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EC Agenda 01-27-2025 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 774 327 980#. 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 and by amplifying a wide range of indigenous voices. 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min) 5. Old Business A. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek 2025 efforts (10 min) i. Subcommittee Updates 1. 2025 Creek Clean-up Event Planning ii. Watershed Commission Map & Co-Naming Practices 6. New Business A. Annual Work Plan Ideas Evaluation (50 min) B. Council Updates (5 min) C. Other Business (5 min) 7. Adjournment January 27, 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 Chair Yahle at 6:30 pm. 2. Land Acknowledgement 3. Roll Call Commissioners present: Debra Yahle, Sarah Drawz, Wendy Weirich, Tonia Galonska, Ellen Brenna, Paul Klaas Commissioners absent: Kari Cantarero, Amelia Schultz Council Members present: None Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor; Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant. 4. Approval of December 16, 2024 Agenda MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Brenna to approve the agenda for December 16, 2024 as submitted and the motion carried. 5. Approval of November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Klaas, seconded by Commissioner Weirich to approve the minutes of November 25, 2024 as submitted and the motion carried. 6. Old Business A. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek 2024 Efforts i. Subcommittee Updates: 1. 2025 Creek Clean-Up Event Planning 1. Sarah, Tonia, Eric, and Crystal met on Dec 2, 2024. December 16, 2024 – 6:30 pm City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting December 16, 2024 – 6:30 pm 2 2. Thinking about having residents go out independently on a certain day to various areas where they can access the creek. We could provide a list of places where parking is available, and the banks are safer to access the creek. They collect their own trash and bring it back to City Hall during a certain time window to be weighed. i. Would we use some budget to supply bags and grabbers? ii. Make it a competition over the weekend before Earth Day? 3. In surveying possible sites (public access and no permission needed), it doesn’t look like there’s a real need in planning this. Possibly shift to invasive plant removal (buckthorn, garlic mustard)? Possibly more debris after winter? Possibly find ponds/wetlands not on the stream itself? 4. Not all public right of way along the creek. 5. It was mentioned that this could be a watershed cleanup, not just the creek. All waters are connected to the creek and there are many ponds and waterways that could use a cleanup. 6. Possibly reach out to the Minneapolis Park Board to piggyback on their park clean up and promote cleaning up Theo Wirth Park? 7. The subcommittee will continue to discuss. ii. Watershed Map & Co-Naming Update 1. Bassett Creek Watershed will have its monthly meeting on Thursday, Dec 19. The Education Committee reviewed the latest draft of the map and co-naming recommendations and recommends the full commission approve the map and the co-naming recommendations. 2. An update will be provided at the January EC meeting. 7. New Business A. Annual Work Plan Ideas i. The Commission puts items on the work plan they would like to work on. The Chair presents the draft work plan to Council at a work session. There have been things they’ve taken off in the past and things they’ve asked the Commission to consider instead. The work plan is then finalized the next month. The council can also add an item at any point during the year that isn’t on the work plan for the Commission to work on. ii. Consider what kind of goals, policies, or mission would your work plan item be fulfilling? What kind of council, organizational, or community goals would it be fulfilling? Can you tie it back to something the community is already saying we need/want? City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting December 16, 2024 – 6:30 pm 3 iii. Think about the impact to others within the group, to other staff/departments/divisions, to other commissions. 1. Working with the Open Space & Rec or DEIC Commissions 2. The Lighting Ordinance, for example, requires a code change that would involve the Planning Commission and City Council. 3. Formal policies, like co-naming, go to Council. 1. There is a standard format for policies. The Commission and staff could draft the policy. Then it would go through legal- equity review and then on to Council. 4. Think about budget and financial impacts. iv. Ideas from Council Member Ginnis are included in the December 16, 2024 work plan memo. v. Ideas from Commissioner Klaas are attached to the December 16, 2024 agenda packet. vi. Ideas from Commissioner Galonska were presented at the meeting: 1. Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. 2. Draft a Climate Action Plan. 3. Continue support for the Tree Sale, Rain Barrel Sale, and Home Energy Squad. 4. Work toward possibly becoming a Blue Zones Project Community. 5. Co-Naming Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek. 6. Buckthorn & Garlic Mustard removal and update the City’s Tree Diseases, Pests, and Invasive Species webpage. 