EC Agenda 07-28-2025 July 28, 2025 — 6:30 PM
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
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
July 28, 2025 Agenda
4.Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.A.Approve June 23, 2025 Minutes
5.Business
5.A.Climate Equity Plan Presentation
5.B.Update on Creek Co-Naming Policy Recommendation
5.C.Council Communications
5.D.Commissioner/Staff Communications
6.Adjournment
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting July 28, 2025 — 6:30 PM
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
July 28, 2025
Agenda Item
4.A. Approve June 23, 2025 Minutes
Prepared By
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Recommended Action
Motion to approve the minutes.
Supporting Documents
Draft Minutes
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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 – Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist,
ekehrberg@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8083.
Commissioners present: Sarah Drawz, Paul Klaas, Ellen Brenna, Adam Wold, Hannah Byl
Commissioners absent: Amelia Schulz
Council Members present: None
Others Present: Paula Pentel, BCWMC Member.
Staff present: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist;
Chloe McGuire, Deputy Community Development Director;
Drew Chirpich, Water and Natural Resource Specialist;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Klaas at 6:30 pm.
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Wold, seconded by Commissioner Byl to approve the agenda for June 23,
2025 as submitted and the motion carried.
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Wold, seconded by Commissioner Brenna to approve the minutes of May
19, 2025 as submitted and the motion carried.
5. Business
5.A. Introductions
• City of Golden Valley Staff and the BCWMC Member present at the meeting introduced
themselves.
5.B. Commission Organization and Operation
• Advisory Commission to the City Council.
June 23, 2025 – 6:30 pm
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City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
June 23, 2025 – 6:30 pm
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• Our by-laws require us to accept directions from City Council for the recommendations they
want or to initiate recommendations the EC would like to them.
• The Council wants to work with the EC to address climate impacts and improve the environment,
economy, and human health.
• Ethan and Chair Klaas will meet two weeks before every meeting to work out the agenda for the
meeting.
• EC can only conduct business if there is a quorum.
• Commission members should not e-mail all commissioners. They should e-mail City staff and
Chair Klaas and they will share the information.
5.C. Presentation about the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission’s Watershed Management
Plan from BCWMC Commissioner Paula Pentel
• BCWMC Commissioner, Paula Pentel, presented the Power Point presentation found in the June 23,
2025 EC Agenda Packet.
• BCWMC Website - https://www.bassettcreekwmo.org/
• The Capital Improvement Projects typically come from the member Cities. The BCWMC helps
facilitate them.
5.D. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek Co-Naming Policy Discussion (draft policy attached)
• The purpose is from the Land Acknowledgement, the attachment is the Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Policy, and the policy language is almost exactly the same as the BCWMC.
MOTION by Commissioner Drawz, seconded by Commissioner Wold to approve recommending
the co-naming policy as set forth in the draft policy included in the June 23, 2025 EC Agenda as
submitted, and the motion carried.
5.E. Climate Equity Plan Update
• Staff reviewed the information found on the June 23, 2025 Agenda Memo sheet.
• There will be a lot of public engagement to hear about vulnerabilities people are facing because we
want to address these.
• There is a core project management team with City staff and the consultant. Then possibly a larger
community group that may include commission members, member from the business community or
Faith community, and underrepresented communities to get a lot of different perspectives on the
table. Staff will work with the consultant to see what the community engagement plan will look like
specifically.
• The Environmental Team, Equity Manager, and Planning staff were included in putting together the
RFP. Communications will be involved with spreading word about public engagement opportunities
as well as our Community Connections Specialist.
• 6-7 different proposals we submitted. The one that was selected (WSB) had the most hours they
could give to our team and the most support. They’re also more local so meetings can be held in
person. They had a clean, thorough, professional proposal and interviewed well.
• Climate Action Plan vs Climate Equity Plan – It’s been called both.
o The goals of the plan are to combat climate change within the City and to have equitable
outcomes in the face of a climate disaster.
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City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
June 23, 2025 – 6:30 pm
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o It’s focusing on the impacts of climate change and what we can do to mitigate and adapt to
climate change and not losing sight of how we can go about this in an equitable manner.
