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10.4 SR 03-20-2023Request for Action To Item Number Ma Tor and CinT Council 10.4 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session March 20, 2023 Cal Pormer, Cit�T Administrator Item Description Reviewed by No Mo`v MayT Discussion Zack Carlton, Communit�r Develo ment Director Reviewed by Action Requested Discuss and provide staff direction. Background/Discussion Hank Schreifels, Vice President of the Central Minnesota Audubon Societ�T, has requested the Council consider a resolution regarding No 1�1ow May. No �1ow MayT is a pollinator-friendly program in `vhich property o`vners forgo mo`ving their lawns during the month of �1ay so common `veeds like dandelions, clover, purple nettle and violets can gro`v to feed the pollinators as the�T awake from their winter hibernation. Elk River would need to amend nuisance ordinance language regarding length of grass and weeds to allow the program. Some cons to the program are that lawns need to be carefully cut back, to avoid damaging the sod in June and some neighboYs who aYe dandelion and clover adveYse may not be happy with their neighboY's pYopagation of weeds. The city- and manyT others have invested in native plantings to benefit pollinators. Sherburne County is hosting a free workshop regarding alternative lawns to encourage pollination and use less water and decrease mowing. The webinar is from 6:00 — 7:30 p.m. on Tuesda�T, April 11. Register online at htt�s: //bit.l�-/405T5b9 Financial Impact N/A Mission/Policy/Goal Elk River Mission Attachments ■ No Mow May in Minnesota ■ Additional No Mow May Resources The Elk River Vision A 2a�elcolning co�nlnunity 2a�ith T evolutiona� y and spizzted T esou� cefulness, exceptional se�vice, and coln�nunity engagelnent that encou�ages and ins�iz•es pTo�pe�zty. PowEREo ar �I'1 ���� Up�iited.• August 2020 No Mow May in Minnesota Join the growing list of Minnesota cities that are part of this easy and voluntary program to protect pollinators! No Mow May allows property owners to not mow part or all of their lawn for the month of May. This allows plants to flower providing critical food for emerging bees and other pollinators. Pollinators need our help and not mowing during May can make a big difference. Take action soon to pass a resolution that becomes effective before May 1, 2023. Na Mow May Help to preserve and protect pollinators during this crucial spring period. .��I�'�: � �� :`•, � mt #Ntl�o�vlrYe � Sample resolutions Minnesota Cities that adopted No Mow May resolutions in 2022 Bemidji Cleveland Columbia Heights Crystal Edina Mankato Monticello Moundsview New Brighton N. Mankato Red Wing Roseville St. Peter Vadnais Heights Edina Vadnais Hei�hts West St. Paul Note: An ordinance amendment may be more appropriate for charter cities In the News Red Winq residents participate in No Mow May Republican Eagle; June 7, 2022 Rochester West St. Paul What's The Purpose Of The No Mow May Movement? CBS Minnesota; May 9, 2022 North Mankato joins No Mow May, nearly 600 siqn up in Mankato The Free Press; May 3, 2022 No Mow May: Why more and more Minnesotans aren't mowinq their lawns this month Fox 9 KMSP; April 2, 2022 No Mow May blossoms in Minnesota Minnesota Public Radio; May 2, 2022 Resources comoiled bv Central Minnesota Audubon Soci Additional resources for adopting No Mow May in your city These resources can help model your city's program. Options to consider: Registration: Some cities have voluntary registration, others require it, and others don't track participation at all. Lawn signs: Some cities provide free reusable signs, others charge a sign fee, others have residents print their own signs. Most cities offer a link to print a sign at home. • City maintained properties: City properties and parks can also participate. These can be buffer areas, boulevards, or larger spaces. Signage is encouraged. Not mowing around holding ponds and waterways also reduces nuisance Canada goose nesting. Minnesota city links Bemidji —Facebook pa�e and lawn si�n Columbia Heights No Mow May - includes links to Pollinator Info including Mayor's Monarch Pledge Crystal Facebook pa�e Edina No Mow May website Moundsview No Mow May info and re�istration pa�e Mankato No Mow May re�istration pa�e Monticello No mow May info and colorin� pa�e New Brighton Nextdoor pa�e North Mankato No Mow May re�istration pa�e Rochester No Mow May and enforcement info West St. Paul No Mow May website Vadnais Heights No Mow May website Additional resources No Mow May }ielp to preserve and protect polfinators during this trucial spring period. .�i��:: � ►� , �� �� �i� m, #. � _: � University of Minnesota Extension: Planting and maintaining a bee lawn University of MN Turfgrass Science: No Mow May Bee City USA: An Initiative of the Xerces Society : No Mow May, Low Mow Spring Resources compiled bv Central Minnesota Audubon Soci