EC Agenda-6-24-2024
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams by
calling 1-872-256-4160 and entering access code 910 737 312#.
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
We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral land the City of Golden Valley
is built, and whose land resources we use. We commit to counteracting the erasure of the cultural
practices and presence of the Dakota people through education an d by amplifying a wide range of
indigenous voices.
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Approval of May 20, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
6. Old Business
A. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek 2024 efforts
i. Subcommittee updates
1. Clean-up event (15 min)
2. Water Ceremony (5 min)
ii. Watershed co-naming update (5 min)
iii. Joint watershed meeting summary (10 min)
7. New Business
A. No Mow May 2024 (10 min)
B. Tree Trust Spring Tree Sale (10 min) Action Requested
C. Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act (10 min)
D. GreenStep Cities actions (10 min) Action Requested
E. Council Updates (5 min)
F. Other Business (5 min)
8. Adjournment
June 24, 2024 – 6:30 pm
City Hall Council Conference Room
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams by
calling 1-872-256-4160 and entering access code 587 275 181#.
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 Vice-Chair Yahle at 6:38 pm.
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. New Member Kari Conterero – Oath of Office
4. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Sarah Drawz, Kari Cantarero
• Commissioner Klaas attended from the Hanover Inn, 2 East Wheelock St, Hanover, NH
03755
• Two community members called in to listen.
Commissioners absent: Ellen Brenna, Wendy Weirich
Council Members present: Sophia Ginis
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
5. Approval of May 20, 2024 Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Cantarero to approve the
agenda for May 20, 2024 as submitted and the motion carried.
6. Approval of April 22, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Drawz to approve the
minutes of April 22, 2024 as submitted and the motion carried.
7. Old Business
A. Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ/Bassett Creek efforts
i. Water Ceremony – The first event was held at the Golden Valley Library.
Trying to pick a location by June 1st. It may even be held in Crystal. Chair
Weirich will hopefully be able to figure out what the City and Commission roles
will be.
May 20, 2024 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
May 20, 2024 – 6:30 pm
2
ii. Creek Clean-Up – Tonia and Sarah will have the first meeting about this on May
23
iii. Water and Land Acknowledgement Statement
1. The BCWMC statement calls attention to the importance of water. The
BCWMC consulted with indigenous community members.
2. BCWMC is working on a new map and signed a contract with
indigenous community member Jim Rock to assist. The name Ȟaȟa
Wakpadaŋ will be on the map.
B. 2024 Work Plan
i. It is unclear as to whether we should be doing a work plan or not.
ii. Commissioners Klaas and Galonska each have a list of suggestions for the work
plan if we do one:
1. Draft Climate Action Plan
2. Update outdoor lighting ordinance
3. Continue to support the Hennepin County Zero Waste Initiative
4. Invigorate organic recycling
5. Prepare a recommendation to the City Council about a Citywide
contract for garbage hauling
6. Organize an Earth Day 2025 Fair
7. Sponsor an Environmental Awareness Family Puppet Shows from the
www.weallneedfoodandwater.org
8. Get Brookview Golf Course environmentally certified by the Audubon
Society
9. Add the Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ name to everything Golden Valley controls
that says Bassett Creek. For example, the Bassett Creek Room at
Brookview Community Center.
1. At a meeting, the Council did direct the City Manager to start
adding “Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ” after Bassett Creek on all City
materials.
i. It came up when talking about City Communications.
10. Consider becoming a Blue Zones Project Community
iii. Council did not direct commissions to not do a work plan. However, the City is
in a time of transition and must prioritize getting new staff on board and
keeping the City running.
iv. The City needs some very essential management plans like a comprehensive
park plan, an economic development plan, and some financial planning needs.
These may have to take priority.
v. The City will hopefully have a new City Manager on board sometime this year.
vi. Whether it’s the staff liaisons, or their managers, there is only so much that
staff can get done in a day.
vii. It is good to think about work plans and start to develop them. The
Commission will need to give the City some grace and understanding that
there are bigger things that also need to get done.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
May 20, 2024 – 6:30 pm
3
viii. Council Member Ginis thinks all the ideas sound great, and she hopes we can
get to all of it, especially the outdoor lighting ordinance.
ix. The Council is really interested in #9 (Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ). Some of the Council
members talked a lot about #5 (Citywide contract for garbage hauling) while
campaigning.
x. Work on the old stuff and start thinking about the new stuff.
xi. Continue to stay the course. We’re just delayed a little bit.
xii. The by-laws say we should create a work plan. Should we, or shouldn’t we?
1. Council Member Ginis suggests working on preparing a work plan and
staff will navigate how that fits into the schedule and agenda. It might
be later in the year than it already is, and that process is still kind of
playing out a little bit.
