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2004-09-27 EC Agenda Packete AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, September 27, 2004 7:00 P.M. I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes — August 30, 2004 III. Code Revision IV. Buckthorn Discussion V. Program/Project Updates — ➢ Golden Ridge Development ➢ Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants ➢ TH 55/Boone Avenue/General Mills Boulevard ➢ Wirth Lake Berm Repair Recycling Program ➢ Proposed Developments VI. Commission Member Council Reports VII. Other Business VIII. Adjourn GAEnvironmental Commission\Agendas\092704.doc GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes September 27, 2004 Present: Richard Baker, Dawn Hill, Christopher Kaisershot, Alan Kuentz, Jon Pawluk Absent: Tracy Anderson; Jeff Oliver, City Engineer City Staff: Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Tracy Pharr, Administrative Assistant I. Call to Order Kuentz called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. II. Approval of Minutes - August 30, 2004 No changes. MOVED by Hill, seconded by Kaisershot, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 30, 2004 meeting as submitted. III. Code Revision Lundstrom gave an overview of the City's lawn maintenance and noxious weed ordinance. Due to the wording of the ordinance, native grasses are not exempt from the City's mowing policy (lawns must be maintained at less than 8 -inches in length). Lundstrom asked for comments and potential revisions from the Commission. Commission Members agreed to provide comments at the October meeting, or e-mail them to Lundstrom prior to the October 25 meeting. IV. Buckthorn Discussion Baker noted the disappointment associated with the missed opportunity for Jan Olfe and the South Rice Lake Association to address buckthorn within South Rice Lake Park. Lundstrom said that the City Attorney stated City staff needs to address liability issues under the City's workers' compensation language, if/will the City cover any injuries to volunteers, how to cover volunteers injuring other volunteers and develop a waiver form. Baker asked if the Commission would receive feedback with enough time to act upon it. Lundstrom replied that he would make this request. A Commission Members evaluated whether or not they wished to proceed with the (potential) buckthorn removal project. Issues of cost, interest, community involvement, long-term commitment, follow-up and City participation were discussed in detail. Following the in-depth discussion, the Commission decided to create an outline to prepare for a report to the City Council. The Commission agreed with Adam Fulton's revision to the City Code, would like an update from the City Attorney (in writing) regarding liability issues and asked Lundstrom to provide an estimate from Prairie Restoration detailing costs for a buckthorn follow-up plan. V. Program/Project Updates Golden Ridge Development — Public utilities have been installed. Work on two of the Habitat for Humanity homes has begun. Curb and gutter is scheduled for installation this week, and the trail should be completed within the next few weeks. Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants — Staff has received a Phase 11 report and action plan from SEH (the City's consultant). Conditions in the boulevard are still unknown at this time. A meeting is scheduled to discuss this next week. Kuentz asked about the well surveys that were mailed out. Lundstrom did not know the status of these surveys. TH 55/Boone Avenue North/General Mills Boulevard — Work is ongoing. Tree removal is complete. Boone Avenue is currently scheduled to reopen in mid-December. Wirth Lake Berm Repair— The City Manager wrote a letter to the Minneapolis Park Board Director requesting continued communication and coordination with the City regarding the improvements to Wirth Lake, proactive enforcement of public nudity laws and efforts to construct the North Hennepin Regional Trail. Lundstrom stated that he is still hopeful the trail can be constructed in the spring of 2005. Twin Lake Pond — The Watershed identified an area near Schaper Park as an ideal location to locate a pond to treat impervious surface runoff. Room & Board is considering expansion, in which case they would be responsible for creation of this pond. Recycling Program — The Cities of Plymouth, Minnetonka and Golden Valley have begun discussions on a one -sort versus two -sort recycling program. Plymouth has hired a company to perform an extensive telephone survey of residents in order to determine what they desire in a recycling program. The results of this survey will be shared with Golden Valley. Proposed Developments — United Health Group is making improvements to their parking lot. Hennepin County will also work on Douglas Drive within the next month or two. 2 VI. Commission Member Council Reports No Commission Member attended either of the September City Council meetings. Baker asked for volunteers to review the October Council agendas, and determine if Commission presence was warranted at the Council meetings. Hill will attend the October 5 meeting if necessary; and Pawluk will consider the October 19 meeting. VII. Other Business Items of Other Business: ➢ Meeting dates for November and December, due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, were briefly discussed. More discussion will be held at the October meeting. No additional business was addressed. VIII. Adjourn The next scheduled meeting will be on October 25, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, XZU&N i- r1XIA1W racy E. Pharr Administrative Assistant Department of Public Works 3 Buckthorn Removal Program The program will rely on volunteer