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EC Agenda 7-24-2023 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. Approval of Agenda 5. Approval of June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min) 6. Old Business A. Land Acknowledgement - Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ/Bassett Creek (10 min) 7. New Business A. Annual Energy Report (20 min) B. Work Plan Prioritization (25 min) C. Program/Project Updates (5 min) D. Council Updates (5 min) E. Other Business 8. Adjournment July 24, 2023 – 6:30 pm City Hall Council Conference Room 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 Hill at 6:30 pm. 2. Land Acknowledgement 3. Roll Call Commissioners present: Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle, Ellen Brenna, Sarah Drawz, Paul Klaas, Kenna Brandt Commissioners absent: Wendy Weirich, Rachel Zuraff Council Members present: Sophia Ginis Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor; Drew Chirpich, Water & Natural Resource Specialist; Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist; Mars Muehleis, GreenCorps Member; Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant. 4. Approval of June 26, 2023, Agenda MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Brenna to approve the agenda for June 26, 2023, and the motion carried. 5. New Council Liaison Sophia Ginis 6. Approval of May 22, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Brenna, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the minutes of May 22, 2023, as submitted and the motion carried. 7. Old Business A. Keeping of Honeybees i. We would like to get this in front of council before Mars is done. Hopefully before the August 15 meeting. June 26, 2023 – 6:30 pm City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting June 26, 2023 – 6:30 pm 2 ii. Where is the push for this ordinance coming from? At the moment, honeybees are banned because they are considered farm animals. 1. Residents have requested over the years. 2. GreenCorps Member Muehleis has spoken with interested residents at table events. 3. Council asked us to consider adding this to your work plan and take a closer look. 4. Three Rivers as an organization is no longer keeping honeybees in its parks. iii. Published an article in the May/June City News and asked for Public Input. 1. We had one for and one against. iv. Attached to the 6-26-23 EC Agenda is an e-mail from resident Kate Larson. v. The People for Pollinators Group has not taken a position on this. The recent request we received came from a family member of someone in the People for Pollinators Group. vi. This is not limited to only residential homes. Schools, businesses, churches, etc. could also participate. vii. Staff is neutral on this. It’s not an either/or. It’s a yes/and. We can allow people to engage in hobby beekeeping and having the mechanisms in place to make sure it’s done properly and safely while still creating and endorsing pollinators and native habitat, creating more habitat, limiting the use of pesticides, providing more education. We wouldn’t just focus on honeybees. viii. The commission would like to see more information/education going out to the community. 1. Planting more bee friendly plants/food sources to make sure this doesn’t take away from the native bee species. 1. Unless the hives are placed in a specifically native habitat, they aren’t doing more harm than good. There aren’t many areas in Golden Valley that have native species where honeybees would be helpful pollinators. 2. Included in the draft ordinance under (3)j. 2. It’s not about saving pollinators. It’s about food supply. 3. Put links/info on Golden Valley website to where you could buy/order native plants? ix. There is no notification process for neighboring properties at this moment and no veto power. We don’t have it included in the chicken licenses. If you meet the standards and requirements in the draft ordinance and you demonstrate that in your plan and on-site visit you can get a license. x. Chair asked the commissioners: Is there some way to re-evaluate interest right now? How strong is the push for honeybees? 1. You have to catch people’s eye and they have to feel strongly one way or the other to provide feedback. 2. If the majority of the people don’t have a strong enough opinion either way to respond, why would we outright ban them? MOTION by Commissioner Brenna to recommend the draft ordinance language to the Council. There was not a second. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting June 26, 2023 – 6:30 pm 3 Is it possible to do what the Council asked of us, which is to discuss beekeeping and draft an ordinance and not recommend it either way because both sides of the EC have equally balanced thoughts? Honeybees do not supplement the work of native bees and other pollinators. Will need to clarify this moving forward. This isn’t a solution to pollinator issues and these are two very separate things. They can potentially help each other and can potentially hurt each other. There’s research both ways. Change (3)j in the ordinance to be just ‘vegetation’ not ‘native vegetation’ and decrease the number of hives people are allowed to have? If there isn’t native vegetation there won’t be native pollinators for the honeybees to affect. • The hive numbers in (2)b. are based on what other cities do and also a model ordinance sent by a resident. • The properties qualifying for (2)b.d. are mostly non-residential. There aren’t many residential 1+ acre lots in Golden Valley. • Leave (2)b. as is for the Council to discuss. MOTION by Commissioner Brenna, seconded by Commissioner Drawz to forward this draft ordinance to the Council for their consideration. With a vote of 6-1 the motion carried with Commissioner Hill voting against. B. Composting Code Update i. Back yard composting will allow properties who aren’t a part of the Organics Recycling – schools, businesses, multifamily properties - to divert their organics from going to the landfill. It will also allow residents to create compost for gardening. ii. The City Attorney and Equity Manager will weigh in on this, too. It will be brought back to the Commission if there are major changes. iii. Be sure to be clear with communications that this is different from the organics collection. Backyard composting is gardening. Items that can’t go in the backyard composting would go into the organics bin. The organics collection can be done year- round. iv. Compost cannot be sold. MOTION by Commissioner Yahle, seconded by Commissioner Brandt to approve the Updates to the Composting Code, with the following recommendations, and the motion carried: 1. Change section (f) to say ‘The compost shall be managed in keeping with the standard compost practices, as set forth in the Hennepin County Composting Guide, which includes providing adequate air circulation to prevent combustion and objectionable odors to adjacent properties…’ 1. Underlined portion was added. