EC Agenda 02-24-2025
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 January 27, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
5. Old Business
A. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek 2025 efforts (5 min)
i. Subcommittee Updates
1. 2025 Creek Clean-up Event Planning
ii. Watershed Commission Map
6. New Business
A. City Council 2030 Strategic Directives (10 min)
B. Annual Work Plan Evaluation & Prioritization (30 min)
C. Council Updates (5 min)
D. Other Business (5 min)
7. Adjournment
February 24, 2025 – 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 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
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, Tonia Galonska, Ellen Brenna, Paul
Klaas, Kari Cantarero, Amelia Schultz
Commissioners absent: Wendy Weirich
Council Members present: None
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
4. Approval of January 27, 2025 Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Brenna to approve the
agenda for January 27, 2025 as submitted and the motion carried.
5. Approval of December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Drawz, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the
minutes of December 16, 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. Commissioner Galonska put together a synopsis of what the
event could look like, where participation from others would be
needed, and budget needed.
i. It may be placed on the February meeting agenda.
January 27, 2025 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
January 27, 2025 – 6:30 pm
2
ii. Sub-committee and staff will meet to discuss before the
February meeting.
ii. Watershed Map & Co-Naming Update
1. Commission Map is not quite finalized.
1. Mapping items need to be adjusted.
2. The title of the map needs to be updated.
2. Co-Naming Practices (not a formal policy).
3. The approved co-naming is Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek.
4. The legal name of the BCWMC is still Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission. BCWMC and cultural advisors are not
looking to formally change the name of the creek or the organization at
this time.
5. The new map should be printed and available by earth day.
6. Is there a City policy template for this?
1. Co-naming is a potential 2025 work plan item. Draft a formal
policy or standard operating procedure for the City to follow.
7. New Business
A. Annual Work Plan Ideas
i. Commissioners reviewed the matrix included in the agenda packet to fill in any
gaps, make any necessary revisions, and eventually get to a one-page work
plan with 3-4 priority items that are achievable and supported by Council.
Could possibly include an appendix with the matrix or list of the next items to
work on if the priority items are completed ahead of schedule.
ii. The Council has a visioning session on January 28. The Commission should try
to align the work plan with the Council’s priorities.
iii. GreenStep Cities – May be left off the work plan because EC can’t do it all.
Staff and the GreenCorps member will still support and maintain it, unless
directed otherwise.
iv. Climate Equity Plan – Staff asked Council for permission to apply for a grant
from the MPCA to start to develop the framework for this plan and do
community engagement.
v. Two commissioners – Tonia and Debra - will be leaving after the April meeting.
They cannot be listed as project leads for work plan items.
vi. Work Plan Idea Matrix:
1. Add “Potential” to EC Project Lead column.
2. Grey items are already approved and in progress.
3. Sponsor 2026 Spring Tree Sale or other community tree planting event.
4. Add Commissioner Klaas for the EC Project Lead for the ‘Draft
Procedure or Policy for co-naming Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek.’
5. Urban Forest Management
1. Break into separate action items to make this more
manageable:
i. Planting More Trees/Tree Planting Event.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
January 27, 2025 – 6:30 pm
3
1. Commissioner Brenna would be the EC Project
Lead.
ii. Update Educational Materials on Invasive Species
(buckthorn) Management. Update the website.
6. Organized Solid Waste and Yard Waste:
1. What does the outcome look like? What are you trying to
achieve? What does success look like? Need more specificity.
i. Here’s what we propose to do / Here’s our role. Do
research on relevant data and do a Golden Valley
specific analysis? Look at environmental impacts
specifically?
7. Strategic Park Planning:
1. We need more information from Parks & Rec and Council.
8. Climate Equity Plan:
1. We need to see if we receive the grant. We need to determine
our role in this effort either way.
