2025-05-06 - MIN - City Council Regular Meeting
May 6, 2025 — 6:30 PM
Golden Valley City Hall
Council Chambers
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Members of the public may attend this meeting in-person, watch on cable channel 16, or stream on CCXmedia.org.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Harmon called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Present: Mayor Roslyn Harmon, Council Members Sophia Ginis, Maurice Harris, Denise La Mere-
Anderson, and Gillian Rosenquist
Absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Schuchman, City Attorney Cisneros, Police Chief Green, City Forester Preisen,
Deputy Community Development Director McGuire, Senior Planner Kramer, Associate
Planner Okey, Planning Contractor Lindahl, City Engineer Ryan, Equity and Inclusion
Manager Kaempfer, and City Clerk Schyma
1A. Pledge of Allegiance and Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Harmon led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and read the City’s Land Acknowledgement
statement.
1B. Proclamation Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer discussed the proclamation honoring the languages, traditions,
spiritual and religious practices of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Mayor Harmon proclaimed the Golden Valley City Council recognizes the month of May as
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and called upon the
people of Golden Valley to recognize the contributions made by AANHPI communities and
actively promote the principals of equality, liberty, equity, and justice.
1C. Proclamation for Arbor Day and Arbor Month
City Forester Preisen discussed the proclamation honoring Arbor Day and Arbor Month through the
recognition of Tree City USA and the SEA School Arbor event on May 21, 2025.
Council Member Ginis stated that she loves trees and is a tree hugger.
Mayor Harmon proclaimed the Golden Valley City Council recognizes May 21, 2025, as Arbor
Day and May 2025 as Arbor month in the City of Golden Valley and urge all people to support
efforts to protect our trees and woodlands to support the Cities urban forestry program and
the Council urges all people to become more aware of the importance of trees to their well-
being and to plant, protect, and widely use Golden Valley’s great treasure of trees.
1D. Proclamation Recognizing National Police Week, May 11-17, 2025
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Police Chief Green discussed the proclamation honoring National Police Week, the history of National
Police Week, Police Unity Tour, and honoring officers who have passed in the line of duty.
Mayor Harmon proclaimed the Golden Valley City Council recognizes May 11, 2025 through
May 27, 2025, as National Police Week in the City of Golden Valley and calls upon all citizens
and civic organizations in commemorating public safety professionals, recognizing the
substantial contributions they make to protecting health, safety, and quality of life.
2. Additions and Corrections to Agenda
Motion by Ginis, Second by La Mere-Anderson to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion carried 5-0.
3. Consent Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda - All items listed under this heading are considered to be routine by the City
Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no discussion of these items unless a Council
Member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and
considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
Motion by La Mere-Anderson, Second by Harris to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted.
Motion carried 5-0.
3A. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
3B. Approval of City Check Registers
3C. Bids, Quotes, and Contracts:
3C.1. Approve Single Axle Dump Truck Outfitting
3C.2. Approve Purchase of Hockey Rink Dasher Boards and Components from Becker Arena Products
3C.3. Approve Amended Encroachment Agreement No. 2024-002.01 on Metropolitan Council Property
3C.4. Adopt Resolution No. 25-029 Approving State of Minnesota Department of Transportation and City
of Golden Valley Cooperative Construction Agreement No. 1058885 and Authorizing its Execution
3D. Grants and Donations:
3D.1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-030 Authorizing Application for the 2025 Hennepin County Cost
Participation and Partnership Request Process
3D.2. Adopt Resolution No. 25-031 Authorizing Application for the USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All
Planning and Demonstration Grant
3E. Adopt Ordinance No. 795 and Resolution No. 25-032 Approving a Conditional Use Permit
Amendment for a Child Care Center at 4735 Bassett Creek Drive
3F. Adopt Ordinance No. 796 and Resolution Nos. 25-033 and 25-034 approving Rezoning, Preliminary
Plat, and Summary Ordinance for 1611 Lilac Drive North
3G. Adopt Resolution Nos. 25-035, 25-036, 25-037, and Ordinance No. 797 Approving Comprehensive
Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, and Summary Ordinance for 1211 Lilac Drive
4. Public Hearing - None.
5. Old Business - None.
6. New Business
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6A. Consideration of Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Preliminary Plat for 1131 Lilac
Drive North, Resolution Nos. 25-038, 25-039, and Ordinance No. 798
Senior Planner Kramer discussed the application for redevelopment of 1131 Lilac Drive North, why the
application was considered by Staff, and the guiding principles behind the application. She also noted
discussions surrounding R-1 versus R-2 zoning, tree removal, and traffic concerns that occurred at the
March 31, 2025, neighborhood meeting and April 14, 2025, public hearing. The Planning Commission is
divided on re-zoning, therefore, this application was sent without recommendation. Staff recommends
approval of all applications.
Mayor Harmon announced that while this item is not eligible for public input, on behalf of the Council, she
wanted everyone to know that, as part of the agenda packet, the City Council was provided all
documentation of comments and input received either in writing or as part of the public hearing that
occurred at the Planning Commission meeting on April 14. She stated that the Council would like everyone
to know that their comments have been heard, and appreciates their willingness to share their thoughts on
this matter.
Council Member Ginis stated she listened to the Planning Commission meeting and appreciated the
thorough discussion. She noted she supports Staff’s recommendation and believes the impact will be
positive.
Council Member Rosenquist echoed Council Member Ginis’s sentiments and supports Staff’s
recommendation. She highlighted how seriously she took this recommendation and noted the housing
crisis and taxes as part of her reasoning.
Council Member Harris asked about the parking situation on Lilac Drive. City Engineer Ryan stated there are
portions of Lilac Drive that are restricted. Council Member Harris asked if the City has control if they need
to change restrictions. City Engineer Ryan stated yes, that is correct.
Council Member Harris understands residents’ concerns, but noted the median home prices in Golden alley
and the importance of affordable housing. Therefore, he supports Staff’s recommendation.
Council Member La Mere-Anderson watched the Planning Commission meeting, read the details, and
shared the Council’s sentiments.
Mayor Harmon noted that change is hard and commented on her own struggles in affording a home. She
noted that other first ring suburbs are creating affordable housing and this step is important in welcoming
people to the City.
Motion by Rosenquist, Second by Ginis to adopt Resolution Nos. 25-038, 25-039, and Ordinance No. 798
approving comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, and preliminary plat for 1131 Lilac Drive North based
on the findings in the staff report.
Motion Carried 5-0 with unanimous approval. (in Favor: Harmon, Ginis, Harris, La Mere-Anderson,
Rosenquist. Opposed: N/A)
6B. Review of Council Calendar
Mayor Harmon reviewed upcoming city meetings, events, and holiday closures.
6C. Mayor and Council Communications
1. Other Committee/Meeting updates
Council Member La Mere-Anderson noted that Golden Valley’s and Robbinsdale’s Historical Societies are
holding a program called “The Amazing Restoration of Highway 100 and Lilac Way’s Graeser Park Historic
Wayside Rest” on May 7 at 6:00 p.m.
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Council Member La Mere-Anderson expressed thanks to those who assisted with the 30th Annual Run the
Valley.
Council Member Harris noted office hours on May 17, 2025, at Lunds and Byerly’s from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Mayor Harmon highlighted Golden Valley resident and founder, John Baker of Be The Change had an event
at Macy’s, where they fitted young women with dresses, makeup packages, and lunch that she was proud
to be a part of.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:19 pm.
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ATTEST: Roslyn Harmon, Mayor
________________________________
Theresa J. Schyma, City Clerk
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