EC Agenda 09-15-2025 September 15, 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
4.Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.A.Approve August 25, 2025 Minutes
5.Business
5.A.Report on City Council approval of Haha Wakpadan/Bassett Creek co-naming policy [Chair
Paul Klaas and Ethan Kehrberg]
5.B.Climate Equity Plan (CEP) update and review sample focus area of CEP [Ethan Kehrberg and
Commissioner Ellen Brenna]
5.C.2024 Recycling Report [Ethan Kehrberg]
5.D.Council Communications
5.E.Commissioner/Staff Communications
6.Adjournment
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting September 15, 2025 — 6:30 PM
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
September 15, 2025
Agenda Item
4.A. Approve August 25, 2025 Minutes
Prepared By
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Recommended Action
Motion to approve the minutes.
Supporting Documents
Draft Minutes - 8.25.25
2
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
Staff present: Chloe McGuire, Deputy Community Development Director;
Michael Ryan, City Engineer;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
Others present: Jessica Lewis, Resident, called in.
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 Brenna, seconded by Commissioner Byl to approve the agenda for
August 25, 2025 as submitted and the motion carried.
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Drawz, seconded by Commissioner Wold to approve the minutes
of July 28, 2025 as submitted and the motion carried.
• After further discussion:
MOTION by Commissioner Wold, seconded by Commissioner Byl to approve the minutes of
July 28, 2025 with the following change and the motion carried.
• Section 5.D., “Outdoor Lighting Ordinance” Second bullet point:
o Delete first sentence
August 25, 2025 – 6:30 pm
3
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
August 25, 2025 – 6:30 pm
2
o Insert these two sentences:
▪ The PowerPoint in the agenda packet was presented at an
Environmental Commission meeting on August 28, 2023. Commissioner
Klaas now also has a redlined update of Golden Valley’s current outdoor
lighting ordinance, but that redlined update is not quite ready for
presentation to the Commission yet.
5. Business
5.A. Update on Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek Co-Naming Policy
• This is going to Council on September 2nd for their second approval.
• The Bassett Creek Watershed Commission only reached out to local Indigenous leader,
Jim Rock. The City reached out to a couple more – The Indian Affairs Council and The
Tribal Historical Preservation Office. We’re still waiting to hear back from them.
• The language changed slightly.
5.B. Council Communications
• None
5.C. Commissioner/Staff Communications
• Outdoor Lighting Ordinance
o Chair Klaas, Chloe (Assistant Community Development Director), Michael (City
Engineer), and Ethan met a couple of weeks prior to this meeting to discuss how to
proceed. Chair Klaas has sent staff a redlined version of the current ordinance , a
clean copy of the current ordinance, and a copy of the 2025 briefing that was
previously sent to all commissioners.
o Staff has reached out to both Assistant Police Chiefs and will be working on setting
up a meeting when it works best for them.
o Council Member Ginis is following this and interested in updating the ordinance.
o This is within the Zoning Code for the City. The Planning Commission is in charge of
the Zoning Code so we’ll need to have a hearing before the Planning Commission
before it can go further. Chloe has been in touch with the Chair and Staff Liaison to
the Planning Commission.
• Audubon Audit
o Hoping to possibly do an internal audit. Maybe figure out what practices had been
put into place to get the certification previously. Where have we fallen off since we
lost the certification?
o Hopefully once the summer season winds down and the solar installation is finished,
they might have more time to look into this.
o Maybe we can find the records from the initial audit. If we can see what was done
previously, maybe we can make some recommendations without involving a third-
party audit. Chloe will see if she can get these from Greg at Brookview.
o Brookview’s annual work is documenting the current practices and they do believe
we're still compliant with Audubon. We just don't pay for the certification. It's just
been city practice to not pay for the certifications and just do the work .
o OSRC would like to share these goals and possibly have a joint work session once or
twice a year.
4
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
August 25, 2025 – 6:30 pm
3
• Climate Equity Plan
o Ethan and WSB hosted the first steering committee meeting. There were staff
members from all departments present.
o There was a lot of good input. Everyone was really in favor of the plan.
o There was a lot of discussion about making sure there was a connection between
departments so there isn’t double work and making sure the plan is usable and
understandable.
o Make sure staff in the field know about what the plan is since they are talking to the
public are aware of what the City goals are.
o There was a lot of discussion about gathering public input and focusing direct
messaging to gain public trust.
o It was asked to ask what everyone is currently working on that might be impacted by
this plan. Engineering staff mentioned the lighting ordinance.
o There was a lot of really good and diverse input.
o The steering committee will meet two more times.
