Bee City USA

Bee City USA February 10, 2021 Via Teleconferencing through Zoom 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 (a 7:10pm) X 6/30/2022 Anahi Espindola X 6/30/2022 Ariela Haber X 6/30/2021 Alan Hew, Chair X 6/30/2021 Ordom (Brian) Huot X 6/30/2021 Marc Pound X 6/30/2023 Jim Sauer X Also present: Alyssa Kraus, reporter, “Here and Now”; Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary The meeting was called to order by Alan Hew, Chair, at 7:02pm. 1. The agenda was reviewed and several amendments were made. Mr. Hew motioned, and Mr. Batten seconded. Motion carries for approval 8-0-0. 2. The January 13, 2021 minutes were reviewed. Mr. Beatty motioned, and Mr. Batten seconded. Motion carries for approval 9-0-0. 3. Alyssa Kraus asked a number of questions regarding the importance, proposed activities, resident involvement, and next steps. When her article is printed, the committee will be notified. 4. City Report. Ms. Alexander stated that the website for Bee City USA is finally available and the application process has been started. Ms. Alexander anticipates finalizing and submitting the application by the end of February. 5. After discussion amongst the committee, the name chosen is Pollinator Committee. Mr. Beatty motioned to accept the new committee name, and Mr. Pound seconded. Motion carries for approval 9-0-0. 6. Copies of the plant spreadsheets, one shared by Ms. Espindola and one shared by Ms. Haber, were reviewed and discussed. The general consensus is to have one spreadsheet, in a simple format, to be used primarily by homeowners and  renters, to create a basic pollinator garden. A subcommittee was created, consisting of Mr. Batten, Mr. Huot, and Ms. Bustós, to work on a combined spreadsheet and where local plants may be obtained. 7. Ms. Alexander provided a map of various locations throughout College Park for pollinator gardens. The committee discussed pros and cons of each site. Ms. Alexander suggested Davis Field as a first garden site. Mr. Beatty made a motion to make City Hall a pollinator garden and table additional sites until the March meeting. Mr. Batten seconded. Motion carries 9-0-0. Ms. Alexander mentioned to the committee that the plans for City Hall may already be finalized and a pollinator garden may not be possible, but she will research. 8. Mr. Hew talked about CBE lending support by writing a letter to Mayor and Council on landscaping. Mr. Batten made a motion to ask CBE for support. Ms. Espindola seconded. Motion carries 9-0-0. 9. Mr. Batten brought forth the 2019 Bee City report which shows Washington, DC has a pollinator protection plan. He thinks it may be important to try and replicate for College Park. 10. The suggestion was made to have “No Mow May.” A letter would have to be sent to Mayor and Council to recommend this endeavor and involve Code Enforcement. If funding is available, lawn signs could be printed and placed throughout the City. 11. Briefly discussed the idea of a Pollinator Reward, similar to the Green Awards handed out by CBE. Criteria would have to be developed. Suggestion was made to review the National Wildlife Fund website 12. Municipal Scene article. The draft created by Ms. Haber will be used for the March article. 13. FYI – Mr. Huot mentioned that the Monarch Butterfly has been added to the Endangered Species list. The population has decreased, especially in California. 14. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 7:00pm. Mr. Hew made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Beatty seconded. Motion carries 9-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:05pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.