2025-06-10 - AGE - City Council Work Session June 10, 2025 — 6:30 PM
Golden Valley City Hall
Council Conference Room
1.Equity Plan Annual Update
2.CP Regional Trail Presentation & Discussion
3.Infrastructure Renewal Plan (IRP) and Utility Franchise Fees Presentation and Discussion
4.Council Review of Future Draft Agendas
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
Council Work Sessions have an informal, discussion-style format and are designed for the Council to
obtain background information, consider policy alternatives, and provide general directions to staff.
No formal actions are taken at work sessions. The public is invited to attend Council Work Sessions and
listen to the discussion; public participation is only allowed by invitation of the City Council.
Discussion Item(s)
City of Golden Valley City Council Work Session June 10, 2025 — 6:30 PM
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Administrative Services
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley City Council Work Session
June 10, 2025
Agenda Item
1. Equity Plan Annual Update
Prepared By
Seth Kaempfer, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Summary
The City's Equity and Inclusion Manager, Seth Kaempfer, will provide a presentation on the current
status of the City's Equity Plan along with information on the individual and departmental Equity
Actions.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley City Council Work Session
June 10, 2025
Agenda Item
2. CP Regional Trail Presentation & Discussion
Prepared By
Michael Ryan, City Engineer
Caleb Brolsma, Assistant City Engineer
Summary
Staff will deliver presentation of Three Rivers Park District's CP Regional Trail project. The presentation
will provide a project overview, evaluation of regional trail route options, findings and
recommendations, and corresponding discussion.
The project is located between the intersection of Highway 55 and Douglas Drive, and the City's
municipal limits near Highway 394 and Florida Avenue South. Four different trail routes between these
two locations have been studied in parallel with a years-long community outreach and engagement
process.
Financial or Budget Considerations
N/A
Legal Considerations
N/A
Equity Considerations
Three Rivers Park District's CP Regional Trail project supports the Inclusive Community Engagement
and the Advancement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion pillars of the Equity Plan. City staff's
presentation will focus on the results of outreach and engagement, including route options to reduce
social and environmental disparities. The CP Regional Trail will help connect communities with key
destinations and City services, especially benefiting those who are the most impacted by
transportation system barriers.
Recommended Action
Recommend a preferred route option for formal approval at a future City Council meeting.
Supporting Documents
CP_Rail_RT_Route_Analysis.pdf
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Community Engagement:
GV Engagement Findings
CP Rail Regional Trail Long-Range Plan
964 people indicated a Preferred Route
431 at Golden Valley events
GV In-person
Events
GV Poster
Boards
On-line
Survey*Overall
GV 1 15%23%13%17%
GV 2 13%10%17%13%
GV 3 53%57%46%54%
GV 4 18%9%25%16%
* Golden Valley residents only
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CP Rail Regional Trail Long-Range Plan
Route Assessment Highlights:
•Narrow ROW and utility impacts along TH 55 Frontage Road
•Traffic congestion and safety issues at TH 55 & Glenwood Ave
(Opportunity to redesign intersection with safer trail crossing)
•Utilize existing trail infrastructure in Lions Park, Laurel Ave
Greenbelt and Xenia Ave N
•Potential flooding issues along Laurel Ave ponds
•CP Rail corridor:
•Steep slopes requiring major grading, retaining walls and long
boardwalks.
•Requires removal of most of the vegetation to construct the trail
•Major drainage flows into and through this area.
•Private easements required.
•Reconstruction of Frontage Road bridge deck over RR
•Grading impacts along Laurel Ave
•Safety issues crossing Wayzata Blvd (either location)
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley City Council Work Session
June 10, 2025
Agenda Item
3. Infrastructure Renewal Plan (IRP) and Utility Franchise Fees Presentation and Discussion
Prepared By
Michael Ryan, City Engineer
Caleb Brolsma, Assistant City Engineer
Summary
On February 18, 2025, the City Council of Golden Valley adopted Resolution No. 25-013 approving the
2030 Strategic Directives. Focus areas of these directives include strategic redevelopment,
infrastructure maintenance and enhancement, effective governance and management, financial
wellness, and community affairs. This presentation outlines a framework to align future transportation
projects, existing policies, suggested policies, and the 2030 Strategic Directives.