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting June 26, 2023 – 6:30 pm 4 C. Recycling Report Part 2 i. Sustainability Specialist, Ethan Kehrberg, gave an update on the City’s Organics and Recycling programs. D. Recap of Compost Pickup i. This year’s load was delivered to Hampshire Park on May 1. ii. In 2022 it took 2 days for all of the compost to be picked up. In 2023 it took 2.5 weeks so a second load wasn’t delivered. We will deliver a similar amount in 2024 and see how that goes. iii. Could we change locations next year? We could consider, but Hampshire Park works well for being able to continue with other park activities and for storm drain run-off. E. Recap of Electric Vehicle and Equipment Showcase i. GV is ranked second to Edina for EV ownership per capita. ii. Can we require multi-family buildings to have charging stations? 1. We think the legislature said we can now. Planning Commission and Legal will work on this. F. Recap of No Mow May – Commission had no concerns so we will continue this initiative in 2024. 8. New Business A. DEI Update MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to formally dissolve the EC/DEIC Subcommittee and the motion carried. i. We still want to collaborate with the DEI. ii. Seth Kaempfer is the City’s new Equity and Inclusion Manager. 1. He will be working on creating a new Equity Plan for the City over the next year. iii. There will be a Building an Equitable Golden Valley forum this fall with a focus on Indigenous culture. iv. Carrie forwarded an e-mail to the commissioners from Crystal Boyd, Ȟaȟa Wakpadan Project Manager, asking for: 1. One commissioner and one staff member to sign up for 2 community gatherings – held on July 8 and Nov 11 - to brainstorm how community groups could expand awareness of the creek’s Dakota name. i. Commissioner Galonska signed up for both ii. Staff Liaison, Eric Eckman, will attend the July 8 and Nov 11 gatherings. 2. One commissioner to attend a series of 3 “Listen and Learn” events – held July 8, August 15, and September 23 - to explore interviews that were recorded with Native American people in the Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ watershed. i. Commissioner Klaas can attend August 15. ii. Staff Liaison Eckman to attend July 8. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting June 26, 2023 – 6:30 pm 5 B. Program/Project Updates i. None C. Council Updates i. Two new officers were sworn in at the June 6th Council meeting. Two new officers will be sworn in at the July 18 Council meeting. ii. Council discussed the City’s Parking minimums/maximums and really looked at how much non-permeable surfaces the City has and looked at ways to improve that. iii. Concert in the Park – Monday’s at 7pm – Brookview Park iv. Ice Cream Social – July 10 – 7:00 pm – Brookview Park v. Wells Fargo Site Redevelopment – The project has been approved. The developer came before Council to ask for Tax Increment Financing to fund the affordable units within the building. D. Other Business i. Board/Commission Promotion Opportunity 1. Executive Assistant, Melissa Croft, sent out an e-mail asking for one or two Commissioners to write a paragraph about why you serve and what your experience has been serving on the EC. They would like to start highlighting Boards/Commission members on the social media platforms to try and create more interest in serving. ii. Work Plan Prioritization Discussion in July 9. Adjournment MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Drawz to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 pm and the motion carried. ATTEST: ________________________________ _______________________________________ Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Dawn Hill, Chair G:\Environmental Commission\Memos Date: July 21, 2023 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Environmental Justice - Land Acknowledgement Actions The Environmental Commission’s work plan includes working on environmental justice and land acknowledgement actions in our community. In 2022, the EC hosted a speaker and discussed the Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ/Bassett Creek Oral History Project. Learning about the project, Indigenous people in the community, and their stories increased awareness and understanding and provided the Commission with additional context and perspective as it works to protect and improve the environment and human health in Golden Valley. The Oral History Project is wrapping up now and will be available soon. Building on the priorities identified in the Oral History Project, an effort emerged to bring awareness about the Dakota name for Bassett Creek, Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ. Commissioner Galonska and staff recently attending a community gathering to learn, build relationships, and discuss how to begin using the name Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ. Attached are materials from the event that can be reviewed by the Commission ahead of its July meeting. Commissioner Galonska and staff will be on hand to provide an update and facilitate discussion. 1 Eric Eckman From:Crystal Boyd <crystalboydconsulting@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, July 14, 2023 8:01 AM Subject:Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ - A Great Kickoff! Attachments:Exploring_Haha_Wakpadan_Kickoff_Slides.pdf; HHM_Haha_Wakpadan_Worksheet.pdf; Exploring_Haha_Wakpadan_Project_Handout.pdf EXTERNAL EMAIL ALERT: This message originated from outside the City of Golden Valley. Do not click links or open attachments  unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.     Greetings, everyone!      Last weekend, Hennepin History Museum hosted a great kickoff event for community partners. We started raising  awareness of the Dakota name for Bassett Creek: Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ.      Kickoff  The kickoff welcomed 24 attendees representing 20 organizations. We discussed the "Exploring Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ"  project, enjoyed lunch from Pow Wow Grounds, and learned from Roxanne Gould's recorded interview.     Attached are the presentation slides and a worksheet. Or please reach out if you'd like a link to the presentation  recording!      Next Steps  ‐Please mention "Exploring Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ" to your group at its next meeting. And please share the attached project  handout. Questions welcome!    ‐The next community gathering is Thursday August 10. We're offering two identical meetings so staff or volunteers can  attend. Everyone is invited to learn more and share updates. Please register here for the 11:00am meeting or register  here for the 6:30pm meeting. Both meetings are virtual.    ‐The next Listen & Learn session is Thursday August 15 at 6:30pm. Dr. Kasey Keeler will discuss her experience  interviewing 14 Indigenous people who live, work, or play in the Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ watershed. We'll also discuss her  interview with Dakota author Diane Wilson. Register here.      Partners  ‐If you'd like to add a person or group to our growing list of community partners, please send me their contact  information. I'm happy to schedule a meeting with them and help them get oriented!      