EC Minutes 10-23-202378C.0 Golden Valley Road ; Golden Valk:y, MN 55427
76 3-593 -8027 lTTY 7 63-593 .39681 763-593 S198 (fax) i
Environmental Commission
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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October 23, 2023 — 6:30 pm
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: Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Sarah Drawz, Paul Klaas, Ellen
Brenna
Commissioners absent: Wendy Weirich
Council Members present: Sophia Ginis
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist;
Annie Knoll, GreenCorps Member;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
4. Approval of October 23, 2023, Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the agenda for
October 23, 2023, and the motion carried.
S. Approval of September 18, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Brenna to approve the minutes of
September 18, 2023, as submitted and the motion carried.
6. Old Business
A. Home Energy Squad Renewal
i. Staff provided an update on the Home Energy Squad program for 2024. Program
managers are waiting for details on funding and scope of the program for 2024 and
beyond. Until that is known, they are not able to execute or extend agreements with
municipalities. Staff will monitor this and provide updates when available.
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
October 23, 2023 — 6:30 prr.
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7. New Business
A. New GreenCorps Member
i. Staff introduced Annie Knoll as the cities new GreenCorps Member for 2023-24. Annie
provided information about herself and her work plan for this service year.
B. 2024 Meeting Dates
i. Commissioners discussed and approved the following meeting dates for 2024.
Commissioners will discuss the December 2023 meeting next month.
• January 22, 2024
• February 26, 2024
• March 25, 2024
• April 22, 2024
• May 20, 2024 (moved from May 27)
• June 24, 2024
• July 22, 2024
• August 26, 2024
• September 23, 2024
• October 28, 2024
• November 25, 2024
• December 16, 2024
MOTION by Commissioner Drawz, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the 2024
meeting dates, and the motion carried.
C. Organics Recycling Participation Plan. Staff presented information and guidance from various
plans that supporting increasing organics recycling collection. Commissioners discussed this
guidance, asked questions, and provided their own ideas to increase participation in organics
recycling in Golden Valley. Ideas to consider include:
L Why don't people participate? Intimidated, no cart, misunderstanding the need,
organics stinks, maggots.
ii. Need catchy language like: "Try the orange -topper"
iii. Include Hennepin County tips and tricks.
iv. League of Women Voters presented information in 2021-22. Try to partner with them
again.
v. Tell people why it's important.
vi. Try to reach older audiences.
vii. Leave lid open in summer if smelly.
viii. Can we offer incentives to those who do not participate?
City of &-lden Valley Environmental Cornmisst -i ar Meeting :3
Or` ober 23, 2021 — 5:30 pm
ix. Can people do every other week solid waste (and every week for organics)? Reduce the
size and cost of their trash cart.
x. Are there organics carts in public spaces?
A. Partner with schools — reach parents through kids.
xii. Make a video — maybe with kids, schools — "it would be great if grandma or grandpa
would do this at home too".
xiii. Have exhibit at GV Library.
xiv. Some people like free compostable bags.
xv. Maybe try for 2 multi -family drop sites with codes to unlock carts.
xvi. More organics education via City newsletter and social media.
xvii. Always explain the difference between backyard composting and curbside organics with
the "orange -topper"
xviii. Start small and work your way up from there — like traditional recycling.
Staff will consolidate all information and ideas into a concise plan of strategies and actions for
review and approval by the Commission in November. This dynamic plan will help guide staff
over the next 1-3 years.
D. Council Updates
Council member Ginis provided updates to the Commission.
E. Other Business
Need for volunteers to help with Community Services Commission.
New rain garden at library.
8. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to adjourn the meeting at 8:25
pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST'
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant
Dawn Hill, Chair