Following the completion of the City's Pavement Management Program (PMP) which reconstructed
City streets to current standards, the City will embark on a new program that prioritizes ongoing
maintenance. Through years of planning, City staff developed an approach to perform this
infrastructure maintenance and utility repair through the Infrastructure Renewal Program (IRP).
A data-driven approach was followed to develop a concept framework for the IRP, focusing on the
condition of watermains, sewer mains, storm sewers, and pavement condition. While this work
provides a foundation for evaluating and prioritizing infrastructure maintenance, a holistic lens of
public safety and equity have not yet been applied. This lens is critical to the program's success, and
the safe and equitable transportation for all members of the community are imperative to achieve the
City Council's Strategic Directives.
Historic policies and directives as well as new policies for consideration will be presented. The
presentation will conclude with a summary of findings, financial and budget implications, an
opportunity to defray costs through upcoming renewal of franchise agreements, and a request for the
City Council's direction.
Complete streets improve public safety, public health, local air and water quality, and provide
economic benefits through accessibility and visibility. Complete streets empower people to access
parks, jobs, schools, healthcare, transit systems, and connect people with other key community
amenities.
Financial or Budget Considerations
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Financial and budget impacts vary based on the City Council's direction. If the City Council continues
previous directives to construct sidewalks and enhance the multi-modal network throughout the City,
ongoing maintenance will incur up to approximately $4,000,000 maximum (2025 dollars) on an
average annual basis specifically for snow removal, according to a study performed by a peer
community in 2023. This cost would increase from the current baseline (assumed $0) by
approximately $160,000 each year over the next 25 years, stabilizing at the final cost estimate for
continued long-term maintenance.
Costs associated with suggested policies for the City Council's consideration, related to streetlight
maintenance and storm damage to trees, has not been estimated at this time. Economic benefits
related to business and workplace accessibility and visibility, public health, and wellness have not been
evaluated at this time. A 2023 study by the University of Minnesota concludes that property tax
revenues increase with Complete Streets projects.
Legal Considerations
The City Attorney is engaged in the process of renewing franchise agreements as well as any code
updates required to align with the Council's direction.
Equity Considerations
Safe and equitable multimodal transportation aligns with the City’s Equity Plan, advancing the pillars
of Inclusive Community Engagement and the Promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. City staff
are committed to partnering with the Communications Department and Equity Department to ensure
outreach and engagement efforts effectively reach all members of the community.
Pedestrian-friendly features such as sidewalks, trails, and boulevard trees typically receive greater
support from underserved communities. Complete Streets amenities reduce disparities and support
people with diverse accessibility needs, those who rely on public transit, and households with fewer
than two reliable vehicles.
Complete streets promote public health by improving walkability and bikeability, enhance safety by
separating pedestrians from vehicle traffic, and support cleaner air through reduced emissions and
pollution-absorbing boulevard trees. The economic, environmental, and quality-of-life improvements
will most benefit those who have been negatively affected by inequitable and unvarying
transportation systems.
The City’s current streetlight policy relies on partial community support, with capital and ongoing
improvement costs assessed to residents within a neighborhood. This disproportionately affects
households experiencing financial hardships and can occur with less than majority support. A Citywide
streetlight policy would help reduce or eliminate these inequities, standardizing public infrastructure
and ensuring consistent and equitable streelighting across all neighborhoods.
Recommended Action
Direct staff to follow existing policies and advise on new policies for implementation of the IRP,
including potential adjustments of utility franchise fees as recommended by the City Council.
Supporting Documents
Memo-CD-IRP_Strategic_Directives.pdf
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Date: June 4, 2025
To: Emily Goellner, Community & Economic Development Director
Tim Kieffer, Public Works Director
From: Michael Ryan, City Engineer
Subject: Alignment of 2030 Strategic Directives and Infrastructure Renewal Plan
CC: Chloe McGuire, Deputy Community Development Director
Caleb Brolsma, Assistant City Engineer
On February 18, 2025, the City Council of Golden Valley adopted Resolution No. 25-013 approving the 2030
Strategic Directives. Focus areas of these directives include strategic redevelopment, infrastructure
maintenance and enhancement, effective governance and management, financial wellness, and community
affairs. This memo describes methods to align future transportation projects with existing policies and the
2030 Strategic Directives.
Pavement Management Program (1995 to 2025)
The City’s Pavement Management Program (PMP) began in 1995 to systematically evaluate the street
network and perform long-term maintenance and rehabilitation. As a result, more than 100 miles of City
streets have been reconstructed to current standards.
