages af the municipal website which includes, at minimum, links to a PDF of this signed Resolution and the national BEE CITY USA website, as well as contact information far the municipality's BEE CITY USA liaison and designated 66facilitaior commission or non-profit arganizatian committee," and cantain reports of the pollinator- friendly activities the City has accamplished during the previaus years. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY RESQLVES: SECTION lITmm The Preamble to this Resolution is hereby incorporated by reference into this Resolution. SECTION 2. The City Council hereby accepts the designation of and commits to the standards of BEE CITY USA. SECTION 3� This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage and approval. PASSED AND APPROVED this the ATTEST: JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY � � �, � � ,.! By: � ""� � ....... � .�.�� APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: ANITA BURGESS, CITY ATTORNEY � .. � ,.��_ �.o, b �,� . � �,�� By� ��W.�..� ��,�,_ ��. � w ,W � * � �''"�� .�.� ��°°�� i�� of �� , �� . �.,�2016 � ��, �, � �� "� �b ,�� .w� ..... � _� .... ... .... �:'�l.��t�'�� S '��"�'�`"1�"�, MAYOR