Title
Resolution Urging the Washtenaw County Road Commission to Reduce Herbicide Use Through Adoption of a Comprehensive Roadside Vegetation Control Plan Based on Best Environmental Management Practices
Memorandum
This resolution was prepared by staff in the Office of Sustainability and Innovations at the request of Councilmember Bannister. The substantively same resolution was adopted by the City of Ann Arbor’s Environmental Commission at its June 27, 2019 meeting and reflects a growing concern about the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that have negative ancillary impacts for humans and natural systems.
Staff
Prepared by: Emily Drennen, Sustainability Analyst
Prepared by: Missy Stults, Manager, Office of Sustainability and Innovations
Reviewed by: Matthew Rechtien, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Body
Whereas, Persistent herbicides can remain active in the environment for long periods, potentially causing soil and water contamination and adverse effects to other plants, animals, and humans;
Whereas, Every year, the Washtenaw County Road Commission conducts its Roadside Vegetation Control Program to help keep the roadside clear of vegetation by boom mowing and spraying of a mixture of herbicides along rural county road right-of-ways, covering one-quarter of the county each year; and
Whereas, The Washtenaw County Road Commission will not spray within the City.
RESOLVED, That City Council urges the Washtenaw County Road Commission to develop a comprehensive roadside vegetative management plan based on best environmental management practices; and
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor City Council directs the City Administrator to send a certified copy of this approved resolution, upon passage, to the Washtenaw County Road Commission.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Bannister and Smith