EC Agenda 1-23-2023
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-
415-655-0001 and entering access code 2453 165 1685.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or
any items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison – Eric Eckman,
Environmental Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Approval of November 28, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
6. Old Business
7. New Business
A. EAB Removals and Replanting (20 min)
B. Keeping of Honeybees (10 min)
C. 2022 Accomplishments & 2023 Work Plan (40 min)
D. Program/Project Updates (5 min)
E. Council Updates (5 min)
F. Other Business
8. Adjournment
January 23, 2023 – 6:30 pm
City Hall Council Conference Room
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-415-655-
0001 and entering access code 1773 93 4642.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any
items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison – Eric Eckman, Environmental
Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Co-Chair Hansen at 6:30 pm.
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Shannon Hansen, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Jim Stremel, Scott Seys
Commissioners absent: Wendy Weirich, Debra Yahle, Kenna Brandt, Rachel Zuraff
Council Members present: Kimberly Sanberg
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
4. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the agenda for
November 28, 2022 and the motion carried.
5. Approval of October 24, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Stremel to approve the minutes of October
24, 2022 as submitted and the motion carried.
6. Old Business
A. Environmental Justice Collaboration
MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the
Environmental Justice Prioritization Map and the motion carried.
7. New Business
A. Organics and Recycling Program Update
i. Can we do a targeted mailing to homes without carts?
ii. Possibly do a targeted mailing to areas with low participation rates?
November 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
November 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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iii. Letters to residents and tags on the bins of residents with contamination in their bins
seemed to work. There weren’t any repeat offenders.
iv. 4-week Traditional Recycling participation study:
1. 1,510 tons of material recycled.
2. 97% of eligible households put their cart out at least once. This is a 2% increase
from last year.
3. About 90% of households put their cart out on each service week.
v. 4-week Organics Recycling study:
1. 45% of eligible households put their bin out at least once.
2. 29% of households put their bin out each week.
3. GV recycled 363 tons of organic waste in 2022.
1. Are we able to get numbers from waste haulers to see if the tonnage
numbers decreased when the organics program started?
2. Did residents request smaller garbage bins?
vi. Staff is currently working with Brookview and their kitchen staff to make organics
recycling easier.
vii. The City website is getting updated with new information about organics and the
program.
viii. Staff is working with Republic to develop a new, updated education tag the driver can
leave on bins with contamination.
ix. Currently there aren’t any multi-family properties in GV collecting organics. Hennepin
County doesn’t require properties with more than four units to offer it.
x. 25 tons of materials were dropped off from 621 vehicles during this year’s Mighty Tidy
Day at Brookview.
1. 2021 had 27 tons.
2. 2020 had 26.5 tons.
B. Energy Update
i. On September 29, 2022, two experts from the Retiree Environmental Technical
Assistance Program (RETAP) did an Energy and Natural Gas Use Assessment at City Hall.
Their recommendations include:
1. Replace original Boiler – City is replacing in 2023. This doesn’t include all the duct
work. The City did hire a consultant to design a new system.
2. De-Lamp 3-bulb fixtures
3. Install saver’s switches on 7 rooftop units.
4. Use new Energy Management System (EMS) to program thermostats for both
occupied and unoccupied spaces.
5. Look at adding natural gas heating to one of the carrier roof top units (RTU) to
eliminate individual space heater usage.
1. Staff doesn’t think this is feasible with the current RTUs. Replacing them
would be too costly.
6. Install insulation blanket on hot water heater and insulate adjacent water pipes.
1. This has already been done!
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
November 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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ii. Staff presented at a Golden Valley Business Council meeting to discuss energy efficiency
and savings opportunities. Staff encouraged businesses to sign up for an energy
assessment and apply to be an “Energy Hero.”
iii. Home Energy Squad
1. Staff will be presenting at a Rotary Club meeting in early 2023.
2. Staff offered free Home Energy Squad (HES) visits to residents who attended
Sustainability Day at the Market in the Valley. Also, they were offered to the first
50 residents who contact Ethan after reading about it in the
November/December City Newsletter.
