3.4 No Mow May
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Planning City Planner Licht 27 March 2023
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty 3.4 – No Mow May
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
X Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative
communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and
expectations in a cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
X Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends adoption of a resolution regarding “No Mow May”.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
There is a growing initiative by cities to suspend property maintenance requirements to provide pollinator
habitat during the initial period after winter. Section 5-2-3 of the City Code establishes provisions regarding
property maintenance including provisions for keeping turf grass areas mowed to a height of not greater
than eight inches.
The City Council in 2022 adopted a resolution that would suspend application of the eight-inch limit on
grass height for the month of May as part of this effort. City staff has prepared a resolution to continue
this initiative in 2023 and annually thereafter. Communication regarding No Mow May will include the City
website and social media.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
▪ Resolution 2023-22
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to adopt Resolution 2023-22 suspending property maintenance requirements as part of the No
Mow May initiative.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
N/A N/A
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CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO: 2023-22
NO MOW MAY INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that bees and other pollinators are integral to pollination of plants in
order to grow a wide diversity of essential foods including, fruits, vegetables, and nuts; and
WHEREAS, pollinator populations are threatened due to habitat loss, nicotinoid use, pathogens, and
parasites; and
WHEREAS, research suggests that pollinators make use of no mow spaces as key floral resources during
early spring in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, pollinators and floral resources have a positive relationship, where the increase in pollinators
can increase the amount of flora and vice versa; and
WHEREAS, it in in the public interest for the City to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy
community environment through the implementation of initiatives that help increase the pollinator
population.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO, MINNESOTA THAT:
1. May 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023 and annually thereafter is proclaimed “No Mow May” and all residents
of the City are encouraged to participate in this initiative by refraining from mowing their lawns for
the month of May to provide vital early spring flowers for bees that emerge from hibernation.
2. Enforcement of Section 5-2-3.B.3 of the City Code requiring that laws maintained to a height not to
exceed eight inches (8") is suspended from May 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023 and annually thereafter
until revoked by the City Council.
3. Residents are to continue to maintain lawns in accordance with Minnesota Statutes sections 18.75
to 18.88 and Minnesota Rules parts 1505.0730 to 1505.0760 regarding destroying noxious weeds.
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ADOPTED by the Otsego City Council this 27th day of March, 2023.
MOTION BY:
SECONDED BY:
IN FAVOR:
OPPOSED:
CITY OF OTSEGO
__________________________________
Jessica L. Stockamp, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Audra Etzel, City Clerk