• Styrofoam/Single-Use Plastics, Bags, and Containers
o Sarah has done the work needed for this. The Commission needs to know how to
find out from the Council whether they are interested in the Commission taking this
on or not.
o If there is a consensus from the Commission that they would like to take this on then
the Chair would send an e-mail to Council Member Ginis and Ethan to ask for formal
directions. Attach what’s been done so far to the e-mail.
o With the Climate Equity Plan happening, does the City have the resources needed to
take this project on?
o Possibly do a pilot program on a smaller scale?
o Maybe shift a little and align the work plan with the City Council strategic directives.
They just released a strategic plan for the City and one of those is leveraging city
events with our zero waste values. Maybe pivot to a zero-waste policy for City
events.
• Increasing Organics Participation through New Initiatives.
o Commissioner Byl has done some research into what other cities have done .
o The next step will be for Commissioner Byl and Ethan to meet and discuss what has
been done previously and where some new ideas could be added.
o The City has free bags available in the Community Development office.
o Commissioner Byl is hoping to have a plan to report back to the Commission in a
month or two.
• Staff Updates
o The Environmental Manager position was posted. This will fill former staff liaison,
Eric Eckman’s, open position. It’s a senior managerial position to manage
environmental and water resource projects and that can range from storm water
and water resources to wetlands and flood plains and contamination and
remediation. Ethan will continue to be the EC Staff Liaison.
5
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
August 25, 2025 – 6:30 pm
4
6. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Wold, seconded by Commissioner Byl to adjourn the meeting at
7:14 pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
__________________________________ __________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Paul Klaas, Chair
6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
September 15, 2025
Agenda Item
5.A. Report on City Council approval of Haha Wakpadan/Bassett C reek co-naming policy [Chair Paul
Klaas and Ethan Kehrberg]
Prepared By
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Supporting Documents
RESO 25-081 - Approving Haha Wakpadan Co-Naming Policy.pdf
7
RESOLUTION NO. 25-081
RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF aá Wakpáda/
BASSETT CREEK CO-NAMING POLICY
WHEREAS, the City of Golden Valley (the “City”) is committed to taking actionable
steps to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, the City passed the Land Acknowledgment Statement on May 17, 2022,
acknowledging and honoring the Dakota Peoples, on whose ancestral lands the City is built
and whose land resources we use; and
WHEREAS, the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC)
adopted their Creek Co-Naming Practices in December 2024, co-naming aá
Wakpádan/Bassett Creek after an oral history project and aá Wakpádan & Indigenous
Culture; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Environmental Commission met on June 23, 2025,
and unanimously recommended approval of adopting BCWMC’s Co-Naming
Practice locally to align in naming practice; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) and Open
Space and Recreation Commission (OSRC) reviewed the draft policy via email in August
2025; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to co-name Bassett Creek with aá Wakpádan, the
Dakota People’s name for Bassett Creek.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council for the City of Golden
Valley adopts the aá Wakpádan/Bassett Creek Co-Naming Policy attached hereto as
Exhibit A.
Adopted by the City Council of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 2nd day of September 2025.
Roslyn Harmon, Mayor
ATTEST:
Theresa Schyma, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: DABE199B-5C48-4BD7-8E1C-829F8B46457A
8
O FFICIAL C ITY P OLICY
C ITY OF G OLDEN V ALLEY
General Informa on
Policy Title: Co-Naming aá Wakpáda/Basset Creek Department: Community Development
Policy Owner (job tle): Sustainability Specialist Policy ID:
Council Approval Date: September 2, 2025 Resolu on Number: 25-081
Effec ve Date: September 2, 2025 New Updated
Policy Overview
Policy Descrip on:
This policy governs the naming of Basset Creek, a local waterway, on City documents. This policy requires the City co-
name the creek with its Dakota name, “aá Wakpáda” and the English name “Basset Creek.”
Purpose & Scope:
Purpose
The City of Golden Valley (the “City”) wishes to acknowledge and honor the Dakota na on, on whose ancestral land
the City of Golden Valley is built, and whose land and water resources we use. The City intends to follow the Basset
Creek Watershed Management Commission (“BCWMC”) in co-naming the aá Wakpáda/Basset Creek (the
Creek”). Per BCWMC, one way to honor Indigenous communi es is through language. Using Dakota place names and
vocabulary is an important step in acknowledging Dakota history, culture, and ongoing contribu ons to natural and
human communi es.
