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2025-06-10 - MIN - City Council Work Session June 10, 2025 — 6:30 PM Golden Valley City Hall Council Chambers CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES Members of the public may attend this meeting in-person, watch on cable channel 16, or stream on CCXmedia.org. 1. Call to Order Mayor Harmon called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Present: Mayor Roslyn Harmon, Council Members Sophia Ginis, Maurice Harris, Denise La Mere- Anderson, and Gillian Rosenquist Absent: None Staff present: City Manager Noah Schuchman, Equity and Inclusion Manager Seth Kaempfer, Community Development Director Emily Goellner, Public Works Director Tim Kieffer, Management Fellow Sara Kasel, City Engineer Michael Ryan, and Assistant City Engineer Caleb Brolsma 2. Discussion Item(s) 2A. Equity Plan Annual Update Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer presented the City’s Equity Plan and highlighted Plan principles, organizational culture, operationalizing equity, department equity actions, workforce engagement, and progress tracking. Council Member Ginis asked for more detail regarding the goals of MOUs. Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer noted the goal as a partnership. Council Member Rosenquist asked about the intersection between the EAT and employees working on enhancing employee culture. Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer noted they have a separate relationship, but that doesn’t mean they can’t engage and expressed appreciation for the question. Council Member La Mere-Anderson asked about the opportunity to create a pipeline from the equity work being done in school districts and the open student positions in different Boards and Commissions. Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer commented that it has been an informal process when talking to these student groups, but he is looking for it to become a more formal process. Council Member Rosenquist asked what schools are being worked with. Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer stated that Robbinsdale, Hopkins, and Breck. Council Member Rosenquist noted it may be beneficial to look at Franklin Center. Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer shared that sentiment. Mayor Harmon asked what Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer means when he says anti-racism. Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer discussed the tools the City utilizes to disengage from white supremacy. Council Member Harris asked if this is more of a positive reinforcement approach. Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer stated yes. Council Member Harris stated he is encouraged by the employee -focused input and buy-in, as well as the expanding scope of focus beyond race. Council Member Rosenquist commented that she enjoys that there is both a data -driven approach and interpersonal. Mayor Harmon thanked Equity and Inclusion Manager Kaempfer. 2B. CP Regional Trail Presentation & Discussion Community Development Director Goellner discussed the history of community desires related to trails and introduced City Engineer Ryan and Assistant City Engineer Brolsma . City Engineer Ryan and Assistant City Engineer Brolsma gave an overview of the project, discussed outreach and engagement, noted prior recommendations, and commented on key considerations. Staff recommends approval of route GV4. Council Member La Mere-Anderson expressed appreciation towards Staff for bringing this back to Council for additional consideration. Council Member Rosenquist echoed Council La Mere-Anderson’s sentiment and believes this new route will be great as culture shifts to desiring more non-motorized transportation options. She also encouraged Staff to review the Highway 100 crossing for safety improvements. Council Member Ginis stated the CP Regional Trail makes sense; however, it is heavily focused on North to South travel, and hopes the City looks further into greater bike networks that can be used for transportation infrastructure. Council Member Harris commented on his support of this trail. 2C. Infrastructure Renewal Plan (IRP) and Utility Franchise Fees Presentation and Discussion City Engineer Ryan and Assistant City Engineer Brolsma gave an overview of the Infrastructure Renewal Plan and Pavement Management Program, discussed policies and strategic directives, noted special considerations, highlighted funding opportunities, and talked about utility franchise fees. Mayor Harmon expressed her gratitude for the presentation. Mayor Sutton asked if sidewalks would be created on streets that are already narrow. City Engineer Ryan stated the importance of accessibility for all city-wide. Mayor Sutton asked if the new franchise renewal agreement with CenterPoint Energy would allow for fiber optics. City Engineer Ryan stated the congested right of way can be considered in the terms of the agreement; however, there is only so much space to work with. Council Member Ginis commented that she feels fiber optics deserves greater discussion at a detailed level in addition to climate-friendly street lighting. Council Member Ginis stated she supports a complete streets policy but also desires to be strategic about criteria in creating more infrastructure. City Engineer Ryan thanked Council Member Ginis for her comments and recognized a one size fits all rarely fits the need of an entire community. Council Member La Mere-Anderson stated the PMP was applied as a one-size-fits -all approach and was not appreciated by residents. Therefore, she wants to be thoughtful and strategic in going forward with creating sidewalks. City Engineer Ryan noted that Staff is ready to take on the challenge, will seek out feedback from community members, and is keeping maintenance in mind. Council Member Rosenquist appreciated the future vision but desires a more detailed discussion to make sure the cost burden is being weighed against the benefits. Council Member Rosenquist asked where Staff got the percentages on the holistic versus tradit ional chart. She noted her support for the ability to plant trees along the boulevard. Council Member Ginis stated she believes that allowing engagement to shape policy will be important to buy in. City Engineer Ryan noted that Staff will bring more details to all the questions raised, and he is not tied to any outcome but simply wants the best for the community. Council Member Harris commented on the importance of finding funding sources and trying to defray costs in addition to ensuring the City can cover the maintenance of infrastructure. City Engineer Ryan stated Staff has collected a lot of comparison data in regards to franchise fees and is willing to send numbers to Council. 2D. Council Review of Future Draft Agendas City Manager Schuchman noted the purchase of public works facility property as an addition to the agenda for Tuesday. Council Member Harris commented on his excitement for the Missing Middle Housing Study. Council Member Rosenquist asked what the plan for the Bassett Creek Regional Trail Connection is. City Engineer Ryan stated he could send the design plans and noted street plans. Council Member Harris asked for clarification on the updating CUP and Variance Process Language in Zoning Code. Community Development Director Goellner stated Staff would like to reduce the number of conditional use permits. Council Member Harris asked what improvements are being made on Winnetka Avenue. City Engineer Ryan stated they won't have that agreement ready till December, but the changes will be concrete and gutters in 2026, with a mill and overlay in 2027. Community Development Director Goellner commented that Staff hopes to give the Council more updates in coming months after further meetings with leaders. 3. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:18 pm.