2. Staff is hearing that work plans and the approach for developing work
plans may be changing slightly and there may be a certain process and
expectation for what the work plans look like, what the content is, how
we prioritize and make sure that board and commission priorities align
with the Council’s priorities. What could be frustrating is if we went
through the process of developing a work plan and then find out a
month afterward that we need to do it a different way. Staff
recommendation is to follow the direction of the City Manager, wait a
little bit and be patient, and the information about work plan process
and content will be coming out soon. We don’t want to spend a lot of
time working on it and then have to redo work later.
xiii. What is the harm of a commission preparing a work plan in whatever form the
commission chooses right now?
xiv. The City Manager has directed staff to push pause on the work plans. City staff
will be working on what those plans will entail, what they will look like, how
they will be developed, what our approach is as boards and commissions. Staff
currently doesn’t have the resources to do that.
1. It is the effort of staff liaisons working with the commissions
2. It is working with the Communications staff who puts them together in
a format viewable for the public
3. It is the Chair presenting the draft work plan to Council
1. Right now, none of these meetings are on the calendar. Our
City Manager works with staff to add agenda items for work
sessions and formal meetings
xv. The Commission could have conversations about what they would like to see
on the work plan and what might be a priority. It doesn’t have to be
something formal. Can also look at Council’s priorities and make sure they
align.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
May 20, 2024 – 6:30 pm
4
8. New Business
A. Commission Re-orientation
i. Staff and commissioners reviewed and discussed the Board and Commission
New Member Packet.
B. Equity Plan
i. Staff informed commissioners about the City’s new Equity Plan approved by
Council – attached to the May 20, 2024 agenda.
C. Election of Officers
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Klaas to approve
Debra Yahle as Chair and Sarah Drawz as Vice-Chair and the motion carried.
D. Council Updates
i. New City Employees include the Parks Director, Finance Director, and Fire
Chief. There is an executive search firm to help in the hiring of a new City
Manager. The Deputy City Manager is helping the Council during the process.
ii. The Council reviewed a potential location for a 2nd fire station. There are four
sites the City has looked at. Council/Staff not comfortable with the location
that was recently proposed.
iii. The Council has been working on a grant application for a new business in
Golden Valley. It will be on the Council Agenda again for another hearing.
E. Other Business
i. Commissioners agree Dawn should be invited to the Boards & Commissions
Appreciation Dinner on June 6 at Brookview. Can staff ask about this?
9. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Cantarero, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to adjourn the
meeting at 8:16 pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
________________________________ ____________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Debra Yahle, Chair
Date: June 20, 2024
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek 2024 Actions
The Environmental Commission’s work plan includes the advancement of environmental justice
and land acknowledgement actions in the community. This includes increasing awareness and
usage of the Dakota name for Bassett Creek (Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ) and the importance of clean water
for all living beings. At its March and April meetings, the Commission approved the sponsorship
of two events in 2024 and formed sub-committees to help plan and participate in these events.
• Creek clean-up in Golden Valley
• Water ceremony on Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 14)
Staff and sub-committee members will be present to give updates on these items.
Staff will also share an update on the Watershed Commission’s progress on two items of interest
to the Environmental Commission as it looks to pursue more actions in 2024 and beyond.
• Study co-naming opportunities for Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek
• Joint Meeting of two Watershed Commissions (BCWMC and MWMC)
o Meeting Introduction by BCWMC Alternate Commissioner Roxanne Gould
(attached)
Joint Watershed Commissions Meeting 6/11/24
Boozhoo indiawemaganadog…… (introduction)
Greetings all my relatives and welcome to the joint watershed commission
meeting.
I want to begin by acknowledging that every step we take, every place we work,
worship, recreate, educate and live in Minnesota is the traditional homeland of
the Dakota peoples. Mnisota Makoce is a Dakota phrase that means the “place
where the water reflects the clouds”. In fact, it is in this very place, where the
Hahawakpa and Mnisota Rivers meet, that the Dakota Oyate came to be. Many
thousands of years ago, the Dakota came from a star in the buffalo’s backbone or
Orion’s belt as you may know it, to a cave, known as the womb of Maka Ina or
Mother Earth. Like human babies born today their first home and first medicine
was water as they flowed from the lake inside Wakan Tipi cave onto the physical
plain of Mother Earth.
Since humans were the last and most pitiful beings that came to be they had to be
given what we call the Original Instructions of how to live as good relatives with
the other beings on Earth, and they adhered to these instructions for thousands
of years without ever causing harm to the abundant and amazing ecosystems that
existed here before colonization.
