Bee City USA

Bee City USA March 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 Ulloa-Bustós 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 (a 7:10pm)_ X Also present: Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary The meeting was called to order by Alan Hew, Chair, at 7:00pm. 1. The agenda was reviewed. Mr. Hew motioned, and Mr. Beatty seconded. Motion carries for approval 8-0-0. 2. The February 10, 2021 minutes were reviewed. Mr. Beatty motioned, and Mr. Batten seconded. Motion carries for approval 8-0-0. 3. City Report. Ms. Alexander reported the following: a. The Bee City USA application has been approved and the dues have been paid. The renewal date is February 28, 2023. i. There are three (3) requirements that need to be met by the renewal date:  Develop an Integrated Pest Management Plan (include mosquito pest management). Committee can review other Bee City affiliates for Best Practices for drafting an IPM (integrated pest management plan).  Develop a Native species pollinator Plant List  Develop a Native species Plant Supplier List b. Ms. Alexander has given all committee email addresses to the Xerces Society for informational emails. If you do not want to receive emails from the Xerces Society, please inform Ms. Alexander. c. Sustainable Maryland is hosting a webinar on May 26 at 2:00pm on Creating an Insect Hotel. Ms. Alexander will forward the link to the committee members.  d. Prince George’s County Forestry Board and Department of Natural Resources are hosting a tree workshop on April 6 at 7:00pm. There is a free tree giveaway on April 10 at Riverdale Park. You must sign up for the webinar and the tree giveaway. 4. In order to change the committee’s name, it would take a new resolution by Mayor and Council. The issue added to a future work session, a Staff report drafted by Ms. Alexander, and a discussion with the Council. Committee members would need to be present at the meeting. Mayor and Council would then vote to approve and adopt a new name. It was decided that the committee will table the idea of a name change for the foreseeable future. 5. Native species pollinator Plant List was discussed amongst the committee. Ms. Haber and Ms. Espindola will work with Ms. Alexander to ensure the list is accurate for College Park. Once the list is finalized, it will be posted on the Bee City page on the City website and on social media. Mr. Beatty volunteered to help Ms. Alexander create any press release information. 6. Reviewed letter drafted by Mr. Hew for submission to Mayor and City Council from Bee City USA and CBE for addition of potential pollinator gardens at the new City Hall and Gateway Park. Mr. Hew made a motion to accept edits through email and send to CBE for their final approval. Mr. Huot seconded the motion. Motion carries for approval 9-0-0. 7. Discussed “No Mow May.” Mr. Hew indicated that CBE is supporting the idea. Mr. Beatty volunteered to work with CBE on promoting the idea to residents. Ms. Ulloa-Bustós stated that she has a Spanish translation available for use. Mr. Hew will speak to Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services, about the best way to approach the idea of No Mow May with Code Enforcement. 8. Discussion on encouraging residents to create pollinator gardens. Mr. Batten volunteered to do a video on how to create the garden and have it posted on social media. The committee was reminded that any posting on social media need to go through the City’s Communication coordinator via Ms. Alexander. 9. Pollinator Awards was discussed. Two different ideas were presented: a. Model off the CBE Green Awards b. Add a pollinator category to the CBE Green Awards Mr. Hew will follow up with CBE on the best way to approach and inform the committee at the April meeting.  10. Items tabled for the April meeting: a. Prioritize efforts and goals b. Review of Washington, DC Bee City USA annual report c. Calvert Hills Green Team coordination 11. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 7:00pm. Mr. Hew made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Batten seconded. Motion carries 9-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:28pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.