EC Minutes 01-23-202301 7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427 1 t V 0
763-593-80271 TTY 763-593-39681 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov o 1 d [f
Environmental Commission vallev
January 23, 2023 — 6:30 pm
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting uia 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
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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.
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
L 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
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
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F. Other Business
i. Commissioner Galonska mentioned taking a look at the Great Northern Festival events
on climate.
S. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 pm
and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
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Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair