City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting

Catherine ReadI'd like to ask Anna Sanford, Sophia Chapin, Stephanie Kupka, Melissa Pennant, and the Environmental Sustainability Committee to come down for the Earth Day and Arbor Day Proclamation. Are we all gathered for the proclamation? Whereas the city of Fairfax recognizes the natural environment as the foundation of a healthy society and a robust economy, providing essential resources that sustain life and contribute to the well-being of all. And whereas the global community faces extraordinary environmental challenges, including environmental degradation, global health issues, loss of habitat, climate change, food and water shortages. And whereas Earth Day and Arbor Day serve as annual reminders that we are all caretakers

of our planet and have an obligation to engage in environmental activism, stewardship commitments, and sustainability efforts to preserve the Earth's beauty and resources for current and future generations. And whereas the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, calling upon millions of Americans to act for a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment. And whereas the City of Fairfax has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for over three decades, setting aside a special day each year for the planting and celebration of trees is vital to our quality of life and environmental health. And whereas Earth Day and Arbor Day provide opportunities for the community to come together and participate in activities that promote a cleaner,

healthier and more sustainable environment now therefore I Catherine S. Reed Mayor of the City of Fairfax do hereby proclaim April 22nd 2025 as Earth Day and April 25th 2025 as Arbor Day in the City of Fairfax and hereby encourage our community and businesses to observe these days by taking action to protect and enhance our environment this includes participating in activities such as planting trees, reducing waste, recycling, picking up litter, conserving energy and water resources, and otherwise engaging in actions big and small to preserve our natural resources for the benefit of all living things. And with that, I will invite Melissa Pennant to say a few words.

Melissa PennantThank you, May Reid and City Council members. We will like to celebrate this Earth Day. Later this spring, at Draper Drive Park, we will have a mural that's painted by the wonderful Jessica Pidcock entitled Mother's Helpers that will be on display at Draper Drive Park. In our lobby, we have a sculpture that was created by Nadia Sterre entitled City Trails, Urban Tales. Also a commemoration of Earth Day and all the environmental activities we have going on. We also have History Day, which is this Saturday from 10 to 4 at Historic Blenheim. And I encourage all of you guys to come out and celebrate History Day with the city. And we also have Arbor Day festivities going on, including a tree photo contest.

Faiza AlamGood evening, everyone. I'm Faiza Alam. I'm one of the science teachers at Catherine Johnson and also the ESC member here. I have the privilege to bring in one of my students, Vivian Lee, who was one of the Poetry Contest winner for the Arbor Day. And it's a delight. And I would also like to invite you for one more event tomorrow. We are planting trees at Catherine Johnson Middle School at 11 a.m. you're most welcome to join us on the Bevan side of the school. And I would invite Vivian to recite her poetry now.

Rachel McQuillenJust wanted to say Happy Earth Day and congrats to the Chocolate Lovers grant recipients. And I'm looking forward to the History Day and Arbor Day this weekend. Thank you.