9. Outdoor Lighting Ordinance:
1. Take existing ordinance and update it and modernize it.
10. Increase Organics Recycling Participation:
1. Add Commissioner Klaas as the EC Project Lead.
2. Tie in education with the one-time event of offering free bags.
11. Certify Brookview as Environmentally Responsible Golf Course:
1. Certification offered by the Audubon Society.
2. There is a description on the Audubon website.
3. The cost to certify is $1,000.00 if you meet the environmental
management standards. What are other costs/projects/time
associated with making improvements to become certified?
4. Could this work item be modified to simply have the Audubon
Society come and do the audit of Brookview?
12. Review and Update the City’s Winter Maintenance Chloride
Management Policy:
1. Add Commissioners Brenna and Cantarerro as the EC Project
Leads.
2. City policy is a little older and might deserve a fresh look.
13. Natural Landscapes and Planting for Pollinators:
1. Put Commissioner Weirich as the EC Project Lead.
2. Focus on the recent state statute and the City possibly not
requiring a permit anymore.
14. Host We Are Water Minnesota’s Traveling Exhibit in 2026:
1. Put Commissioner Cantarerro as the EC Project Lead.
15. Blue Zones Project Community:
1. We need to learn more about this.
2. It involves the entire community.
3. Put Commissioner Cantarerro as the EC Project Lead.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
January 27, 2025 – 6:30 pm
4
16. Hennepin County Zero Waste Efforts:
1. Reduce Styrofoam and single use plastics:
i. On previous work plan.
ii. Charge a bag fee?
iii. A lot of education, monitoring, and support from staff.
17. Host a 2026 Earth Day or Environmental Day Fair:
1. This would be a pretty big effort for staff.
2. Partner organizations within and outside our community.
18. Potable Water Use and Water Conservation:
1. This is in the existing work plan.
2. This could come off the list.
3. If the Commission is interested, Commissioner Brenna’s name
can be put down as the EC Project Lead.
B. Council Updates
i. None
C. Other Business
i. Great Northern Festival Climate Solutions Series websites:
1. Minnesota CliMAT
1. Climate.umn.edu/MN-CliMAT
2. University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership Community
Climate Leaders Program:
1. Climate.umn.edu/community-climate-leaders
3. Project Drawdown:
1. Drawdown.org
4. Wildones.org has a free webinar on February 20, 2025 at 6:00 pm –
“Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators”
8. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Brenna to adjourn the
meeting at 8:22 pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
__________________________________ __________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Debra Yahle, Chair
Date: February 24, 2025
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Supervisor
Subject: City 2030 Strategic Directives
As part of the City’s comprehensive strategic planning process, the City Council recently
completed a high-level visioning session. One of the outcomes of the visioning session is the
2030 Strategic Directives attached to this memorandum. These directives will help guide the
planning process and the work of staff, boards and commissions.
Commissioners should review the 2030 Strategic Directives and consider how their work plan
ideas might align with these directives.
Strategic
(Re)Development
• Pursue vibrant, identifiable community nodes, including a “downtown,” with diverse housing
and retail options that attract and engage residents and visitors.
• Foster a healthy mix of housing stock that accommodates various price points and
life stages.
• Ensure transparency and inclusivity in (re)development decision-making by intentionally
partnering with residents, business owners, and visitors.
• Cultivate a reputation as a supportive partner in (re)development efforts.
• Retain and actively engage local businesses, recognizing their role as vital
community members.
• Prioritize the redevelopment of existing commercial and residential infrastructure to uphold
our commitment to thoughtful stewardship of land and natural resources.
Infrastructure Maintainance
& Enhancement
• Prioritize quality infrastructure designed to last, emphasizing environmental sustainability
and climate resiliency.
• Stay ahead of City infrastructure needs, prioritizing timely maintenance and replacement.
• Strategically use park land to offer diverse amenities that fulfill community needs while
advancing environmental goals.
• Improve responsiveness to emerging safety and maintenance issues such as crosswalks,
potholes, and curb cuts.
Effective Governance
& Management
• Maintain our local control and ability to represent our community’s values and priorities.
