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6-23-14 Agenda PacketAGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room, Monday, June 23, 2014 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes — April 28, 2014 3. Natural Resource Management Plan a) Open Space Parcel Guideline and Uses 4. Bottineau Plymouth Ave. Station Area Planning Representative 5. Program/Project Updates (Staff) a) TMDL b) 1/1 c) Private Development Update d) Decola Ponds e) Recycling Update f) Wetland Management g) Bottineau Transitway h) Community Center Update (Gitelis) 6. Commission Member Council Reports (Commissioners) 7. Other Business 8. Adjourn GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Present: Commissioners Tracy Anderson, Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Jim Stremel, Debra Yahle; Jeannine Clancy, Public Works Director, Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist; and Lisa Nesbitt, Administrative Assistant Absent: Commissioner Tonia Galonska, 1. Call to Order Stremel called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes — March 24, 2014 MOVED by Gitelis, seconded by Hill, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the March 24, 2014 meetings. 3. Natural Resource Management Plan The outline for the plan was finalized and sent to the commissioners by email. Staff is awaiting a proposal from SEH to work on the plan in 2014. Once adopted, the final plan will be become part of the Comprehensive Plan and therefore will be formatted the same. 4. Program/Project Updates Summary on -file. Additionally, Stremel gave an update on the Bottineau station planning committee meeting. He reported that representatives from the Mpls. Park Board were in attendance to answer questions from the committee and discuss the impact of the light rail to Wirth Park. 5. Commission Member Council Reports None 6. Other Business Due to the Bottineau open house on May 7th and the joint commission meeting on May 15th, the regular commission meeting on May 19th will be cancelled. 7. Adjourn MOVED by Gitelis, seconded by Hill, and the motion carried to adjourn. The commissioners then toured several of the City's open space parcels to assist in the development of guidelines for managing these parcels and responding to requests from the public. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Lisa Nesbitt Administrative Assistant Date: June 17, 2014 MEMORANDUM Public Works Department 763-593-W301763-593-3968 (fax) To: Golden Valley Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist lz,'� Subject: Guidelines for City Open Space Parcels and Rights -of -Way Q Rick Birno, Director of Parks and Recreation Sandy Werts, Volunteer Coordinator Al Lundstrom, Park Maintenance Supervisor Open Space and Recreation Commission Allen Barnard, City Attorney Since February 2014, the Environmental Commission has been discussing the City's vacant parcels and unimproved rights-of-way scattered throughout the City, as well as MnDOT turnback property located along Highway 100 and Interstate 394. These properties are not parks or nature areas; they are generally considered "open spaces" and are not routinely managed or maintained by the City. The Commission has been developing guidelines that will help the City manage these properties with limited resources and provide direction when responding to requests from the public. The Commission also suggested creating a menu of potential uses and land covers that could be applied to these properties in the future. The Commission hosted a roundtable discussion with the City's Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Werts and Park Maintenance Supervisor Al Lundstrom, and visited several open space properties In April to get a better understanding of the issues and opportunities present on these properties. It was suggested that the City's inventory of approximately 130 open space parcels be divided into three categories to provide better direction. The categories are: 1. Preserve as open space 2. Seek to transfer to adjacent property owner 3. Possible development potential A map showing the open space parcels by category is attached to this memorandum. Larger maps are available in the Engineering office. G.\Emrironmerrtal Commhsion\Memos\EC_memo_fflidelines open space parcels_061714.doex The proposed guidelines and potential uses are listed below and will be considered for final review at the June meeting. It is anticipated that the Commission's work on this task will serve to benefit the City's volunteer program and will be included in the City's Natural Resource Management Plan set to begin in July 2014. Guidelines for Open Space properties (These guidelines should be applied when evaluating properties or in response to requests from the public.) 1. Review adopted City policies including those set forth in Comprehensive Plan -Parks Chapter and future Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP). 2. Identify whether the property is located within a "greenway corridor," close to or connecting to parks, nature areas, trails, wooded areas, or other public or private natural areas. (Greenway corridors may be discussed during the development of the NRMP.) 3. Determine if property is needed for City functions and purposes such as public works operations, recreation events and activities, infrastructure, etc. • Assess the property for the presence of public and private underground utilities or above -ground facilities 4. Determine whether property has deed restrictions or is tax forfeit with a specific intended use as classified through the tax forfeit process (ponding, conservation, roadway, utility, etc.). 5. Identify remnant or "silver" properties and seek to transfer property to adjacent owner. Retain drainage and utility easements when necessary. 6. Identify properties that have potential to be buildable and could be prepared for sale. Forward the opportunity to Commissions or Council for consideration, as required. 