Bee City USA

Bee City USA April 13, 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: Vivi Phan, Kathryn and Kendall Kovarik, and Sarah Collins – all with College Park Girl Scout Troop 96; Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary The Bee City Committee meeting was called to order by Alan Hew, Chair, at 7:05pm. 1. The agenda was reviewed. Mr. Hew motioned to accept the agenda. Ms. Espindola seconded. Motion carries for approval 7-0-0. 2. The March 9, 2022, minutes were reviewed. Mr. Hew motioned to accept the minutes. Mr. Sauer seconded. Motion carries for approval 7-0-0. 3. City Report. a. 224 residents signed up for No Mow Month by the March 21 deadline and 90 additional residents registered after March 21 for a total of 314 residents participating in No Mow Month. Pictures should be taken around the city as they will be needed for future certification. Ms. Alexander stated that No Mow Month signs were placed on City maintained sites so they will not be mowed. However, places that are regularly used, i.e., playgrounds, ball fields, city buildings, will continue to be mowed for visibility and safety. b. Reminder that anyone whose term expires on June 30, 2022 and wishes to continue on the committee should return the application to the City Clerk’s office. c. Discussed the City’s request for a new software program that would list committee members’ names and term expiration date. No other personal information will be listed. If any committee member objects, please email Ms. Alexander, and Mr. Hew. 4. Several groups from Girl Scout Troop 96 are working towards a Silver Project on pollination. The girls are interested on making a pollinator garden and working on an educational website on pollinators. The girls were invited to partake in the June 25 Bee Hotel building project for pollinator week. Ms. Alexander suggested an area along Greenbelt Road by the semi-circle as a possible spot for a pollinator garden. There is also a possibility of a butterfly garden as part of the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. Once the girls decide, they will be back in touch with Ms. Alexander.  5. Ms. Alexander will order envelopes for the seed packets. Ms. DeWalt will do the labels as soon as the information is sent to her. The seeds will be distributed in the Little Free Libraries. A reminder to take pictures. 6. The Bee Hotel workshop is on June 25 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Supplies and materials will need to be coordinated with CPAE. Mr. Hew mentioned that the University of Maryland “The Hotel” is looking for a sponsorship project and he will reach out to them about potentially funding some of the costs for the workshop. The committee would like an article to be in the “Here and Now” and in the Municipal Scene. The committee is reminded to discuss articles with the City’s Communication Coordinator. Ms. Espindola and Ms. Ulloa-Bustos inquired about doing a second session in Spanish. Mr. Hew will discuss with CPAE. 7. Good Neighbor Day – Bee City can partner with the Prince George’s County Audubon Habitat Advisors. Ms. Alexander will look for a location for this project. 8. Briefly discussed the film, “My Garden of a Thousand Bees.” This film can be live streamed for free. 9. Due dates: Bee City USA recertification – February 2023. Mayor’s Monarch Pledge – December 2022. 10. It would be great to have handouts for various events. Reviewed the Xerces Kids booklet and would like to have copies to place in the Little Free Libraries. Ms. DeWalt volunteered to make 25 color copies and place in folders with College Park’s Bee City label. Discussion about having QR code sheets laminated pointing to the Bee City’s page on the College Park website and Bee City USA website. There will be further discussion at the next meeting. 11. The next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2022, at 7:00pm. Mr. Hew made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sauer seconded. Motion carries 7-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:55pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.