Typically, the PMP reconstructed the base material underneath the streets, pavement surfaces, and some
of the utilities. Until recently, the PMP did not include the replacement of water and sewer utilities. The
majority of water and sanitary sewer utilities throughout the City were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and
are now planned for repair, rather than replacement, by lining the inside of the pipes.
Infrastructure Renewal Plan
With streets in the City now constructed to current standards, the focus of infrastructure improvements
shifts from full reconstruction to ongoing maintenance. The Infrastructure Renewal Plan (IRP) was
established to follow the PMP as an initiative to maintain, upgrade, and expand City infrastructure to meet
present and future needs.
Over the last several years, staff developed a data-driven approach for implementation of the IRP. This
approach focused exclusively on the condition of water mains, sewer mains, storm sewers, and pavement.
A relative weighting/scoring factor was assigned to each asset as shown in Table 1. IRP project areas were
developed based on street and utility budgets in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
v
v
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Criteria (Asset Condition) Relative Weighting
Watermain 50%
Sanitary Sewer Main 30%
Storm Sewer 10%
Pavement 10%
Table 1: Current Metrics for IRP Implementation
The work performed to date provides a foundation for assessing pavement and utility needs. Staff
recommends building on this data to create a holistic approach that incorporates safety, equity,
connectivity, and defines “infrastructure” as a comprehensive collection of built and natural facilities.
Figure 1 shows a framework that progresses the work performed through a lens of public safety and equity.
Public safety may be based the need for traffic calming (e.g., traffic circles or curb bumpouts) at
intersections with high traffic volumes, high design or operating speeds, etc. Equity may be based on the
City’s Equity Plan, proximity to Environmental Justice areas, or proximity to key public services.
Existing Policies and Strategic Directives
The City has adopted several policies that have not yet been incorporated to the IRP framework, including:
City Council Resolution 11-8, supporting Complete Streets and directing staff to use established
plans and policies supporting transportation systems for all users. This specifies a Complete Streets
concept that promotes safety and convenience for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motor
vehicle drivers. This resolution directs the use
Figure 1: Holistic Framework for the IRP
25%
Equity
25%
Safety
50%
Watermain
30%
Sanitary
Sewer
10%
Storm
Sewer10%
Pavement
50%
Asset
Condition
Example - Holistic IRP Framework
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Strategic Directives and City Policies
The City’s transportation system features 120 miles of streets and 1,478 acres of right-of-way (ROW), which
accounts for 22% of the total land use in Golden Valley (Figure 2). This represents the second highest land
use in the City following residential land use. As the largest category of City-owned property, improvements
to the City’s ROW provide a unique opportunity to implement the 2030 Strategic Directives and follow
approved policies through capital project delivery.
Figure 2: Land Use (2040 Comprehensive Plan)
The City’s 2030 Strategic Directives were reviewed to determine which can be achieved through the IRP. An
IRP Policy will be formally developed to align with existing policies and the Strategic Directives.
Table 2 on the following page summarizes Strategic Directives that will be achieved through the IRP. The
IRP is an opportunity to use 22% of the land in the City to achieve two of the Strategic Directives (8%) and
advance 16 others (67%). Without following the recommended strategy, IRP may fully achieve one
directive (4%) and support six (25%) others.
The holistic approach to IRP still leads with a data-driven assessment of infrastructure improvements,
prioritizing the condition of utilities and pavement as the primary focus. This is a required, baseline
condition for the IRP under any circumstance. Bundling related infrastructure and ROW improvements into
the IRP is a cost-effective method to accomplish the Strategic Directives.
37%
22%
17%
7%
7%
4%
4%
2%
Residential (2,489 ac.)
Right-of-Way (1,478 ac.)
Parks & Open Spaces (1,143 ac.)
Industrial (474 ac.)
Commercial (458 ac.)
Water (298 ac.)
Institutional (295 ac.)
Vacant (116 ac.)
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Key: Primary Method for Strategic Directive Supports Strategic Directive Relates to Strategic Directive
2030 Strategic Directive Existing Policy(s) Proposed Policy(s) Existing IRP
Framework
Holistic IRP
Framework Strategic Redevelopment Foster a healthy mix of housing stock that accommodates various price points and life stages. Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan Pedestrian Crossing Policy
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. Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan Pedestrian Crossing Policy
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.
