2000-09-25 EC Agenda PktAGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road
Council Conference Room
Monday, September 25, 2000
5:30 P.M.
Bus Tour*
Please meet at the front doors of City Hall. The bus will leave promptly at
5:30 p.m. (see attached tour route)
II. Call to Order
III. Approval of Minutes — August 28, 2000
IV. 7:30 p.m. - Proposed Presentation by General Mills
V. Other Business
VI. Adjourn
*The Bus Tour is open to the public; however, anyone wishing to attend must
call Deb Somers at 763-593-3987 by 10:00 a.m. on September 25 to reserve a
seat.
Please Note: Turkey, ham and roast beef box sandwiches and pop will be
provided for Commission members during the tour. If anyone has special dietary
needs, they should call Deb Somers at 763-593-3987.
GAEnvironmental Commission\Agendas\092500.doc
Regular Meeting of the
Golden Valley Environmental Commission
August 28, 2000
The meeting of the Golden Valley Environmental Commission was held at the
Golden Valley City Hall, Council Conference Room, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden
Valley, Minnesota on Monday, August 28, 2000.
Present: Richard Baker, Alicia Brown, David Fellman, Sue Hess, Dawn Hill, Alan
Kuentz, Nancy Burke
City Staff: Jeannine Clancy, Director of Public Works; Al Lundstrom, Environmental
Coordinator; Deb Somers, Administrative Secretary
Guests: Len Kremer, Bassett Creek Water Management Commission engineer
David Hanson, member of the Bassett Creek Water Management
Commission
Absent:
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Hill called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
II. Approval of Minutes — June 26, 2000
MOVED by Kuentz, seconded by Burke, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the July 24, 2000 minutes as submitted.
III. Presentation by Bassett Creek Water Management Commission
Lundstrom introduced Len Kremer, PE, of Barr Engineering Co. Mr. Kremer is the
engineer for the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission (BCWMC).
The presentation outline included background information regarding the development of
the BCWMC; a summary of past and planned activities of the BCWMC; and an
explanation of the second generation watershed management plan.
A. Background Information
1. Location
The BCWMC is comprised of nine member cities including, Crystal, Golden
Valley, Medicine Lake, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Plymouth, New Hope,
Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park. The five major lakes within the watershed
GAEnvironmental Comm ission\Minutes\EC082800.DOC
include Medicine Lake, Sweeney Lake, Twin Lake, Wirth Lake and Parkers Lake,
and four creeks, Bassett Creek, Plymouth Creek, Sweeney Lake Stem and the
north Branch Bassett Creek.
The BCWMC was formed to address flooding issues and it has the authority to
address a wide range of water resource issues.
Originally the BCWMC was called the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission.
A joint powers organization (JPA) was formed in 1969. JPA gives the BCWMC
the responsibility for surface water quality and quantity management and sets
funding methods.
The name was changed to BCWMC in 1984.
2. BCWMC Responsibilities
Reduce flooding along the Bassett Creek trunk system
• Establish flood levels and manage floodplains
• Review development & redevelopment projects
• Review other projects
• Implement flood control projects
• Monitor water levels (lakes and streams)
Water Quality
• Manage lake and stream water quality
• Set goals and policies
• Implement watershed management plans to improve water quality
• Monitor water quality
• Evaluate progress
3. Funding
Who Pays?
• Since 1969, administrative costs are shared by member cities — based
on area and assessed value
• Project costs shared based on area and assessed value, with credit for
lands provided
• Federal, State and regional grants
• State law allows BCWMC to be a separate taxing district (potential
future source)
• Since 1969, administrative costs, i.e. consulting, attorney, engineering
and secretarial are shared by member cities based on area and
assessed value. Project costs are shared on area and the assessed
value with credit for lands provided
GAEnvironmental Commission\Minutes\EC082800.DOC 2
4. Historical Highlights
•
1969
— Formation of Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission (a joint
powers organization)
•
1972
— Watershed Management Plan adopted
•
1976
— Approval of Flood Control Project
•
1979
— Construction of first flood control feature
•
1984
— BCWMC formed
•
1986
— Funding of Flood Control Project
•
1987
— First flood control feature constructed by Corps of Engineers
•
1990
— Water Management Plan adopted
•
1993
— Water quality management plan adopted
•
1994
— Water quality policy adopted
•
1997
— Completion of flood control project
•
2000
— Completion of all watershed and lake management plans
•
2001
— Second generation planning started (The bulk of this planning
will be
done in 2001)
The BCWMC was the first water management organization in the
Metropolitan area. It has been a model for other organizations and
watershed districts.