3. Staff is also doing a targeted mailing of postcards to 2,000 of the oldest homes in
Golden Valley in early 2023.
iv. Partners in Energy
1. Staff will be looking at an informal arrangement with the PIE Team to continue to
get feedback and ideas.
2. Staff will continue to get annual progress reports from CPE and will work with
Communications to get this info to the community.
3. Ethan will start to work more with businesses.
C. 2023 Calendar
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the 2023
Environmental Commission meeting dates as submitted below and the motion carried.
• January 23, 2023
• February 27, 2023
• March 27, 2023
• April 24, 2023
• May 22, 2023
• June 26, 2022
• July 24, 2023
• August 28, 2023
• September 18
• October 23, 2023
• November 27, 2023
• December 18, 2023
D. Program/Project Updates
i. Staff may be looking for input from the EC in the next few months about off-street
parking. It’s not anti-street parking, it’s about having enough off-street parking for
facility use.
E. Council Updates
i. The Council approved Accessory Dwelling Units.
ii. The Council approved some single family/duplex style Affordable Housing on MnDOT
forfeited land.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
November 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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iii. DEI Building and Equitable Golden Valley forum being held on Thursday, Dec 1, 6:00 at
Brookview in the Bassett Creek North Room.
F. Other Business
i. None
8. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to adjourn the meeting at 7:58
pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
________________________________ _______________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: January 20, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Mars Muehleis, Mn GreenCorps Member
Subject: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Canopy Management Update
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), first discovered in Golden Valley in 2018, has been infesting ash trees
throughout the community since. The invasive beetle attacks and kills ash trees via shallow
tunneling and feeding on the tree’s bark. Noticeably infested trees have almost zero chance of
survival without treatment and usually die within one to three years. Removing severely infested
ash trees prevents potential damage or injury from falling trees. Lightly infested ash that show
little sign of crown decline can recover if treated with an insecticide. Treatment cannot reverse
damage that has already been caused and pruning of dead branches is necessary.
Ash Tree Removals
The City's forestry staff is inspecting ash trees for infestation and, if needed, issues notices for
removal. Golden Valley requires removal of infested trees within 60 days. Ash tree removal can
be expensive, so staff are actively exploring grants and other ways to reduce costs for residents.
If an infested tree is not removed by an owner within 60 days, it may result in a forced removal
by the City. In the case of a forced removal, the City’s tree contractor is mobilized to complete
the work. The City charges the property owner for the work, and if payment is not made, the
charges become a special assessment on the owner’s property tax statement, and must be paid
within one year. Staff recommends that the Commission and Council consider extending and
restructuring the payment terms to be more equitable for residents. Other funding options being
considered are Hennepin County’s Healthy Tree Canopy Grant (with an affordable housing
component), the DNR Preparing for EAB Grant, and the Urban and Community Forestry Program
allocation from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Tree Replacement
Currently, there are no grants or resources for private tree replacement from the City, County, or
State for ash trees lost to EAB. The City is exploring a few different options to assist residents
looking to plant trees on their property, especially those in the identified environmental justice
priority areas. Options include a community gravel bed nursery, a tree sale, volunteer-based tree
planting events, and/or a cost-share program. Staff recommends the City increase its support to
residents while also ramping up communications related to EAB. Staff are updating the Tree Pest
website and creating a series of newsletter articles and social media posts and are also planning
direct outreach to our priority areas
Staff will be on hand to discuss ash tree removal and replacement options, what other cities are
doing, and to obtain input and guidance from the Commission.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: January 20, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Drew Chirpich, Water and Natural Resources Specialist
Subject: Keeping of Honeybees
The City has a Resilience and Sustainability plan that supports local food production. It also has a
pollinator resolution which endorses pollinator protection and habitat creation. In recent years
there has been more interest from residents and council in exploring the keeping of honeybees in
backyards in Golden Valley.
Consistent with the City’s environmental efforts, staff recommends adding this item to the
Commission’s 2023 work plan and beginning the process to research this topic, review other
cities approaches, and evaluate the pros and cons.