With their exile in 1862, the Dakota peoples lost their ability to care for this place
and although 4 small Dakota communities exist in MN today, they only occupy
.05% of their original homeland. It is therefore up to all of us to remember we
have a responsibility to learn and abide by the original instructions that were
given to first humans to be good relatives to the water, the land and natural
beings of Mnisota Makoce. In turn they will care for us.
So, as we prepare for our work let us be mindful that the watersheds we serve are
not just natural resources for human consumption but rather the sustenance of
life here on Earth. And for us 8 billion humans and the natural world that rely on
fresh water to live, only .07% of that water is potable or drinkable. So, this work
we do is crucial for the life of the planet. Every drop of water matters.
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Meeting Notes
Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ: A Joint Meeting of the
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the
Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
Hosted by Hennepin History Museum
June 12, 2024
Participants:
• Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission: Clint Carlson (Commissioner),
Roxanne Gould (Alt. Commissioner & HHM Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Advisor), Laura Jester
(Administrator), Stephanie Johnson (Engineer), Terri Schultz (Alt. Commissioner), Wayne
Sicora (Commissioner), RJ Twiford (Commissioner), Michael Welch (Commissioner)
• City of Golden Valley: Eric Eckman (Environmental Resources Supervisor)
• City of Robbinsdale: Jenna Wolf (Water Resources Specialist)
• Hennepin History Museum: Kathleen Boe (Board Member), Crystal Boyd (Project Manager),
John Crippen (Executive Director), Audra Johnson (Staff), Pamela Moore (Board President),
Jim Rock (HHM Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Advisor)
• Mississippi Watershed Management Organization: Connie Buesgens (Commissioner),
Adam Flett (Staff), Eva Handon (Staff), Akadia Johnson (Staff), Michel Lukes
(Commissioner), Billy Menz (Commissioner), Abby Moore (Staff), Sarah Nassif (Artist-in-
Residence), Kevin Reich (Executive Director), Emily Resseger (Staff), Nancy Stowe (Staff),
Mary Thelen (Staff), Tom Tillberry (Commissioner), Mary Yang (Staff)
Executive Summary
• Priority Activities
o Focus on restoring the creek and watershed.
o Identify Indigenous management techniques for the watershed.
o Hire Indigenous people to steward the land and water.
o Educate the public about Indigenous views on the watershed (past and present).
o Identify opportunities where watershed conservation naturally aligns with
informally using the creek’s Dakota name.
o If a legal name change is considered, build community support through education
and outreach.
• Next Steps
o Everyone, please continue connecting and collaborating!
2
o HHM will follow up with leadership from MWMO and BCWMC.
o Work together to identify potential activities, partners, and funding sources.
• Upcoming Events
o Saturday July 13 at 10:00am – Park clean-up and invasive species pull at James I.
Rice
Park in Minneapolis. Hosted by HHM and the North Loop Neighborhood
Association.
o Monday October 14 at 10:00am – Second annual Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Water
Ceremony.
Location tbd. Hosted by HHM, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, the City
of Golden Valley, and the Loppet Foundation.
o Saturday October 19 – Ȟaȟá Wakp ádaŋ 5K Fun Run and Loopet Loppet at
Theodore Wirth Parkway. Hosted by HHM and the Loppet Foundation.
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Detailed Notes
• Watershed Conservation
o Caring for the creek and watershed is the top priority.
o Need to “reverse harm done.”
For all relatives (plants, winged, 4-legged), not just humans.
• Legal Name Change for Creek – General Discussion
o Pursuing a legal name change is a heavier lift than informally using the creek’s
Dakota name.
o Language is important. If a legal name is pursued, it should be done in a way that
augments caring for the watershed (not distracts from it).
o There might be opportunities for natural alignment between watershed
conservation efforts and using the creek’s Dakota name.
o If a legal name change is pursued, it’s important to act intentionally and build
community support.
The basic process for a name change is pretty simple, but moving too
quickly might cause people to feel surprised, alarmed, or angry.
Crystal Boyd’s understanding is that the name change process starts with
writing a petition and gathering 15 signatures (see appendix for more
details).
An effective name change would build community support through
education and outreach.
• Legal Name Change – Potential Activities
o Develop a blueprint for how to pursue a name change by speaking with other
groups that are involved with similar work. For example:
Bde Maka Ska
Savage Lake
DNR as intermediary to U.S. Geological Survey
o Assess and consider the public’s comfort level with changing the name.
o Seek guidance from Indigenous partners about placename priorities.
• Education and Outreach – General Discussion
o Overall, there’s a need for truth-telling to acknowledge difficult history and harms
done.
o Art can serve as accessible entry point for challenging topics.
o It’s easier to develop youth mindsets than to change adult mindsets.
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o There are creative ways to foster connections between siloed groups and
communities.
• Education and Outreach – Potential Activities
o Host presentations about the creek, its history, and conservation.
Lunch & Learn sessions.