There are still some Golden Valley properties in flood zones that were
built prior to the organization of the BCWMC.
B. Summary of Activities
1. Summary of Past and Planned Activities
• Flood control
• Water quality monitoring
• Water quality planning
• Implementation of water quality improvement projects
2. Structural Flood Control Project
• Reduced average annual flood damages by 62%
• Total project cost $39,658,000
Federal $29,550,000
State $ 2,303,000
Local $ 7,806,000
• Principal Feature — Tunnel/Minneapolis
G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes\EC082800.DOC 3
3. Nonstructural Flood Control
• Flood plain management
a. Ultimate watershed land use
b. Regulate development
• Establish management areas
a. Preserve flood plains
b. Preserve storage
4. Water Quality Monitoring
• History of data collected
• Types of data collected
• Trends in water quality data
The BCWMC began collecting biological data in 1980. This data shows
the long term effect of water quality.
Collection of continuous monitoring started in 1992. The data indicates a
lower phosphorous level and lower suspended solids than most urban
streams in the Metro area. Lead levels are in the mid-range.
The BCWMC will begin collecting data again for the next two years.
5. BCWMC Water Quality Management Plan
• Water Body Classification
• Best Management Practices (BMP's) Requirements
• Watershed Water Quality Management Plans
The BCWMC set these guidelines to insure that water quality does not
deteriorate. The policy is for new development.
6. Water Quality Management Plan
Water Quality Usage Categories
Level I:
All activities including swimming
Level II:
Recreational activities
Level III:
Fishing
Level IV:
Runoff management
7. Water Body Classifications
Level I: Medicine, Parker's, Wirth, Twin, Sweeney
Level II: Turtle, Westwood, Lost, Northwood
Level III: Bassett Creek
Level IV: to be classified by cities
G:\Environmental Comm ission\Minutes\EC082800.DOC 4
C
8. Water Quality Best Management Practices Policy
Rating
BMP's
Runoff Treatment
Level I
Required
Storage, Sedimentation, Skimming, Nutrient
Removal
Level II
Required
Sedimentation, Skimming, Nutrient Removal
Level III
Required
Sedimentation, Skimming
Level IV
Required
None
Wetlands
Required
None
9. Watershed and Lake Management Plans
• History and types of plans
• Capital improvement recommendations
• Water quality improvement projects completed
10. Water Quality Improvements
• Medicine Lake
• Sweeney Lake
• Wirth Lake
• Bassett Creek
• Watershed -wide
Second Generation Planning
1. Second Generation Watershed Management Plan
• Why is new plan needed?
• Tasks/timeline/work plan
• Planning process/stakeholder involvement
• Issues
• Major policy considerations
a. Why is new plan needed:
• Law (BWSR) requires plan revision in 2001
• New rules in effect since completion of current plan
• Incorporate increased emphasis on water quality at federal,
state and regional level
GAEnvironmental Commission\Minutes\EC082800.DOC 5
b. Second Generation Planning Tasks
• Develop work plan, budget, handbook
• Evaluate draft statement of purpose and strategy
• Review existing water quality goals and policies
• Identify past, current and potential flooding issues
• Establish method for evaluating plan implementation
• Develop public information program
• Review and address other watershed issues
• Define programs needed to address issues
• Develop and adopt watershed management plan
c. Planning Process Stakeholders
• BCWMC
• Member cities
• Community and civic organizations
• Residents
• Business community
• Agencies
d. Stakeholder Involvement
• Formal advisory groups (citizen, technical, policy)
• Public meetings/hearings
• Mailings
• Web page updates
• Commission workshops
e. Planning Issues
• Effects of land use decisions on water resources
• Condition of the watershed's water resources and need for
improvements
• Review/revise classification of water resources
• Role of Commission relative to other groups, organizations,
agencies and boards
f. Major Policy Considerations
• Roles/responsibilities
• Purpose and strategy
• Implementation (CIP) and funding
• Future ongoing public involvement
GAEnvironmental Commission\Minutes\EC082800.DOC 6
g. Statement of Purpose and Strategy (Draft)
Water resource management
a. Coordinate intercommunity runoff planning and design
b. Quality of stormwater runoff
c. Lake and stream management
Local water management activity assessment
Public education in water management
h. Planning Timeline
1. Commission approval of planning
process & stakeholder involvement Until mid-November
2. First public forum November 1, 2000
3. First advisory group meetings December 2000
4. Submit draft plan for first
formal review Fall 2001
This concluded Mr. Kremer's BCWMC presentation.
