EC Agenda-5-22-2023
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. New Members Ellen Brenna, Sarah Drawz, Paul Klaas (10 min)
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Approval of April 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
7. Old Business
A. Keeping of Honeybees (20 min)
8. New Business
A. Consider Updates to Composting Code (15 min)
B. Commission Re-Orientation (15 min)
C. Election of Officers (5 min) Action requested
D. Program/Project Updates (5 min)
E. Council Updates (5 min)
F. Other Business
9. Adjournment
May 22, 2023 – 6:30 pm
City Hall Council Conference Room
OFFICIAL OATH
State of Minnesota )
)ss
County of Hennepin )
I, Ellen Brenna, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United
States, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and that I will faithfully discharge the
duties of the office of Environmental Commission Member of the City of Golden Valley,
Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability, so help me God.
_______________________________
Ellen Brenna
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of May, 2023.
__________________________________
Wendy Weirich, Chair
PLEASE NOTE: This is the oath of office that will be provided for you to read and
sign at the Environmental Commission meeting. If you object to the oath on
religious grounds, and would like to substitute the word “swear” for the word
“affirm”, and the phrase “So help me God” for the phrase “And this I do under the
penalties of perjury” please notify Melissa Croft at mcroft@goldenvalleymn.gov by
4:30 pm on Monday, May 15th, so the amendment can be prepared.
OFFICIAL OATH
State of Minnesota )
)ss
County of Hennepin )
I, Sarah Drawz, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United
States, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and that I will faithfully discharge the
duties of the office of Environmental Commission Member of the City of Golden Valley,
Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability, so help me God.
_______________________________
Sarah Drawz
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of May, 2023.
__________________________________
Wendy Weirich, Chair
PLEASE NOTE: This is the oath of office that will be provided for you to read and
sign at the Environmental Commission meeting. If you object to the oath on
religious grounds, and would like to substitute the word “swear” for the word
“affirm”, and the phrase “So help me God” for the phrase “And this I do under the
penalties of perjury” please notify Melissa Croft at mcroft@goldenvalleymn.gov by
4:30 pm on Monday, May 15th, so the amendment can be prepared.
OFFICIAL OATH
State of Minnesota )
)ss
County of Hennepin )
I, Paul Klaas, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States,
the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties
of the office of Environmental Commission Member of the City of Golden Valley,
Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability, so help me God.
_______________________________
Paul Klaas
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of May, 2023.
__________________________________
Wendy Weirich, Chair
PLEASE NOTE: This is the oath of office that will be provided for you to read and
sign at the Environmental Commission meeting. If you object to the oath on
religious grounds, and would like to substitute the word “swear” for the word
“affirm”, and the phrase “So help me God” for the phrase “And this I do under the
penalties of perjury” please notify Melissa Croft at mcroft@goldenvalleymn.gov by
4:30 pm on Monday, May 15th, so the amendment can be prepared.
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, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Jim Stremel, Shannon Hansen
Commissioners absent: Debra Yahle, Rachel Zuraff, Kenna Brandt
Council Members present: None
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Drew Chirpich, Water & Natural Resource Specialist;
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 April 24,
2023, and the motion carried.
5. Approval of March 27, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Hansen to approve the minutes of
March 27, 2023, as submitted and the motion carried with the following change:
• Take out the extra parenthesis in section 6.B.iv.
6. Old Business
A. 2022 Accomplishments & 2023 Work Plan
i. The City Council approved the EC’s 2022 Annual Report and 2023 Work Plan at their
April Council Work Session.
1. They congratulated the EC for the work they accomplished and have planned.
2. On the topic of researching City-contracted Solid Waste Collection:
April 24, 2023 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
April 24, 2023 – 6:30 pm
2
1. There will be new council members starting in January 2024. It might be
a good idea to wait and see how the new council feels about it.
2. The council believes it would be a good idea to get community input and
feedback with better survey questions.
7. New Business
A. GreenStep Cities Step 4 and 5 Metrics
i. The City is being recognized for GreenStep Cities steps 4 and 5 again this year. It’s the
third year the City has received these.
ii. The Metrics that qualified the City for Steps 4 and 5:
1. The percentage of streetlights owned by the City and Utility using LEDs went up
7.17%.
