Title
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Thurston County Regarding the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
N/A
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding.
Report
Issue:
Shall the City Council approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding?
Staff Contact:
Steven R. Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
As a practice, the City of Olympia, through its Integrated Pest Management program (IPM), has avoided the use of neonicotinoids in its operations for the past 20 years.
On November 3, 2014, the City of Olympia passed a Resolution concerning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides within the city limits of Olympia. In addition to discouraging the use of neonicotinoids, the Resolution encouraged citizens to plant trees, shrubs, and plants that attract pollinators. The Resolution was posted on the City's website, forwarded to the Coalition of Neighborhoods, and City Advisory Board members, and included in the City's State Legislative agenda packet.
Recently, Thurston County has proposed a Memorandum of Understanding among the three cities, the County, LOTT, the Nisqually Land Trust, and the Port to jointly discourage the use of neonicotinoids on properties they control. County staff has also indicated that the County would, in the future, consider providing consumer level educational materials concerning neonicotinoids and, acting as the Board of Public Health, send letters to major retailers asking them to consider providing alternatives to neonicotinoid products.
At this time, Thurston County has passed the MOU and is awaiting action from other parties. The City of Lacey and the Port of Olympia have recently declined to participate.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
More pollinators would tend to help local food production.
Options:
1. Approve the Memor...
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