EC Agenda 2-27-2023
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 January 23, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
6. Old Business
A. 2022 Accomplishments & 2023 Work Plan (15 min)
Action Requested
B. EAB Removals and Replanting (15 min)
Action Requested
7. New Business
A. Off-street Parking (30 min)
B. Program/Project Updates (5 min)
C. Council Updates (5 min)
D. Other Business
8. Adjournment
February 27, 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 Chair Weirich at 6:30 pm.
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Wendy Weirich, Shannon Hansen, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill,
Jim Stremel, Scott Seys, Kenna Brandt
Commissioners absent: Rachel Zuraff
Council Members present: None
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Mars Muehleis, GreenCorps Member;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
4. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Stremel to approve the agenda for January
23, 2023 and the motion carried.
5. Approval of November 28, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Hansen to approve the minutes of
November 28, 2022 as submitted and the motion carried.
6. Old Business
None
7. New Business
A. EAB Removals and Replanting
i. If a resident doesn’t remove an infested tree within 60 days of notification, the City will
do it and bill the resident. The resident currently has one year to pay this back. The City
January 23, 2023 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
January 23, 2023 – 6:30 pm
2
is looking at giving residents 3-5 years to pay this off to make it more equitable. This cost
includes the contractor cost, administrative fees, and interest if longer than one year.
ii. Staff is also looking into Hennepin County’s Healthy Tree Canopy Grant, the DNR
Preparing for EAB Grant, and the Urban and the Community Forestry Program allocation
from the Inflation Reduction Act to offset removal costs.
iii. Could we lengthen the time residents have to remove trees since contractors seem to be
booked out so far?
iv. The City has a goal of replacing trees 1:1. The challenge is to find places for new trees to
go.
v. City staff are looking at different options for helping residents plant new trees:
1. Community Gravel Bed Nursery.
1. Public land where seedlings will grow quickly.
2. Smaller trees with a 1” diameter.
2. Tree Sale through Minnesota Tree Trust.
1. Will most likely be a fall sale depending on when MN Tree Trust is
available.
3. Volunteer-based tree planting events.
4. Cost sharing program.
B. Keeping of Honeybees
i. The City has a Resilience and Sustainability Plan that supports local food production.
ii. Add to 2023 Work Plan?
iii. Begin researching this topic, review the approach of other cities, and evaluate the
pros/cons.
iv. Possibly bring bees and goats to the Council at the same time.
v. Should we consider how far the bees should be kept from neighboring properties?
vi. Hives should be clearly marked so they are easily identified.
vii. Will the non-native honeybees be in competition with the native bees? Will they do
more harm than good?
viii. Require a license for beekeeping?
C. 2022 Accomplishments & 2023 Work Plan
i. The EC Work Plan used to go to the City Council in May. Now it’s March so this needs to
be finalized at the February meeting.
ii. Work plan changes discussed include:
1. Recycling and Organics:
1. Keep working to increase participation rates for organics recycling, and
opportunities for multi-family recycling, including organics and
composting.
2. Try to partner with non-profit organizations to help reduce – or ban –
Styrofoam and single use plastics, bags, and containers w/in Hennepin
County.
i. Non-Profits can help facilitate and pilot a program since staff
doesn’t have the capacity to do so.
2. Energy Action:
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
January 23, 2023 – 6:30 pm
3
1. Officially finished with the Partners in Energy community collaboration
program. There are still quarterly meetings, workshops, and progress
reports.
2. Reduce the number of households experiencing energy cost burden by 24
households.
3. Monitor the new energy saver recognition program for businesses –
HERO
i. Letters went out to businesses with both the City logo and Xcel
logo, in a Golden Valley envelope, with the City Manager’s
signature.
ii. Promote first business to apply and be accepted
4. Host EV show and tell event:
i. Open it up to battery operated lawn equipment and tools? Ebikes?
ii. Solar tour?
5. Explore rooftop solar at Brookview?
6. Take off item ‘exploring drafting a sustainable building policy…’
3. GreenStep Cities / Climate Action:
1. Apply for a MN GreenCorps Member in 2023-2024…
i. Will add working on the EAB Program.
4. Environmental Justice:
1. Co-Host a forum on Native American Heritage in November.
2. Partner with the DEIC and new Equity Manager on the environmental
justice resolution.
3. Work on our own and with the DEIC on the Land Acknowledgement
Action Plan.
5. Community Outreach:
1. Take off ‘Explore ways to promote Earth Day…’
2. Possibly support buying down the cost of trees for the EAB Program for
the ‘funding a joint project, event, or forum with the DEIC’.
3. Take off ‘sponsoring and supporting the new energy saver recognition
program’.