• Ensure effective City operations through strategic leadership and proactive planning that
addresses current needs while ensuring longterm sustainability.
• Enhance resident understanding about City projects and initiatives by clearly and regularly
communicating trade-offs and the rationale behind investments.
• Uphold transparency and accountability with the community, acknowledging mistakes and
promptly addressing them.
• Stay at the forefront of advancing equity and inclusivity by fostering strong, welcoming
relationships with community, maintaining a workplace that fosters belonging and
equitable outcomes, and embedding equity and inclusion into all City policies, initiatives,
plans, and projects.
• Create a workplace that attracts and retains talent by investing in staff development,
engagement, and morale while promoting accountability and focusing on solutions
to challenges.
Page 1 | 2030 Strategic Directives
2030 Strategic Directives
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
Page 2 | 2030 Strategic Directives
Financial Wellness • Increase the tax base to distribute the tax burden more evenly and better respond to
emerging community needs.
• Cultivate taxpayer confidence in our financial stewardship and the value of their investment
by providing high-quality services, actively seeking alternative funding sources (grants,
philanthropy, community partnerships), and transparently sharing our story.
• Address the immense needs within a limited budget by planning strategically for future
financial requirements and pursuing alternative funding sources.
• Foster partnerships with nearby jurisdictions to collaboratively tackle infrastructure
challenges affecting Golden Valley.
Community Affairs • Prioritize inclusivity and engagement with ALL Golden Valley populations, co-creating initia-
tives and regularly soliciting input.
• Treat taxpayers as valued customers, fostering a community-centric approach that responds
promptly to inquiries and keeps them up to date on progress.
• Strengthen community identity through a sharpened brand, more community gatherings, and
effective communication.
• Build community understanding about local government functions and roles to manage expec-
tations and help them effectively access the resources they need.
• Leverage City events and projects to reflect our environmental values (eg, zero-waste, ze-
ro-plastic community gatherings, etc).
2030 Strategic Directives
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
Date: February 24, 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 (complete)
January 28 Council visioning session (2030 Strategic Directives)
February Prioritize ideas and align with strategic directives; refine specific actions and
timelines
Ongoing Consultant-led operations analysis and internal strategic planning process
(may inform commission work plans)
March-April Finalize draft work plan
Spring Present draft work plan to City Council
The schedule will remain flexible as more information about the strategic planning process, city
priorities, and framework for boards and commissions becomes available.
Commissioners should review the strategic directives and attached matrix tool and come to the
meeting prepared to discuss and prioritize work plan ideas.
EC Priority
L, M, H
EC Rank
1-10 Work Plan Idea
City 2030
Strategic
Directive?
2025 City
Priority?
Action or Goal in
Existing Plan? Outcome / Success
Action is a
recommendation, code
change, plan, policy,
procedure,
education/information,
event, or sponsorship
Potential 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 (already in
progress)EC work plan
Plant more trees,
improve environment
and human health
event, sponsorship NA Diana, Eric
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $ 8 mos
Sponsor 2025 Dakota Plant Walks (already
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 (already 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
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
Plant more trees,
improve environment
and human health
event, sponsorship Diana
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $$ 8 mos
Draft procedure or policy for co-naming
Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek
Stay at the
forefront of
advancing equity
and inclusivity by
fostering strong,
welcoming
relationships with
community
EC work plan
More aware and
educated public, honor
Dakota people, increase
and normalize use of
Dakota placenames
procedure or policy Paul Eric
Environmental,
Communications,
Equity, Legal
M $ 8 mos
Research and provide recommendations
on organized solid waste and yard waste
collection (carryover from 2023-24 plan).
Focus on environmental aspects.
EC work plan
Sufficient data available
and research conducted
to make an informed
recommendation to
council
recommendation Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications,
Finance, Equity,
Legal
H $$
Depends if
larger city
engagement
effort. Min 6
mos, could be
more than 12.
Need Council
direction on ECs
role, work product.