2. One additional private green certified building in GV.
iii. The City also improved in the following ways:
1. Dollars spent on energy by the City per square foot/year went down by
$0.19/square foot/year.
2. Electricity consumption for all City buildings is down 244,788 kWh/year.
3. Three more buildings in GV are LEED certified.
B. Keeping of Honeybees
i. The University of MN is pro-honeybee.
ii. More cities in the surrounding area allow beekeeping than not.
1. Ask peer cities how it’s going?
1. Is there anything they would change?
2. How many households are participating?
iii. Should we require the colony owner to have liability insurance?
1. This hasn’t come up with research into other programs.
2. Insurance is typically a private matter that the city does not get involved with.
Many owners carry additional insurance to cover various items or activities on
their properties – pools, trampolines, etc.
iv. “Property Owners”
1. Religious facility, School, Business, Home.
1. Could a rooftop or land be rented out?
2. If renting you would need the owner’s consent/signature on application.
v. It is just fine to have just one colony. A colony equals 1 set of boxes.
vi. Should there be a process to get consent from neighboring properties?
1. Written approval?
2. Physical proof of notification?
3. It isn’t required for the keeping of chickens. Should we be consistent with that?
vii. We should also include a strong campaign to plant native, bee-friendly plants on
properties. Require this for residents with bee licenses?
viii. Include a license fee like we do with chickens to pay for staff time.
ix. Chicken applications don’t go to council. They are approved at a staff level. Keep this
the same with bees?
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
April 24, 2023 – 6:30 pm
3
x. Could we have a map available to the public with the locations of bee colonies? Several
cities do this.
xi. Should we require proof of training/course completion in how to be a beekeeper?
xii. Staff will work on a draft ordinance.
C. Business Meeting in May
i. New members will be introduced.
ii. We will do a re-orientation.
iii. We will elect new officers – Chair and Co-Chair.
iv. We might have a new council liaison.
v. We’ll review our bylaws if needed.
D. Program/Project Updates
E. Council Updates
i. None
F. Other Business
i. Boards & Commission Recognition Dinner – April 27, 6:00 – 7:30, in the Bassett Creek
Room at Brookview.
ii. This was the last meeting for Commissioners Hansen and Stremel.
iii. Medley Park Community Garden – May 2 ribbon cutting ceremony – 5:30-7:00.
iv. May 20 – 12:00 – 3:00 – Annual Plant Sale at Brookview.
v. June 25 – Pollinator Day at Market in the Valley.
vi. Compost will be delivered to Hampshire Park the week of May 1.
vii. No Mow May starts the week of May 1.
viii. GV is still second per capita in EV Cars in Hennepin County.
ix. Does the commission want to do any summer field trips?
8. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Hansen to adjourn the meeting at 8:10
pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
________________________________ _______________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 19, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Mars Muehleis, MN GreenCorps Member
Subject: Beekeeping Ordinance
Expanding on last month’s discussion on beekeeping, staff will be providing some more
background information on how other cities regulate how their residents keep bees. The majority
of nearby cities that allow beekeeping require that hives are at least registered. Around half of
those cities require their residents to acquire a permit which usually is associated with a fee
(ranging between $25 to $105 per year). Of the cities that regulate beekeeping, nearly all of them
have specific setback requirements. This is often about 25 feet from adjacent dwelling units/living
spaces and/or 10 feet from property/lot lines. If the hive(s) are near this distance, flyway barriers
of at least 6 feet (such as a fence, wall, or vegetation) are required. Other common location
requirements include a water source, placement of the hive(s) in the backyard/rear of the
property, and hive entrances facing towards the hive owner’s property.
Cities vary greatly on their policy for notification of neighbors with most having no requirement.
A handful ask for written or verbal notice, and the rest of the cities notify nearby residents after
receiving an application. While training requirements also vary (from a class from an accredited
institution to general training hours to no requirement), it is highly suggested that beekeepers
have exposure to education before beginning.