Background
The BCWMC worked with local leaders on their co-naming policy, including Roxanne Biidabinokwe Gould, professor
emeritus of Indigenous and environmental studies, and Jim Rock. Both Roxanne and Jim live in Golden Valley near the
aá Wakpáda.
The Environmental Commission voted to recommend the City Council adopt the BCWMC’s Co-Naming Policy at its
June 2025 mee ng.
Scope
This policy applies to any content sponsored, established, registered, or authorized by the City and any of its
Departments or Divisions including, but not limited to:
Online Content, including Social Media and City Webpages
Maps
Small Area Plans and Comprehensive Plans
Signs
All City Representa ves shall u lize this policy when referring to the Creek both inside and outside the limits of Golden
Valley. The Creek does not follow the geographic limits of the City. All City Representa ves shall follow the co-naming
policy in both writen and verbal communica ons.
Ques ons regarding the scope of this policy should be directed to the Community and Economic Development
Director.
Docusign Envelope ID: DABE199B-5C48-4BD7-8E1C-829F8B46457A
9
Defini ons:
aá Wakpáda means “Creek to the River of the Falls” or “Falls Creek,” and is the Dakota name for the creek
with the English name Basset Creek.
City Representa ves means all City employees, agents, independent contractors, and elected and appointed
officials.
Basset Creek means the Main Stem Basset Creek as indicated by the BCMWC and defined on itswebsite.
Related Documents, Materials & Resources:
A copy of the Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission’s “Creek Co-Naming Prac ces: Approved
December 2024” is atached.
aá Wakpáda” & Indigenous Culture Webpage from BCWMC
City of Golden Valley Land Acknowledgement Statement
How to Pronounce aá Wakpáda
Policy
The City of Golden Valley approves and applauds the Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission’s decision to
use both the Dakota and English names for the creek with the English name “Basset Creek.”
To the extent it is within the authority of the City of Golden Valley, and to the extent it is consistent with the prac ces
and policies of the Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission:
1) Both the Dakota and English names shall be used on the main stem of the creek;
2) The Dakota name shall be placed first, then a slash (rather than a hyphen), then the English name:
aá Wakpáda/Basset Creek;
3) The individual characters and accents shall be used whenever possible. When an app or webpage does not allow
unique characters, Haha Wakpadan/Basset Creek may be acceptable;
4) This co-naming shall be used wherever possible, par cularly on public facing documents and places, including
signs at road crossings, signs at project sites, and in parks;
5) Because aá Wakpáda means “Falls Creek”, it may be appropriate to place “the” in front of
aá Wakpáda/Basset Creek depending on usage;
6) The City will use Dakota artwork on signs and other appropriate places whenever possible.
Docusign Envelope ID: DABE199B-5C48-4BD7-8E1C-829F8B46457A
10
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
September 15, 2025
Agenda Item
5.B. Climate Equity Plan (CEP) update and review sample focus area of CEP [Ethan Kehrberg and
Commissioner Ellen Brenna]
Prepared By
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Supporting Documents
CEP Draft Table of Contents and Water Focus Area.pdf
CEP Interim Survey Results Summary 9.8.25.pdf
11
1 Climate Equity Plan 2025
Climate Equity
Plan
DRAFT
TOC
AND
WATER
OUTLINE
Golden Valley
2025
12
2 Climate Equity Plan 2025
Table of Contents
Table of Contents _______________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Golden Valley’s Vision __________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Executive Summary _____________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
How to Use Plan ________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Community Engagement Summary ______________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Landscape Scan ________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Vulnerability Assessment _______________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Current and Projected Climate Conditions _____________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Social Vulnerability Assessment _______________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Update ____________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Focus Area 1- Water _____________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Vision: ________________________________________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Social Equity & Vulnerability Assessment ______________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Initiative 1: ____________________________________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Initiative 2: ____________________________________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Initiative 3: ____________________________________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Implementation Plan Matrix ___________________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
Actions ____________________________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Anticipated GHG Benefits ___________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Cost Estimates _____________________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Metrics ____________________________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Timeline ___________________________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Roles ______________________________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Focus Area 2- TBD _______________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Focus Area 3- TBD _______________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Focus Area 4- TBD _______________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
13
3 Climate Equity Plan 2025
Focus Area 1- Water
Vision:
*Placeholder for overarching vision for water*
Increase the strength of the community by protecting
and preserving the City’s water resources
Social Equity & Vulnerability
Assessment
*Placeholder for background information on social and environmental inequities
associated with focus area. Include how vulnerability assessment is associated to this
focus area* Certain communities in the city face disproportionate challenges related to
water access and quality. Low-income neighborhoods and areas with older
infrastructure are more likely to experience service interruptions, flooding, or degraded
water conditions. The vulnerability assessment highlights how these inequities intersect
with environmental risks, showing that the same communities most exposed to flooding,
drought, and water quality issues often have the fewest resources to adapt or recover.