Environmental groups, Rotary Clubs, League of Women Voters, etc.
o Develop a virtual game or art installation along the creek.
Similar to Pokemon Go or geocaching.
Similar to Marlena Myles’s Dakota Spirit Walk (Augmented Reality Public
Art).
o Develop history tours.
Like HHM’s “Skunk Hollow: The Story of a Swamp.”
o Encourage self-education on Indigenous topics. Spark an interest.
o Develop curriculum on Indigenous topics.
o Normalize Dakota language with youth.
o Provide opportunities to touch water and be with the water.
Water ceremonies
Kayaking
Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Loopet Loppet 5K Fun Run.
• Daylighting the Creek
o Challenge: The creek is routed underground.
The creek has two outlets:
• Original outlet at James Rice Park
• Modern outlet just south of the Falls.
The creek is routed under Target Field.
o Explore opportunities for daylighting.
Learn from Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi and Phalen Creek.
• Water Philosophy
o Water is sacred. Water is finite. Every drop matters.
o People share water molecules constantly.
o Consider the water cycle (Western view) and concept of water is “always moving”
(Dakota view).
o Water is the source of life, not a resource.
• Guiding Thoughts
o It’s important to emphasize the watershed, not just the creek.
o Explore ways to create long-term commitments.
5
Avoid short-term fads or limited 5-year plans.
o Change starts with individuals who have personal connections to the water.
o Consider Indigenous ways of living for broader guidance on sustainability.
Using all parts of the bison, eating seasonal foods, and living in community.
• Next Steps
o Everyone, please continue connecting and collaborating!
o HHM will follow up with leadership from MWMO and BCWMC.
o Work together to identify potential activities, partners, and funding sources.
Encourage funding from multiple sources.
o Continue coming together in person.
o Look for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to increase funding for work
with their Indigenous liaison.
Appendix
If a legal name change is pursued, more research is needed to confirm the basic process and best
practices.
In April 2024, project manager Crystal Boyd spoke with the Little Canda Historical Society about its
efforts to rename Savage Lake. Outlined below is the process they mentioned.
Basic Steps for Changing a Geographic Placename
1. Write a petition.
2. Gather 15 signatures (or more to be safe) from registered voters in the county where the
name change will occur.
3. Send the signed petition to the county auditor.
4. Wait for review by the county board.
5. Wait for review by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which will recommend a
decision to the U.S. Board on Geographical Names.
6. Wait for review by the U.S. Board of Geographical Names.
7. If the name change is approved by the U.S. Board of Geographical Names, then the U.S.
Board updates the placename on maps.
Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ
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Ȟ ȟ
Date: June 24, 2024
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Water and Natural Resources Specialist
Subject: No Mow May – Two Year Update
Golden Valley City Council passed a resolution in winter of 2022 supporting a No Mow May
initiative. Interested residents registered to participate on the City’s website and were
subsequently allowed to maintain their lawns higher than the 8-inch threshold outlined in the
City’s property maintenance code. The resolution was intended to help support pollinators in
the City by providing them with additional habitat and food sources early in the season when
options are limited.
During the first year of this initiative, 260 properties registered to participate, which amounts to
about 3.7% of the total properties in the City. In year two of the initiative the City had 398
registrants or 5.7% of the total properties in the City. (See graph on page 2)
Staff promoted the initiative, administered the registration process, and handed out yard signs
provided by People for Pollinators Golden Valley and the Garden Club. Staff also worked with
City property maintenance staff to document any potential violations or citations issued during
and shortly after May. Just as in year one, staff found no significant increase in lawn
maintenance violations in year two when compared with previous years.
Now that the second season of No Mow May is complete, and additional data has been
presented, staff are interested in hearing feedback from the Commission.
Date: June 24, 2024
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Supervisor
Subject: Tree Trust Spring Tree Sale 2024
In 2023, the Environmental Commission recommended that City Council approve a partnership with Tree
Trust for a Spring Tree Sale to help mitigate the loss of thousands of trees due to emerald ash borer. The
Commission agreed to sponsor the tree sale and dedicate up to $1,750 of its annual budget for the effort.
Below is a summary of the City’s first tree sale.
The lottery registration and sale took place in spring 2024 and was promoted by Tree Trust and the City of
Golden Valley using a variety of methods and platforms. In addition, the City sent emails to its contacts at
multifamily properties within environmental justice priority areas.
Trees sold to residents in environmental justice priority areas 16 (20%)
Trees sold to residents outside environmental justice priority areas 65 (80%)
Total trees sold 81
Residents picked up their trees at the Lions Park east parking lot on May 30 and 31 from 4-7pm. The pickup
event was well-staffed and efficient, and feedback was positive.