Staff will share information about other cities beekeeping requirements as well as Golden Valley’s
experience with chicken licensing at the May EC meeting. Following discussion, the Commission
may consider asking staff to draft an ordinance for its review at the June meeting.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 19, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Subject: Consider Updates to Composting Code
Currently, only Golden Valley residents living in single-family through four-plex households have
the opportunity to compost, either through our curbside organics recycling collection or through
composting on their property. The city code permits residential properties having up to four
dwelling units to have composting on-site.
One of the priorities on the Environmental Commission’s 2023 Work Plan is to “help develop a
plan to increase participation rates for organics recycling, and opportunities for multi-family
recycling, including organics and onsite composting.” Also, the City’s Resilience and Sustainability
Plan specifically mentions composting under Goal 3: “Promote Waste Reduction, Recycling, and
Composting.” Objective 2.6 under this goal aims to “increase accessibility to composting and
organics recycling.”
In addition to these goals, City staff have recently received requests from the community to
provide more opportunities for composting since it is currently not allowed for multifamily
residents, schools, religious institutions, or other types of properties.
Below is the compost section of the current city code. Staff asks that Commission members
review this section and come to the meeting with their questions, comments, and
recommendations. Following discussion, the Commission may consider proposing amendments
to this section. If that occurs, staff could bring a draft ordinance to the June meeting for
Commission review and approval.
Current City Code
Sec. 22-25. - Composting.
Composting is permitted only on residential properties having up to four dwelling units provided
that all of the following conditions are met:
(a) Permitted Composting Materials. Only yard waste, straw, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee
grounds or eggshells generated from the site on which the compost is located are permitted
composting materials. In addition, commercially available ingredients specifically designed to
speed or enhance decomposition can be placed in the composting structure.
(b) Prohibited Composting Materials. The following materials shall not be placed in the
composting structure: hedge, tree trimmings and twigs one- quarter inch diameter or greater;
Christmas trees; meat; bones; fat oils; whole eggs; dairy products; unshredded branches or logs;
weeds heavily loaded with seeds; plastics; synthetic fibers; human or pet wastes; diseased plants;
and any other solid waste or hazardous waste not permitted in Subsection (1) of this section.
(c) Composting Structure. All composting materials must be contained in an enclosed structure
which may be constructed of wood, wire mesh, or a combination of wood and wire, or in
commercially fabricated compost bins designed to contain composting materials. Maximum of
one structure is allowed per lot.
(d) Composting Structure Size. Composting shall be conducted within an enclosed structure not to
exceed a total of 500 cubic feet (for example, 10 feet by 10 feet by five feet) in volume. The
maximum height of the composting structure shall be five feet.
(e) Location. The composting structure shall be located in the rear yard of the property, and be at
least five feet from the property line, or 35 feet if the property line is also a street line, and no
closer than 20 feet to any habitable building, other than the residents' own home.
(f) Maintenance. The compost shall be managed in keeping with standard compost practices
which include providing adequate air circulation to prevent combustion and objectionable odors
to adjacent properties.
(g) Nuisance. The operation of composting in a manner that results in objectionable odors or the
placing of prohibited materials in a composting structure to create a health hazard is considered
a public nuisance.
(Ord. No. 674 , § 2, 11-19-2019)
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City
Date: May 19, 2023
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Commission Re-Orientation
At the business meeting each May, staff reviews the orientation materials for Boards and
Commissions including the commission’s structure, member roles and responsibilities, open
meeting law, and the City’s values. Commission members are asked to review the attached
materials ahead of time and come to the meeting with their questions and comments.
City of Golden Valley
Board and Commission
Member Orientation
●Commitment to Community
●City of Golden Valley Structure
●City Boards and Commissions Structure
●Board and Commission Member Roles &
Responsibilities
Agenda
Commitment to
Community
All Are Welcome
The City of Golden Valley believes in and stands for the values of social equity, inclusion,
and justice.
We embrace diversity and recognize the rights of individuals to live their lives with dignity,
free of discrimination, fear, violence, and hate.
We welcome individuals to Golden Valley regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national
origin, immigration status, gender, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, economic
status, sexual orientation, familial status, or cultural background.
We strive to provide fair and unbiased services and programs, giving opportunities for all.