groups to initiate projects in public areas in Golden Valley. Part of the City's publicity effort should be directed at informing the public of the opportunities for initiating such projects. The City should make it as easy as possible for groups to participate in the program Project Sequence 1. Application Submittal Name of Sponsoring Organization - Must be permanent organization capable of providing follow-up to initial removal. Anticipated number of volunteers for initial removal and re -vegetation. Anticipated Date(s) of initial removal and re -vegetation. Map showing area from which vegetation will be removed. Vegetation to be removed - To allow folks to take out other undesirable plants in addition to Buckthorn if they desire. Treatments to be used in initial removal - Chainsaws, chemicals, pullers, handsaws, etc. Expected number of annual follow-up treatments - Minimum of 3. 2. Staff Evaluation Delineate portion of proposed area from which vegetation can be removed without the need for re -vegetation. Delineate portion of proposed area from which vegetation can be removed and re -vegetation is required. Delineate portion of proposed area from which vegetation should be removed. Estimate costs of project alternatives for the City Staff Coordination with Applicant Finalize Scope of Vegetation Removal Project with Applicant • Only portion of area that does not require re -vegetation • Entire area from which vegetation can be removed with re -vegetation under City direction - Applicant supplies vegetation material based on City Staff recommendations. • Entire area from which vegetation can be removed with re -vegetation under City direction - City supplies vegetation material. • Other Approve project Provide on-site supervision of vegetation removal and re -vegetation Meet with applicant at six month intervals to evaluate follow-up treatment plans and results. �Al Lundstrom - Fwd: Lawn Maintenance Ordinance Page 1 From: Jeannine Clancy To: Al Lundstrom Date: 9/22/2004 3:32:49 PM Subject: Fwd: Lawn Maintenance Ordinance FYI >>> Adam Fulton 09/22/2004 2:03:39 PM >>> Allen, I'm attaching the proposed lawn maintenance ordinance. This ordinance will replace the previous Section 10.52. There are a few changes in this new ordinance: an expanded definitions section, a Lawn Maintenance Waiver for residents desiring Native Vegetation, and the ability to publish a notice in lieu of sending a registered letter. As you suggested, I added a provision about the City's ability to send a letter 7 days prior to mowing. We may be discussing this ordinance with the Council at the November Council/Manager worksession, so I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me sometime in October. Thank you, Adam W. Fulton City of Golden Valley 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427 Phone: (763) 593 - 8039 Email: afultonC&-ci.00iden-valley.mn.us Al Lundstrom - ORD 010 - Lawn Maintenance Ordinance.doc Page 1 SECTION 10.51. LAWN MAINTENANCE. Subdivision 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish minimum standards for lawn maintenance while recognizing that a variety of landscapes within a community adds diversity and richness to the quality of life for all residents. Turf grass lawns continue to be recognized as the dominant feature in the landscape; however, alternatives to this traditional type of lawn are recognized as important parts of a diverse and successful landscape. Subdivision 2. Definitions. A. "Lawn Maintenance Waiver"— A document allowing an owner or occupant to cultivate Native Vegetation upon his/her property, subject to the restrictions of this Section. A Lawn Maintenance Waiver exempts an owner or occupant from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section. B. "Native vegetation" — Those indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and other plants that have naturally adapted themselves to the climate and soils of the area. C. "Natural habitat"— Specially valued and sensitive habitat whereupon native vegetation exists in a pristine state and provides habitat for a variety of species native to the area. Such vegetation shall maintain itself in a stable condition without human intervention. D. "Noxious Weeds" — An annual, biennial, or perennial plant designated by the MN Commissioner of Agriculture or the-Councilas injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property. E. "Rank Vegetation" — Uncultivated vegetation growing at a rapid rate. F. "Recognized Company" — A landscaping company specializing in Native Vegetation. To qualify as a Recognized Company, the landscaping company shall employee a minimum of two employees with combined experience of eight (8) years specializing in Native Vegetation. At least one employee shall hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or related field of study. G. "Turf grass" — Cultivated vegetation consisting of a highly maintained surface of dense grass underlain by a thick root system. H. "Weeds" — Unsuitable, unwanted, or uncultivated vegetation, often causing injury to the desired vegetation type. Subdivision 3. General Requirements. �I Landstrom - ORD 010 - Lawn Maintenance Ordinance.doc A. All lot area not designated for buildings, circulation, parking, recreation, and storage shalt be provided with turf grass, native vegetation, or combined ground cover of cultivated vegetation, garden, hedges, trees, and shrubbery. B. No owner or occupant of a lot shall allow to grow any noxious weeds on any part or portion of said lot as designated by MN Statute18.78. C. No owner or occupant shall allow any turf grass, weeds, or rank vegetation to grow to a height greater than eight (8) inches on a majority of any lot or parcel of land. Subdivision 