Following discussion, Commissioners are being asked to consider a recommendation to support a partnership
and sponsor a tree sale with Tree Trust in 2025.
Date: June 24, 2024
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Supervisor
Subject: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The Environmental Commission work plan includes supporting initiatives to increase and improve recycling
opportunities and reduce solid waste across the community. Staff have been tracking an interesting bill that
was recently written into state law (Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, Mn Statute 115A.144 to
115A.1463). It is anticipated that this law will help transform the solid waste industry by requiring producers
to transition to sustainable packaging and establish reuse systems. Below is a brief summary from Hennepin
County staff and attached is a recent slide deck prepared and presented by County staff.
We’re reaching out to let you know that the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, which establishes
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging and paper products, has passed the Minnesota legislature.
This is a big step to create a system where companies are responsible for the packaging they create.
As you may know, this will result in additional funding for recycling programs for cities. Here’s the timeline for
the distribution of those funds:
• February 1, 2029 50% Reimbursement of Program Costs
• February 1, 2030 75% Reimbursement of Program Costs
• February 1, 2031 90% Reimbursement of Program Costs
•
Attached is a summary of the timeline for implementation, what reimbursement will include, and the list of
materials that are exempt.
By January 1, 2025 the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will:
- establish a registration process for service providers (which includes many cities); and
- appoint an advisory board, which includes three members representing local government.
This article also has more details: EPR program sent to Minnesota gov in budget bill (resource-recycling.com) (please
note that the needs assessment is not due until the end of 2026).
Commissioners should review this information and come to the meeting with their feedback and any
questions they may have for staff as we prepare to plan and budget for recycling services in future years.
Summary for Local Governments –
Article 5 - https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2024/0/Session+Law/Chapter/116/
Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act
January 1, 2025 Appointment of initial Producer Responsibility Organization, Advisory Board, and
Registration of Service Providers
March 1, 2025 First Advisory Board Meeting
[scoping of Preliminary Assessment and Needs Assessment]
[contracting for Assessments]
December 31, 2025 Preliminary Assessment completed
December 31, 2026 Needs Assessment completed
[1.5 years rulemaking for lists and statewide requirements]
July 1, 2028 “Curbside” list and Alternative Collection list
Statewide Requirements to be set (assumed, date not set in statute)
October 1, 2028 First Plan due
[120 days for review (including public comment)]
February 1, 2029 50% Reimbursement of Program Costs
February 1, 2030 75% Reimbursement of Program Costs
February 1, 2031 90% Reimbursement of Program Costs
Many Hennepin County cities are “service providers”
MINN STAT 115A.1141, subd. 36. Service provider. "Service provider" means an entity that provides
covered services [collecting, transferring, transporting, sorting, processing, recovering, preparing, or
otherwise managing for purposes of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, or composting] for covered
materials. A political subdivision that provides or that contracts or otherwise arranges with another
party to provide covered services for covered materials within its jurisdiction may be a service provider
regardless of whether it provided, contracted for, or otherwise arranged for similar services before the
approval of the applicable stewardship plan.
Reimbursement rates (methodology, including units, set in the plan)
1. Collection. Collection costs adjusted to reflect conditions, varied by region. Conditions
considered are the number and type of covered entities, population density, methods used for
collection, distance traveled to facilities, other factors, quality of material. Costs associated with
composting are proportional to the share of covered materials versus uncovered materials.
2. Transfer. Costs to transfer and/or deliver to responsible [end] markets.
3. Sort, process, and manage contamination. Costs for sorting and removing contamination,
including costs associated with disposing of contamination.
4. Administrative costs, including education.
5. Costs associated with refill and reuse.
Summary for Local Governments –
Article 5 - https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2024/0/Session+Law/Chapter/116/
Covered materials
Food packaging as defined for the PFAS prohibition in 325F.075; packaging as defined in 115A.03; paper
products that are not deemed unsafe or unsanitary.
MINN STAT 325.075, Subd. 1(b) "Food package" means a container applied to or providing a means
to market, protect, handle, deliver, serve, contain, or store a food or beverage. Food package
includes: (1) a unit package, an intermediate package, and a shipping container; (2) unsealed
receptacles, such as carrying cases, crates, cups, plates, bowls, pails, rigid foil and other trays,
wrappers and wrapping films, bags, and tubs; and (3) an individual assembled part of a food
package, such as any interior or exterior blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing, exterior
strapping, coatings, closures, inks, and labels.
MINN STAT 115A.03, Subd. 22b. Packaging. "Packaging" means a container and any appurtenant
material that provide a means of transporting, marketing, protecting, or handling a product.
"Packaging" includes pallets and packing such as blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing,
strapping, coatings, closures, inks, dyes, pigments, and labels.
