The Moline City Council voted Jan. 7 to designate the city as a Bee City USA affiliate, a voluntary program run by the Xerces Society to support native pollinator habitat and education.

Resident Kelly Nocci, who identified herself as a member of the Moline Pollinator Preservation Committee, described the program's requirements and the volunteer committee's role. Nocci said Moline already meets several requirements, including adoption of an integrated pest management plan, and that the committee will maintain the annual reporting required by Xerces for renewal.

"The short answer is no. We don't have to stop using pesticides altogether," Nocci said in response to a council question about pesticide restrictions. "The goal is reduction of pesticide use and where it's still necessary, we will still have to use pesticides."

Nocci told council the initial $300 application fee has already been pledged by the city and that ongoing work will be funded by fundraising and donations rather than new taxes.

Council members welcomed the proposal and suggested expanding outreach to neighborhood groups, public-works staff and local schools. Alderman McNeil suggested staff involvement from Public Works and Community Engagement; Alderperson Timmy suggested partnering with schools for educational programs. Alderman Schmidt encouraged wider use of native plants for stormwater management and other city projects.

The council approved the resolution. City staff said the Parks and Recreation director would serve as a staff liaison to the volunteer committee.