Loading...
2003-08-25 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, August 25, 2003 7:00 P.M. I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes — July 28, 2003 III. Natural Resources Inventory IV. Proposal of Buckthorn Eradication Goal and Other Goal -Setting Items V. Program/Project Updates — ➢ NPDES Phase II ➢ BCWMC Second Generation Plan ➢ Boone Avenue & Trunk Highway 55 Project ➢ Bassett Creek Park Pond ➢ Proposed Developments VI. Commission Member Council Reports VII. Other Business VIII. Adjourn GAEnvironmental Commissionftendas\082501doc GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes July 28, 2003 Present: Richard Baker, John Giese, Sue Hess, Alan Kuentz, Sara Peterson City Staff: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer, Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator, Tracy Pharr, Administrative Assistant Absent: Dawn Hill, Joel Wessman I. Call to Order Baker called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. II. Approval of Minutes — June 23, 2003 No changes. MOVED by Hess, seconded by Peterson, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 23, 2003 meeting as submitted. III. Bassett Creek Park Pond Proiect Presentation Sherri Buss and John Smyth of Bonestroo gave a presentation of the Bassett Creek Park Pond Project. This overview was also recently presented to residents in the project area. Lundstrom stated the goals of the project as bank stabilization, lessening erosion upstream and minimizing the extensive maintenance required (i.e., frequent dredging of the pond). Mr. Smyth described the issues creating the problems in this area as heavy sedimentation, bank erosion and flooding. Sediment sources include natural deposition from the creek and watershed, street drainage, run-off from the impervious surface at a nearby Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) facility, erosion at several sites and fluctuation of water levels. Ms. Buss outlined several potential rehabilitation options: ➢ Restoration of the area back to a prairie -like condition with a berm along the edge of the creek, and installation of a live crib wall, vegetated geogrids or rip rap with native plantings. ➢ Creation of a pond with a berm, sediment trap and buffered creek edges. A fiber mat to establish native plantings on the gradually sloped banks is another part of this option. ➢ Creation of a larger pond, expanding into the park area. Banks of the pond would be graded to a gentle slope, and a fabric would be installed to establish native plantings. Residents favored the large pond option. Most questions and comments concerned the bank stabilization, impacts to views of the creek and maintenance of the area. Future maintenance requirements would include annual mowing and periodic burning. Staff is working with MnDOT to construct an additional storm water pond on park property to treat storm water run-off from the MnDOT maintenance facility adjacent to the project. A formal agreement and signed conservation easements from affected property owners are still necessary to proceed with this project. The project is anticipated to begin in the fall, with plant installation in the spring. Ms. Buss and Mr. Smyth concluded their presentation and departed at 8:05 pm. IV. Natural Resources Inventory Discussion Lundstrom distributed copies of comments on the Natural Resources Inventory from Wessman, who was unable to attend tonight's meeting. Baker asked Lundstrom what the City's priority is in the Natural Resources Inventory, i.e., what direction the City is going to take. He also stated that a lot of the inventory seemed to focus on the eradication of buckthorn. Lundstrom responded that he feels this focus comes in response to multiple calls, letters and complaints from residents urging the City to deal with noxious plant material and exotic species, primarily buckthorn. Lundstrom stated that staff is looking to the Environmental Commission to assist in choosing a direction. Lundstrom continued that buckthorn eradication requires a minimum seven year commitment towards a management plan and ongoing monitoring. Baker commented on the possibility of selecting one highly visible, frequently visited area in which to begin removing buckthorn. Kuentz suggested adopting one specific area of the City for a "buckthorn removal project," utilizing the project as an educational tool and having the Environmental Commission undertake a commitment to the project. He would like to begin this in September. Lundstrom discussed the difficulties and problems associated with undertaking a project of this magnitude. Lundstrom reiterated that staff is looking for direction from the Environmental Commission to choose a priority from the Natural Resources Inventory. Baker asked what the most highly used nature area in the City is. Lundstrom responded this would be a good question for the Parks & Recreation Director. Kuentz stated he felt that Laurel Avenue would be one. Peterson asked what would happen in the long-term if nothing at all was done about buckthorn. She continued, questioning whether buckthorn would eventually overtake nature areas. Lundstrom replied that this would ultimately happen. Baker expressed the desire to continue this discussion at next month's meeting. He asked if doing a project like this could be placed in the CIP. Lundstrom responded that CIP projects were for amounts over $10,000; capital outlay is for amounts of $5,000 to $10,000; and amounts less than $5,000 come from the general budget. Baker stated he thought the only expenses would be for the chemicals and staff time. Lundstrom added that expense would also be incurred for disposal of the buckthorn material. Baker asked if there was a time of year best for this project. Lundstrom answered that spring and the first half of summer is optimum time. Baker said one possible goal