7. Continue to support County’s Zero Waste efforts. vii. Commissioners would like to put the following on the initial work plan list: 1. Commissioners would like to hear more about the Strategic Parks Planning, and include it in the work plan if it involves natural resources and the environment. Could partner with OSRC. 2. Drafting a co-naming policy for Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek. 3. Urban forest management, planting more trees, and invasive species management (especially buckthorn). 4. Organized solid waste. 1. Our work plan would say we want to do some research into organized hauling with the goal toward a recommendation. Then the Council can say yes or no. 5. Update the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. 6. Draft a Climate Action Plan. 7. Look into getting Brookview Golf Course environmentally certified. 8. Continue support for the Tree Sale, Rain Barrel Sale, and Home Energy Squad. 9. Work toward possibly becoming a Blue Zones Project Community. 10. Chloride Management Policy – The freshwater society has a model ordinance to allow prioritizing environmental resources along with City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting December 16, 2024 – 6:30 pm 4 public safety. Seek to update the City’s existing snow and ice control policy. 11. Promote/educate about managed natural landscapes and planting for pollinators. 12. Continue to support County’s Zero Waste efforts through a variety of actions. viii. Staff hasn’t received specific direction on work plan approach, process, or content. Based on previous discussions, it seemed like commissions were going to be asked to prepare shorter work plans with up to five action items. Those items should be completed within a year or so. Staff will share any updates it receives regarding work plan development. B. Council Updates i. None C. Other Business i. None 8. Adjournment MOTION by Commissioner Weirich, seconded by Commissioner Brenna to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 pm and the motion carried. ATTEST: ________________________________ ____________________________________ Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Debra Yahle, Chair Date: January 27, 2025 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Supervisor Subject: Annual Work Plan Development As stated in its bylaws, the Commission is required to develop an annual work plan for review and approval by City Council. Over the next few months, the Commission will evaluate and prioritize ideas, discuss resources needed, and transform ideas into specific actions and strategies for the plan. Below is a tentative schedule for work plan development: December Brainstorm ideas (complete) January Evaluate ideas; discuss resources needed January 28 Council visioning session (may inform commission work plans) Ongoing Consultant-led operations analysis and internal strategic planning process (may inform commission work plans) February Prioritize ideas; refine specific actions, strategies, and timelines March Finalize draft work plan Spring Present draft work plan to Council The schedule will remain flexible as more information about Council priorities, commission work plans, content, formatting, and timing becomes available. Commissioners discussed potential work plan ideas at their December meeting and generated a list of ideas to move forward for further evaluation. Staff created a matrix tool to assist commissioners in evaluating and prioritizing ideas (attached). The matrix tool is in draft form and is meant to be updated and refined during the planning process. Commissioners should review the matrix for accuracy and come to the meeting prepared to discuss and update as needed. EC Priority L, M, H Work Plan Idea 2025 Council Priority? Action or Goal in Existing Plan?Outcome / Success Action is a recommendation, code change, plan, policy, procedure, education/information, event, or sponsorship EC project lead Staff project lead Departments/ Divisions involved Approximate staff time L, M, H Approximate Cost/Budget $, $$, $$$ Project timeline Notes Sponsor 2025 spring tree sale (in progress)EC work plan Plant more trees, improve environment and human health event, sponsorship NA Diana, Eric Public Works, Environmental, Communications M $ 6 mos Sponsor 2025 Dakota plant walks (in progress)EC work plan Aware and educated public, and more naturalized environments sponsorship NA Eric Environmental, Communications L $ 2 mos Plan and sponsor 2025 creek/watershed cleanup event (in progress)EC work plan Informed public, less pollution, improved water quality event, sponsorship Sarah, Tonia Eric Environmental, Communications, Public Works, possibly Park & Rec M $ 6 mos Sponsor 2026 spring tree sale or other community tree planting event Natural Resources Management Plan Plant more trees, improve environment and human health event, sponsorship Diana Public Works, Environmental, Communications M $$ 8 mos Draft procedure or policy for co-naming Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek EC work plan Aware and educated public, honor Dakota people, more use of Dakota placenames procedure or policy Eric Environmental, Communications, Equity, Legal M $ 8 mos Research and provide recommendations on organized solid waste and yard waste collection (carryover from 2023-24 plan) EC work plan Sufficient data available and