We are dedicated to being a supportive and united community, strengthened by the
diversity of our residents and visitors.
Vision & Mission
Vision
Golden Valley strives to creatively connect
people and places, preserve and enhance
community resources, and nurture
opportunities for all.
Mission
The City of Golden Valley delivers high-
quality, responsive services to ensure the
community remains a vibrant and
welcoming environment in which to live,
work, and play.
Our Values
Why And How We Work
Communication
Community
Inclusion
Integrity
Respect
Innovation
Courage
Accountability
Golden Valley Commitment to Equity
•Provides free legal and title services to help property
owners find discriminatory covenants and discharge them
from their property titles.
•Provides education opportunities to help communities
acknowledge this racist history and pursue reconciliation
and anti-racist solutions.
•Take action to dismantle the racist systems that deny
opportunities to communities of color, and by investing in
solutions that create equity.
Equity and Inclusion
Manager •Directs and develops initiatives in policy, practice and community
engagement to develop equitable outcomes internally and
externally;
•Develops and facilitates staff training and professional
development;
•Manages and updates the City’s Equity Plan;
•Collaborates with staff in all departments; and
•Staff Liaison to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission.
Seth Kaempfer
Community Connection and Outreach Specialist
Airrion Williams
•Build partnerships within the Community to increase
engagement and connections.
•Building trust and establishing collaborative relationships with
underrepresented communities
•Assist with data collection to improve outreach and education
•Assist with developing and implementing civic engagement
strategies to increase participation among diverse populations
•Staff Liaison for the Police Employment, Accountability, and
Community Engagement Commission in collaboration with the
Police Department.
City Structure
City Demographics
•Population – 22,552
•Location – 10.5 square miles, located
five miles west of downtown
Minneapolis
•Median Age – 45.6
•Race – White 80%, Persons of Color 20%
•Median Household Income - $98,100
•Plan B form of Government
Current City Council
Shep Harris
Mayor
(2023)
Kimberly Sanberg
Council Member
(through May 16,
2023)
Denise La Mere-
Anderson
Council Member
(2025)
Maurice Harris
Council Member
(2023)
Gillian Rosenquist
Council Member
(2025)
City Staff Leadership Team
Tim Cruikshank
City Manager
Kirsten Santelices
Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources
Director
Rick Birno
Parks and
Recreation
Director
Alma Flores
Community
Development
Director
Sue Virnig
Finance Director
Cheryl Weiler
Communications
Director
Virgil Green
Chief of Police
John Crelly
Fire Chief
Maria Cisneros
City Attorney
Tim Kieffer
Public Works
Director
● City Council point-of-contact
● Administers City business – including hiring and directing City staff
● Assists Council with developing policies
● Implements policies and directives of the Council
Organizational Priorities
Strategic Development & Redevelopment
Effective Governance
Infrastructure Maintenance & Enhancement
Financial Wellness
Community Affairs
Boards and
Commissions
Structure
How Everyone Works Together
Community Role
•Elect Council and
Mayor
•Participate in
community input –
which may include
Board/Commission
and Task Force
initiatives
Mayor and Council Role
•Make decisions based on provided input from
community, commissions/board, and city staff
•Process includes discussions and debates; dialogue is
open and respectful.
Board/Commission/Task Force Role
•Study issues and provide input to City Council
•Council makes final decisions that may or may not
reflect the recommendations of the advisory body
Staff Role
•Study issues and
provide professional
recommendations
to the Council and
Boards,
Commissions, and
Task Forces
•Carry out policy and
directives from City
Council
Board and Commission Structure
Ordinance
•Laws passed by the City Council creating and setting rules
for City commissions
Bylaws
•Commission governing document – approved by Council
Quorum
•Majority of seated members required to vote on
business items
•Meetings can be held without a quorum, but cannot
conduct business by taking votes on motions.