4. Exemptions. A. Vacant Land. The owner of vacant and unoccupied land consisting of a contiguous tract of one (1) acre or more is exempt from this Section, provided that weeds, turf grass, and rank vegetation thereon are cut twice annually. The first cutting shall not be later than June 1 and the second cutting shall be made between July 15 and September 15. B. Natural Habitat. All public and private lands designated by resolution of the Council as natural habitat need not be maintained in accordance with this Section. C. Native Vegetation. rove a Lawn 1. Waiver. The City Manager or designee may app -Maintenance-Waiver for_any_property owner or occupant interested in cultivating native vegetation on his/her property. Upon approval, the Lawn Maintenance - Waiver shall be valid for five (5) years from the date of approval. The City Manager or designee shall base his/her approval upon the following: a. A completed Application for Native Vegetation. b. Pending complaints or code violations involving the property, the property owner, or occupants. 2. Application for Native Vegetation. The Application for Native Vegetation and Renewal Application for Native Vegetation shall be provided by the City Manager or designee and shall contain the following: a. Statement of intent and purpose in cultivating native vegetation; b. Site plan showing lot lines, buildings, location of proposed native vegetation, the property's legal description, comer visibility requirements as defined by Section 7.04 of City Code, and right-of-way requirements as defined by Section 7.05 of City Code. c. Latin and common names of the species the property At Lundstrom - ORD 010 - Lawn Maintenance Ordinance.doc Page 3 owner or occupant plans to cultivate; d. Maintenance requirements for said species; e. Name and address of the Recognized Company hired to perform maintenance on the native vegetation; or the name, address, and qualifications of the person(s) who will be responsible for maintenance of the native vegetation. 3. Revocation. The City Manager or designee shall regularly inspect all properties holding a Lawn Maintenance Waiver. If the City Manager or designee believes the Native Vegetation is not being properly maintained, he or she may order inspection by a Recognized Company. Should the Recognized Company find that the Native Vegetation has not been correctly maintained, the owner will have a period of twenty (20) days to correct the maintenance of the Native Vegetation. After this twenty (20) day period, a Recognized Company shall again inspect the property. If at this time the Native Vegetation has not been properly maintained, the City Manager or designee shall: a. Revoke the Lawn Maintenance Waiver; b. Order that all vegetation, including all improperly maintained Native Vegetation, be removed; c. Declare the property to be ineligible for a Lawn Maintenance Waiver, unless sold, for a period of five (5) years. d. Bill the property owner for all fees associated with inspection of the property. Subdivision 5. Violations. A. On or before June 1 of each year, the Clerk shall publish once in the official newspaper a notice directing owners and occupants of property within the City to remove all turf grass, weeds, noxious weeds, and rank vegetation exceeding eight (8) inches in height. Said notice shall state that if such vegetation is not removed within ten (10) days after publication of said notice, it shall be removed by the Weed Inspector or his/her designee at the expense of the property owner. B. The Weed Inspector shall, 7 days prior to removing any turf grass, weeds, noxious weeds, or rank vegetation, send by U.S. Mail a letter notifying the property owner of the upcoming removal, but that any failure of the Weed Inspector to send such a letter or for such a letter to be received by the property owner shall not constitute an offense against the City. C. Property owners shall be notified by U.S. Mail immediately thereafter of any work performed and costs involved. The Weed Inspector or his/her designee A Lundstrom - ORD 010 - Lawn Maintenance Ordinance.doc Page 4 shall keep a record of all properties whereupon removal was necessary and the number of times it was necessary, and, by October 1 s' of each year, he/she shall give copies of such records to the Clerk to file as special assessments against each said property. �C�it t Rp 11ey OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Brookview Community Center Monday, August 23, 2004 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Sandler called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Open Space and Recreation Commission: Liz Elder, Roger McConico, Tom Zins, Chuck Cahill, Jim Vaughan, Jerry Sandler, Jim Johnson and James Heine. City Staff., Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Kris Tovson, Golf Course Manager; Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Sheila Van Sloun, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant. Absent: Open Space and Recreation Commission: Tom Kuelbs 111. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Addition made to Old Business: - South Tyrol Park Update IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — June 28, 2004 MOTION: Moved by Zins and seconded by Heine to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. V. FORESTRY REPORT — All Lundstrom Lundstrom explained that in 1977 the City hit its peak for Dutch Elm disease. He said that two years ago, numbers were in the 200's, last year they marked 400 trees and this year numbers are in the 600's, not including diseased elms on General Mills property. Lundstrom explained that General Mills has been removing diseased elms and forwarding the numbers to the City. Lundstrom explained that after a tree is marked, the City then sends out notices and gives residents 20 days to remove the tree. If trees are not removed within 20 days, the City will have the tree removed and assess the cost of removal to the property owner. Lundstrom explained that for liability reasons, the City doesn't get involved in tree removal on private property. He also said that residents are finding contractors to remove the trees usually within the 20 day limit. VI. LAKEVIEW PARK POND STUDY — All Lundstrom Lundstrom explained that the cities Storm Water Management Plan identifies storm water ponds for flood control and water quality. The plan, which was completed in 1999, identified several locations for potential storm water ponds; Lakeview Park was included as a possible location. A feasibility report was recently done to determine if a pond in Lakeview Park would be technically feasible; and if feasible, to determine a preliminary layout and cost estimate of the pond. Lundstrom explained that the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission's (BCWMC) CIP identified the area of Boone Ave/Hwy 55 as a potential pond project area. Because the City is currently working in that area well ahead of the scheduled year in the BCWMC CIP, which doesn't identify the project until 2007, the watershed could not fund the pond project. Therefore, there are funds in the 2007 Bassett Creek Water Shed CIP that are not getting utilized because we had to start the flood plain project at Boone Ave/Hwy 55. Lundstrom said that he has been directed to write a letter to the BCWMC for the Council to approve, asking to keep those funds available to potentially use for the Lakeview project in 2007, should it be approved. Lundstrom explained that the goals of the Lakeview Park project are to improve water quality in Medicine Lake, reduce/eliminate flooding to homes around Lakeview and to create an amenity (pond) for the park. He said that this is also an opportunity in 2007 to look at renovating the entire park. The Commission then discussed possible renovations. Sandler asked Jacobson if there have been any inquiries about renovations to the area. Jacobson said that there hasn't been any recent requests. Zins said that the residents in the area should be informed well in advance. Other Commission members agreed. Cahill said that it would be great if improvements in the park would result in a more usable ball/soccer field. Zins said that adding a pond to the park would mostly benefit the Water Shed District and the City of Plymouth and those living on Medicine Lake. He feels that improving the park is a way of justifying the addition of a pond, which takes up park space and felt that funding for the park master plan study, and improvements, should be paid for by the BCWMC since it's the pond dictating re- organization of the park. Several Commissioners agreed. VII. BROOKVIEW GOLF UPDATE — Kris Tovson Tovson explained that golfing is down nationwide and that they are trying to generate more rounds of golf through various promotions. Tovson believes that weather has been a big factor in the amount of play, but also the parking lot repaving last year and the Winnetka Avenue closure contributed as well. Tovson explained that golf courses in Minnesota are down 4-7% in revenue this year. She explained that Brookview is in the 4% range. She also said that Brookview is in the top 6-9 busiest golf courses in the state. 2 Tovson said that Golf Maintenance is taking excellent care of the course. Tovson said that the Brookview Junior Boys Golf team through the Minnesota Golf Association finished first in their district, second in the region and fifth in state. Tovson discussed events and classes, such as: Learn While You Play, Bring Your family to the Golf Course Week, Women's State Senior Tournament and the Golden Valley Foundation Tournament. She also said that there are several company outings in August and September and that the Grill has been busy catering events. Zins asked when the best years were. Tovson explained that the best years were in the late 80's to early 90's when they exceed $2 million in revenue and were up to 54,000 rounds. She explained that the best year ever was in 1987-88 when we had and extremely dry season and rounds were up to 58,000. Jacobson said the pool/golf exchange program with St. Louis Park has benefited us as well as St. Louis Park. VIII. OLD BUSINESS South Tyrol Trail Sandler said the Council did approve the paving of the trail with a vote of 4-1, and that it has already been paved and turned out very well. Applebee's in Golden Valley Jacobson talked about the new Applebee's in Golden Valley. He said that Youth Athletic Associations were contacted to donate items for display in the new restaurant. Brookview Park Performance Area Jacobson explained that the Golden Valley Federated Women's Club is hosting a fashion show and silent auction at Golden Valley Country Club on Saturday, October 23`d from which the proceeds will be used to go towards the proposed performance area at Brookview, which is identified for 2006 in the CIP. IX. OTHER BUSINESS None. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Johnson, seconded by McConico to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 3 0 pf oT PIT OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Agenda Brookview Community Center Monday, August 23, 2004 7:00 PM I. Call to Order II. Roll Call Liz Elder Roger McConico Chuck Cahill Jim Vaughan Jim Johnson James Heine III. Agenda Changes or Additions IV. Approval of Minutes — June 28, 2004 V. Forestry Report VI. Lakeview Park Pond Study V11. Brookview Golf Update VIII. Old Business IX. Other Business X. Adjournment Tom Zins Jerry Sandler Tom Kuelbs, Jr.