research conducted to make an informed recommendation to council recommendation Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Environmental, Communications, Finance, Equity, Legal H $$ Depends if larger city engagement effort. Min 6 mos consider providing more specificity, may need more direction on ECs role Provide recommendations on urban forest management, planting more trees, buckthorn management (and update educational materials) Natural Resources Management Plan recommendation, education/information, best practices Diana Public Works, Environmental, Communications M $$ 5 mos need to break this into smaller, more specific items/actions; is this for staff or public? Assist with strategic parks planning (natural resources components) Natural Resources Management Plan comprehensive inventory, analysis, policies, and actions to protect and improve the natural environment plan development Janelle/Greg, Eric Park & Rec, Environmental, Engineering, Public Works, Communications, Equity H $$$ Depends on role of EC, min 4 mos need more specificity around ECs role Assist with developing climate equity plan Resilience & Sustainability Plan comprehensive inventory, analysis, policies, and actions to improve community health, resilience, and sustainability plan development Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Equity, Environmental, Public Works, Communications H $$ Depends on role of EC, min 2 mos Update the City’s outdoor lighting ordinance Resilience & Sustainability Plan Update and modernize ordinance, reduce light pollution, improve health of all living beings code change Paul Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Environmental, Engineering, Communications, Equity, Legal, Planning Commission H $$ Depends if larger city engagement effort, min 6 mos Increase organics recycling participation with new initiatives (offering bags, education) Resilience & Sustainability Plan Increase organics tonnage, reduce waste, improve diversion rate, informed public recommendation, education/information Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Environmental, Communications L $$ 2 mos Certify Brookview as environmentally responsible golf course Brookview GC is more naturalized and sustainably managed than current conditions recommendation, best practices, more? Janelle/Greg, golf staff Park & Rec, Golf, Environmental, Communications Review and update the City’s winter maintenance chloride management policy Surface Water Mgmt Plan Policy is updated to reflect current operations, demonstrates leadership, potential for less pollution and improved water quality policy Tim/Marshall Environmental, Public Works, Equity, Legal M $ 8 mos Promote and educate about managed natural landscapes and planting for pollinators Natural Resources Management Plan Informed public, more natural landscapes, less manicured turf education/information Eric Environmental, Engineering, Planning & Sustainability, Communications M $ 3 mos could lead to updating lawn maintenance code Apply and host We Are Water Minnesota’s traveling exhibit for 2026 Surface Water Mgmt Plan Informed public, less pollution, improved water quality event, sponsorship Eric Environmental, Communications 3 mos Work toward becoming a Blue Zones Project community Continue supporting Hennepin County’s zero waste efforts with a, b, or c below: a. Seek opportunities to partner with nonprofits and others to reduce Styrofoam and single use plastics, bags, and containers (restaurants, stores, etc), and explore implementing a potential city-wide fee on certain products (carryover from 2023-24 plan) EC work plan, Resilience & Sustainability Plan Reduce styrofoam and plastic waste, improve environment code change Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Environmental, Finance, Communications, Equity, Legal H $$ 12 mos b. Investigate possibly joining the Hennepin Recycling Group joint powers organization consisting of Brooklyn Center, Crystal and New Hope Sufficient data available and research conducted to make an informed recommendation to council recommendation, possible agreement Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Environmental, Communications, Finance, Equity, Legal H $$ Depends if larger city engagement effort, min 6 mos c. Look into Market in the Valley hosting Second Hand Swaps each month perhaps on the Second Sunday of each month. Each month could be a different category i.e. Winter Gear, Art Supplies, Media, etc. Resilience & Sustainability Plan Reduce waste, increase reuse event, education/information Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Environmental, Communications L $ 3 mos Host 2026 Earth Day or Environmental Day Fair Resilience & Sustainability Plan Aware and informed public, improved environment event, sponsorship, education/information Ethan Planning & Sustainability, Environmental, Communications H $$ Depends on partner organizations, min 6 mos Explore and understand potable water use in the community; research conservation measures like a lawn watering ordinance (carryover from 2023-24 plan, added by staff for consideration) EC work plan, Surface Water Mgmt Plan Conserve water, improve environment code change Tim/Joe, Eric Public Works, Environmental, Finance, Communications, Equity, Legal H $ Depends on larger city engagement effort, min 8 mos