Warm regards,  Crystal      Upcoming Events  ‐Thursday August 10 at 11:00am or 6:30pm ‐ virtual community gathering to learn more about the project and share  updates (register here for 11:00am or register here for 6:30pm)    2 ‐Tuesday August 15 at 6:30pm ‐ virtual Listen & Learn session with Dr. Kasey Keeler (register here)    ‐Saturday September 23 at 1:00pm ‐ Listen & Learn session at Mill City Museum with Syd Beane (register here)    ‐Saturday November 11 at 10:30am ‐ Capstone community gathering at Valley Community Presbyterian Church in  Golden Valley to celebrate networking & project achievements (register here)      ‐‐   Crystal Boyd Consulting LLC   Helping busy leaders manage grants since 2013.  612‐247‐5283  crystalboydconsulting@gmail.com    Dates Listen & Learn Sessions Tues. August 15, 6:30pm – Virtual Sat. September 23, 1:00pm – Mill City Museum Community Gatherings Thurs. August 10, 11:00am & 6:30pm – Virtual Sat. Nov. 11, 10:30am – Valley Community Presbyterian Church Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd EXPLORING ȞAȞA WAKPADAŊ: KICKOFF FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS Crystal Boyd Hennepin History Museum July 8, 2023 Relationships 1. Build relationships & a community network 2. Raise awareness of the creek’s Dakota name 3. Practice new ways of sharing oral history Goals Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd 1. Build relationships & a community network 2. Raise awareness of the creek’s Dakota name 3. Practice new ways of sharing oral history Goals Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd 1. Build relationships & a community network 2. Raise awareness of the creek’s Dakota name 3. Practice new ways of sharing oral history Goals Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd What’s in a Name? •Mississippi River = Ȟaȟa Wakpa = Falls River Image courtesy of Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission What’s in a Name? •Mississippi River = Ȟaȟa Wakpa = Falls River •Bassett Creek = Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ = Falls Creek Image courtesy of Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission •Your name •Organization •Practice saying Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ: Ha Ha Wokpeh-dahn Greet your neighbors Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd •Land Acknowledgement •Introductions •Project Overview •Listen & Learn Sessions Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd Agenda •Land Acknowledgement •Introduction •Project Overview •Listen & Learn Sessions •Next Steps o 11:30 – Lunch o 12:30 – Listen & Learn with Roxanne Gould Land Acknowledgement •Valley Community Presbyterian Church (VCPC) sits on the ancestral and contemporary land of the Dakota people, for whom the land holds historical, spiritual, political, and cultural significance. Land Acknowledgement •Valley Community Presbyterian Church (VCPC) sits on the ancestral and contemporary land of the Dakota people, for whom the land holds historical, spiritual, political, and cultural significance. •We acknowledge the ongoing injustices that we have committed against the Dakota people and pledge to interrupt this legacy. We will educate ourselves about Indigenous history and recognize, support, and advocate for our Native neighbors. Introductions •4 Cultural Advisors •3 Listen & Learn Facilitators Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Introductions •4 Cultural Advisors •Darlene St. Clair (Dakota) •Jim Rock (Dakota) •Cathee Vick (Anishinaabe, Dakota) •Bradley Blackhawk (Ho-Chunk) Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Introductions •3 Listen & Learn Facilitators •Roxanne Gould (Anishinaabe, Odawa) •Kasey Keeler (Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Citizen Potawatomi Nation) •Syd Beane (Dakota) Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Introductions •4 Cultural Advisors •3 Listen & Learn Facilitators •1 Project Sponsor, Manager, and Funding Partner •Hennepin History Museum, John Crippen Introductions •4 Cultural Advisors •3 Listen & Learn Facilitators •1 Project Sponsor, Manager, and Funding Partner •Hennepin History Museum, John Crippen •Crystal Boyd Consulting LLC Introductions •4 Cultural Advisors •3 Listen & Learn Facilitators •1 Project Sponsor, Manager, and Funding Partner •Hennepin History Museum, John Crippen •Crystal Boyd Consulting LLC •St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board Image courtesy of Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional Introductions •4 Cultural Advisors •3 Listen & Learn Facilitators •1 Project Sponsor, Manager, and Funding Partner •70+ Community Groups (we hope!) Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Introductions •70+ Community Groups (we hope!) •Oral History Narrators •Indigenous Groups •History Organizations •Environmental Groups •Faith Communities •Neighborhood Associations •DEI Commissions •More? Photo courtesy of Stan Waldhauser Pending accession at GVHS Introductions Pending accession at Golden Valley Historical Society https://freshwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Basset-Creek-Collaborating-to-achieve-multiple-benefits_Metro-Water-Summit.pdf 9 cities: •Plymouth •Medicine Lake •Minnetonka •New Hope •Crystal •Robbinsdale •Golden Valley •St. Louis Park •Minneapolis Introductions https://freshwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Basset-Creek-Collaborating-to-achieve-multiple-benefits_Metro-Water-Summit.pdf Project Overview •Follow-up to oral history project •14 interviews •Indigenous people who live, work, or play in the Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ watershed Project Overview •Follow-up to oral history project •14 interviews •Indigenous people who live, work, or play in the Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ watershed •Conducted by Dr. Keeler •First gathering of suburban American Indian oral histories in the United States and Canada (!) Photo courtesy of Larry Johnson Narrator Priorities Photo courtesy of Larry Johnson 1.Truth-telling •Land acknowledgement •Indigenous place names 2.Relationships 3.Land back Narrator Priorities Photo courtesy of Larry Johnson 1.Truth-telling •Land acknowledgement •Indigenous place names 2.Relationships 3.Land back 4.And more: the importance of water, education, reclaiming languages, supporting Native organizations, homecoming, & joy Project Overview Community Gatherings •Sat. July 8 – Kickoff (today!) •Thurs. August 10 - Regroup virtually •Sat. November 11 – In-person capstone event Photo courtesy of Larry Johnson Dates Community Gatherings Thurs. August 10, 11:00am & 6:30pm – Virtual Sat. Nov. 11, 10:30am – Valley Community Presbyterian Church “The Ask” 1.Who’s missing? 2.Who could you connect us with? 3.When does your group meet next? Could you share the project handout? Image courtesy of Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission “The Ask” 1.Who’s missing? 2.Who could you connect us with? 3.When does your group meet next? Could you share the project handout? 