for the Environmental Commission could be a buckthorn eradication demonstration project in the spring of 2004. Lundstrom stated this could be timed to coordinate with the spring brush pick-up. MOVED by Hess, seconded by Giese, and the motion carried unanimously for the Environmental Commission's goal of hosting a buckthorn control demonstration in 2004. V. Sunnyridge Lane Contaminated Soil A draft action plan has been completed and submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for review and comment. Peterson asked if there had been further testing. Oliver answered that further testing was a part of the draft action plan. He continued that the plan includes geo-probes to take further sampling in order to establish the location of the contaminated soil, what the concentrations are and what the extent of the contamination is. After results are received, City staff will decide on an action plan and how the soil will be disposed of. VI. Commission Goal -Setting Discussion Discussed as a part of Agenda Item IV. Additionally, added as an agenda item for further discussion at the August Environmental Commission meeting. VII. Program/Proiect Updates Natural Resources Inventory— Discussed as part of Agenda Item IV. NPDES Phase 11 — Lundstrom stated that a meeting was held with staff detailing how NPDES information will be tracked. An action plan was provided to each individual showing how each BMP is to be completed. Staff involved were informed of whom to report this information to and how. BCWMC Second Generation Plan — A Bassett Creek Water Management Commission meeting on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is scheduled for August. Baker asked if the Commission would like to invite David Hanson to attend an Environmental Commission meeting. Peterson stated she feels that the Commission should stay focused on developing their goal list. Baker asked staff to inquire if Hanson would attend one of the next two Environmental Commission meetings. Oliver will inquire. Boone Avenue & Trunk Highway 55 Project — Oliver stated a meeting with General Mills is scheduled this week to discuss the results of the water resource information. Due to flooding concerns, Brookview Golf Course is evaluating some of the golf holes for possible redesign. Lundstrom noted that the Environmental Commission had asked to see the floodplain/wetland report for this project. He stated that hopefully this report will be complete by the August meeting. If so, Lundstrom will provide copies at that time. Bassett Creek Park Pond — Discussed as part of Agenda Item III. Wirth Beach — This project update to be removed from agenda. Proposed Developments — Oliver stated that staff is expecting draft plans from Spirit of Hope Church this week. Agreements are being modified for the Church's consideration and signature. Construction is expected to begin in the fall. Oliver also said Calvary Lutheran Church's proposed remodeling and renovations are in the review process. Also, the City is working with the developer and Habitat for Humanity to develop mixed affordable housing at the Hennepin County Sheriffs site. Bonestroo is working on a feasibility report and concept plans. VIII. Commission Member Council Reports No Council report by Environmental Commission Members. Hess is to attend the August 4 Council meeting, and Baker is to attend the August 19 meeting. IX. Other Business Items of Other Business: ➢ Lundstrom said that he had received a letter sent to a resident on Valders Avenue by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control. This resident had submitted a dead crow for West Nile virus testing. The letter stated that the crow had tested positive for West Nile virus. Metropolitan Mosquito Control is continuing to treat catch basins for mosquitoes. ➢ Lundstrom sought confirmation on the Commission Members' (earlier) request to ask David Hanson to attend the August or September Commission meeting. Baker rescinded the request. ➢ Lundstrom stated the Storm Water CIP would be added to the August agenda. Baker asked to have the Commission's Goal -Setting Discussion (tabled earlier) placed on the August meeting agenda. ➢ Hess distributed a copy of other cities' model wetland ordinances. Peterson also brought several handouts outlining other cities' mission statements and bylaws. Pharr to copy all handouts and Golden Valley's Environmental Commission bylaws, and include in each Member's August agenda packets. ➢ Pharr distributed contact information sheets. These sheets are updated annually. Kuentz asked if Commission Members could receive a compilation of the contact sheets. Pharr to provide this information when all sheets have been received and updated. ➢ Pharr announced that the Boards & Commissions Dinner is scheduled for September 24 at Brookview. Invitations will be sent out in the near future. Social hour begins at 6:30 pm, and dinner will follow at 7:15 pm. No additional business was addressed. X. Adjourn The next scheduled meeting will be on August 25, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1-(,A(4 �-RAt, racy E. Pharr Administrative Assistant Department of Public Works '(% i. ae Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Brookview Community Center Monday, July 28, 2003 — 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Liz Elder, Tom Zins, Chuck Cahill, Jim Vaughan, Jerry Sandler, and Jim Johnson. City Staff: Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks & Recreation Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Secretary Kris Tovson, Golf Course Manager Guest: Don Smith, Brookview Men's Golf Association Absent: Lance Ness, Roger McConico, and Tom Kuelbs, Jr. