Bee City USA

Bee City USA February 9, 2022 Via Teleconferencing through Zoom 7:00pm Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff Brenda Alexander X 6/30/2023 Craig Beatty X 6/30/2024 Gail Brown X 6/30/2023 Maria Ulloa-Bustos X 6/30/2022 Anahi Espindola X 6/30/2022 Ariela Haber X 6/30/2024 Alan Hew, Chair X 6/30/2024 Ordom (Brian) Huot X 6/30/2024 Marc Pound X 6/30/2023 Jim Sauer X Also present: Melissa Sites, College Park Arts Exchange; Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary The meeting was called to order by Alan Hew, Chair, at 7:02pm. 1. The agenda was reviewed. Mr. Hew motioned to accept the agenda. Mr. Pound seconded. Motion carries for approval 7-0-0. 2. The January 12, 2022, minutes were reviewed. Mr. Hew motioned to accept the minutes with amended changes and Mr. Beatty seconded. Motion carries for approval 6-0-1. 3. City Report. a. No Mow Month registration is open. There are about 30 residences signed up.  60 double-sided signs, 18” x 24”, have been ordered. Pickup will be available at City Hall and Davis Hall. Signs can be returned to City Hall and Davis Hall after the month has concluded as they can be re-used.  The City Communications Coordinator will put all information out on social media: public forum, registration, signage pickup, etc.  Registration closes on March 21.  Need to ensure that there is a brief presentation to start off the public forum on March 9. b. Two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) was submitted for FY 2023 for the Bee City committee. c. Ms. Alexander is continuing to complete the renewal application for Bee City USA membership. 4. Gail Brown is a new member to Bee City. Introductions were made by all members present. 5. Discussed Spring seed distribution through the Free Little Libraries. Ms. Espindola, Ms. Ulloa- Bustos, Ms. Haber, and Mr. Huot all have seeds available for distribution. Information will be sent to Ms. DeWalt who will create labels for the seed packet envelopes.  6. Pollinator Week is scheduled for June 20-25, 2022. Melissa Sites with the College Park Arts Exchange has agreed to help with a Bee Hotel building project on Saturday, June 25 from 1pm-3pm. CPAE will split the costs of the materials up to a maximum of $700. Ms. Alexander volunteered storage at Davis Hall for the materials, including hand sanitizers, masks (if still required by the County), and gloves. Ms. Alexander reminded the committee that she has five (5) bee hotel kits in storage. Ms. Sites will promote the event through her mailing lists and on the CPAE website. Ms. Alexander will inquire about using Davis Hall, either inside or outside, for the event. Brief discussion on potentially asking for a small fee ($5) as a donation towards the Bee Hotel building; to be further discussed. Other activities discussed were the Bingo card game which seemed to be very popular last year. The Mayor will be asked to have and declare a Proclamation. 7. No Mow Month discussion on verbiage used by the City to promote the event. Committee members are discouraged by using the “must register” instead of “encourage to register.” 8. Discussion on inviting other Bee City affiliates to participate in one of the committee meetings, perhaps in May or June. The suggestion was made that May could be better to discuss the upcoming Pollinator Week in June. Ms. Alexander suggested included the Route 1 Sustainable Corridor Group. 9. The committee is encouraged to submit monthly Pollinator tips to be included in the Municipal Scene. February and March will have information about No Mow Month. Mr. Hew will promote the native plant list for April. Mr. Huot stated that he would not be able to assist and have anything published under his name due to the nature of his job. 10. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 7:00pm. Committee members are reminded that the public form is scheduled from 7:00pm-8:00pm and the regular meeting will be from 8:00pm-9:00pm. Mr. Hew made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Huot seconded. Motion carries 7-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:55pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.