Exempt materials
- Packaging for: infant formula, medical food, fortified nutritional supplements necessary due
to a medical diagnosis, medical devices, medical equipment used in medical settings, drugs,
biological products, and any equipment associated with medical care of animals, fungicide,
insecticide, and rodenticide, petroleum gas, hazardous of flammable products.
- Packaging properly managed through PaintCare.
- Paper products including content related to current events including newspapers and
magazines with a circulation of up to 95,000.
- A covered material that is used between two producers and contain a product that is used to
produce another product. [This essentially exempts all tertiary and some secondary
packaging.]
The Packaging Waste and
Cost Reduction Act
Overview of MINN STAT 115A.144 to 115A.1463
Producer Consumer
Product design
Reuse and recycling
What is Extended Producer Responsibility?
A law that extends a producer’s financial and managerial
responsibility for its products and packaging beyond the
manufacturing stage – both upstream to product design and
downstream to post-consumer use, recycling, or safe disposal.
The Packaging Problem
Contamination
and confusion
Market
disruptions and
inflation impacts
Minnesotans Want Better.
Increasingly
complex
materials
Stagnant
recycling
Goals of legislation
Reduce cost of recycling for counties, cities, residents, non-
profits, and schools by 90%.
Require producers to transition to sustainable packaging and
establish reuse systems.
Create green jobs and business development opportunities
and build upon our existing recycling system in Minnesota.
Core components
•Reduced financial burden on local government as producers
cover system costs and improvements/expansion.
•Data driven plans based on needs assessment.
•Five-year plan cycle.
•Agency and advisory board oversight of all plans, reports.
•Agency enforcement.
•Statewide recyclables list and compostables list.
•Robust education to drive more reuse and recycling.
Maine Oregon Colorado California Minnesota
Covered
materials
Packaging Packaging and
paper products
Packaging and
paper products
Packaging Packaging and
paper products
Covered entities Residential and
some
commercial
Residential and
commercial
Residential,
some
commercial can
be phased-in
Residential and
commercial
Residential and
some
commercial
Collection Collection costs
covered through
municipal
reimbursement
Not covered –
only
enhancements
to collection
covered
Collection costs
for residential,
some
commercial can
be phased-in
Collection costs
covered through
municipal
reimbursement
Collection costs
for residential,
schools, most
non-profits, and
government
buildings
Performance
targets
Set through
rulemaking
Sets plastic
recycling rates
and target
contamination
Needs
assessment
outlined three
scenarios for
goals, selected
by legislature
Goals set for
capture of
plastics
Set through
rulemaking
ADVISORY
BOARD
Graphics borrowed from Oregon DEQ
Compost site
Material Recovery Facility Responsible (end) marketHaulers
Cities/towns
Reuse facility/service
provider
Producer
Responsibility
Organization
(PRO)
State-wide
list Needs Assessment Statewide requirements
(goals)
Oversight and
enforcement
Producers pay
eco-modulated
fees based on
what is sold into
Minnesota.
The PRO puts
together a
plan and
reimburses
costs of the
reuse,
recycling, and
composting
of covered
materials.
Producers
The advisory board provides recommendations and oversight
of both the PRO and the agency on program implementation.
Service providers are anyone who collects, processes, or
manages covered materials for reuse, recycling, or
composting. This includes cities that organize these
services.
Covered materials
Packaging: Any material or auxiliary materials used to protect or in handling of a product such as cans, bottles, plastic bags, and boxes.
Food packaging: Any container used to market, protect, handle, or contain a food or beverage item.
Paper products: Products made primarily from wood or other cellulosic fiber
Exemptions:
•Paper products deemed unsafe or unsanitary to handle by recycling or composting facilities
•Newspaper and magazines focused on current events
•Business-to-business materials
•Packaging for medical devices, drugs, infant formula,medically necessary nutritional supplements, FIFRA,animal medicines and medical equipment
•Packaging managed through PaintCare
Statewide Recyclables Lists
The MPCA will develop lists collaboratively to
set a baseline of what must be collected as a
recyclable and compostable covered
material in the state via:
1.curbside/c o -mingled collection system, and
2.alternative collection systems.
Governance
Producers:form one
producer responsibility
organization (PRO) for
first plan, more PROs
allowed after first plan.
Must be registered as
501(c)(3).
MPCA: oversight and
enforcement. Must
review and approve
plans and reports.
Advisory Board:
appointed by the MPCA
and provides guidance to
producer responsibility
organization(s) and
Agency.