7. Determine if unimproved rights-of-way could be vacated and combined with adjacent properties, especially if adjacent owner is maintaining. 8. Perform site visit with individual or group requesting action. • Develop a list of items to look for or consider during the site visit. 9. Develop a contract similar to the adopt -a -park contract for a specific task/activity and for a specified duration — one month, one year, two years, etc. (be clear about expectations during and after expiration of the contract). City Attorney should review. 10. Determine if a permit, agreement, or other instrument is more appropriate than an adopt -park -contract for certain activities, i.e., temporary access, or planting a tree in public right-of-way. 11. Create a communications plan to be carried out prior to any action involving open space properties. This should include informing adjacent property owners of any changes proposed. G\Emrironmentel Commisslon\Memos\EC_memo._pldellnes_open space parcels-061714.docx Potential Uses, Land Covers, and Activities (Final guide or handout should include photo examples of uses and land covers that are acceptable to the City, and lists of acceptable vegetation types, including native plantings.) All work carried out by volunteers should include a site plan and narrative describing the project in detail. The Gopher State One -call system must be notified and utilities marked prior to the start of any work. 1. Create a communications plan to be carried out prior to any action involving open space properties. This should include informing adjacent property owners of any changes proposed. 2. Leave property as is or in its natural state. 3. Remove trash and debris. 4. Remove invasive species, noxious weeds, or aggressive native species. 5. Trim trees. 6. Remove trees and brush. 7. Plant trees and shrubs. 8. Establishment of native vegetation -shoreline, upland, prairie, grasses, wildflowers, etc. 9. Low maintenance grasses that require mowing 24 times per year. 10. Create native or natural vegetation buffers around water bodies. 11. Establish vegetation that encourages pollinators -bees, butterflies, other insects, birds. 12. Manicured turf or landscaping (and possibly irrigation), especially if property was historically manicured. 13. Improvements that complement or enhance the open space including interpretive signage, benches, fences, trails (including wood chip/mulch), and possibly retaining walls, garbage/recycling bins, and picnic tables. 14. Stormwater practices such as infiltration, filtration, and bioretention basins (rain gardens), and drainage swales. 15. Mulching, planting, installing plugs, seeding (only approved vegetation types). 16. Uses and purposes as classified through the tax forfeit process. 17. Uses consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Parks Chapter and NRMP. 18. Create a name and identity for the open space. 19. Neighborhood garden plots, herb gardens. 20. Community solar garden, or possibly other emerging sustainable energy practices. 21. Inspecting, monitoring, or reporting activities. 22. Study or analysis by students or experts. 23. A volunteer expert in the area of plant identification could help create an inventory of vegetation present on each parcel. 6,%Emdronmental Commission%Memos\EC_memo_.guidellnes_open space parce1s-061714.doac Who can perform activities and improvements on Open Space properties? 1. Volunteer groups may perform a specific one-time task or opportunity. 2. Volunteers, neighborhood groups, or adjacent property owners may submit plans, obtain approvals, and sign a contract with the City similar to the adopt -a -park program (discussed In #9 of the guidelines above). 3. Sentencing to Service, Tree Trust, or similar group may perform a one-time task or ongoing maintenance activity. 4. Contractor or professional consultant retained by City to establish, maintain, or monitor site (similar to City's native vegetation buffers). S. City crews may perform a one-time task or ongoing maintenance activity, if resources are available. G.\Emrironmental Commbslon\Memos\EC_memo_pidelines_open space parcel 061714.docx it Di PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES–June 2014 TMDL Every two years the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency updates its list of Impaired Waters. The Environmental Protection Agency requires that this list include any lake, river or stream that does not meet water quality standards. On April 15 the MPCA published the 2014 Proposed Impaired Waters List (http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and- programs/minnesotas-impaired-waters-and-tmdls/impaired-waters-list.html). The list will remain "proposed" until the EPA approves it. For most water bodies on the list, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study must be conducted. These studies identify the load or amount of sediment, phosphorus or other substances that a water body can receive and still remain healthy. The sources of excess substances are described, as are ways to correct the problems. The 2014 Proposed Impaired Waters List represents the successes and challenges of water quality. The good – or great! – news is that Wirth Lake has been removed from the list. Wirth is no longer considered impaired with too much phosphorus. In 2010, a TMDL study for the lake identified backflow from Bassett Creek into Wirth Lake as the main source of excess nutrients (i.e. phosphorus). The top structural solution listed in the study was the construction of a backflow preventer at the outlet of Wirth Lake into the creek. Constructed last year, the backflow preventer allows water to flow only from lake to creek. This is a great example of how the process creates better water quality. The last step is for the EPA to approve the de -listing of Wirth Lake. Sweeney Lake is still considered impaired with too much phosphorus. The City is currently in discussions with watershed, DNR, and MPCA staff on implementing TMDL recommendations for Sweeney's phosphorus issue. Bassett Creek is considered impaired by chloride and fecal coliform. The creek is also on the list for contamination of fish and how this relates to human consumption of fish. TMDL studies for these contaminants are planned in 2015 and 2016. The 2014 Proposed Impaired Waters List includes a new listing that affects Golden Valley. Pending EPA approval, Sweeney is now listed as impaired by excess chloride. The impairment is almost certainly caused by de-icing salts. A chloride TMDL for Sweeney is planned. 