Commissioners are asked to consider adding this item to the work plan, and to bring their
questions or comments about beekeeping to the meeting.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: January 20, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: 2023 Work Plan Ideas
As stated in its bylaws, the Commission is required to develop an annual work plan for review and
approval by City Council. The draft work plan for 2023 will be based upon the City’s 2040
Comprehensive Plan, Energy Action Plan, GreenStep Cities Program, City Council’s legislative
priorities, and more.
Attached is the 2022 work plan to get the conversation started. Commission members should
come to the meeting prepared to discuss the status of the current work plan and any ideas for
future items they wish to have considered. There will be additional discussion, refinement, and
approval of the draft work plan at the February meeting, ahead of Council consideration at the
March work session.
2022 Work Plan
Proposed work plan priorities for 2022 are based on goals in the City’s 2022 Pyramid of Success,
2040 Comprehensive Plan (including Resilience & Sustainability, Natural Resources, Water
Resources, Transportation), Equity Plan, Energy Action Plan, Pollinator Protection Resolution,
Climate Emergency Declaration, GreenStep Cities Program, and City Council’s 2022 Legislative
Priorities.
• Recycling And Organics
o Help develop a plan to increase participation rates for organics recycling, and
opportunities for multi-family recycling, including organics and onsite composting.
o Seek opportunities to partner with non-profits and others to reduce Styrofoam and
single use plastics, bags, and containers (restaurants, stores, etc) within Hennepin County.
• Energy Action - Help guide and participate in implementation of the City’s Energy Action Plan,
including:
o monitoring and reporting on the progress of Xcel Energy’s Partners In Energy
community collaboration program
o reducing the number of households experiencing energy cost burden by 15 households
through identifying, communicating, and connecting people with programs offered by
utility companies and others
o increasing participation in energy efficiency programs for residents and businesses,
including:
♣ implementing and monitoring the new energy saver recognition program for
businesses
♣ extending the Residential Home Energy Squad program for another budget cycle
♣ exploring incentivizing businesses to participate in energy assessments and
audits
o exploring options for promoting, supporting, and developing renewable energy (solar)
and electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, including:
♣ hosting an EV show-and-tell event at City Hall in June 2022
♣ increasing EVs and expanding charging infrastructure in the community
o supporting state and local efforts to update building codes or standards that advance
energy performance in buildings
o exploring drafting a sustainable building policy for developments that receive city
funding and resources
• GreenStep Cities/Climate Action - Continue working on actions and metrics to address climate-
related impacts, improve the environment, and reduce energy consumption and costs.
o If awarded a MN GreenCorps Member in 2022-2023, work to complete GreenStep Cities
actions related to Climate Action, Energy Action, and Environmental Justice.
o Look for ways to partner with Hennepin County to implement its Climate Action Plan,
with a focus on planting trees and reducing urban heat island effect.
• Environmental Justice - Continue to partner with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Commission (DEIC) on joint projects, events, and forums through a subcommittee formed in
2020. Collaboration to include:
o co-hosting the Building An Equitable Golden Valley environmental justice forum set for
May 19, 2022
o updating the source maps and data for the green infrastructure prioritization maps to
address existing inequities in the community
o discussion on drafting an environmental justice resolution
o seeking and identifying a partner and sponsor one green infrastructure project in a
priority area
o helping implement the land acknowledgement action plan by co-hosting a community
event for Indigenous community members and inviting families through the school
districts
• Community Outreach
o Review new City website for environmental content and clarity, better promotion of
volunteer programs, and best practices for yards and gardens.
o Explore ways to promote Earth Day and Arbor Day, including staff videos and webinars.
o Use the Commission’s $3,500 budget toward one or more of the following efforts:
♣ funding a joint project, event, or forum with the DEIC
♣ sponsoring and supporting the new energy saver recognition program
• Water And Natural Resources
o Support habitat restoration in the Briarwood Nature Area in 2022 with DNR Grant
funds; help identify the next nature area for enhancement or restoration.
o Continue promoting educational opportunities in cooperation with the Golden Valley
Garden Club.
o Study ways to mitigate the loss of infested ash trees due to the emerald ash borer pest,
especially in areas experiencing inequities in green infrastructure.
o Explore ways to promote, improve, expand, and preserve remnant natural areas and
open spaces in the City, especially with pollinator habitat.
o Address the issue of human encroachment into nature areas.
o Explore and understand water use in the community; look into conservation measures
like a lawn watering ordinance.
o Consider exploring participation in the No Mow May Campaign.
