Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout23-838RESOLUTION NO. 23-838 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, RECOGNIZING MAY 13, 2023, ASWORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY; ESTABLISHING THE CRITICAL BIRD MIGRATIONPERIODS AS “LIGHTS OUT NIGHTS;” AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PURSUE THE “BIRDCITY TEXAS” CERTIFICATION; AND, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, in 1993, the Federal Government recognized World Migratory Bird Day (formerlyInternational Migratory Bird Day) to help protect and promote education on the nearly 350 different species of birds that travel and nest throughout North America and migrate South in the winter; and WHEREAS, migratory birds are decreasing in population due to habitat loss and other threats along their migration routes, such as light pollution and window collisions; and WHEREAS, light pollution attracts and disorients migrating birds, confusing them and making them vulnerable to collisions and other urban threats; and WHEREAS, according to Lights Out Texas, over 1 billion birds die in the United States annually due to window collisions, and participating in Lights Out Texas contributes to the protection ofmigratory birds; and WHEREAS, the citizens of Denton are passionate about supporting and protecting both local and migratory birds against the threats they face; and WHEREAS, public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation, and the City of Denton is committed to educating the public and providing awareness surrounding migratory birds; and WHEREAS, migratory birds play an important role in our ecosystem and provide a number of services to the community; and WHEREAS, the City of Denton is actively preserving and maintaining habitat for wildlife and encouraging their residents to also develop wildlife habitats; and WHEREAS, the City of Denton desires to encourage activities that contribute to the recognition, appreciation, and conservation of migratory birds; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Denton to recognize World Migratory Bird Day in the City of Denton, and to declare “Lights Out Nights” during the migratory periods in 2023 . NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY RESOLVES: SECTION 1. The recitals in the preamble of this Resolution are incorporated into the body of this Resolution as if set forth fully herein. SECTION 2. The Mayor and City Council of the City of Denton recognize May 13, 2023, as World Migratory Bird Day in the City of Denton and encourage all city residents to celebratetheir role as stewards of bird habitats. SECTION 3. The Mayor and City Council of the City of Denton declare August through October and March through May as Lights Out Migratory Months in the City of Denton, with“Lights Out Nights” to be recognized annually by proclamation to encourage all citizens and businesses to turn off non-essential lighting between 11 :00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the critical migration periods specific to that year. SECTION 4. The staff at the City of Denton are charged with continuing in the pursuit of, and application for, the “Bird City Texas” Certification through the Texas Parks and Wildlife. SECTION 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval. The motion to A)prove this resolution was made by Br an ''BuK and seconded by h hA , and the resolution as passeM following vote [ 6 - 6 ]: Aye ,/ \/-L IZ J ,/ Nay Abstain Absent Mayor Gerard Hudspeth: Vicki Byrd, District 1 : Brian Beck. District 2: Jesse Davis, District 3 : VACANT, District 4: Brandon Chase McGee, At Large Place 5 : Chris Watts, At Large Place 6: PASSED AND APPROVED this the lay of 2023 £g§kin„. ATTEST: JESUS SALAZAR, rNTERIM CITY SECRETARY n\\tIll III///DOF ljaR q: •••• eeON I 1111111\ APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:MARK REINWAND, CITY ATTORNEYDigitally signed by Susan Susan Keller Et::r2023.04.1 1 12:44:54BY: -05'oo'