5.F. 2026 Spring Tree Sale Update
• We’re still a way out from this. Our new City Forester will take this over so there may be a different
approach next year. This will be brought back to the Commission when it’s ready to be voted on.
5.G. Council Communications
• None
5.H. Commissioner/Staff Communications
• The EC has a $3,500 budget this year. $236.96 has been spent so far.
• A briefing on the State of Science for Outdoor Lighting provided by Chair Klaas was e-mailed to the
Commissioners to review.
• Commissioner Byl gave an update on hosting the We are Water Exhibit. The City cannot sponsor the
exhibit. It needs to be hosted by a community organization/non-profit group/library.
o The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District is hosting this is a couple of weeks.
• Commissioner Wold reached out to Greg Simmons and Janelle Crossfield at Brookview about the
potential Audubon Audit. Ethan can possibly set up a meeting with Greg and Janelle to discuss this.
They will be the staff to recommend going forward with this or not.
• No update on the Styrofoam/Single-Use Plastics, Bags, and Containers. Commissioner Drawz will look
into this before the next meeting and possibly put together a recommendation summary to pass
along to Council.
• Staff reviewed the information found on the Staff and GreenCorps Updates Memo in the July 21,
2025 Agenda.
• Hennepin County has a Tree Planting Grant Program. Golden Valley wasn’t listed as receiving a
grant. Is this something we pursue, or do we have a tree planting program?
o We did partner with Hennepin County to do some tree plantings in some of our nature areas.
A lot of this is shifting to our new City Forester so she’s been looking more into these
opportunities. Engineering is working on a policy to implement more plantings with street
projects and have more green grass along boulevards.
o Hennepin County has a goal to plant 1 million trees by 20 30. They’re almost halfway there
already.
6. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Wold, seconded by Commissioner Byl to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 pm and
the motion carried.
ATTEST:
__________________________________ __________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Paul Klaas, Chair
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
July 28, 2025
Agenda Item
5.A. Climate Equity Plan Presentation
Prepared By
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Summary
WSB consultants and Golden Valley staff will discuss the Climate Equity Plan timeline and
development process, as well as engage the Environmental Commission in discussion about the plan.
Supporting Documents
Presentation
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Golden Valley Climate Equity Plan
Environmental Commission Kickoff
July 28, 2025
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•Welcome & Introductions
•Plan Goals & Project Team Roles
•Timeline Review
•Public Engagement
•Discussion on Goals
•What’s Next
Discussion Outline
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WSB Intro: Sustainability & Climate-related Projects
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Sustainability Planning Sustainability & Planning Staff Augmentation City Climate Plans
Energy Funding, Feasibility and Design EV and Solar Policies for Public Spaces and
Private Developments Feasibility Studies for EV Charging
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Climate Equity Plan
Roles
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WSB
Project management, meeting prep and
facilitation, public engagement planning,
data collection and analysis, plan
development, and final adoption and
reporting.
Golden Valley
Commission
Council
Staff Project Management Team
•Core staff team working with WSB and
leading day-to-day development of the plan
Climate Equity Plan Steering Committee
•Internal working group with representation
from each department to spearhead the
plan’s implementation
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Plan Overview
This plan will help:
•Set a clear vision for Golden Valley’s role in climate action with a key focus on equity.
•Create an implementation plan that identifies areas within our jurisdiction where we can have meaningful
impact on climate change.
•Look for ways to reduce emissions, adapt to the changing climate, and focus on populations most
impacted.