1/1 To date, the City of Golden Valley has submitted $378,500 in qualified expenses to MCES. As of June 4th there is $240,000 remaining of the $1,000,000 appropriated. PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS 7400 Wayzata Boulevard (Morrie's - Maserati & Bentley)—Morrie's Automotive Group is applying for a PUD to construct a new stand-alone showroom facility on the southeastern corner of the Cadillac Saab property at 12520 Wayzata Boulevard. It would replace existing display parking and would consist of a two level showroom for luxury vehicles. New landscaping would reduce the amount of impervious surface on the lot. The Final PUD Plan will go to City Council on June 17. 125 Cutacross Road—A subdivision application has been received to divide one single family lot into two single family lots. The existing single family home would be demolished. The Planning Commission recommended approval on March 24, 2014. The application scheduled to go to City Council on July 1. 701 Lilac Drive North (Tennant)—Tennant Company (701 Lilac Drive) has submitted it Final PUD Plan for their main campus in Golden Valley. The PUD would consolidate the property into one lot and allow for better pedestrian connections between buildings. Future building sites are also planned. Fire access, water quality, and water storage would be improved as part of the PUD. The Planning Commission recommended approval on May 28. It is scheduled to go to City Council on July 1. 1001 Lilac Drive North—An application has been received that proposes to subdivide one single family lot into five lots, requests a variance from the required lot width dimensions for corner lots, and rezones four of the new lots from an R-1 to an R-2 zoning district. The Planning Commission recommended approval on May 28. It will go to City Council on July 1. 9191 & 9393 Wayzata Boulevard (Porsche)—Twin Cities Automotive (9191 and 9393 Wayzata Boulevard) has applied for a new PUD amendment to construct a new building to house their Porsche dealership in the western parking lot. New shop, office, and employee facilities—as well as a car wash—would be built. Parking would be reduced, but the overall impervious coverage of the PUD would increase only slightly. The Planning Commission approved the Preliminary PUD plan on May 28. It will go to City Council on July 14 221 Sunnyridge Lane—A subdivision application has been received to divide one single family lot into two single family lots. The existing single family home would remain. It is scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission on June 23. 221 Paisley Lane—Minor Subdivision. Split one lot into two. Scheduled for Planning Commission on July 14. 305 & 345 Pennsylvania Avenue South—Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Preliminary PUD Plan. Reguide land uses from Mixed Use and Low Density Residential to Medium -Low Density Residential. Rezone from Mixed and Single Family (R-1) Residential to Moderate Density (R-2) Residential. Demolish existing building and construct 30 single family homes. Neighborhood meeting to review revised concept scheduled for June 26. Scheduled for Planning Commission on July 14. 7475 Country Club Drive (Golden Valley Senior Living)—Preliminary PUD Amendment. Expand and reuse vacant building for senior care. Scheduled for Planning Commission on July 14. Wessin Property (south of Major/Noble Drives on Sweeny Lake)—A subdivision application has been received for the parcel of land located south of Major/Noble Drive and west of Sweeny Lake. The proposal is to subdivide this lot into two, with a smaller lot being carved out of the larger lot on the north end. Negotiations between the land owners regarding a new public street providing access to additional land have broken down and the Applicant has indicated they will be moving forward with their original proposal. Expected to return to the Planning Commission on July 14. 7200 & 7218 Harold Avenue—The Applicant has returned with a Preliminary PUD Plan that would create a public cul-de-sac and up to eight single family lots north of Harold. The existing single family homes would be demolished. Neighborhood meeting to review the new concept scheduled for June 25. DECOLA PONDS Barr Engineering has completed survey verification of the low floors and low openings of residential properties surrounding the DeCola Ponds. In addition, they have begun meetings with business owners and managers along Winnetka Avenue and Medicine Lake Road to determine the extent of business disruption and damages that have occurred as result of flooding on these roadways. RECYCLING UPDATE No updates WETLAND MANAGEMENT A developer has submitted plans to combine the properties located at 7200 and 7218 Harold Avenue and subdivide them into 6 new lots. A portion of a wetland is located within the boundaries of the proposed development and the Developer submitted a wetland delineation for the City's review. The City issued a Notice of Decision confirming the wetland delineation and report on June 4, 2014. There will be no impact to the wetland as a result of the project, and the Developer proposes to establish a buffer of native vegetation as part of the project. BOTTINEAU TRANSITWAY The City submitted its Draft EIS comments to Hennepin County, and Station Area Planning is underway. The process is also underway for selecting an engineering team for the next phase of Project Development.