In order for Golden Valley to comply with Phase II of the EPA requirements, Lundstrom
advised that it would have to supplement the current plan. One component of the
supplement would be to include an education plan.
Hill asked if there are any alternatives to constructing stormwater ponds. Some options
are to install an environmental manhole, an infiltration system or use chemical
treatment.
Golden Valley has installed an Stormceptor in the 1999 Pavement Management area.
Barr Engineering has a link to the BCWMC. To obtain more information on a
Stormceptor, go to www.barr.com.
The City of Golden Valley has a storm sewer system in place, but not all areas of the
city are serviced. Additions to the systems are being made through the City's
Pavement Management Program, as well as projects such as the TH 100 project.
IV. Other
Environmental Commission Tour:
The September 25, 2000 Environmental Commission meeting will consist of a tour of
sites of interest to the Commission. Lundstrom will create a listing of locations and
include it in the September 25 agenda. It was decided to rent a school bus for the tour,
which will pick up at the front doors of City Hall at 5:30 p.m.
GAEnvironmental Commission\Minutes\EC082800.DOC
Revisit General Mills Once Through Cooling System:
Hill asked to further discuss the General Mills once through cooling system. The
SunPost published an article regarding the cooling system and nature preserve in their
August 23, 2000 edition. Hess is concerned that the once through cooling system and
creation of a Bassett Creek Nature Preserve are finalized without resident input.
Clancy relayed the City's involvement in the proposed Bassett Creek Nature Area. The
City has expressed an interest in the nature preserve concept. To date, the City
Council has hired Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) to provide a concept study of the
infrastructure improvements associated with the Pavement Management Program for
the neighborhood near the proposed General Mills Nature area, and the proposed
nature preserve. Due to the General Mills proposal, the City put the pavement
management project in the area of KARE 11 on hold until 2001.
The City of Golden Valley joined General Mills in the DNR lawsuit regarding the
General Mills permit to draw water for the once through cooling system. In June 2000,
a judge ruled in favor of General Mills.
The City has committed about $90,000 for the infrastructure study. Several issues
include, access to the preserve, how to get water and sewer to the preserve and to
determine what water quality and quantity improvements require discussion.
After discussion, the Commission asked staff to provide a list of decision points
regarding the General mills proposal.
MOVED by Burke, seconded by Hess, and motion carried unanimously for the staff to
ask what the City will be deciding concerning the proposed Bassett Creek Nature
Preserve.
V. Adjourn
MOVED by Hess, seconded by Burke, and motion carried unanimously to adjourn the
meeting.
The next meeting will be on September 25, 2000 at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deb Somers
Administrative Secretary
Department of Public Works
GAEnvironmental CommissionWinutes\EC082800.DOC
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Environmental Commission
Watershed Bus Tour
September 25, 2000 at 5:30 p.m.
Golden Valley City Hall
1. Highway 100 near Meadowbrook School
2. Rice Lake near Bassett Creek Drive
3. Minnaqua Pond at Scott Avenue North/Westbend Road
4. Madison Pond on Sandburg Road
5. Hampshire Park Pond
6. 2000 Pavement Management Project at Plymouth
Avenue/Pennsylvania Avenue North
7. Bassett Creek Nature Preserve
8. Return to City Hall by 7:30 p.m.
GAEnvironmental Commission\Miscellaneous\BusTour092500.doc
DRAFT
Comprehensive Environmental Communications Plan
1 Focus Areas
Water Resources
Forestry (Trees, Weeds, and Plants)
Waste Reduction (Recycling and Garbage)
3. Goals and Objectives
MISH 4. Potential Strategies <`"...... F .. �.. u .. �z n
• Develop theme or catch phrase to identify City's environmental materials.
• **Publish one article in each City newsletter (CityNews) regarding the environment.
• Publish annual insert in CityNews specifically targeted toward environmental
education.
• Create several Presentations in a Box to be used by neighborhood groups and
volunteers.
• Use staff and qualified volunteers and Environmental Commission members to
speak at schools, libraries, and special events to educate citizens, especially the
youth, seniors, businesses, and shoreline residents in the community.
