2025-06-17 - MIN - City Council Regular Meeting
June 17, 2025 — 6:30 PM
Golden Valley City Hall
Council Chambers
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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, Public Works Director Kieffer, Finance
Director Hodges, Payroll and Benefits Specialist Aretz, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Kaempfer, Management Fellow Kasel, Parks and Recreation Director Crossfield, Golf Course
Superintendent Haley, Turf Maintenance Technician Wagner, Housing and Economic
Development Manager Costello, City Engineer Ryan, Senior Planner Kramer, GreenCorps
Member Laughlin, Fire Chief Brunsell, Assistant Fire Chief Schuster, Assistant Fire Chief
Guzman, and City Clerk Schyma
Mayor Harmon, on behalf of the Council, acknowledged the targeted political violence towards Minnesota
public servants this past weekend and expressed condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, community
of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, along with thoughts and prayers for a full
recovery to State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. She then asked everyone to join in a moment
of silence to mourn Representative Hortman and her husband Mark and to reflect on their lifetime of
public service and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others.
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 Recognizing June 19th as Juneteenth – Freedom Day
Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer discussed the proclamation honoring Freedom Day and the
history of Juneteenth.
Reverend Alfred Babington commented that he was delighted by the invitation to speak and further
discussed the history of slavery and Juneteenth.
Mayor Harmon stated the City Council of the City of Golden Valley proclaims June 19, 2025, as “Juneteenth
- Freedom Day” and calls upon the people of Golden Valley to celebrate freedom for all Americans and
educate themselves on the complete history and heritage of our nation, including the contemporary
impacts of slavery, as we support the continual dismantling of oppressive systems in our City.
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1C. Proclamation Recognizing Pollinator Week
GreenCorps Member Gunnar Laughlin discussed what pollinators are, how pollinators contribute to the
environment, how pollinators are threatened, and what people can do to help their survival.
Mayor Harmon stated the City Council of the City of Golden Valley proclaimed June 16 – 22, 2025, as
Pollinator Week and called upon the people of Golden Valley to recognize the importance of pollinators
and native plants.
1D. New Employee Introductions
Golf Course Superintendent Haley introduced the new Turf Maintenance Technician, Caleb Wagner, and
commented on his strong work ethic and willingness to share new ideas.
Turf Maintenance Technician Wagner stated he is thankful for the opportunity to join this team and hopes
to see Council Members on the course.
Finance Director Hodges introduced Payroll and Benefits Specialist, Brandi Aretz, and discussed her work
history and needed skills.
Payroll and Benefits Specialist Aretz thanked the Council for having her and noted she is excited to be here.
2. Additions and Corrections to Agenda
Motion by Rosenquist, Second by Harris 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.
Mayor Harmon acknowledged that there is a donation on the Consent Agenda tonight and, on behalf of the
Council, she extended their heartfelt gratitude to the community members, businesses, and organizations
who generously donate their time and financial support to important programs in Golden Valley.
Motion by La Mere-Anderson, Second by Rosenquist to approve the Consent Agenda as revised:
Removal of Item #3F, Adopt Resolution Nos. 25-053, 25-054, and Ordinance No. 799 Approving
Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Preliminary Plat for 504 Lilac Drive.
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 Contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. to Complete a Missing Middle Housing Study
3C.2. Approve Purchase of Portable Radios for Fire Department from Motorola Solutions
3D. Grants and Donations:
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3D.1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-051 Accepting Various Donations for Assistant Chief, Rudy Perez, to Attend
the Out-of-State National Association of School Resource Officers Conference
3E. Adopt Resolution No. 25-052 Approving Preliminary Plat for 4707 Circle Down
3F. Adopt Resolution Nos. 25-053, 25-054, and Ordinance No. 799 Approving Comprehensive Plan
Amendment, Rezoning, and Preliminary Plat for 504 Lilac Drive
3G. Adopt Resolution No. 25-055 Approving Golden Valley Route GV4 for the Three Rivers Park District
CP Regional Trail Project
3H. Adopt Resolution No. 25-056 Approving Fire System Plan Review and Inspection Authority Policy
3I. Adopt Resolution No. 25-057 Approving Updated Bylaws of the Golden Valley Fire Department
Relief Association
3. Items Removed From the Consent Agenda:
3F. Adopt Resolution Nos. 25-053, 25-054, and Ordinance No. 799 Approving Comprehensive Plan
Amendment, Rezoning, and Preliminary Plat for 504 Lilac Drive
Council Member Harris asked what the process is for the neighbor notification policy. Senior Planner
Kramer stated staff believed they had sent letters out to every property within 500 ft of the address being
discussed. She noted that staff was notified of an error in the mailing list and the neighbors within 500 ft of
properties 504 and 4707 Circle Down had not received letters. Therefore, those properties were pulled
from the agenda and brought back to Planning Commission for another public hearing.
Council Member Harris asked if having an open house is the usual process of notification. Senior Planner
Kramer commented that certain applications require additional neighborhood notice beyond the public
hearing and discussed what triggers those requirements.
Council Member Harris asked if the lot met the R1 qualification. Senior Planner Kramer stated that staff
found it does meet requirements for an R1 parcel, and the Planning Commission agreed with that finding.
Motion by Harris, Second by Rosenquist to adopt Resolution Nos. 25-053, 25-054, and Ordinance No. 799
Approving Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Preliminary Plat for 504 Lilac Drive.
Motion carried 5-0 with unanimous approval. (In Favor: Harmon, Ginis, Harris, La Mere-Anderson,
Rosenquist. Opposed: N/A)
4. Public Hearing - None.
5. Old Business - None.
6. New Business
6A. Property Acquisition for Public Works Facility
Stacie Kvilvang from Ehlers, discussed acquiring the property for the build, relocation of current tenants,
additional costs, acquisition process, and the motions needed by the Council. Council Member Rosenquist
commented that this is a very big and exciting day in Golden Valley and highlighted the need for a unified
Public Works facility. Council Member Rosenquist also thanked Public Works Director Kieffer for his
leadership and all of his work on acquiring a new building.
Council Member Ginis echoed Council Member Rosenquist’s sentiments and thanked Public Works Director
Kieffer.
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Mayor Harmon thanked Council Member Rosenquist for her comments and shared her gratitude.
Motion by Rosenquist, Second by Ginis to approve Resolution No. 25-058 approving the acquisition price
and authorizing the use of condemnation to acquire property located at 6100 Olson Memorial Highway.
Motion carried 5-0 with unanimous approval. (In Favor: Harmon, Ginis, Harris, La Mere-Anderson,
Rosenquist. Opposed: N/A)
Motion by La Mere-Anderson, Second by Harris to approve the Engagement Agreement with Kennedy &
Graven for legal services related to Public Works site acquisition.
Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by La Mere-Anderson, Second by Harris to approve Professional Services Agreement with SRF
Consulting Group, Inc. for relocation services.
Motion carried 5-0.
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 Harris stated he will have office hours on June 25, 2025, at Lunds and Byerlys from 6:00
pm to 8:00 pm.
Council Member La Mere-Anderson stated there will be a candlelight vigil at the Capitol tomorrow for
those who would like to pay their respects and gratitude to Representative Hortman and her husband.
Council Member Ginis thanked staff for all their work on the Pride event and commented on the
importance of inclusivity.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:10 pm.
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ATTEST: Roslyn Harmon, Mayor
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Theresa J. Schyma, City Clerk
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