4.What do you think is your group’s relationship with Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ? (sorry, Pat!) Image courtesy of Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission “The Ask” - Continued What do you think is your group’s relationship with the name Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ? ❑Starting to self-educate ❑Would like Crystal to present to our group ❑Willing to use Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ verbally ❑Willing to use “Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ / Bassett Creek” in print Image courtesy of Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission “The Ask” - Continued What do you think is your group’s relationship with the name Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ? ❑Ready to take action ▪Dual-language signage, public events, etc. ❑ Want to develop a statement of support for informal Indigenous place names Image courtesy of Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission “The Ask” - Continued What do you think is your group’s relationship with the name Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ? ❑Ready to take action ▪Dual-language signage, public events, etc. ❑ Want to develop a statement of support for informal Indigenous place names ❑ Ready to collaborate ▪Host joint events, develop a group statement of support ❑Want to start pursuing a formal name change Image courtesy of Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Listen & Learn Sessions •Sat. July 8 – Today! •Tues. August 15 – Virtual •Sat. September 23 – Mill City Museum •Parking vouchers •Optional field trip to James Rice Park (weather dependent) Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Dates Listen & Learn Sessions Tues. August 15, 6:30pm – Virtual Sat. September 23, 1:00pm – Mill City Museum Community Gatherings Thurs. August 10, 11:00am & 6:30pm – Virtual Sat. Nov. 11, 10:30am – Valley Community Presbyterian Church 1. Build relationships & a community network 2. Raise awareness of the creek’s Dakota name 3. Practice new ways of sharing oral history Goals Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd Contact Us crystalboydconsulting@gmail.com Photo courtesy of Lyn Boyd Community Gatherings ➢ What would I do? You would meet up with potentially 70+ community groups to discuss informal ways to use the creek’s Dakota name. ➢ When would we meet? -Saturday July 8 • 10:30am – Kickoff, with lunch at 11:30, at Valley Community Presbyterian Church (VCPC), 3100 Lilac Drive North, Golden Valley, MN 55422. -Thursday August 10 • 11:00am & 6:30pm – Virtual mid-point check-in (duplicate meetings so staff or volunteers can attend). -Saturday November 11 • 10:30am – Capstone celebration, with lunch at 11:30, at VCPC (see above). Listen and Learn Sessions ➢ What would I do? You would read or listen to oral history interviews and attend related discussions. You would also provide feedback to help develop future programs. ➢ When would we meet? -Saturday July 8 • 12:30pm – In-person at VCPC (see left). -Tuesday August 15 • 6:30pm – Virtual -Saturday September 23 • 1:00pm – In-person at Mill City Museum’s ADM Room. Parking vouchers provided. • Afterwards, optional field trip to James Rice Park, where the creek connects with the Mississippi River (weather permitting). Exploring Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ / Bassett Creek In the Dakota language, Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ is the name for Bassett Creek. Indigenous people have lived, worked, and played in areas surrounding the creek for thousands of years. Through an oral history project, fourteen Indigenous people shared how they experience the watershed as part of their historic and contemporary cultures. The Hennepin History Museum (HHM) and its partners have recorded and transcribed the interviews. Please join us as we build on priorities identified in the oral histories! You are invited to join a network of community partners to raise awareness of the creek’s Dakota name. You are also invited to Listen and Learn events. We’ll read, listen, and discuss the recorded interviews (similar to a book club). Food and fellowship are included! For registration links, please email project manager Crystal Boyd at crystalboydconsulting@gmail.com Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Photo credit: Stan Waldhauser To everyone who has been involved so far: Thank You! The oral history project was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The second project, “Exploring Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ,” was funded by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Additional funding and support was provided by Hennepin History Museum, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, the University of Wisconsin, the Golden Valley DEI Commission, the Golden Valley Historical Society, and photographer Stan Waldhauser. Narrators Project Personnel Project Partners Sydney Beane Kasey Keeler, project lead John Crippen, Hennepin History Museum Ben Blackhawk Sarah Lundquist, transcriptionist Larry Johnson, photographer *Bradley Blackhawk Margo Mandel, transcriptionist Michele Pollard, Hennepin History Museum Eric Buffalohead Teresa Martin, GV Historical Society Roxanne Gould VCPC Land Acknowledgment Kyle Scott, GV Historical Society Sam Majhor Task Force Stan Waldhauser, photographer *Jim Rock Rev. Richard Buller Tiana LaPointe, videographer Tawnya Stewart Mariah Messer, VCPC staff Grant Two Bulls Jen Biggs, task force lead *Cathee Vick Crystal Boyd, project manager Debbi Williams Lyn Boyd David Wilson Jan Fedora Diane Wilson Jeanine Miakotina Ben Yawakie Susie Potter Julie Westerlund Cultural Advisors Brenda Child VCPC Staff Darlene St. Clair William Glasper *also an advisor Hunter Sheldon Sheila Sheldon Photo courtesy of Crystal Boyd Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Email address: _____________________________________________________________ My organization’s name: _____________________________________________________ Exploring Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ – “The Ask” Community Gathering – Kickoff July 8, 2023 1. Who’s missing? 2. Who could you connect us with? 3. When does your group meet next? Could you share the project handout? 4. What do you think is your group’s relationship with the name Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ?  Starting to self-educate  Would like Crystal to present to our group  Want to develop a land and water acknowledgement statement  Willing to use Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ verbally  Willing to use “Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ / Bassett Creek” in print  Ready to take action • Create dual-language signage, host public events, etc.  Want to develop a statement of support for informal Indigenous place names  Ready to collaborate • Host joint events, develop a group statement of support. etc.  