Roberts Rules
•Procedure used to run Commission meetings
Officers
•Chair (1 year)
•Vice Chair (1 year)
•Max 2 consecutive years and Chair
and Vice Chair
Types of Meetings
•Regular
•Special
Meeting Packet
•Agenda
•Minutes
•Additional Supporting Documents
Work Flow Calendar
●Boards/Commissions begin
submitting annual work plans to
Council (Example)
●Reappointment Process Begins
●City Manager’s Office reviews
attendance for the previous year
(April-March)
●Annual Board/Commission
Appreciation Dinner
●Reappointments and new member
appointments effective May 1
●Review Commission bylaws (first
meeting in May)
●Election for executive roles
●New member recruitment begins
●City Council hosts annual strategy
session
●Boards/Commissions conduct ongoing regular business
●Policies and initiatives that were not included in the Council’s action steps or
Board and Commission annual work plan become recommendations for
Council consideration at the next annual strategy session.
●Other initiatives may take priority as the Council and Commissions work to be
responsive to community needs.
January
May - June
February
June – December
March-April
●Joint Board, Commission, and City
Council Meeting
Current City Board and Commissions
Board of Zoning Appeals
Meet to hear requests for variances from the zoning
code (which is the City’s main form of land use
regulation).
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission
Advises, recommends, and assists Council in matters
relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and human
rights. The mission of the Golden Valley DEIC is to
promote and nurture a safe and welcoming
community dedicated to the values of social equity,
Environmental Commission
Advises and makes recommendations to the Council
in matters that affect the environment
Community Services Commission
Plans and holds fundraisers and events to help raise
money to meet previously identified human service
needs in the community. Advises City Council on
allocation of funds.
Current City Board and Commissions
Planning Commission
Advises, recommends, and assists Council in matters
relating to planning and growth of the City, including
issues relating to the social, economic, and physical
environment.
Open Space and Recreation Commission
Advises, recommends, and assists Council in policies
and plans relating to open space needs, parks and
recreation programs, trail systems, and Brookview
Golf Course.
Police Employment, Accountability and
Community Engagement (PEACE) Commission
Help the Golden Valley Police Department innovate
and transform its provision of public safety services
based on community input and needs, and to assure
that the department provides inclusive, community-
centered service.
Board and
Commission Members
Roles and
Responsibilities
Board/Commission Roles
Role of Board/Commission
•Discuss matters within the scope of
the board/commission, as defined
by Council-approved work plan,
bylaws and City Code, or as
directed by City Council.
•Conduct research, including
gathering community input and
subject matter expert advice.
•Advise the Council on topics within
the scope of the
Board/Commission’s work, and
submit recommendations as voted
upon by the Board/Commission.
Not Role of Board/Commission
•Boards/Commissions do not direct the work of City staff.
•Cannot direct the use of City funds With the exception of
Board/Commission’s Council-approved budget.
We may not always agree, but we share the same end goals:
•Provide the Council with the best resources and guidance
possible
•Decisions resulting in equitable and informed outcomes
for the City
Member Expectations
•Prepare by reading agenda and previous meeting
minutes prior to meeting
•Attend meetings & events
•Participate & Engage during meetings and planned
events
•Accountable to your role and responsibilities,
inclusive of sub-committees
•Monitor Golden Valley emails on a regular basis.
•Communicate with staff liaison
•Respect & Inclusion of all
•Follow the Guidelines and Guiding Principles
NOTE:
•Members are expected to attend
all meetings & the joint meeting
•Staff liaisons track attendance at
each meeting
•Virtual attendance is allowed in
limited circumstances under
virtual attendance policy
Open Meeting Law
This law pertains to emailing, phone calls, social media and texting!
Purpose
•Prohibits secret meetings
•Ensures the public’s right to
be informed
•Gives the public an
opportunity to participate
Rules
•Meetings must be open to
the public and noticed in
advance
•Violations occur when a
quorum of members meet
and decide business in
private
Written Records and
Communication Methods
•How Council Obtains Board/Commission Updates:
•Meeting Minutes
•Staff Report (written by Staff)
•Annual Report/Work Plan
•Joint Council, Board, and Commission meeting
•How to Communicate Board/Commission Work with the City:
•City Staff and Council communicate via the following:
•Media Requests
•T.V. Spots
•Social Media
•City Website
•Marketing and Graphics
•How to Communicate Between Commissioners and City Staff:
•Only through the provided City of Golden Valley email
Thank you for your service!