Focus Area Image
Map of vulnerable
neighborhoods
Pie chart showing
percentage of
households
with/without access to
water-saving
resources.
GHG data chart/image
or other enviro data
14
4 Climate Equity Plan 2025
Initiative 1:
*Placeholder for initiative 1* CONTINUE TO REDUCE DRINKING WATER
CONSUMPTION IN HOMES AND BUSINESSES
Description: *Placeholder for initiative description and background * In collaboration with
residents, business owners, and local organizations, the City could increase
enforcement of existing policies, incentivize water conservation practices, and sponsor
home improvements that support water conservation.
Timeline: *Timeline for initiative* 2024-ongoing
Priority Actions:
City Operational and Community Actions:
• Implement low flow appliances in city properties.
• Host a workshop for community on water
conservation.
• Do more to promote harvesting of rainwater. We
should resume an annual rain barrel workshop
and seek out ways to recognize and promote
homeowner actions.
• Residents adopt water-saving practices at home,
such as installing low-flow fixtures and reducing
irrigation.
Key Metrics and Measure of Progress:
Measures of Progress: Reduce unaccounted water loss by 20% and lower overall water
usage rates by 2030 using system-wide metering.
Line chart of
Historical
and
projected city
water usage
over time
Environmental
Data
15
5 Climate Equity Plan 2025
Initiative 2:
*Placeholder for initiative 2* REDUCE EXCESS IMPERVIOUS SURFACES TO
IMPROVE WATER INFILTRATION AND QUALITY
Description: *Placeholder for initiative description and background * Impervious surfaces
such as roads and parking lots restrict the natural infiltration of groundwater. While
these facilities are necessary in some capacity, the City can reduce the strain on storm
water management systems and enhance climate co -benefits by allowing more water to
infiltrate the ground. The City could establish zoning policies, limiting the construction of
new impervious surfaces and incentivizing property owners to remove unused
impervious surfaces by educating about the benefits of doing so.
Timeline: *Timeline for initiative* 2024-2027
Priority Actions:
City Operational and Community Actions:
• Zoning policy establishing a maximum
allowable area of new impervious surfaces in
commercial district*Placeholder for action 2*
• Use of permeable surfaces in new
developments and re-developments.
• Property owners to remove unused
impermeable surfaces
Key Metrics:
Measures of Progress: Reduce city-wide impermeable surface coverage by 15% by
2030 through targeted green infrastructure and permeable design.
Map of
stormwater
runoff
hotspots
16
6 Climate Equity Plan 2025
Initiative 3:
*Placeholder for initiative 1* ESTABLISH A REVEGETATION PROGRAM TO
REPLACE LOST TREE COVER
Description: *Placeholder for initiative description and background * Trees are the
ultimate tool for combating climate change because they sequester carbon and produce
clean air. Additionally, they improve water quality by creating a strong soil structure for
infiltration. In recent years, a significant portion of the City’s tree cover has been lost to
invasive beetle species and drought. A revegetation program would help residents
replace lost trees with a hardier species and remove dead trees. Sustainable mowing
practices can also help preserve water from irrigation and support biodiversity.
Exploring these practices and their effectiveness within
the city will advance SAV’s climate action goals.
Timeline: *Timeline for initiative* 2024-2026
Priority Actions:
City Operational and Community Actions:
• Share resources about adopting mow-less
behavior throughout the summer.
• Establishing a revegetation fund to help
residents pay to have dead trees removed and
replaced with hardier species
• Residents plant replacement trees on their
property and participate in community tree
planting events.
Key Metrics:
Measures of Progress: Increase urban tree canopy by
10% by 2030 and track resident participation in
sustainable mowing programs.
