Bee City USA

Bee City USA Committee June 14, 2023 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting: Zoom/Davis Hall Draft Minutes Term Exp. Members Present Absent Staff Brenda Alexander X 6/30/2023 Maria Ulloa-Bustos X 6/30/2025 Anahi Espindola X 6/30/2025 Ariela Haber X 6/30/2024 Alan Hew, Chair X 6/30/2024 Marc Pound X 6/30/2023 Jim Sauer X 6/30/2025 Terra Virsilas X Also present: Michael Ellis, UMD; Jennifer Lindtrom, UMD; Christine O’Brien, UMD Lindsay Miller-Barranco, UMD; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary The Bee City Committee meeting was called to order by Alan Hew, Chair, at 7:03 pm. 1. Review and approval of agenda Mrs. Ulloa-Bustos motioned to accept the agenda as written. Mr. Sauer seconded. Motion carries for approval 3-0-0. 2. Review and approval of May 10, 2023 minutes Mr. Sauer motioned to accept the minutes with amended changes. Mrs. Ulloa-Bustos seconded. Motion carries for approval 3-0-0. 3. Electing a New Chair Mr. Hew has been appointed to the City Council and is resigning from his position as Committee Chair. The committee discussed electing a new Chair before the next meeting. 4. City activities update A. The bee hotel was installed along the bike trail at Calvert Hills B. The proclamation for Pollinator Week was read at the June 13th Council Meeting C. The Pollinator Week fair is posted on the city’s website 5. USDA Bee Lab update Mrs. Ulloa-Bustos shared an update about plants that were transplanted on June 8, 2023. Mrs. Ulloa-Bustos also shared a recommendation to start with 3.5”-4’ plantings going forward. 6. Pollinator Event – June 17, 2023, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, UMD Arboretum Outreach Center The committee discussed event logistics and preparation details. Highlighted points included: A. Approximately 500 plants were delivered to the Outreach Center from the Bee Lab B. Plants are ready and available for the June 17th Pollinator Event C. Summer planting at the Bee Lab has been postponed due to dry conditions 1  D. Volunteers supporting the event set up are planning to arrive by 12:00 pm E. Mr. Hew will transport plants to the Outreach Center F. Plants will be labeled and grouped with sample G. Plants with descriptions H. Black Eyed Susan seed give-a-way I. Monitoring the event space and Restroom access options 7. Pollinator Week Resources and “My Garden of a Thousand Bees” film resources Mr. Hew has submitted the film to the point of contact at the Clarice Performing Arts Center. 8. Municipal Scene article due on June 16, 2023 Mrs. Ulloa-Bustos will write an article featuring tips on plantings and maintaining environments for pollinators. Some featured highlights will include cup plants, planting trees to create shade and watering strategies for plants and pollinators. 9. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for July 12, 2023 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be virtual. 10. Adjournment Mrs. Ulloa-Bustos motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sauer seconded. Motion carries 3-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm. 2