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July - August
•Staff Kick-off
•Public Survey launched
•Public Pop-up Events
•Intercept Surveys on Bus Routes
•Planning Team Kickoff
•Engagement Calendar and Toolbox
Commission and Council Meetings
•Climate Conditions Analysis
•Environmental Scan
September -October November Denver
•Public Arts Event
•Operations/Community Footprint
•Greenhouse Gas Inventory &
Vulnerability Assessment
•Met Council System Statements
•Goal & Objective Development
•Plan Development
•Engagement Summary
•Implementation Plan
Development
•Commission Review
•Adjustments based on
Commission Review
•Briefing for Council
•Council Review & Adjustments
•Council Adoption
Public Engagement Data & Analysis Implementation Plan Finalization
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•Environmental Scan
•Climate Vulnerability Assessment
•Executive Summary
•Implementation Plan
•Summary of Community Engagement
•Current and Projected Climate Conditions
•Greenhouse Gas Emissions Update
•Implementation Plan Details:
•Priorities
•Anticipated GHG benefits
•Cost estimates
•Roles
•Timeline
•Implementation actions may include things like:
•Management of open spaces
•Fleet and facilities
•Policy changes
•Code amendments
•Community health and safety
Plan Outline
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Survey
•Open starting July 25
•Promoted on social media, at pop-up events
•2 intercept surveys along the Metro Transit Route 755 bus stops
•Email to housing communities, businesses, and Green Volunteers
Most recent pop-ups:
•July 27 Sustainability Day at Market in the Valley
•July 28 Concert in the Park
Voices for Climate Equity Art Event
•Fall 2025
•Perpich Partnerships
Public Engagement Highlights
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▪What does a successful Plan look like to you?
▪Are there specific considerations or priorities that City leaders may want
this plan to focus on?
▪What rises to the top in terms of climate equity concerns? Actions to
address those concerns?
▪Your thoughts on the City’s role and priorities for education/outreach,
policy (incentives, rebates and regulations), operational actions, etc.?
Discussion on Plan
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•What voices are you concerned might be missing at the table?
What suggestions do you have for outreach to those stakeholders?
•Pending guidance from the Met Council on Comp Planning, what
preferences do you have on Plan horizon timeframe – 3, 5, 7, 10
years?
•If you’ve had a less-than-ideal planning experience in the past,
what went wrong?
•Is there anything else that would make this effort a success?
Discussion Continued
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•Fall Commission discussion on sample Chapter
•Exploring communication flows between
Commissions
•Please help promote the survey
•Watch for promotional info at pop-ups
•July 27 Sustainability Day at Market in the
Valley
•July 28 Concert in the Park
Next Steps for Commission
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Thank you!
Amy Fredregill
afredregill@wsbeng.com
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
July 28, 2025
Agenda Item
5.D. Commissioner/Staff Communications
Prepared By
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Summary
Outdoor Lighting Ordinance - introduction to the issues (Chair Paul Klaas)
Audubon audit of Brookview Golf Course (Vice Chair Adam Wold)
Styrofoam/single-use plastics, bags, and containers (Commissioner Sarah Drawz)
Policy/project to champion (Commissioner Hannah Byl)
GreenCorps service term summary
Staff updates
Supporting Documents
Lighting Ordinance Slides
GreenCorps Service Summary
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City of Golden Valley
Lighting Ordinance
Environmental Commission
August 28, 2023
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3 -7 BILLION DOLLARS
spent every year on unneeded lighting
21 MILLION TONS OF CO2
burned by unnecessary lighting
The International Dark -Sky Association | 2019International Dark -Sky Association | 2019
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The International Dark -Sky Association | 2019International Dark -Sky Association | 2019
BIRDS
Get confused
in the light
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American Medical Association
Report of the Council on Science and Public
Health
2016
“Although data are still emerging, some evidence
supports a long-term increase in the risk for cancer,
diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity from
chronic sleep disruption or shiftwork and associated
with exposure to brighter light sources in the evening
or night.”
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Star Tribune
October 1, 2018
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Star Tribune
December 22, 2022
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Golden Valley
Environmental Commission
2023 Work Plan
GREENSTEP CITIES/CLIMATE ACTION
• Continue working on actions and metrics to
address climate-related impacts, improve the
environment, and reduce energy consumption and
costs.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
(a) Purpose. The purpose of these regulations
is to create standards for outdoor lighting which will
provide for nighttime safety, security and utility while
reducing light pollution, light trespass, and
conserving energy for residential and nonresidential
properties.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Any new outdoor lighting installed after the
effective date of the ordinance from which this
section is derived shall comply with the requirements
of this section. Lighting in existence before the
effective date of the ordinance from which this
section is derived that does not comply with the
requirements hereof shall be considered legally
nonconforming to the extent provided by the terms
of this chapter.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Light Pollution: The shining of light produced
by a luminaire above the height of the luminaire and
into the sky.