Bar chart
with number
of trees lost
vs. number
planted per
year
Graphic on
benefits of
tree cover for
water
infiltration
17
7 Climate Equity Plan 2025
Implementation Plan Matrix
Actions
Anticipated GHG Benefits
Cost Estimates
Metrics
Timeline
Roles
Matrix
Initiative Actions GHG
Estimates
Cost
Estimates
Metrics Timeline Lead
Role
Priority
Level
Initiative 1:
Continue to
reduce
drinking
water
consumption
in homes and
businesses
Share
resources on
low flow
appliances
Reduce
unaccounted
water loss by
20% and
lower overall
water usage
rates by 2030
using
system-wide
metering
2024–
Ongoing
Sustaina
bility
Manager
Urgent
Initiative 2
Initiative 3
18
Golden Valley Climate Equity Plan Survey
Interim Results
Analysis completed on September 8, 2025
5 key takeaways for the Climate Equity Plan based on
survey responses:
1. Green Space as Community Identity
Residents consistently highlighted parks, trails, mature trees, and proximity to
Theodore Wirth Park as deflning assets. This presents an opportunity to integrate
climate resilience into existing green infrastructure (e.g., expanding tree canopy for heat
mitigation, protecting wetlands).
2. Safety and Stability as Priorities
Multiple responses emphasized safety, quiet neighborhoods, and single-family homes.
Climate initiatives should address concerns about preserving these qualities while
promoting equity (e.g., ensuring fiood-resistant infrastructure beneflts all
neighborhoods equitably).
3. Intergenerational Community Concerns
While many praised neighborly bonds, some noted declining social cohesion between
older and younger residents. Climate programming could bridge this gap (e.g.,
multigenerational garden projects, neighborhood energy-saving initiatives).
4. Transportation Paradox
Respondents value proximity to Minneapolis and highways but also prioritize
walkable/bikeable streets and reduced traffic. This tension suggests a need for climate-
friendly transit solutions that balance accessibility with neighborhood character (e.g.,
protected bike lanes connecting to regional trails).
5. Emerging Support for Proactive Climate Action
Several responses explicitly praised environmental programs (compost services, Pride
events with sustainability themes). This indicates resident readiness for bolder equity-
focused climate policies, provided communication emphasizes continuity with existing
community values.
19
Implementation Tip: Frame climate equity measures as enhancements to cherished
assets (e.g., "preserving parks through stormwater management upgrades") rather than
disruptive changes to maintain broad buy-in.
What stands out the most? From the survey responses,
three elements emerge with particular force and nuance:
1. The Triad of Community Identity
A striking pattern emerges where green infrastructure, social bonds, and strategic location
form an interdependent system. Respondents don't just mention parks - they speciflcally
call out Theodore Wirth Park's cross-country skiing, protected wetlands, and tree canopy
management. This suggests residents have sophisticated environmental literacy that could
be mobilized for climate initiatives.
2. Safety as Multidimensional Value
While "safety" appears 27 times, its context reveals three distinct facets:
• Environmental safety: Clean streets, low pollution (note multiple mentions of
minimal airplane noise)
• Social safety: LGBTQ+ friendliness, racial diversity (explicitly valued in 6 responses)
• Physical security: Low crime, but with emerging anxiety about police leadership
vacuums
3. The Generational Paradox
Contrasting responses reveal tensions:
• Response 17: "Younger neighbors don't talk to older neighbors"
• Response 22: Praises young families' presence
• Response 76: Intergenerational connections through schools
This suggests neighborhood social capital is both cherished and perceived as fragile - a
critical consideration for long-term climate planning requiring sustained community
engagement.
20
Most Surprising Insight: Multiple residents spontaneously connected environmental
programs to civic pride (compost services in #59, Pride events with sustainability
elements). This indicates climate action is already seen as part of community identity, not
an external imposition - a valuable foundation for equity planning.