6. Water and Natural Resources:
1. Take of ‘Support habitat restoration in the Briarwood Nature Area…’
2. Take off ‘Explore ways to promote, improve, expand, and preserve
remnant natural areas…’
3. Take off ‘Consider exploring participation in the No Mow May Campaign’.
7. Transportation:
1. Partner with Three Rivers Park District, MnDot, and the Open Space &
Recreation Commission on the Luce Line Trail Connection.
2. Take off ‘Provide input and feedback on the Hwy 55/Douglas Dr project’.
8. Other possible ideas:
1. Keeping of Honeybees
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
January 23, 2023 – 6:30 pm
4
2. Exploring renewable options for municipal operations and perhaps
community (rooftop solar, solar gardens, renewable subscriptions…)
3. Organized garbage hauling – possibly yard waste.
4. Warming and cooling centers open 24 hours a day during extreme
weather.
D. Program/Project Updates
i. No discussion
E. Council Updates
i. None
F. Other Business
i. Commissioner Galonska mentioned taking a look at the Great Northern Festival events
on climate.
8. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 pm
and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
________________________________ _______________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: February 24, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Draft 2023 Work Plan
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.
The Commission reviewed and discussed the 2022 work plan at its January 2023 meeting and
offered ideas for the 2023 work plan. The way the timing works out, the work plan generally
starts and ends in April of each year.
Attached is the draft work plan for 2023 based on feedback provided at the January EC meeting.
Commissioners should come to the February meeting prepared to discuss, refine, and approve
the draft work plan ahead of Council consideration at the March work session.
20232 Work Plan
Proposed work plan priorities for 20232 are based on goals in the City’s 20232 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 20232
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,
and explore a potential city-wide ban on certain products.
o Start to research and engage the public in 2024 about city-contracted solid waste and
yard waste services beginning in 2027 or later
• Energy Action - Help guide and participate in the 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 1524
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 and enhancing the new energy saverhero
recognition program for businesses
♣ extending the Residential Home Energy Squad program for another budget
cycle, and/or shift funds over to business energy assessments and audits
♣ 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 anthe second EV showcase-and-tell event at City Hall in June 20232
(including electric lawn equipment) and exploring interest in a sustainable home
tour (solar, electric heat pumps, etc)
♣ increasing EVs and expanding charging infrastructure in the community
(legislation to clarify state law, city code updates, development standards, grants)
♣ exploring options to add rooftop solar to Brookview Community Center
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 20232-20243, 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.
o Work with emergency management staff to identify public warming and cooling centers
and ways to communicate such information to the community
• 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 athe Building An Equitable Golden Valley environmental justice forum on
Indigenous culture and contributions in November 2023 (Native American Heritage
Month)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 discussingon on the drafting of an environmental justice resolution and attaching the
environmental justice priority areas map
o seeking and identifying a partner and sponsor one green infrastructure project or event
in a priority area
o helping implement the land acknowledgement action plan by creating a pre-european-
settlement map of natural and cultural resources, and working with Dakota community
members to identify a location for a cultural/educational installation in the city 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 while ensuring webpages
are inclusive, equitable, and representative of the community we serve.
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
♣ helping to equitably fund the removal and replacement of trees lost due to
emerald ash borer
♣ 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 Continue to Sstudy ways to mitigate the loss of infested ash trees due to the emerald
ash borer pest, especially in environmental justice priority 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, and signage, as each area
is enhanced or improved.
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.
o Explore the keeping of honeybees and make recommendation to Council
• Transportation
o Work with OSRC to Rreview 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
o Provide input to Planning on parking code requirements
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: February 24, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Mars Muehleis, Mn GreenCorps Member
Subject: EAB Replanting Effort
Last month, staff gave an update on the status of EAB in Golden Valley as well as some solutions
they were looking into for canopy restoration and assistance with ash tree removal. Following the
meeting, staff received additional information about a fall tree sale in partnership with Tree Trust
to increase tree canopy in residential areas. Tree Trust is a nonprofit that is and has been
partnering with a number of cities in the Metro area, including St. Louis Park and Edina, to host
tree sales.
Tree Trust would provide us with 100 trees for the sale. Staff is able to recommend tree species
fit for Golden Valley. The stock trees come in 10-gallon containers, are 6 to 8 feet tall, and 1 to 2
inches in diameter. A mulch bag for planting and tree owner’s manual are given out with the
trees. Trees of this size generally retail for $150-$200, and the City would offer them for $40-$80
to residents. Tree Trust takes care of setting up and managing the website and sales, purchasing
the trees, and organizing and facilitating the pick-up.
Staff would like to recommend to Council that we host this fall tree sale with a cost share with
residents. At the current estimates, cost to the City would be $14,731.21 at the participant copay
of $40. We are considering a tiered pricing structure that would allow residents in identified
Environmental Justice Priority Areas (4 highest areas) to purchase trees at this lower copay while
residents outside of these areas pay a standard $80 copay. (This is similar to the home energy
squad price structure.) A tiered pricing structure would promote equity and lower the cost for the
City to $11,731.21 while still providing trees at a steep discount. Up to $10,000 will be provided
by the Forestry replanting budget. Due to the steady rate of EAB replanting on public land in the
last several years, and the lack of EAB replanting on private properties, staff recommends these
funds be utilized to help remove barriers and buy down the cost of private replanting. Any public
tree planting in 2023 can be funded by grants which are only available to public entities at this
time.