• Transportation
o Review Luce Line Trail connection under Highway 169 to Plymouth and other
substandard trail sections.
o Provide input and feedback on the Hwy 55/Douglas Dr pedestrian underpass project.
o Support and contribute to the City’s Bus Rapid Transit efforts along Hwy 55
City’s 2023 Pyramid of Success
(coming in February)
2023 Legislative Priorities:
E1. Continue To Adequately Fund The DNR Flood Damage Reduction Program For Local Projects
The City of Golden Valley is requesting legislative approval of funds through the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) Flood Damage Reduction Program to implement public improvements
within the DeCola Ponds and Medicine Lake Road watershed. These projects include
improvements within the Cities of Crystal, New Hope and Golden Valley (eg, flood storage,
subwatershed diversion, and runoff rate control projects).
E2. Climate Emergency Declaration: Support Policies And Investments Mitigating The Impact Of
Climate Change
The Golden Valley City Council declared by resolution a Climate Emergency Dec 21, 2021. The City
joins more than 2,000 jurisdictions in 34 countries to focus attention on the need for rapid action
to address climate change.
E3. Support Funding For Metropolitan Council Inflow/Infiltration Grants—Public And Private
Improvements
Because I/I reduction efforts benefit the entire metropolitan area, the City of Golden Valley
supports the state providing continued capital assistance for grants to cities as well as financial
assistance for private property through future Clean Water Legacy Act appropriations
E4. Advance Building Performance
The City of Golden Valley’s supports statewide energy efficiency improvements in buildings,
lighting, and infrastructure and includes these as local goals in the Resilience and Sustainability
Chapter of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Other potential legislative priorities (possible work plan ideas) that did not make the list:
• Seek legislative clarification about the state statute involving the placement of public EV
charging stations in City ROW and city-owned parking facilities.
• Exploring a state or local ban on the use of synthetic erosion control netting.
• Exploring statewide chloride limited liability protection for certified applicators, or the
ability to require license/certification for application on commercial, industrial, and
institutional (and possibly multi-family residential) facilities.
Other potential work plan ideas from staff:
• Keeping of Honeybees
• Land Acknowledgement Actions
• Environmental Justice Resolution
• Another EV Showcase event and/or a Sustainable Home Tour or another
energy/sustainability-related event this summer
• Exploring renewable options for municipal operations and perhaps the community (more
rooftop solar systems, solar gardens, renewable subscriptions, etc.)
• Event or project for Green Volunteers (buckthorn/garlic mustard removal, waste cleanup,
etc.)
• Lawn Maintenance Code review and update
• Shoreland Management code update
• Climate Action Plan
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – January 2023
GREENCORPS PROGRAM
The member continues their work on EAB management and tree canopy restoration, researching funding
options and programs to implement. They created outreach materials including newsletter articles, website
updates, and resources such as a recommended tree list. The member worked with the City of Robbinsdale’s
GreenCorps member and the Robbinsdale Area School’s GreenCorps member to create a waste-sorting video
for elementary school students. They also began 2022 reporting for Green Step Cities to achieve Step 4 and
Step 5 again for Golden Valley.
WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES
2024 Bassett Creek Restoration Project (Regent Ave to Golden Valley Rd) – The BCWMC approved a
feasibility study for a stabilization and restoration project on Bassett Creek from Regent Ave to Golden Valley
Rd. This study began this fall with research and field work. Public comment can be provided by accessing the
project webpage at Bassett Creek Feasibility Study | Golden Valley, MN (goldenvalleymn.gov) The study will wrap up
in spring 2023. Construction is scheduled for fall/winter 2024.