4 critical areas requiring follow-up, ranked by urgency and
potential community impact:
1. Leadership Vacuum in Public Safety
Flagged Response: #97's concern about lacking police leadership compromising safety
Why: Creates vulnerability for all climate equity efforts if residents perceive basic security
is unstable
Potential Action: Fast-track police chief hiring with public input, link climate security
aspects (e.g., emergency preparedness) to role
2. Generational Trust Gaps
Flagged Pattern: Contrast between #17 (elderly feeling isolated) and #22/76 (young
families' needs)
Why: Social cohesion directly impacts participation in climate initiatives
Potential action: Create intergenerational "climate steward" teams for tree planting/energy
audits
3. Hidden Infrastructure Anxiety
Flagged Clues: Multiple mentions of "well-maintained roads" (#25), protected wetlands
(#71), and aging trees (#8)
Why: Signals awareness of climate vulnerabilities masked by pride in current assets
Potential Action: Conduct vulnerability mapping workshops showing how existing
infrastructure may need climate adaptations
4. Latent Tax Resistance
Flagged Response: #58's "NOT lower taxes" and #87's complaint about road costs
Why: Could derail climate projects if not addressed proactively
Potential Action: Develop clear ROI narratives (e.g., "Every $1 in tree canopy saves $X in
stormwater costs")
21
Most Critical Follow-Up: Response #86's accusation of performative engagement ("you
are flnally asking...I call BS") requires immediate transparency measures.
Potential actions:
1. Continue to highlight climate engagement successes in future communications
2. Create visible progress trackers, share project updates, publish survey outcomes -
"we heard / we did"
3. Address timeline reality / concerns when in community
22
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
September 15, 2025
Agenda Item
5.C. 2024 Recycling Report [Ethan Kehrberg]
Prepared By
Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Supporting Documents
2024 Recycling Update.pdf
23
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: September 10, 2025
To: Environmental Commission
From: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Subject: 2024 Recycling Update
Organics Recycling
According to Republic Services, approximately 385 tons of organic material was collected through
Golden Valley’s curbside organics recycling program. Additionally, the 2024 study shows that the
city has an organics recycling participation rate of approximately 39% among eligible properties.
Although this is a slight decrease from last year, this participation rate is still among the highest in
the Twin Cities metro. Staff have recently been focusing on increasing organics recycling access
for multifamily residents since they are not included in the city contract for curbside service.
After doing research and developing a plan, staff established a pilot program at Fire Station 2 as
an organics recycling drop-off site. The site was chosen due to the low cost to launch the pilot on
at a facility that was already doing organics recycling, as well as the site’s proximity to several
multifamily properties. The pilot program has seen a slow but steady increase in participation
with zero contamination issues since the launch and zero reported issues from Fire staff.
There is still a lot of room for improvement to increase participation in organics recycling. In
November 2023, the Environmental Commission (EC) discussed ideas to increase participation
and developed the following strategies matrix:
24
Strategies to Increase Organics Recycling Participation 2024-2026
Higher Priority/Impact Lower Priority/Impact
Messaging
Strategies
• Emphasize why it is important
to recycle organics and reduce
landfilling
• Remove barriers; understand
language and cultural needs;
continue to improve translation
products and services
• Be continuous with reminders
and education
• Create informational video(s) to
share online that walk through
how to sign up and set up
organics recycling at home
• Make the case to backyard composters;
differences between organics collection
and backyard composting
• Share tips & tricks about setting up and
how to reduce odors and nuisances
• Encourage people to start small with food
scraps and emptying the fridge, then
progress to other rooms and more types
of compostable materials
• Promote recycling/composting
ambassador training and volunteer
opportunities
Partnerships • Multifamily properties – engage
with residents and property
managers to find solutions
• New residents – share info
about recycling programs and
how to sign up
• Schools – talk to and involve
kids in learning about
composting, do presentations or
help them get information to
guardians/parents/grandparents
• Hennepin County Library – create small
exhibit, continue sharing resources and
flyers
• Aging residents – engage with seniors &
programs
Expansion
Opportunities
• Explore possibility of setting up
drop-off sites for organics
• Research cost and feasibility of annually
providing free compostable bags for
residents to pick up
There were three reports of contaminated organics recycling loads in 2024, and the
contamination was similar in all three loads. Some of the most common contaminants include
glass, plastic bags with garbage or recyclable material, loose plastic film or bags. A composition
study completed in September 2024 also revealed contamination issues, most problematic of
which was a large amount of crushed glass. This will continue to be a focus area of education.
2025 has seen much lower contamination so far, but a composition study will be completed again
this year to identify any recurring issues.
25
Traditional Recycling
According to Republic Services, approximately 1684 tons of recyclable material was collected
through Golden Valley’s curbside recycling program. This equates to about 482 pounds per
eligible household, which is considered to be higher than the average across the metro area.
Additionally, the 2024 study shows that the city has a recycling participation rate of
approximately 97%. This participation rate is exceptional and also among the highest in the Twin
Cities metro.
