10-22-12 MinutesGOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
October 22, 2012
Present: Commissioners Tracy Anderson Rich Baker, Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill,
Damon Struyk, Debra Yahle; Jeannine Clancy, Public Works
Director; Mark Ray, Engineer; Eric Seaburg, Graduate Engineer, and
Lisa Nesbitt, Administrative Assistant
Absent: Commissioner Jim Stremel
1. Call to Order
Baker called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Approval of Joint Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2012
MOVED by Hill, seconded by Gitelis, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the minutes of the September 24, 2012 joint meeting.
3. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes — September 24, 2012
MOVED by Hill, seconded by Gitelis, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the minutes of the September 24, 2012 meeting.
4. Section 10.32 Study
Baker spoke to the commission, in his role as a DNR official, about wild life
implications if Sec. 10/32 is amended. He does not believe the predator
population will increase as a result of chickens. What could attract predators is
food that isn't properly stored or waste that isn't cleaned up. He confers with
other speakers that proper coop design and fencing will help to keep predators
away.
Seaburg presented a draft of the final report. The commission will review it at the
next meeting and discuss the recommendation to the Council. Gitelis asked if
staff could research what the penalties are for ordinance violations in other cities
that allow chickens. She also asked for an estimate of additional staff time
devoted to this ordinance if changed.
5. Maple Grove Yard Waste
Ray presented a new service option, to contract with Maple Grove Yard Waste
for residential yard waste disposal, to the Commission. Contracting with the
Maple Grove Yard Waste Site would mean that continuation of two existing
recycling programs, Fall Leaf Drop and Spring Brush Pickup programs, would
need to be reevaluated for cost effectiveness. Information regarding the
proposed service option is on -file. The primary concerns expressed by some of
the commissioners were the need to transport material a further distance and the
need to transport items on the highway. Some commissioners viewed the new
service, with potential cuts to existing programs, as a loss of service for
residents.
Hill made a motion to decline a change to the current process. It was seconded
by Gitelis. The motion was approved with one opposing vote by Anderson.
Minutes of the Environmental Commission
October 22, 2012
Page 2 of 2
6. Program/Project Updates
Summary on -file
7. Commission Member Council Reports
None
8. Other Business
Gitelis reported that Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP) has started
meetings in preparation for the upcoming session. Environmental Quality Board
(EQB) is holding hearings looking for citizen input on quality standards. She will
send more information on both to the commissioners, via staff.
Clancy reported that she participated in a third generation planning process
meeting for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission. They are
looking for ways to get public participation. Clancy has suggested that BCWMC
utilize the appropriate commissions that exist in the various cities as a way of
getting public participation. The Environmental Commission will most likely see
more on this next year.
9. Adiourn
MOVED by Hill, seconded by Gitelis, and the motion carried to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. The next scheduled meeting will be
November 26, 2012 at 7 pm.