Complete Streets Resolution
Resilience & Sustainability Plan Boulevard Tree Policy Infrastructure Maintenance & Enhancement Prioritize quality infrastructure designed to last, emphasizing environmental sustainability and climate resiliency. Complete Streets Resolution
Resilience & Sustainability Plan Boulevard Tree Policy
Stay ahead of City infrastructure needs, prioritizing timely maintenance and replacement. Streetlight Policy
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. Pedestrian Crossing Policy Effective Governance& Management Maintain our local control and ability to represent our community’s values and priorities.
Complete Streets Resolution
Resilience & Sustainability Plan
Bike/Pedestrian Plan
ADA Policy & Manual
Pedestrian Crossing Policy
Ensure effective City operations through strategic leadership and proactive planning that addresses
current needs while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Complete Streets Resolution
Resilience & Sustainability Plan
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.
Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan
ADA Policy & Manual
Streetlight Policy
Pedestrian Crossing Policy
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. 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.
Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan Pedestrian Crossing Policy
Address the immense needs within a limited budget by planning strategically for future financial
requirements and pursuing alternative funding sources.
Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan Pedestrian Crossing Policy
Foster partnerships with nearby jurisdictions to collaboratively tackle infrastructure challenges affecting Golden Valley. Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan Pedestrian Crossing Policy Community Affairs Prioritize inclusivity and engagement with ALL Golden Valley populations, co-creating initiatives and regularly soliciting input. ADA Policy & Manual Pedestrian Crossing Policy
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.
Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan
Streetlight Policy
Pedestrian Crossing Policy
Build community understanding about local government functions and roles to manage expectations
and help them effectively access the resources they need. Streetlight Policy Pedestrian Crossing Policy
Leverage City events and projects to reflect our environmental values (eg, zero-waste, zero-plastic community gatherings, etc). Complete Streets Resolution
Bike/Pedestrian Plan Pedestrian Crossing Policy
Boulevard Trees Policy
Table 2: Strategic Directives and IRP
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Policies
Several existing policies and resolutions direct Staff to plan and construct infrastructure in ways that will
support the Strategic Directives. Staff recommends that all policies identified below be included with a
future IRP Policy that guides the planning, design, and construction of street improvement projects.
Complete Streets Resolution
On March 15, 2011, the City Council adopted a resolution supporting complete streets and directed staff to
use established plans and policies to support transportation systems for all users (Appendix A). This
resolution:
Promotes the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motor vehicle drivers of all ages
and abilities,
Specifies comprehensive, integrated transportation networks that cover all roads, and
Cites Envision Golden Valley, the City’s Sidewalk Plan, Comprehensive Plan, Pavement Management
Policy, Trail and Sidewalk Policy, and others.
Staff has reviewed this policy and the content is still relevant. Staff recommends expanding upon this
resolution, updating the referenced plans/policies within the resolution, and incorporating its provisions as
directed by City Council in March 2011.
Bike/Pedestrian Plan
Several bicycle, pedestrian, sidewalk, and trail plans and policies have been adopted during the last 15
years. These support broad implementation of pedestrian facilities that support multi-modal transportation
for all ages and abilities. When pavement width standards for local roads decreased from 28 feet to 26 feet,
a Community Input Report cited several concerns regarding narrow streets without sidewalks. Residents
expressed concern with navigating narrower streets that commonly have parking on both sides, two
directions of traffic, and no ability to walk or bike without encountering vehicles. The Bike/Pedestrian Plan
has not been updated since the 26-foot wide street policy was recently adopted, which significantly impacts
the pedestrian environment.
Figure 3 shows a person superimposed on a street that has two-way parking, demonstrating the conditions
that pedestrians can be subject to when walking down local roads. This condition is exacerbated with active
traffic. While local roads typically have fewer than 1,000 vehicles per day, a single encounter between
pedestrians and vehicles sharing the road can create unsafe conditions. When families, bicycles, strollers,
and wheelchairs share the road with vehicles, space and maneuverability are reduced further.
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Figure 3: Pedestrian Conditions on Local Roads
Local roads typically have 50 to 70 feet of available ROW, only 26 feet of which is occupied by pavement.