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Additions made by Rick Jacobson: New Business — South Tyrol park meeting IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —June 23.2003 MOTION: Moved by Jim Johnson, seconded by Tom Zins, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. V. BROOKVIEW MEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION UPDATE — Don Smith Don Smith started by commending the staff at Brookview. The association feels they do a great job and are very helpful to them and they appreciate all the efforts. Don has been with the association for ten years. He explained that back when he started, the league was made up primarily of members who had been with the club 10-20 years. He explained that about six years ago, the league started losing some members for various reasons. They were getting new members, but only about 15-20 a year. Don also explained that 10 years ago they had 190-200 members, and over the years the number of members gradually decreased. Don said that the Wednesday night league is very popular. He also said that they have made a big recruiting effort in the last year to build the membership back up. This effort has brought in 70 new members which brought the membership back up to about 190 members. Don said that the weekend participation has also increased. Don told the Commission that half the new members are under forty-five with most of them from the western suburbs. He said that currently 33% of the members are Golden Valley residents. In recent years, the BMGA has had a hard time finding Golden Valley residents to serve on the Board of Directors. BROOKVIEW MEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION UPDATE — Don Smith (cont.) He explained that in the last few years, the BMGA has not been able to comply with their by-laws which require six Golden Valley residents on the Board of Directors. Don then explained that because the demographics have changed, and to keep the club active, they are proposing a change to their by-laws to read that the number of residents on the board reflects the membership percentage of residents. After questions and discussion of the above by-law change, the Commission agreed that membership priority order should be a formal part of the by-laws. This has been the practice in the past, but not in the by-laws. The Commission agreed and Don concurred, to add membership priority order under Membership and Dues and would read as follows; First priority of membership in the BMGA would be given to Golden Valley residents, Second priority would be given to past members, and new members would then be accepted on a first-come, first -serve basis. MOTION: Moved by Chuck Cahill, seconded by Liz Elder, to accept the amendment to the BMGA by-laws to have the number of residents on the Board of Directors reflect the membership percentage of residents in the BMGA, and to include the above resident priority for membership clause. Motion carried unanimously. VI. BROOKVIEW GOLF COURSE UPDATE — Kris Tovson Kris Tovson gave the Commission an update on the state of golf in general. Some of the topics that she discussed were; trends in golf and how the number of rounds played at courses in the Twin Cities are affected, factors that affect participation at courses, revenue loss at Brookview from the rain and flooding in June, and marketing ideas and plans to increase play. Liz Elder asked if there was any time when kids could use golf carts. Kris Tovson explained that kids cannot drive the carts for safety and liability reasons. She said that policy does not allow anyone under 18 to drive/rent a golf cart. VII. SINGLE SOURCE BEVERAGE SERVICE - RFP Rick Jacobson explained that Brookview Community Center is looking into contracting with a designated beverage service provider. Rick has been working with Rick Birno, Recreation Superintendent from St. Louis Park, on putting together an RFP for the service. The policy would require community center users that serve alcohol, to use the beverage service for their event. Rick explained that the City would receive a flat rate or percentage of the value of the beverages served. Currently, no revenue is received from beverages. The beverage provider would be responsible for providing insurance as well as trained bartenders. MOTION: Moved by Jim Johnson and seconded by Chuck Cahill to accept the single source beverage service policy. Vlll!. OLD BUSINESS 1) Wirth Beach Study — No update. 2) Sidewalk Committee — Rick Jacobson explained the make up and mission of the committee explaining that Jim Vaughan and Roger McConico represent the OSRC, and that the committee will meet in August. 3) Envision Golden Valley — Jerry Sandler briefed the Commission on the activities to date of the committee. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1) South Tyrol park meeting — Rick Jacobson informed the Commission of an upcoming meeting with staff and the South Tyrol Neighborhood Association. Rick said the meeting will be held August 6t' at 7:00 PM at City Hall. 2) Recreation Activities Brochure - Rick Jacobson announced that the brochure will be going out twice a year now, rather than three times, and will include Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter activities. The Council has requested that staff keep track of how this change impacts program participation. 3) Luce Line Trail Completion Request — A group of people interested in the completion of the Luce Line Trail through Golden Valley attended the Council meeting on July 15th requesting the Council to work with Three Rivers Park District to come up with a plan to complete the Luce Line trail extension through Golden Valley. 4) Golden Valley Community Events Fund — The GVCEF has been meeting with its next event scheduled for late May, 2004. 5) August meeting — Rick Jacobson confirmed with the Commission that due to vacation conflicts, there will not be an August meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Jim Johnson, seconded by Liz Elder to adjourn. Motion carried.