3-23-15 EC Minutes GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
March 23, 2015
Present: Commissioners, Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Larry Johnson, Jim Stremel,
Debra Yahle, Council Member Larry Fonnest; Eric Eckman, Public
Works Specialist; and Lisa Nesbitt, Administrative Assistant
Absent: Commissioner: Tracy Anderson and Tonia Galonska
Call to Order
Stremel called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Approval of Regular and Joint Meeting Minutes — February 23, 2015
MOVED by Hill, seconded by Gitelis, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the minutes of the February 23, 2015 regular and joint meetings.
Annual Report Review
MOVED by Hill, seconded by Yahle, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the draft of the annual report. The report will be presented at a Council
work session in April. Staff will let the commission know the date of the work
session.
By-Law Review
MOVED by Gitelis, seconded by Johnson, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the updated commission by-laws to reflect the changes to the
Guidelines for Advisory Commissions, Committees, Boards and Councils, put out
by Council.
Gitelis believes that the Open Meeting Law was changed to allow for electronic
attendance. She requested that staff research the law.
Chair and Vice-Chair Elections
This agenda item will be put on the April agenda, due to the absence of two
commissioners.
Program/Project Updates
The complete program/project summary is on file.
Additionally, Eckman reported on the following Water Resource update:
De-Cola Ponds Study—There will be a neighborhood meeting on March 30,
2015 at 6:30 pm in City Hall. Hill expressed a concern that the State is looking at
bonding for that area, which indicated to her that a solution has already been
decided. Council Member Fonnest explained that the bonding figure is more of a
placeholder in the Governor's budget.
Stormwater Management—The Stormwater Management Ordinance has been
adopted. Staff will forward a copy to the commissioners.
Private Developments— Fonnest gave further explanation of the height and side
set-back interpretation.
Minutes of the Environmental Commission
March 23, 2015
Page 2 of 2
Metro Blue Line Extension — Fonnest reported that the Council has expressed a
desire for both stations to remain under consideration. Additionally there is
conversation within the railroad community to add another freight line to the
existing corridor. If that were to happen it would bump the LRT out of the corridor.
Recycling — Gitelis requested that residents be reminded that if they are having
large events, they can request recycling containers to be dropped off through
Hennepin County. It is a free service through the county. Gitelis also reported
that she contacted the City of Minneapolis to find out where they bring their
organics but was unsuccessful in getting that information.
A copy of the annual B3 Benchmarking report was handed out. A copy is on-file.
Commission Member Council Reports
None.
Other Business
Johnson reported that he has been visiting every nature area outlined in the
Natural Resources Management Plan.
Adjourn
MOVED by Gitelis, seconded by Hill, and the motion carried to adjourn.
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Nesbitt
Administrative Assistant