This allows 24 to 44 feet of available ROW to install a sidewalk or trail. Following the adoption of 26-foot
wide street sections in 2020, and as guided by the Complete Streets resolution, Staff recommends revising
the Bike/Pedestrian Plan and incorporating the plan on street improvement projects in the IRP.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Policy and Manual
The City developed an Accessibility, Design, Policy and Implementation Manual for Public Right-of-Way
(ADA Manual) in 2011, which includes the City’s Public Sidewalk and Trail Policy which was last revised in
2004. This policy includes but is not limited to the following planning, design, and maintenance guidelines:
Preferred location of sidewalks and trails is 1-foot from the ROW edge or property line, with a turf
boulevard at least 4 feet wide.
Concrete sidewalks shall be 6 feet wide when separated by a 4-foot or greater turf boulevard.
When a 4-foot turf boulevard is infeasible, sidewalks shall be placed at the back of the curb with an
8-foot minimum width.
Sidewalks or trails shall be standard within public street ROW when curb and gutter is present.
Maintenance of sidewalks and trails shall be the City’s responsibility, including snow removal.
Staff recommends performing community outreach and engagement to verify whether the community’s
priorities still align with this policy, and implementing this policy if supported.
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Resilience & Sustainability Plan
The City’s Resilience and Sustainability Plan is an approved part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Under
Goal 4: Protect and Enhance the Natural Environment, the plan encourages the construction of green
infrastructure, which is the range of measures that use plants or soil systems to store, infiltrate, or
evapotranspirate stormwater. Green infrastructure is a nature-based solution to reduce flooding, improve
water quality, improve air quality, reduce urban heat island, and mitigate impacts from climate change.
Goal 4 of the Resilience & Sustainability Plan also calls to increase tree canopy and urban forest in low
coverage areas, areas with high heat vulnerability, and areas exposed to more motor vehicle exhaust. These
conditions are prominent in the ROW. Planting trees in the boulevard will:
Improve air quality, improve water quality, and reduce urban heat island,
Improve pedestrian safety by creating physical barriers between pedestrians and traffic, and
Reduce traffic speeds through a visual affect that makes streets feel more confined.
Staff recommends creating and implementing a Boulevard Tree Policy to guide the selection and placement
of trees during street improvement projects. A sample policy has been created (Appendix B) to
demonstrate key considerations when deciding whether boulevard trees are suitable within the ROW,
crafted to avoid impacts to utilities and other infrastructure. Minnesota’s Local Road Research Board
recently published Best Practices for Boulevard Trees, citing several ordinances and policies adopted by
metro area communities for the implementation of boulevard trees.
Pedestrian Policy Crossing Policy
Residents and businesses frequently request pedestrian crossing improvements to City Staff, Leadership,
and Council. While most neighboring communities have adopted pedestrian policies within the last 5 to 10
years, Golden Valley does not currently have a framework to improve pedestrian crossings. City Staff are
currently developing a policy to provide this framework, centering equity, safety, and accessibility into the
evaluation. This will result in an informative, public facing policy that improves safety for all ages and
abilities, especially when paired with the other pedestrian realm improvements identified in this memo.
Streetlight Policy
Streetlights in the City are installed or removed by petition, requiring neighbor support, a feasibility study,
and two public hearings. With 35% or more support from the local community and approval from City
Council, a residential streetlight district may be established. Figure 4 shows the layout of several residential
streetlight districts in the City.
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This approach is severely inequitable; Staff recommends replacing the streetlighting policy as soon as
possible. Residents who experience financial hardship are subject to monthly assessments if they live within
an established district. This assessment cost is higher if the 35% supporting community prefers decorative
streetlights. Staff recommends that a revised streetlight policy standardizes lighting for implementation
during street improvement projects, creating a consistent approach and typology throughout the City.
Figure 4: Residential Streetlight Districts (Northeast Corner of the City)
IRP Policy Outcomes
The holistic IRP will prioritize high quality infrastructure as the primary metric, including utilities and
pavement. Through a lens of public safety and equity, vulnerable populations will be better supported,
people of all ages and abilities will be connected to City amenities and local businesses, and the City will
follow our commitment to the environment. Appendix C compares typical residential street sections
including the current approach to IRP and a holistic approach to IRP.
Cost and Special Considerations
Following approved and updated policies affects capital and operational costs. Snow removal from
sidewalks, tree trimming and storm damage cleanup, and routine repair of streetlights requires additional
maintenance personnel and equipment. The most significant cost consideration is for snow removal from
public sidewalks.
