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City Council Minutes Page 9 October 17, 2016 ----------------------------- to improving the habitat for pollinators like honey bees and butterflies along U.S. Highway 10 and the Mississippi River by establishing native prairie plantings to attract these pollinators. Mayor Dietz thinks the program is great but doesn't feel prairie grass is appropriate along Highway 10 as he felt the green grass GRE used to maintain provided a tremendous gateway to the city. He stated he will support the pledge but felt there were more appropriate places for prairie grass plantings. Ms. Mroz stated they share concerns regarding public comments and have heard no negative comments regarding the beginning stages of this project. She indicated she attributes this to great public outreach and social media campaign. Mayor Dietz stated he has had people comment to him about prairie grass. Councilmember Westgaard stated the resolution adopting the pledge and the Highway 10 pollinator project are two separate items. He also agrees there is a place for prairie grass. Mayor Dietz stated he has no problem with supporting the pledge but he doesn't feel the location is appropriate. Councilmember Wagner stated she felt there's no harm in this pledge but asked if the city has identified the required 3 of the 25 action items outlined in the pledge as there are differing opinions about where prairie grasses are appropriate and requested Council work with staff to provide input on action items. Ms. Mroz stated she felt the city has already completed 3 of the 25 action items but doesn't want to be limited to just those items and would like to take further action on additional items. Councilmember Olsen indicated the William H. Houlton Conservation Area will be oak savannah and prairie grass in about 5 years and as a committee member and he thinks what they're doing is great if you allow some time for nurturing. Councilmember Burandt congratulated the program and its members and felt it was a great way to promote pollinators for a number of positive reasons. Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to adopt Resolution 16-68 supporting the Mayor's Monarch Pledge by the National Wildlife Federation as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried 5-0. The Council recessed at 7:30 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:38 p.m. p/ W E R EII t hNATU