Bee City USA

Approved: 011321 Bee City USA December 9, 2020 Via Teleconferencing through GoToMeeting 7:00pm Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff Brenda Alexander X 6/30/2022 Aubrey Batten X 6/30/2023 Craig Beatty X 6/30/2023 Maria Bustós (8:20pm) X 6/30/2022 Anahi Espindola X 6/30/2022 Ariela Haber X 6/30/2021 Alan Hew X 6/30/2021 Ordom (Brian) Huot X 6/30/2021 Marc Pound X 6/30/2023 Jim Sauer X Also present: Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary The meeting was called to order by Brenda Alexander, Staff Liaison, at 7:04pm as this is the initial meeting of the Bee City USA committee. 1. The agenda was reviewed and hearing no objections, Ms. Alexander accepted the agenda without exception. 2. The committee members, Ms. Alexander and Ms. DeWalt introduced themselves. 3. Procedures for conducting committee meetings for the City of College Park were emailed to everyone in advance of the meeting. The members had all reviewed therefore no need for further discussion. 4. Mr. Hew volunteered to be the Bee City USA Committee chair. The six members present agreed to have Mr. Hew chair the committee. 5. Discussed Bee City USA Requirements: a. Establish a standing Bee City USA committee to advocate for pollinators. – Completed. b. Create and enhance pollinator habitat on public and private land by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides. Mr. Hew told the committee of the Permaculture Garden and the impending expansion. CBE is responsible for the permaculture garden, but Mr. Hew feels it could become a joint effort for CBE and Bee City USA committees.  c. Incorporate pollinator-conscious practices into city policies and plans. Questions were asked about the use of pesticides in the City of College Park and spraying for mosquitos. Ms. Alexander indicated that the City of College Park uses minimal pesticides and insecticides in the City. Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is responsible for spraying for mosquitos. Ms. Alexander indicated that there was minimal amount of applications used in College Park. She also stated that residents can put in for a “No Spray” request. d. Host pollinator awareness events. Noted the second week in June is National Pollinator Week. e. Publicly acknowledge Bee City USA affiliation with signs and an online presence. f. Pay an initial application fee and annual renewal fee – Annual fee is $300. Ms. Alexander will handle the payment. g. Annually apply for renewal and report on the previous year’s activities. h. The budget for plants, signage, supplies, etc. will come from the Department of Public Works. The budgeting process for the next fiscal year will start in January 2021. Ms. Alexander will work with the committee on determining an amount of monies needed for the committee. 6. Development of a Workplan: a. Year 1 will be a building year towards Bee City USA certification. b. Develop mission statement and goals. c. Work with Ms. Alexander on a continuing list of native plants and local suppliers. d. Input information on City of College Park website. e. Incorporate a “Tip of the Month” in the Municipal Scene. f. Recruit residents to grow native plants to attract pollinators; encourage students and parents to create a pollinator garden at home. g. Develop a brochure; will have to work with College Park communications coordinator. h. Identify various areas in College Park for pollinator gardens. The Lutheran church has already reached out and is interested in a pollinator garden. i. Potentially change name of committee to reflect all pollinators and not just bees. j. Place information on Facebook, Twitter, and other print medica and social media. Committee will need to work with the College Park communications coordinator before any information can be placed in print and/or social media. 7. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 7:00pm. The committee agreed to a standard meeting date of the second Wednesday of each month. Mr. Hew made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Bratten seconded. Motion carries 9-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.