A recent study by the City of Minneapolis estimated $39,444,080 per year to remove snow from 1,910
miles of sidewalk. Golden Valley has approximately 90 miles of local streets, some of which may have
conflicts that do not allow for sidewalk or trail construction. Assuming that 75% of City ROW can
accommodate sidewalks, this equates to roughly $3,717,243 (2023 dollars) per year when a sidewalk
system is fully built out following 25 to 30 years of the IRP. The cost would gradually increase by
approximately $124,000 per year. This cost can be partially offset through the revision of gas and electric
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franchise fees, collection of ROW permit fees for utilities who are currently exempt from permit fees by
ordinance, and other sources.
The capital costs of improvements can be supported through infrastructure grant programs, partner agency
cost share agreements, special assessments, and by the gas and utility franchise fees dedicated to the PMP
and IRP capital program. The cost of tree and streetlight maintenance has not been estimated at this time
and is considered minor when compared to sidewalk improvements.
The City should anticipate questions when established policies are followed, as they may appear to be a
change in standard procedure. Community members may have personal preference against sidewalks,
trees, and streetlights. This can be gauged following a thorough public outreach and engagement period
before the IRP begins. Sidewalk, trail, streetlight, and boulevard tree improvements are vital to the
Strategic Directives as they advance equity, provide connectivity to goods and services, improve public
safety, enhance air and water quality, and make City utilities more resilient.
Summary of Recommendations
Staff recommends the following actions:
Perform public outreach and engagement at City events to provide educational materials and
evaluate the level of public support for pedestrian realm improvements.
Follow the Complete Streets Resolution as directed by Council and formally develop a Complete
Streets Policy.
Follow the existing ADA Policy and Manual and the existing Resilience and Sustainability Plan when
designing capital projects.
Update the Bike/Pedestrian Plan, and Streetlight Policy to align with regulatory standards and
current best practices.
Review capital funding options within the existing IRP budget and plan operational funding for
future system needs.
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Appendix A: Complete Streets Resolution
17
18
19
Appendix B: Sample Boulevard Tree Policy (Not For Review/Approval)
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Boulevard Tree Policy
Boulevard trees are a critical part of the public right of way with many benefits. The Resilience &
Sustainability Plan includes goals to increase the tree canopy and urban forest coverage to improve air
quality, water quality, and reduce urban heat island. The City’s right-of-way provides the most consistent,
City-wide opportunity to implement boulevard trees to provide local and regional benefits.
During street improvement projects, the City Forester and City Engineer will determine whether trees are
suitable, and which species are optimal, based on biodiversity goals and proximity to elements of the
right-of-way. The tables below provides the framework used in the decision-making process.
Element Minimum Distance
Cross street (approaching corner) 40 feet
Cross street (non-approaching corner) 30 feet
Stop sign or traƯic signal 20 feet
Fire hydrants 15 feet
Street light base, utility poles 12 feet
Public utilities 10 feet
Crosswalk 8 feet
Alley, driveway, pedestrian walkway (width) 6 feet
Bike rack, utility box, transit shelter, parking meter 5 feet
Building facade 4 feet
Street curb, building entrance or doorway 3 feet
Loading zone, bus stop Clear zone
City of Golden Valley Boulevard Tree Species
Tree Species Light Requirements Mature Size Boulevard
Width
Plant Near
Sidewalks/Trails
Plant Under
Power Lines
Hackberry Full sun to partial shade Height: 25'-30'
Width: 25'-30' 6' Minimum Yes (Minimum 5 ft) No
Serviceberry Full sun to partial shade Height: 10'-20'
Width: 10'-20' 4' Minimum Yes (Minimum 3 ft) Yes
St.Croix Elm Full Sun Height: 50'-70'
Width: 30'-60' 6' Minimum Yes (Minimum 5 ft) No
Crab Apple Full Sun Height: 15'-20'
Width: 15'-20' 4' Minimum Yes (Minimum 3 ft) Yes
American Plum Full sun to partial shade Height: 15'-25'
Width: 15'-25' 4' Minimum Yes (Minimum 3 ft) Yes
Red Buckeye Full sun to partial shade Height: 15'-20'