Medley Park Stormwater Improvement Project
Construction began in early November and will continue through summer 2023 when trail paving, solar LED
light installation, restoration, and planting will occur. More information is available on the project webpage.
DeCola Ponds SEA School-Wildwood Park Flood Reduction Project
The SEA School-Wildwood Park portion of the project is scheduled for bidding in February. The DeCola Ponds
D and E storm sewer pipe replacement work will be bid under separate contract in summer 2023. The plans
are available for viewing on the project webpage.
Lagoon Dredging within Theodore Wirth Park
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has begun work on removing accumulated sediment
from the lagoons within Theodore Wirth Park. The objective is to return these lagoons to their historically
designed condition, and improve water quality by dredging out accumulated sediment and its associated
phosphorus. The project is anticipated to run through winter 2022 with restoration of disturbed areas being
completed in spring of 2023.
Bassett Creek Stabilization within Brookview Golf Course
The City has contracted with Blackstone Contractors LLC perform construction for the stabilization and restoration
of a portion of Bassett Creek approximately 500 feet long within the City owned and operated Brookview Golf Course.
This portion of the creek has eroded significantly in recent years. The RFQ specifies a streambank stabilization technique
with a natural appearance and the incorporation of native vegetative buffers. The project is currently underway and is
expected to be completed by the end of February 2023.
RECYCLING
January had a few weeks of recycling and organics service delays due to inclement weather and poor road
conditions. Staff is working on improving communication strategies to help spread the word to residents more
easily and effectively. Republic and City staff continue to improve contamination monitoring and educating
residents through a variety of strategies and outreach.
ENERGY
Staff is presenting at the GV Rotary Club to discuss the Energy Action Plan and provide resources to businesses
seeking energy efficiency opportunities. Through the collaboration with Partners in Energy, a mailer will also
be sent out to businesses in Golden Valley encouraging businesses to sign up for an energy assessment and
apply for the City’s Energy Hero recognition program. We finished our initial 18-month implementation period
with Partners in Energy but we will continue to have quarterly check-ins with them and will still receive data
and resources from their team.
PLANNING REPORT
PLANNING COMMISSION
Off-Street Parking—In preparation for an update to this section of the zoning chapter, staff are presenting
information related to minimum parking requirements, parking setbacks, and electric charging stations.
Additional discussion is scheduled for the March Planning Commission meeting following input and feedback
from the Environmental Commission at its February meeting.
CITY COUNCIL – Dec 21, 2022
Shapco CUP Amendment—At its December 21 meeting, the City Council denied a proposed amendment to
the existing Conditional use Permit for surface auto dealer inventory parking for Shapco but did vote (5-0) to
establish a hard deadline of June 30, 2023, for the installation of vegetative screening along the east side of
the parking lot. If the screening is not planted by this date, staff will move forward with the revocation process
for the permit.
OTHER UPDATES – Nov 3, 2022
• 6650 Country Club Dr – Artessa Senior Cooperative
• 1113 Douglas Drive – The Simmons Group apartment buildings
• 700 Ottawa Ave N – Tesla
• 1100 and 1216 Pennsylvania Ave N; 1110, 1120, 1200, 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 Greenway Pass
The Franklin Center, at 1001 Boone Ave N, opened this fall. For more information on all of these projects, visit
the City’s GIS mapped Private Development Projects page
Ongoing Development Projects:
A number of projects have been approved in recent years. The list of larger projects currently under
construction or with construction pending includes:
• 6450 Wayzata Blvd – Spire Credit Union
• 760 Boone Ave N – Blue Pearl Pet Hospital
• 770 Xenia Ave N – The Xenia Apartments
• 4232 and 4248 Dahlberg Dr – Golden Valley Executive Center
• 651 and 751 Douglas Dr N – Golden Valley Business Center (former Optum Health site)