The Commission is being asked to consider approving the partnership with Tree Trust for a Fall
2023 Tree Sale, and sponsoring the event by dedicating up to $1,750 for the effort ($1,750 is half
of the EC’s $3500 annual budget).
Staff will be on hand to help facilitate the discussion and answer questions.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: February 24, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Off-Street Parking Requirements
In preparation for an update to the Off-Street Parking and Loading section of the zoning chapter
of city code, Planning staff have been working with the Planning Commission to review
information related to minimum parking requirements, parking setbacks, and electric charging
stations. The Planning Commission and staff would like input from the Environmental
Commission as part of this process. Additional discussion is scheduled for the March Planning
Commission meeting following input and feedback from the Environmental Commission at its
February meeting.
Below are topic areas that are requested for review by the EC. Members are asked to think about
these items and come to the February meeting with their thoughts, ideas, and questions they
may have for the Planning Commission.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
PC would like to implement similar requirements as in Saint Louis Park, where new surface
parking is required to provide X number of EV charging stations per Y spaces in the parking lot. A
specific ratio has not yet been set.
- Should the City require a certain class or standard of EV charging stations?
Common types of charging stations include:
• Level 1: Standard Wall Outlet (120 Volt) - Approximately 5 miles of range per 1
hour of charging
• Level 2: 240-Volt Outlet (Dryer Plug) - Approximately 25 miles of range per 1 hour
of charging
• Level 3 DC Fast Charging: DCFC 24kW, DCFC 62.5kW, DCFC 180kW -
Approximately 100 to 200+ miles of range per 30 minutes of charging
“For fast charging, the CHAdeMO and SAE Combo (also called CCS for “Combo
Charging System”) are the most used connectors by electric cars manufacturers.
These two connectors are not interchangeable, meaning a car with a CHAdeMO
port cannot charge using an SAE Combo plug and vice versa. It’s kind of like a gas
vehicle that can’t fill up at a diesel pump.
The third important connector is the one used by Teslas. That connector is used
on level 2 and level 3 Supercharger Tesla charging stations and are only
compatible with Tesla cars.” -chargehub.com
- Is this likely to become obsolete in the near future as technology progresses, and is there
a way to mitigate for changes in technology to avoid needing to frequently revise code?
Parking Minimums/Maximums
PC is looking at our minimum standards per land use. Without significant transit opportunities in
the City today, PC sees a lower boundary to where minimums cannot be reduced further, at least
not until better transit options emerge. In the meantime, PC is interested in capping parking per
use with a maximum amount (currently discussing a formula that would be the “minimum
parking required +10%”)
- Should parking maximums apply only to retail uses, more broadly to all commercial uses,
or to other land uses that you think currently carry too much parking in GV?
- Does the “minimum parking +10%” cap seem reasonable? Would you rather see a parking
maximum implemented differently?
Permeable Pavers
Permeable Pavers have been discussed in the past and whether or not to incentivize them
- Are permeable pavers an effective option to reduce hardcover related to parking, and if
so how would you like to see them encouraged in code?
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – February 2023
GREENCORPS PROGRAM
The member began communications with Tree Trust on a fall tree sale and are working with city and county
Forestry staff to determine scope and funding. They continue working on data collection for Green Step Cities
Step 4 and Step 5. They are preparing for Earth Month initiatives in April as well as energy outreach and
events.
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) There will be an open
house for the project at Brookview Community Center on March 1st from 5-7:30. The study will wrap up in
spring 2023. Construction is scheduled for fall/winter 2024 following a design and community engagement
process.
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 and award of
contract in March. 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 dredging of Lagoon E is completed, Lagoons F and D are commencing. 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, with restoration in the spring.
RECYCLING
February had one week of recycling and organics service delays due to inclement weather and poor road
conditions. New communication strategies improved messaging and reduced the number of resident calls
after the delays. Staff is working with Republic to plan a composition study of recycling and will have a full
report of waste, recycling, and organics tonnages available in the next month or two depending on when the
data becomes available.
ENERGY
Staff continues to do outreach to residents and businesses about energy savings opportunities. Staff
presented at the GV Rotary Club to discuss the Energy Action Plan and provide resources. Staff also began
preparing for future events like the Sustainability Fair at Theodore Wirth Park, the summer EV showcase
event, and tabling at Market in the Valley. There are still free LED kits to have available for residents at the
events. Staff is also working on improving internal data tracking of the solar arrays and B3 Benchmarking
building energy use.