Width: 15'-30' 4' Minimum Yes (Minimum 3 ft) Yes
Nannyberry (Tree
Form) Full sun to partial shade Height: 6'-10'
Width: 5'-10' 4' Minimum Yes (Minimum 3 ft) Yes
River Birch (Singe
Stem) Full Sun Height: 20'-40'
Width: 20'-30' 6' Minimum Yes (Minimum 5 ft) No
Blue Beech Full sun to partial shade Height: 25'-40'
Width: 15'-40' 6' Minimum Yes (Minimum 5 ft) No
Eastern Red Cedar Full Sun Height: 40'-50'
Width: 8'-20' 4' Minimum Yes (Minimum 3 ft) Yes
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Appendix C: Residential Street Typical Sections
Existing Residential Street Section
Proposed Residential Street Section
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Legal
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley City Council Work Session
June 10, 2025
Agenda Item
4. Council Review of Future Draft Agendas
Prepared By
Melissa Croft, Deputy City Clerk (Records)
Supporting Documents
Review of Future Draft Agendas
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Review of Future Draft Agendas
Meeting & Item Info
June 17, 2025 City Council Meeting - 6:30 PM
1A - Pledge of Allegiance and Land Acknowledgement
Presentation
Proclamation - Recognizing June 19th as Juneteenth Freedom Day
New Employee Introductions (if necessary)
Consent - Council Minutes
Approval of Council Minutes
Consent - City Check Registers
Approval of City Check Registers
Consent - Licenses
Consent - Boards, Commissions, and Task Forces
Consent - Bid, Quotes, and Contracts
Approve 2025 Pavement Preservation Project
Approve Konica Printer Replacement
Approve Procurement of Accela and DigEplan to Replace PIMS and ProjectDox Systems via LOGIS Joint Powers Agreement.
Approve Cooperative Agreement with Three Rivers Park District for the Design, Construction, and Maintenance of the Bassett
Creek Regional Trail Connection
Approve Contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. to Complete a Missing Middle Housing Study
Consent - Grants and Donations
Consent - Miscellaneous
Approve Route for CP Regional Trail
Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Preliminary Plat for 504 Lilac Drive
Preliminary Plat for 4707 Circle Down
Public Hearing
Old Business
New Business
July 1, 2025 HRA Meeting - 6:30 PM (if necessary)
Consent Agenda
Approval of HRA Minutes
Public Hearing
Old Business
New Business
July 1, 2025 City Council Meeting - 6:30 PM
1A - Pledge of Allegiance and Land Acknowledgement
Presentation
Consent - Council Minutes
Approval of Council Minutes
Consent - City Check Registers
Approval of City Check Registers
Consent - Licenses
Gambling License Exemption and Waiver of Notice Requirement - Church of St. Margaret Mary
Consent - Boards, Commissions, and Task Forces
Consent - Bid, Quotes, and Contracts
Approve Addendum to Investment Advisory Agreement
TRPD & City BCRT Cooperative Agreement
1935 Brunswick Easement/Parcel Exhibit
Consent - Grants and Donations
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Meeting & Item Info
Consent - Miscellaneous
Approve Final Plat for 504 Lilac Drive
Approve Final Plat for 4707 Circle Down
Approval of Updating CUP and Variance Process Language in Zoning Code, Ordinance
Public Hearing
Old Business
New Business
July 8, 2025 HRA Work Session - 6:30 PM (if necessary)
July 8, 2025 City Council Work Session - 6:30 PM
Council Review of Future Draft Agendas
July 15, 2025 City Council Meeting - 6:30 PM
1A - Pledge of Allegiance and Land Acknowledgement
Presentation
Update from U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar
Proclamation for National Night Out
Proclamation Recognizing Park and Recreation Professionals Day
New Employee Introductions (if necessary)
Consent - Council Minutes
Approval of Council Minutes
Consent - City Check Registers
Approval of City Check Registers
Consent - Licenses
Temporary On-Sale Liquor License – Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Consent - Boards, Commissions, and Task Forces
Consent - Bid, Quotes, and Contracts
Adopt Resolution No. 25-### Authorizing Construction Cooperative Agreement with Hennepin County for CSAH 156 (Winnetka
Avenue) Improvements CP No. 2183346
Consent - Grants and Donations
Consent - Miscellaneous
Adopt Resolution Approving Update to City's Data Practices Policies
Adopt Resolution Approving the Appointment of Election Judges and Establishment of an Absentee Ballot Board
Adopt Ordinance Updating Zoning Code Ch. 109 Subdivisions
Public Hearing
Public Hearing on Establishing HIA and Fees and First Reading of Ordinance
Old Business
New Business
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