A composition study completed in April 2024 revealed a couple of areas to focus on with
education to reduce contaminants in the traditional recycling stream. Residual garbage in the
study load was very low, and mostly consisted of bagged material, film, and food waste.
Product Type Net Weight (pounds) % of Load
HDPE - Natural 2 1%
HDPE – Pigmented 1 1%
PET 8 6%
3-7 Plastics 1 1%
Glass 13 9%
Tin 2 2%
Aluminum 5 4%
Mixed Paper 29 21%
OCC (Cardboard) 74 53%
Residual Garbage 6 4%
TOTALS 242 100%
26
Broader Trends & Updates from Republic Services
Every year, staff meet with representatives from Republic Services to give an annual performance
review and go over their annual report. We are also working with them to schedule composition
studies in the next few months to sort through samples from the city’s traditional recycling and
the organics recycling collection. Updated contamination and education tags were finalized for
Republic Service’s truck drivers to leave at homes with contaminated carts or other issues.
Republic Services has several compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks operating in Golden Valley
and recently introduced electric trucks into their fleet. Currently, they are only operational in
their Phoenix market and are likely still a few years away from being introduced in Minnesota.
Republic also has the following updates about the broader recycling market trends:
Overall, recycling commodity markets remain historically soft relative to the pre 2018
“China sword” market transformation. Unfortunately, the trend for light-weight packaging
continues and as we know a lot of these new packaging types are not desirable for our
end markets.
Locally we are seeing relatively strong demand currently for Fiber (Cardboard & Paper) as
Mills are looking for feedstock. Plastic markets have been steadily moving upward. A
major concern is virgin pricing for plastic resin is much cheaper than recycled feedstock,
so State & brand owner initiative or mandates stipulating the usage of recycling content in
their product is critical.
Product Circulatory is gaining steam with Brands as consumers push for greener
alternatives. Aluminum and Metal markets are experiencing decent movement and
steady pricing. Though commodity pricing as a whole is generally favorable right now, the
nature of commodity pricing can be fluid and things can change quickly.
Republic is leading national efforts to increase the circularity of our recycling economy.
One recent investment is in the creation of a first of its kind Polymer Center near Las
Vegas. This facility will process and refined mixed plastic streams into more valuable
recycled material that can be used in the manufacturing of food grade packaging instead
of being used in lower value products like carpet backing or outdoor furniture. This
project is up and running and phase 2 is currently being constructed in Indianapolis. There
is potential for plastic from the Minnesota market to make its way to Indianapolis,
feedstock plans for the facility have not been finalized.
27
State & County Goals
In 2024, Hennepin County adopted the Zero Waste Plan, aiming prevent 90% or more of all
discarded materials from being landfilled or incinerated. The actions in the Hennepin County Zero
Waste Plan are designed to collectively move the county as close as possible to the goal of zero
waste. Among the strategies identified in the plan were a few that asked for partnership with
cities to implement to help achieve state’s recycling goal of 75% diversion by 2030. Some of these
strategies include increasing bulky item reuse and recycling, adding waste and recycling bins in
public spaces, implementing low-income rate assistance, requiring haulers to track and report
multifamily waste data, requiring events to be zero waste, potentially mandating participation in
recycling and composting programs, adopting a single-use ban and zero-waste packaging
requirements for food service, supporting and encouraging city adoption of deconstruction
policies, and adopting policies to increase demand for finished compost.
Outreach & Education
Staff regularly create stories about recycling, organics, and waste reduction to share in the city
newsletter, city website, and social media posts. While attending community events, staff share
resources about recycling and composting, provide free labels, stickers, or recycling guides, and
hand out free organics starter kits consisting of a 2-gallon bucket, compostable bags, and an
organics recycling guide.
Staff also send out emails to the subscribers of the Waste Hauling, Recycling, and Yard Waste
Updates email list, which currently has 4,505 subscribers. This has been a helpful way to share
information about delays in recycling and organics service, as well as information about disposal
of specific items like pumpkins, special events, public input opportunities, or to promote
participation in Hennepin County’s waste-reduction challenges like the Stop Food Waste
Challenge, Plastic Free Challenge, or Zero Waste Challenge.
Staff continue to share waste reduction opportunities with multifam ily properties through emails,
quarterly meetings with property managers, multifamily-specific resources and information on
the website, and outreach at community events.
28
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Environmental Commission Meeting
September 15, 2025
Agenda Item
5.E. 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]
Organics recycling participation [Commissioner Hannah Byl]
Staff updates
29