BYLAWS
Environmental Commission
Article I: Purpose, Mission, and Duties
The Environmental Commission shall be an advisory commission to the City Council on matters relating to
the environment and human health. The Commission shall:
• develop and make recommendations to educate the public on environmental regulations, policies,
practices and tools
• develop and make recommendations as an advisory review body for amendments to or revisions of
the City’s Surface Water Management Plan and provide advice as requested by the Council on other
city programs and initiatives
• review and make recommendations regarding the city’s existing environmental ordinances, policies,
and guidelines
• develop and make recommendations on management practices for the City’s nature areas, public and
private ponding areas, and other such city-owned properties as directed by the City Council
• develop and make recommendations regarding waste reduction, recycling, and organics/composting
• review and make recommendations on the City's resilience and sustainability policies and actions to
address climate variations
• participate, as directed by the City Council, in local activities initiated by other public and quasi-public
agencies regarding environmental issues
• advise and recommend such other functions or procedures as may be assigned to them by the City
Code or the Council
Article II: Membership, Appointments, Terms, and Officers
A. Membership
The Commission shall consist of seven regular members, and two voting youth members. Regular members
shall be residents of the City. Youth members shall live or attend school within Golden Valley, the
Robbinsdale Area District or Hopkins School District and be enrolled in school grades 9 through 12. A
vacancy shall be deemed to exist if a member ceases to meet the residency requirements.
B. Appointments and Terms
Appointments are made effective May 1 of each year. The Council shall appoint regular members of the
Commission for three-year staggering terms. Youth members shall be appointed for a one-year term. The
terms of Commission members shall be fixed and determined at the time of appointment by the governing
ordinance. Emphasis in appointments will be made based on knowledge of environmental issues and their
relationships to the natural environment and the quality of life in the City. The City Council shall appoint
the members of the Commission and to fill vacancies for unexpired terms.
C. Officers
The Commission shall elect officers of Chair and Vice-Chair from the Commission membership by its voting
members at its regular annual meeting, (no later than the second meeting after May 1 in each year). The
Chair and Vice Chair positions rotate, and members may only serve two consecutive years as the Chair or
Vice-Chair. Should the office of Chair or Vice-Chair become vacant, the Commission shall elect a successor
from its membership at the next regular meeting and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said
office. Officers may also delegate the duties of their position to other Commissioners as deemed
appropriate by the Commission.
BYLAWS – Environmental Commission 2
Amended and approved December 7, 2021
Chair responsibilities include:
• work with staff liaison to develop meeting agendas
• conduct and preside at all meetings in a productive and time-efficient manner
• ensure the Commission conducts its activities within the stated mission and bylaws of the
Commission
• appoint Commissioners to subcommittees
• monitor and ensure the progress of the Commission
• report to the City Council
Vice-Chair responsibilities:
• perform the duties of the Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair
• perform all other duties as prescribed by the Commission
Article III: Meetings and Attendance
A. Meetings
All meetings of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law
and City Code. This means all business and discussion occurs at a meeting which has been posted and is
open to the public.
The presence of a majority of all regular members currently appointed to the Commission shall constitute
a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes.
In the event a quorum is not reached, a smaller number of members may meet to have info rmal
discussion, however, formal action shall not be taken and must be reserved for such time as when a
quorum of the Commission is reached. A quorum of the members should not discuss Commission business
by email, forms of social media, telephone, or informal meetings. Commission meetings may be cancelled
by the staff liaison if there are no items on the agenda for discussion.
The proceedings of meeting should be conducted using standard parliamentary procedure.
i. Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Commission shall be held on the fourth Monday of the month at City
Hall at 6:30 pm. The Commission may, by a majority vote, change its regular meeting dates for any
reason provided proper public notice of the changed meeting is provided.
ii. Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the commission shall be a regular meeting, typically the first meeting after
May 1 of each year, at which time elections will be held.
iii. Special Meetings
A special meeting may be called by the Chair or whenever three members request the same in
writing. Staff shall give notice to each commissioner, at least three days prior to any special
meeting, of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
BYLAWS – Environmental Commission 3
Amended and approved December 7, 2021
B. Attendance
Members are expected to attend all meetings. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they should
contact the staff liaison, who will inform the chair. If a quorum cannot be attained, the meeting will be
canceled. Staff liaisons will track attendance at each meeting. Each April, the City Manager’s office will
review attendance records for the preceding calendar year (April-March) and send a standardized letter of
warning to any member that has missed:
• two consecutive or three total meetings for groups that meet once a month; or
• two consecutive or five total meetings for groups that meet twice a month.