Light Trespass: The shining of light produced
by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the
property on which it is located.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Evidence that a nonconforming luminaire directs glare to
other private property located in a Residential Zoning District at a
level of illumination caused by the luminaire equal to or greater
than 0.5 footcandle on the other private property creates a
presumption that it is a public nuisance. Such fixtures shall be
altered to reduce the level of illumination in the Residential Zoning
District to less than 0.3 footcandle within 30 days of receiving a
written notice from the City Manager or his/her designee. If the
owner or occupier of the property containing the nuisance fails to
correct the level of illumination within such 30-day period, such
failure to correct shall be deemed to be a continuing violation of
this section.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Definitions. The following words, terms and
phrases, when used in this section, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except
where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Cutoff: The point at which all light rays emitted by
a lamp, light source, or luminaire are completely
eliminated (cutoff) at a specific angle above the ground.
Cutoff Angle: The maximum angle formed by a line
drawn in the direction of emitted light rays at the light
source and a line perpendicular to the ground from the
light source.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Fully Shielded: The condition where the
luminaire is designed and installed where no light is
emitted at or above a horizontal plane running
through the lowest point on the luminaire.
Glare: Direct light emitted from a luminaire
with intensity great enough to cause visual
discomfort, eye fatigue, a reduction in a viewer's
ability to see, or, in extreme cases, momentary
blindness.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Lighting levels. The maximum power of
any luminaire shall be 150 watts.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Lighting levels. The maximum power of
any luminaire shall be 150 watts.
40W LED = 5,500 lumens
150W LED = 20,625 lumens
2,062W halogen bulb
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Basic
Level
Enhanced
Security Level*
Minimum footcandles on
pavement
0.2 fc 0.5 fc
Maximum footcandles
on pavement
4.0 fc 7.5 fc
Uniformity ratio
maximum: minimum
20:1 15:1
Open-Air Parking Lot Lighting Standards. The table below establishes open-air parking lot
lighting standards. For multilevel parking facilities, the roof level shall be considered an
open-air parking lot.
*When requested by the property owner, the City Manager or his/her designee may increase
from basic to enhanced security lighting levels when personal security is an issue. The City
Manager or his/her designee may consider specific site characteristics, level of vehicle and
pedestrian conflict, special security needs, and history or likelihood of crimes in making
the determination.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
Timers, Dimmers, and Sensors. Lighting
installation shall include timers, dimmers, and/or
sensors to reduce overall energy consumption and
eliminate unneeded lighting.
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Minn. Stat. 16B.328
OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES MODEL ORDINANCE
Subd. 2. Model ordinance.
The commissioner of administration, in consultation with the commissioner of
commerce, associations for local governments, and any other interested person,
shall develop a model ordinance that can be adapted for use by cities, counties,
and towns, governing outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution. The model
ordinance must address:
(1) standards for lighting on private property; outdoor advertising; lighting on
commercial, industrial, or institutional property; canopies covering fueling
stations; and public streets, sidewalks, and alleys;
(2) how illumination levels should be measured;
(3) possible exemptions, such as for temporary emergency or hazard lighting;
(4) recommended elements for an exterior lighting plan for a development;
(5) treatment of nonconforming lighting;
(6) lighting standards that might apply in special subdistricts;
(7) light pole maximum heights; and
(8) light trespass.
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Golden Valley Ordinance 113-153
“Outdoor Lighting”
IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of
North America [IES or IESNA]): The professional
society of lighting engineers, including those from
manufacturing companies, and others professionally
involved in lighting.
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Date: July 28, 2025
To: Environmental Commission
From: Gunnar Laughlin, MN GreenCorps Member
Subject: GreenCorps Service Term Summary
Over the past year, the GreenCorps program and Golden Valley gave me several opportunities
to work on sustainability projects for the city.