Advisory Board
Voting members (17)
2 – manufacturers of covered materials (or association)
2 – refill or reuse org (or association)
1 – retailer (or association)
2 – recycling facilities
1 – waste hauler (or association)
1 – waste facility that transfers covered materials
1 – compost site (or association)
1 – nonprofit environmental org
1 – community-based nonprofit environmental justice org
3 – local governments (one from greater MN)
2 – interested parties identified by agency
Non-voting (1)
1 – representative of the MPCA commissioner
Covered entities
Schools
Public schools (K-
12), special districts,
tribal colleges, for-
profit schools and
private schools, MN
State Colleges and
Universities, and
childcare centers
Residents
Single family and
multifamily
Government
buildings and
public spaces
Non-profits
Revenue must be
less than $35M
Who is a service provider?
Any organization that provides collection, transfer, transportation,
sorting, processing, recovering, preparation, or any other activity
directly related to the refill, reuse, recycling, or composting of
covered materials. A city, county, or solid waste management
organization that provides, contracts, or otherwise arranges with
another party to provide services listed above is a service provider.
Compost siteMaterial Recovery FacilityHaulersCities/towns Reuse facility/service
provider
Fees paid by producers
Fees are eco-modulated to incentivize redesign and must cover all
costs of the program. Criteria for fees:
1.Transition to reuse
2.Optimize material use, while maintaining recyclability
3.Improve recyclability or composability
4.Increase sustainability and renewably sourced materials
5.Eliminate toxic substances
Funding the system
New producer responsibility organization would collect fees to cover:
•Statewide needs assessment, to be repeated every 5 years
•Recycling system costs from sorting to disposing of contamination
•Ensure recycling collection across the state:
•Reimburse local govs. that opt-in to provide recycling service for their residents
•Coordinate service in places that have limited access
•Infrastructures investments to meet reuse, recycling & composting goals
•Market development (end markets)
•Outreach and education
•Administrative costs for MPCA, including cost associated with an advisory committee
Reimbursements
1.Collection of covered materials from covered entities
2.Transfer and transportation costs
3.Costs to sort or process covered materials, including costs to
manage contamination
4.Administrative costs, including education and outreach
5.Costs associated with reuse and refill
Reimbursement starts in 2029. 50% the first year • 75% the second
year • no less than 90% the third year and on
•All packaging, food packaging, and paper products must be able
to be reused, recycled, or composted by January 1, 2032.
•Statewide goals for source reduction, reuse, recycling rates,
composting rates, and use of postconsumer materials are set by
the commissioner. Material-specific performance targets are set
in the plan.
Timeline
January 1, 2025 appointment of initial Producer Responsibility Organization
appointment of Advisory Board
registration of Service Providers
March 1, 2025 first Advisory Board meeting
December 31, 2025 preliminary assessment completed
December 31, 2026 needs assessment completed
July 1, 2028 “curbside” list and alternative collection list established
statewide requirements to be set (assumed, date not set in statute)
October 1, 2028 first plan due [120 days for review (including public comment)]
February 1, 2029 50% reimbursement of program costs
February 1, 2030 75% reimbursement of program costs
February 1, 2031 90% reimbursement of program costs
Date: June 24, 2024
To: Environmental Commission
From: Annie Knoll, GreenCorps Member
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 16.6
The City is reporting an update to the GreenStep Cities Environmental Management Best Practice Action 16.6.
Best Practice Action 16.6 involves the addition of city trees and plant cover that conserves topsoil and
increases community health, wealth, and quality of life. Achieving three-star level recognition requires the
following actions: (a) have at least one staff member with a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or who is a
certified Municipal Specialist or Treecare Safety Professional, (b) implement a community emerald ash borer
preparedness plan or climate change adaptation plan for urban forests including resilient tree species and EAB
wood waste management, and (c) engage volunteers in advanced volunteer stewardship, such as a Tree
Steward program.
There have been several updates to Best Practice 16.6 since the initial report in 2016. Golden Valley has one
full-time staff with a Forestry degree and one staff member is a Certified Arborist and has a Tree Risk
Assessment Qualification from the International Society of Arborists. The City also has two environmental staff
that are MN Tree Inspectors certified through the U of MN and MnDNR program.
Per Section 10.50, subdivision 2 of the City Code a tree inspector, certified by the Minnesota Commissioner of
Agriculture, administers the Shade Tree Pest Control Program for Dutch Elm disease, oak wilt, and other
diseases and pests for the City. The City is responsible for removing diseased trees from public property within
20 days of disease confirmation. In 2024, Golden Valley City Council approved an amendment to the shade
tree ordinance discontinuing private ash tree condemnation because the region was considered completely
infested by EAB. The code amendment relieves private property owners from the obligation to remove
infested ash trees from their property. Under the previous ordinance, property owners were required to
remove infested ash trees. The City is working with the community to replant trees lost to EAB.