Because attendance is so important to the work of the City’s boards and commissions, the City Manager
may ask the member to explain the reasons for their absences. If circumstances (other than health
circumstances) prevent the member from committing to consistently attend future meetings, the member
may be asked to step down. If the member’s attendance does not improve after receiving a warning, the
Council may take action to remove the member.
Article IV: Rules
A. Recordkeeping
All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be kept in accordance with City procedures,
Minnesota Statute and Rules regarding preservation of public records and the Minnesota Data Privacy Act.
B. Work Plan
The Commission will draft an annual work plan that details activities and projected timelines for the
upcoming year.
• The Chair may appoint Commissioners to be primarily responsible for each work plan activity.
• The Commission may establish subcommittees to oversee work plan activities. The
subcommittees will be chaired by Commissioners appointed by the Chair.
• The Commission’s work plan will be submitted to the City Council, typically during the first
quarter of the calendar year. The Chair and/or Commissioners will attend a Council/Manager
meeting to discuss the annual work plan with the City Council.
• The Commission’s work plan must be agreed upon by the City Council.
C. Annual Report
The Commission shall submit an annual report to the City Council summarizing the past year's activities.
The report may highlight information the Commission feels appropriate to convey to the City Council.
D. Performance of Duties
Commissioners are expected to adequately prepare for meetings. Commissioners unable to complete an
assigned task should notify the commission chair or subcommittee chair as soon as possible. The
Commission staff liaison may ask the City Council to review a Commissioner’s appointment based upon its
assessment of significant non-performance of duties.
Article V: Amendments and Revisions
The Commission will review these bylaws no later than the second meeting after May 1 every three
years. Members may present recommendations for changes and amendments. These bylaws can be
altered or amended at any regular monthly Commission meeting with a majority of members present,
provided that notice of the proposed changes and amendments is provided to each member at least 10
business days before the meeting. The Council must review and approve any changes to, and has final
authority regarding, these bylaws.
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – May 2023
GREENCORPS PROGRAM
The member has been planning clean-up events in April and May around Golden Valley. They are beginning
preparations for an electric vehicle and equipment showcase in June. In the coming months, they will be
inventorying trees within planned unit developments in the City as well as continuing work on the education
and outreach. GV was recently notified that it will be a host site for the program again next year.
WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES
2024 Bassett Creek Restoration Project (Regent Ave to Golden Valley Rd) – The BCWMC approved funding
for 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
was also an open house for the project at Brookview Community Center on March 1st. 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 is substantially complete. Restoration, and planting will occur
starting in late May. More information is available on the project webpage and via weekly construction
updates emailed to residents.
DeCola Ponds SEA School-Wildwood Park Flood Reduction Project
The SEA School-Wildwood Park flood storage portion of the project was awarded to Rachel Contracting by the
City Council on March 7. Work began on May 1. The DeCola Ponds D and E storm sewer outlet 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 finished 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 ran through winter
2022 with restoration of disturbed areas being completed in spring of 2023.
ENERGY
Staff were present at the Loppet Foundation’s Sustainability Fair at the Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park to
provide energy and recycling information for attendees. Now staff are preparing for the Electric Vehicle and
Equipment Showcase on Thursday, June 15 from 4-7pm in the parking lot at City Hall. Also, the boiler
replacement at City Hall has begun, which should yield energy savings that we will continue to track using B3
Benchmarking.
RECYCLING
Staff recently toured Republic Services’ Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and began a composition study of
the traditional recycling stream. This study will provide more information about what materials Golden Valley
residents are recycling, what items are contaminating the recycling, and how we can provide better education.