Provide recommendations on urban forest
management, with a focus on a. or b.
below:
a. Plant more trees, sponsor/host a tree
planting event
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
Plant more trees,
improve environment
and human health
recommendation,
education/information,
sponsorship
Ellen Diana
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $$ 8 mos
b. Update educational materials on
invasive plant species (i.e. buckthorn
management)
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
Remove invasive
species, increase
biodiversity and
ecosystem health
education/information Diana, Drew
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $$ 4 mos
Assist with strategic parks planning (natural
resources components)
Strategically use park
land to offer diverse
amenities that fulfill
community needs
while advancing
environmental goals
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 $$$
Depends on role
of EC, min 4
mos
Need direction on
ECs role, tasks.
Assist with developing climate equity plan
Stay at the
forefront of
advancing equity
and inclusivity by
fostering strong,
welcoming
relationships with
community
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
comprehensive
inventory, analysis,
policies, and actions to
improve community
health, resilience, and
sustainability
plan development Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Equity,
Environmental,
Public Works,
Communications
H $$
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 $$
Depends if
larger city
engagement
effort, min 6
mos
Increase organics recycling participation
with new initiatives (like education along
with puchasing and offering free bags)
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
Increase organics
tonnage, reduce waste,
improve diversion rate,
informed public
recommendation,
education/information Paul Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications
L $$ 2 mos
Certify Brookview as an Audubon
International environmentally responsible
golf course
Brookview GC becomes
more naturalized and
sustainably managed
than current conditions,
imporved water quality
and biodiversity
recommendation, best
practices, more?
Janelle/Greg, Golf
staff
Park & Rec, Golf,
Environmental,
Communications
Could simplify by
only requesting
Audubon Society to
perform audit, and
possibly develop
plan.
Actions/improvemen
ts/certification could
come later.
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 Ellen, Kari 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 Wendy Eric
Environmental,
Engineering,
Planning &
Sustainability,
Communications
M $ 3 mos
Could lead to
updating lawn
maintenance
code, would
require more time
Apply in 2025 and host We Are Water
Minnesota’s traveling exhibit in 2026
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Surface Water
Mgmt Plan
Informed public, less
pollution, improved
water quality
event, sponsorship Kari Eric
Environmental,
Communications L $ 3 mos
Work toward becoming a Blue Zones
Project Community
Achieve Blue Zones
Community certification recommendation, plan Kari Ethan
All Depts,
community
organizations,
community
volunteers
H $$$ 36-60 mos
Similar to Partners
In Energy program
Continue supporting Hennepin County’s
zero waste efforts with a, b, or c below:
a. Reduce Styrofoam and single use
plastics, bags, and containers (restaurants,
stores, etc), and explore implementing a
potential city-wide fee on certain products
(carryover from 2023-24 plan)
EC work plan,
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
Reduce styrofoam and
plastic waste, improve
environment
recommendation, code
change Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Finance,
Communications,
Equity, Legal
H $$ 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
future agreement Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications,
Finance, Equity,
Legal
H $$
Depends if
larger city
engagement
effort, min 6
mos
c. Look into Market in the Valley hosting
Second Hand Swaps each month (each
month a different category like Winter Gear,
Art Supplies, Media, etc.)
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
Reduce waste, increase
reuse
event,
education/information Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications
L $ 3 mos
Host 2026 Earth Day Fair or Environmental
Day Fair
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
More aware and
informed public,
improve environment
event, sponsorship,
education/information Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications
H $$
Depends on
partner
organizations,
min 8 mos
Explore and understand potable water use
in the community; research conservation
measures like a lawn watering ordinance
(carryover from 2023-24 plan)
EC work plan,
Surface Water
Mgmt Plan
Conserve water, improve
environment
recommendation, code
change Ellen Tim/Joe, Eric,
Caleb
Public Works,
Environmental,
Engineering,
Finance,
Communications,
Equity, Legal
H $$$
Depends on
larger city
engagement
effort, min 8
mos