In 2010, Golden Valley developed a comprehensive Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan. The plan outlines
the City’s objectives and strategies for addressing the impacts of EAB and is
updated as new pest management technologies evolve. Plan action elements include inventory, ash removal,
wood utilization and disposal, outreach, preventative maintenance, and canopy replacement (replanting
trees) and care.
Appendix 6B of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes updates to Natural Resource-related Ordinances and
Standards regarding tree protection (Section 111-4 of Golden Valley City Code). The adopted city code
requires the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the community’s natural environment. It also
encourages a resourceful and prudent approach to the development, redevelopment, and alteration of trees
in wooded areas.
Since the previous report, there have been updates to the list of recommended trees for residents on the
Golden Valley website. Recommendations for native and/or resilient species are made to residents who
request tree replacement advice. Residents are also directed to the MnDOT Plant Selector online tool to pick
plants based on site characteristics.
Lastly, the City promotes multiple stewardship and public service volunteer programs, including the Storm
Drain Inlet Stenciling Program, Storm Drain Outlet Program, Adopt-a-Pond, Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-an-Open
Space, Buckthorn Busting, and Lilac Planting and Maintenance.
After discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the update to the
City’s Environmental Management Best Practice 16.6 for submission to GreenStep Cities.
Date: June 24, 2024
To: Environmental Commission
From: Annie Knoll, GreenCorps Member
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 27.3
The City is reporting an update to the GreenStep Cities Resilient Economic and Community Development
Best Practice Action 27.3. Best Practice 27.3 consists of strengthening local food production and access. To
achieve two-star recognition, cities must report one or more developments with dedicated, permanent, and
managed growing spaces, such as resident garden spaces or related facilities.
The Medley Park Stormwater Treatment Project transformed an underutilized, soggy turf area in the
northwest corner of Golden Valley into a stormwater treatment area. In addition to flood mitigation and
water treatment, infrastructure improvements involved converting the park’s failing tennis courts into the
Medley Park Community Garden: an ADA-accessible garden comprising 40 raised garden containers
measuring 4’ x 12,’ surrounded by a 10-foot-high fence. Registered gardeners share access to a tool shed,
planting tables, carts, water, container soil, and plant compost bins. The community garden opened in May
2023 for the first round of gardeners, and the gardening season runs from approximately mid-May to
October each year. Integrating a community garden into the Medley Park Stormwater Improvement Project
demonstrates the City’s commitment to strengthening local food production and promoting social
connectedness.
In addition to the community garden, the local farmers market — Market in the Valley — supports
Minnesota agriculture, reduces the carbon footprint, increases access to fresh produce, and creates
opportunities for Golden Valley residents to connect with neighbors and farmers. Together, the Medley Park
Community Garden and Market of the Valley meet the requirements for two-star recognition of GreenStep
Cities Best Practice 27.3.
After discussion, staff request that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the update to the
City’s Resilient Economic and Community Development Best Practice Action 27.3 for submission to the
GreenStep Cities.
Date: June 24, 2024
To: Environmental Commission
From: Annie Knoll, GreenCorps Member
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 29.6
The City is reporting an update to GreenStep Cities Resilient Economic and Community Development Best
Practice Action 29.6. To reach two-star recognition, the City must plan and prepare for extreme weather and
promote community connectedness and economic vitality. Two-star-level examples include investing in
equitable community resilience, implementing at least one green infrastructure improvement project, or
assessing options to reduce urban heat and improve air quality ahead of planned maintenance.
The invasive non-native species emerald ash borer (EAB) has infested thousands of trees in Golden Valley,
leading to a major decline in tree coverage. Shrinking tree canopy threatens community resilience to climate
change by worsening the urban heat island effect, decreasing air quality, reducing carbon sequestration, and
limiting stormwater interception and uptake capacity. To mitigate the impacts of EAB and build a climate-
resilient community, the City partnered with non-profit Tree Trust to sell discounted trees to Golden Valley
residents through a lottery system with an equitable pricing structure. The pricing structure was based on
proximity to environmental justice (EJ) priority areas, which are disproportionately affected by a lack of
investment in trees and green infrastructure.
The 2024 Tree Sale was a major success, distributing 81 trees at discounted prices to Golden Valley
households, including 16 trees (20%) to properties in EJ priority areas. Planting trees is one of the simplest and
most cost-effective green infrastructure strategies for urban climate adaptation. In addition to climate
adaptation, the Tree Sale promoted social connectedness and economic vitality in Golden Valley, which aligns
with the actions outlined in GreenStep Cities Best Practice 29.6.
After discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the update to the
City’s Resilient Economic and Community Development Best Practice 29.6 for submission to GreenStep Cities.
Figure 1. Golden Valley Environmental Justice Priority Areas. Map was developed through a
collaborative effort with the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission and
Environmental Commission.