Want to start pursuing a formal name change  Other: _________________________________________________________ Community Groups Invited (so far!) Indigenous Groups From Oral History Project Makoce Ikikcupi Syd Beane Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi Ben Blackhawk Dakota Wicohan Bradley Blackhawk Hocokata Ti Eric Buffalohead Native Women Running Brenda Child KwePack Roxanne Gould Franky Jackson Kasey Keeler THPO - Lower Sioux Samantha Majhor THPO - Prairie Island Jim Rock THPO - Shakopee Mdewakanton Darlene St. Claire THPO - Upper Sioux Tawnya Stewart Grant Two Bulls Environmental Groups Cathee Vick Friends of the Falls Debbi Williams Friends of the Mississippi River David Wilson Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Diane Wilson Minneapolis Parks Foundation Ben Yawakie Mississippi Park Connection Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission History Organizations Mississippi Watershed Management Organization St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board Minnesota Historical Society Environmental Commissions – Golden Valley, Crystal, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park Hennepin History Museum Golden Valley Historical Society Crystal Historical Society Plymouth Historical Society Neighborhood Associations & DEI Commission Minnetonka Historical Society Bassett Creek Park Neighborhood Association (in Crystal) St. Louis Park Historical Society Heritage Park Neighborhood Assoc. / Sumner-Glenwood Robbinsdale Historical Society Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association Oral Historian Barb Sommers Harrison Neighborhood Association North Loop Neighborhood Association Public Historian Carson Tomony Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization Faith Communities DEI Commissions: Golden Valley, Crystal, Minneapolis, New Hope, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park All Saints Indian Mission Episcopal / First Nations Kitchen Church of Gitchitwaa Kateri Valley Community Presbyterian Church Who else should we contact? Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church Send suggestions to Crystal at: Grace University Lutheran Church crystalboydconsulting@gmail.com Twin Cities Repair Community Presbyterian Synod of Lakes and Prairies \\Files\engineering$\Environmental Commission\Agendas\2023\07 - July\8A - City Energy Report.docx Date: July 21, 2023 To: Golden Valley Environmental Commission From: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist Subject: City Energy Report Every year, staff brings an energy report to the Environmental Commission to provide an update on current energy consumption in city buildings and across the community, ongoing or planned efficiency improvements, renewable energy development, progress on our Energy Action Plan, and other energy-related data or information. MUNICIPAL ENERGY UPDATE As part of the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement that was adopted by Council on January 22, 2008, staff began collecting energy consumption data on Golden Valley’s buildings and facilities. The data is tracked using the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking program https://mn.b3benchmarking.com/. In addition to collecting consumption data, the City has been actively implementing energy-saving projects to help reduce the City’s costs and carbon emissions. These projects have been accomplished by using a combination of City funds, state and federal grant money, and public and private partnerships. These ongoing efforts began before the community’s Energy Action Plan was adopted and help the community accomplish the overall goals and objectives outlined in the plan. City buildings Below is a year-over-year analysis of the amount of energy consumed at City buildings. This information is derived from utility bills and the B3 Benchmarking program. Information has been gathered since 2005, but 2019 was chosen as the baseline in our latest report because 2019 is the baseline year used in the City’s Energy Action Plan and was the first full year of reporting on the new Brookview Golden Valley. As of 2022, there are 22 active buildings in B3. Energy Consumption at City Buildings (normalized for weather) Year Electricity Consumed (kBtu) Natural Gas Consumed (kBtu) Total Energy Consumed (kBtu) Difference from Baseline 2019 (baseline) 6,872,932 11,465,516 18,338,449 Baseline 2020 6,726,659 12,403,917 19,130,577 +4.3% 2021 7,506,464 12,537,623 20,044,087 +9.3% 2022 7,689,065 12,989,585 20,678,650 +12.8% Despite the recent increase in energy consumption, the City has made numerous improvements in an effort to reduce consumption. In 2013, the City Hall parking lot lighting was replaced with LEDs. In 2015, two 40-kWh solar arrays became operational. In 2016, the City Hall lower-level remodeling project was completed, and two more solar arrays were added to City buildings. In 2018, the new, more energy efficient Brookview Community Center opened. Some of the recent increase in energy consumption may be attributed to hotter summers and colder winters since 2019, as well as the addition of more electronic technology and equipment for employees and the public. Using the B3 Benchmarking software (examples from dashboard shown above), staff identified City Hall as one of the least efficient buildings in the city and wanted to look at potential energy improvements. In 2022, the Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) completed an assessment of City Hall and identified new areas for improvement. One of their main suggestions that the City has been working on is the boiler replacement and upgrades to our heating and cooling system, which will be complete in the next few months. Other recent improvements include the installation of programmable solar lights at Medley Park, City Hall lunchroom remodel, and upgrades to the lighting and audio/video systems in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Staff are hoping that future years energy reports show improved metrics and performance for City Hall. Carbon Dioxide Emissions Looking at total CO2 emissions at City buildings, it is apparent that CO2 emissions due to electricity consumption follow the overall electricity consumption trend shown above. Historically, CO2 emissions from natural gas consumption has fluctuated more than electricity due to seasonal conditions. As a result of these variations, the B3 Benchmarking model normalizes the emissions based on the weather from that year. CO2 Emissions at City Buildings (normalized for weather) Year CO2 Emissions Electricity (tons) CO2 Emissions Nat. Gas (tons) Total CO2 Emissions Change From Baseline 2019 (baseline) 1,010.34 608.96 1,619.30 baseline 2020 881.30 658.79 1,540.09 -4.9% 2021 999.87 665.75 1,665.62 +2.9% 2022 1,024.73 689.89 1,714.62 +5.9% Street Lighting & Traffic Signals In 2018, Xcel Energy worked with the City to change out more than 500 standard street light bulbs with new energy efficient 3000K LEDs. In 2019, many of the traditional decorative streetlights were changed out to LEDs. As of 2022, about 73% of the streetlights owned by the city and utility are now LEDs. The LED bulbs are about the same brightness as the old lights but use far less energy, saving the City money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the data we have, it appears the changeout is making a difference. The City is exploring ways to change out the remaining traditional decorative street lights in the near future. In 2010, a widespread LED retrofit project was initiated to convert traffic signals to LED bulbs. 100% of the traffic signals are now LED. Solar Production Data In addition to reducing the amount of energy that the City uses, the City has also looked for ways to produce renewable energy. Over the past few years, the City has installed four, 40-Kilowatt solar arrays on top of buildings at the City Hall campus. Arrays on top of the Public Safety and Park Maintenance Buildings were installed in 2015, and arrays on top of the Utility Maintenance and Streets Maintenance buildings were installed in 2016. Each array produces an average of 42,000 kWh annually for a total of 168,000 kWh coming from City solar. This is equal to about 7.3% of the electricity consumed by the City for municipal operations last year. The lifetime energy production of the panels is about 980,000 kWh, which is equivalent to 768 tons of CO2 emissions abated compared to energy produced from fossil fuels. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon that 831 acres of trees would sequester over the course of one year. Staff will be working with the Commission to look at options to add rooftop solar to Brookview Community Center to further expand the City’s solar production. COMMUNITY ENERGY UPDATE Solar permit data Based on City permit records the number of residential and commercial solar installations has been increasing in recent years, for a total of approximately 152 in 12 years. Year # of Solar Permits Cumula- tive Total <2011 1 1 2011 3 4 2012 3 7 2013 1 8 2014 3 11 2015 6 17 2016 5 22 2017 30 52 2018 14 66 2019 19 85 2020 23 108 2021 16 124 2022 28 152 Community Energy Consumption and Renewable Energy Production Below is the GreenStep Cities Step 4/5 metrics for Renewable Energy that the City reported in 2023. Data is based on Xcel Energy’s annual community energy reports and the City’s solar diagnostics website. The community energy reports typically run one year behind which is why 2022 data is not currently filled in, but it will be updated for next year’s GreenStep Cities report. Energy Action Plan Progress The Energy Action Plan (EAP) went into effect in the summer of 2021. Since then, staff has tracked progress on the City’s goals in the plan. Last year, the City published a progress report with the first 6 months of data (Jul. 2021-Dec. 2021). Now staff has 18 months of data, including the first full year of data (2022) since the EAP was approved. The chart shown below was provided in the data sent by the Partners in Energy team. Since the 2019 baseline, we have seen an increase in Cooling Degree Days. Despite the increased intensity of weather, there is still a slight decreasing trend in energy consumption across our community. Staff will have more to share at a future meeting once we receive program participation data from CenterPoint Energy. Looking at the data we currently have from Xcel Energy, there are a few important progress updates. We remain on track with our goal to support energy burdened households. We are far exceeding our goals for Home Energy Squad sign-ups with over 2.5 times as many participants as we were hoping to have at this point in our implementation period. We are also making good progress on our greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Although we appear to be running behind our goal, this chart does not include CenterPoint Energy program participation data that should put us close to or over our goal for 2022. However, we are still under our cost savings goal. Again, once we have CenterPoint Energy’s data, we will be closer to our 2022 goal but in this area we are still likely falling short. As we decrease energy consumption across the city, especially in the commercial and industrial sectors, we should see increased energy savings. The new federal and state funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy should provide a lot of support for everyone across all sectors in Golden Valley to achieve our EAP goals. This will be discussed in more detail at a future meeting. *GHG and energy savings charts include Xcel Energy data only, will be higher with CenterPoint Energy data Another positive highlight is that there were 11 Multi-Family Building Efficiency sign-ups through Xcel Energy last year. Our goal is to get at least 1 per year so we are excited to see so much interest, especially as we are increasing our outreach to multifamily properties and businesses to reduce energy consumption in Golden Valley. Golden Valley continues to be an electric vehicle leader in the Twin Cities metro. The City currently has the 2nd highest EV ownership rate among the 20 most populous cities in Hennepin County, behind only Edina. We hosted another successful electric vehicle showcase in June, this time with other forms of electric transportation and equipment also on display. Staff will have a more complete Energy Action Plan progress report available once CenterPoint Energy program participation data is received. It will be similar to the report posted on the website around this time last year. You can access last year’s report here: https://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2088/EAP-Progress-Update?bidId= G:\Environmental Commission\Memos Date: July 21, 2023 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: 2023 Work Plan In May, the City Council approved the EC’s 2023 work plan, linked here and attached for reference. At the July meeting, Chair Hill and staff will lead a brief discussion on priorities and next steps. Commissioners should come to the meeting prepared to discuss their interests and priorities for the upcoming year. 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | 2023 WORK PLAN THE CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEYENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION 2 City of Golden Valley PURPOSE, MISSION, & PRESCRIBED DUTIES The Environmental Commission has been established to advise and make recommendations to the City Council in matters relating to and affecting the environment and human health. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS / 2022 Annual Report 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 2022 Accomplishments 7 2023 Proposed Work Plan Cover photo by, John Charles Farrell, Views of the Valley, 2022 COMMISSIONERS Wendy Weirich, Chair (2023) Shannon Hansen, Vice Chair (2023) Tonia Galonska (2025) Dawn Hill (2024) Jim Stremel (2023) Debra Yahle (2025) Kenna Brandt, Student (2023) Rachel Zuraff, Student (2023) Note: Terms run May 1-April 30 COUNCIL LIAISON Kimberly Sanberg CITY STAFF Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Drew Chirpich, Water and Natural Resources Specialist Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant Mars Muehleis, MN GreenCorps Member 4 City of Golden Valley CURBSIDE RECYCLING AND ORGANICS COLLECTION • Helped guide and receive information about the participation study completed in cooperation with Republic Services in fall 2022. The study showed that approximately 45 percent of households participate in organics recycling and approximately 97 percent participate in traditional recycling (cardboard, aluminum, glass, paper). • Supported the delivery of finished compost to Hampshire Park for pickup by residents in spring 2022, showing how food waste can become a marketable product for use in yards and gardens. • Toured the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community industrial compost site to observe the composting process in action, from delivery of organics recycling materials to packaging of finished compost. ENERGY ACTION • Reviewed data from Xcel Energy and helped draft a summary of the City’s first six months of progress under its Energy Action Plan. www.goldenvalleymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2088/EAP-Progress-Update • Hosted an Electric Vehicle Showcase event in June 2022. • Explored and recommended participating in a program to increase the City’s EV charging infrastructure. • Developed an energy hero recognition program for businesses that complete an energy assessment and implement recommendations. • Recommended extending the Residential Home Energy Squad program another budget year. 2022 ACCOMPLISHMENTS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS / 2022 Annual Report 5 GREENSTEP CITIES/CLIMATE ACTION Maintained Step 5 status in the GreenStep Cities Program, including advancement in the following topic areas: View the summary of Golden Valley’s GreenStep Cities progress at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/city- detail/12069?ctu_code=2394924 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE • With the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC), co-hosted a Building An Equitable Golden Valley forum on environmental justice in May 2022. • Collaborated with the DEIC through subcommittee to update source data and recommend approval of an environmental justice prioritization map to help identify partners and guide green infrastructure planning, events, and investment in the community. • Reviewed the City’s Land Acknowledgment resolution and action plan and identified actions to explore further with the DEIC and Dakota community. • Hosted a conversation with Crystal Boyd, facilitator of the Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ (Bassett Creek) Oral History Project, to learn about the project, hear from Indigenous community members in their own words, increase awareness, and provide the Environmental Commission with additional context and perspective as it works to protect and improve the environment and human health. 2022 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • buildings and lighting • renewable energy • land use • transportation and fleet • surface water • green buildings • solid waste and recycling • local food production • home energy squad visits 6 City of Golden Valley WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES • Researched and recommended participation in the No Mow May pollinator campaign. • Promoted numerous education and outreach opportunities in cooperation with the Golden Valley Garden Club. • Provided input and feedback to the Bassett Creek Watershed on water resources issues and concerns facing cities and residents, which will help develop goals and priorities for the Watershed’s 10-year plan. • Received update on emerald ash borer and the City’s management plan and explored potential funding sources for addressing the problem. • Reviewed and recommended support for a fall tree sale with Tree Trust, including a tiered price structure based on environmental justice priority areas. • Explored ways to reduce cost burden for residents with condemned ash trees due to emerald ash borer. 2022 ACCOMPLISHMENTS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS / 2022 Annual Report 7 2023 PROPOSED WORK PLAN Proposed work plan priorities for 2023 are based on goals in the City’s 2023 Pyramid of Success, 2040 Com- prehensive Plan (including Resilience & Sustainability, Natural Resources, Water Resources, Transportation), Equity Plan, Energy Action Plan, Pollinator Protection Resolution, Climate Emergency Declaration, GreenStep Cities Program, and City Council’s 2023 Legislative Priorities. RECYCLING AND ORGANICS • Help develop a plan to increase participation rates for organics recycling and opportunities for multi-family recycling, including organics and onsite composting. • Work with Hennepin County to help develop and implement its Zero Waste Plan and explore ways to host zero waste events in the organization and the community. • Seek opportunities to partner with nonprofits and others to reduce Styrofoam and single use plastics, bags, and containers (restaurants, stores, etc), and explore implementing a potential city-wide fee on certain products. • Start to research and engage the public in 2024 about City-contracted solid waste and yard waste services beginning in 2027 or later. ENERGY ACTION Help guide and participate in implementing the City’s Energy Action Plan, including: • monitoring and reporting on the progress of Xcel Energy’s Partners In Energy community collaboration program • reducing the number of households experiencing energy cost burden by 24 households through identifying, communicating, and connecting people with programs offered by utility companies and others • increasing participation in energy efficiency programs for residents and businesses, which includes: • monitoring and enhancing the new energy hero recognition program for businesses. • extending the Residential Home Energy Squad program for another budget cycle, and/or shift funds over to business energy assessments and audits Photo by Jennifer Schmidt, Photo Posse 8 City of Golden Valley 2023 PROPOSED WORK PLAN • exploring options for promoting, supporting, and developing renewable energy (solar) and electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, which includes: • hosting the second EV showcase event at City Hall in June 2023 (including electric lawn equipment) and exploring interest in a sustainable home tour (solar, electric heat pumps, etc) • exploring options to add rooftop solar to Brookview Golden Valley • increasing EVs and expanding charging infrastructure in the community (including legislation to clarify state law, city code updates, development standards, grants) • supporting state and local efforts to update building codes or standards that advance energy performance in buildings GREENSTEP CITIES/CLIMATE ACTION • Continue working on actions and metrics to address climate-related impacts, improve the environment, and reduce energy consumption and costs. • If awarded a MN GreenCorps Member in 2023-2024, work to complete GreenStep Cities actions related to climate action, energy action, and environmental justice. • Look for ways to partner with Hennepin County to implement its Climate Action Plan, with a focus on planting trees and reducing urban heat island effect. • Work with emergency management staff to identify public warming and cooling centers and ways to communicate such information to the community. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE • Continue to partner with the DEIC on joint projects, events, and forums through a subcommittee formed in 2020. Collaboration will include: • co-hosting a Building An Equitable Golden Valley forum to recognize Indigenous people, culture, and contributions in November 2023 (Native American Heritage Month) • discussing the drafting of an environmental justice resolution to include the environmental justice priority areas map • identifying a partner and sponsoring one green infrastructure project or event in a priority area • helping implement the land acknowledgment action plan by creating a pre-contact (pre-European settlement) map of natural and cultural resources, and working with Dakota community members to identify a location for a cultural/educational installation in the city BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS / 2022 Annual Report 9 COMMUNITY OUTREACH • Review City website for environmental content and clarity, better promotion of green volunteer programs, and best practices for yards and gardens while ensuring web pages are inclusive, equitable, and representative of the community we serve. • Use the Commission’s $3,500 budget toward one or more of the following efforts: • funding a joint project, event, or forum with the DEIC • helping to equitably fund the purchase and planting of trees to replace ash trees lost due to emerald ash borer WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES • Continue promoting educational opportunities in cooperation with the Golden Valley Garden Club. • Continue to study ways to mitigate the loss of infested ash trees due to the emerald ash borer pest, especially in environmental justice priority areas. • Address the issue of human encroachment into nature areas, and signage, as each area is enhanced or improved. • Explore and understand water use in the community; look into conservation measures like a lawn watering ordinance. • Explore the keeping of honeybees and make recommendation to Council. 2023 PROPOSED WORK PLAN 10 City of Golden Valley TRANSPORTATION • Work with Open Space & Recreation Commission to review Luce Line Trail connection under Highway 169 to Plymouth and other substandard trail sections. • Support and contribute to the City’s Bus Rapid Transit efforts along Hwy 55. • Provide input to Planning on its proposed updates to the off-street parking code. Photo by Clara Alexander, Views of the Valley 2022 2023 PROPOSED WORK PLAN PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES –July 2023 GREENCORPS PROGRAM Mars has continued to prepare for next term’s GreenCorps member. They have been inventorying trees, preparing materials for City Council, and working on outreach to multi-family properties. They are planning more organics recycling outreach with the Sustainability Specialist including an educational video. They tabled with environmental education materials and giveaways at Market in the Valley and look forward to Sustainability Day at the Market at the end of the month. WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES 2024 Sochacki Park Water Quality Improvement Project – The City of Golden Valley has partnered with the City of Robbinsdale, Three Rivers Park District, and Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) to study Sochacki Park and identify and evaluate options to improve its wetlands. You can learn more about this effort by visiting the BCWMC website https://www.bassettcreekwmo.org/index.php?cID=608 and Three Rivers Park District website https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/water-quality-improvement- projects or by visiting YouTube and watching the May 2nd CCX story titled “Effort Underway To Improve Water Quality In Robbinsdale’s Sochacki Park”. As part of this study, the project team would like to invite you to an open house at Robbinsdale City Hall from 4:30-7:00 PM on July 26th. The open house will be an informal opportunity to ask questions, provide input, and speak with staff about the proposed project. Attendees are welcome to come and go as they please between 4:30-7:00 PM. For anyone that is not able to attend the open house in person, there will be an online opportunity (at the BCWMC link above) to view the information displayed at the meeting and provide comments at your convenience. 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. Project webpage is located 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 was approved by the BCWMC 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. Native vegetation establishment and management will occur over the next three years. More information is available on the project webpage. 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 phase of the project was out for bids recently and contract will be awarded soon. Work is slated to begin this fall. WASTE & RECYCLING Stop Food Waste Challenge – Registration for Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge is now open. It runs from August 1 through August 30 with the goal of increasing awareness about when people are wasting food, connecting people with resources to help them reduce it, and providing support and motivation along the way. Sign up to participate in the challenge here: https://stopfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org/users/join Updated composting ordinance – presented to City Council for first reading on July 18. Second reading will occur on August 2. Hennepin County Zero Waste Plan – the county’s plan was finalized on June 29. You can read the final version of the plan here. You can also see the key findings of public comments on the draft Zero Waste Plan here. PLANNING COMMISSION – July 10, 2023 1840 Major Drive — Conditional Use Permit to approve an existing boat house within the Shoreland Overlay area. The new homeowner recently discovered no permit had been approved for this structure, so is seeking approval after the fact to be able to continue to use it for storage for watersport-related accessories. Scheduled for the July 10 Planning Commission meeting. 4220 Beverly Ave — Conditional Use Permit to approve an Accessory Dwelling Unit in a rear yard, adjacent to an alley. A variance related to height is also being requested from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Tentatively scheduled for the July 24 Planning Commission meeting. HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – July 10, 2023 Transfer of HOPE Properties — At a special meeting on July 5, the HRA approved transferring properties at 208 Meander Road, 4707 Circle Downs, and 1605 Douglas Drive North to Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) and Habitat for Humanity for future development for single-family affordable housing. CITY COUNCIL – July 10, 2023 208 Meander Road — Proposed rezoning for this address to Single-Family Residential in order to support construction of a single-family home as part of the HOPE program. At the Planning Commission hearing, neighbors raised concerns about future variances that might be needed. The Commission shared these concerns and so recommended denial (4-0). Staff work with the future developer (GMHC) to investigate likely home designs and determined a small front yard variance would likely be the only variance requested. After significant discussion, the City Council approved the rezoning (5-0) on July 5. 4707 Circle Downs — Proposed land use change, new zoning, and creation of a plat in former MnDOT right-of- way in order to support construction of a single-family home as part of the HOPE program. Although concerns were expressed about the proximity to the MnDOT sound wall, the City Council approved all three items (4-1) at its meeting on July 5. 5317 Glenwood Ave — Lot split in order to be able to construct a second home on the west potion of the property. An existing home on the east side would remain. A variance from the lot width requirement of approximately 6.5 feet was also needed. The City Council approved both the variance and the subdivision (5- 0) on July 5. Wells Fargo — Conditional Use Permit for proposed drive-thru lanes at the new bank building (to be addressed as 600 Wisconsin Ave N). The City Council approved the permit (5-0) on July 5.