• Use volunteers to stencil catch basins throughout the City to identify where the storm
water run-off goes.
• Establish an essay contest for all grade levels addressing why the environment is
important.
• Establish an image contest for all grade levels with an environmental theme. Winners
could be used in City environment communications.
4. Potential Strategies (cont)
• Create an environmental folder, much like the new resident folder, containing
brochures and one-page tip sheets addressing all City environmental
actions/initiatives (ie, the Recyclopedia, recycling, waste reduction efforts, pollution
tips, non -indigenous weed control, shade tree management, etc) and helpful hints.
• Develop traveling environmental displays for use at community events and open
houses.
• Direct mailings of water -related information (ie, brochures and tip sheets on natural
buffer zones and phosphorous -free fertilizers) and personal visits to neighborhood
groups and associations.
• Produce video with on Environmental Issues in Golden Valley, such as waste
reduction and the Surface Water Management Plan, to be aired on public access
and used by Environmental Commission members in presentations.
• Obtain educational/informational videos from other sources (ie, DNR, etc) to replay
on Cable 16.
• Post all information, initiatives, and projects on the City web site.
• Create and distribute City-wide Environmental Calendars, including most/all
information from web site, brochures, tip sheets, contact lists, articles, etc. (See
Brooklyn Park example).
• List state, national, and international environmental initiatives, such as the Minnesota
waste reduction campaign, Earth Day, World Water Day, and World Environment
Day on all City calendars (web site, newsletter, cable N, etc).
• Bimonthly newsletter (CityNews), which • Need for clarification about
is read by nearly all of our residents environmental initiatives (local, state,
and federal
• Inclusion of environmentally oriented
articles in every newsletter for the past
year and in nearly every newsletter for
past eight years, prefacing larger
initiative
• Web site
• Opportunities to reach citizens on a
more personal level, such as annual
City Open House and other events
• According to recent City survey, the
majority of residents trust City
government
• Knowledgeable and professional staff
to address or obtain information
reaardinq environmental issues
• Need for links on web site to other
environmentally oriented web sites
• Need to establish system for news
releases to Post and Cable 12
• Need for material oriented to school
age children
• Need for promotional items, such as
pencils, pins, or stickers for school age
children
• Need for people to give in-person
presentations
• Need for visual aids/displays for open
house and presentations
• Limited staff time available
5. Audience Identification .
1.General Public
MESSAGE:
This is the major target audience --age 18
and older with some environmental
knowledge.
2. Students
MESSAGE:
Elementary, secondary, and preschool
aged children with little or no
environmental knowledge
3. Shoreline Residents
MESSAGE:
On Bassett Creek, Sweeney Lake, Twin
Lake, and smaller ponds with concerns
about their "own back yard". Water
resources and lake management issues
may be of particular importance.
4. Businesses
MESSAGE:
Golden Valley has a large number of
businesses that want to support the
community.
6 Potential Staff Resources
Environmental Coordinator, Public Works Director, City Engineer, Mayor, Bassett Creek
Water Commission and other Water -related organizations, qualified
speakers/educators/presenters, Barb Bailey (Seniors newsletter)
7. Communication Vehicles and Strategiesfor Target Audiences
1. General Public
• Web site
• CityNews
• Public Access channel (Cable Bulletin
Board)
• emphasis at City Open House and
other events with interactive displays
• brochures and folder on Environment
• Cable 16 & 12
Press Releases (Post)
• Seniors Newsletter (with Barb Bailey's
approval)
• Presentations
2. Students
. In -person presentations
• Contests
• Promotional items, such as pencils,
pins, or stickers
3. Shoreline Residents
. Direct Mailings
4. Businesses
. Direct mailings
8. Evaluation Techniques
We will evaluate our efforts through informal surveys in CityNews and schools where
speakers have visited, response to contests, requests for Environmental folder and other
information, and questions on future City surveys.
Notes:
9. Updating the Communications Plan
The worth of a communications plan depends on how often it is used. It is a working
document; therefore, key staff will review the plan and timeline for initiatives biannually
(see following calendar).
i
Timeline/Calendar
November 2000 1
I December 2000 `I
Notes or 2001
January 2001
February 2001
marcn
April 2001�srh ..�.
Ma 2001 'Y . .. w,:3= ` _
June 2001 :.
July 2001
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