My primary goals with my 11-month service term were to learn as much as I could about
sustainability, while also being an asset for the city to advance their sustainability work. Now
that my term is winding down, I believe that I fulfilled these goals, and I am proud of the work
that I have done alongside the City, the Environmental Commission, and the City’s Sustainability
Specialist, Ethan Kehrberg.
I’m very proud of my service this year, and I am excited to stay in touch to see how Golden
Valley continues to prioritize sustainability in coming years.
Below, I have listed and described the projects that I have worked on over the year:
Seed Collection
Early in my term, I attended a training on seed collection from native plants. In the City’s native
vegetation buffer zone, we have the same plants that I was trained to collect seeds from. I
spent time learning to identify new plans and collecting seed he ads to be processed and stored
until they can be replanted in the fall. This helps to ensure that the city has the resources
needed to preserve biodiversity throughout the city.
Seed Handouts at GV Pride and Market in the Valley
Having spent time doing this collection of seeds, I grew a passion for native plants, including
native wildflowers. When tabling at Golden Valley Pride in June and Market in the Valley in July,
we handed out paper packets of wildflower seeds as a giveaway that promoted sustainability
and did not create excess waste.
v
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GreenStep Metrics
The GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations program is a challenge and recognition program
highlighting the sustainability work and progress of cities and tribal nations in Minnesota. Every
April, the program has its participants submit data related to energy use, water use, natural
resources, and other sustainability metrics. The City and the program use this data to follow
trends in these metrics and to identify potential needs in the future. I supported this effort by
working with staff in different departments, researching data sources, and updating metrics to
show progress Golden Valley has made in the past year.
Organics Drop-Site and Multi-Family Outreach
In spring 2025, the city began a pilot organics recycling drop -off site at Fire Station #2. Ethan
and I checked the site weekly to ensure proper use without contamination. So far, we have
seen no extensive contamination, and we are planning to continue pro moting this resource to
multifamily residents in Golden Valley.
Master Naturalist
The GreenCorps program allows for hours to be spent on training opportunities, provides
members with a budget for certification courses, and requires host sites to provide a training
budget for their member. I used my GreenCorps certification budget to obtain my certificate as
a Minnesota Master Naturalist. I spent a week at Long Lake Conservation Center learning
environmental pedagogy, geology, lake geography, tree and wildlife ID, and other ways to help
conserve the natural world.
Tree Inspector
I used some of my hours on the free Minnesota Tree Inspector training. I became certified to
plant, inspect, prune, and care for trees in the state of Minnesota.
Earth Day Cleanups
During my term, I helped to organize and host two Earth Day cleanups. One for staff and one
for resident volunteers. The staff cleanup had over 50 volunteers and we collected over 5000
pounds of waste. The resident cleanup had over 25 volunteers and we collected over 700
pounds of waste
Earth Day Articles
During Earth Month, I wrote weekly articles on topics like organics recycling, pollinators, water
pollution, and invasive species. These articles were posted to the City’s website and news board
throughout the month.
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Shadowing City Forester
I had opportunities to work alongside Diana, the City Forester, for a day so I could learn more
about how to apply skills I learned in my tree inspector training to a job setting in urban
forestry.
Pollinator Week Proclamation
Celebrated annually during the 3rd full week of June, Pollinator Week is a time to highlight the
many benefits of a healthy population of pollinators. During my term, I wrote and presented a
proclamation to the Golden Valley City Council to recognize Pollinator Week that was then
approved in a Council meeting.
Climate Equity Plan
I sat in on interviews and reviewed proposals from consultant groups to understand who would
be the best fit for our Climate Equity Plan. Now that WSB has been selected to work with
Golden Valley, I’ve been helping with engagement efforts to gather input from the community.
Waste Reduction
I designed a presentation to help educate staff on ways to properly sort waste and reduce
single-use products in our office. It will be delivered on July 30 th and will involve an interactive
activity where participants can sort out different waste to test their knowledge.
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