2015-09-28 EC Minutes GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
September 28, 2015
Present: Commissioners: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Lynn Gitelis,
Dawn Hill, Larry Johnson, and Jim Stremel; Eric Eckman, Public
Works Specialist; and Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
Absent: Commissioner Debra Yahle
Call to Order
Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
Approval of Reqular Commission Meetin� Minutes of Au�ust 24, 2015
MOVED by Stremel, seconded by Anderson, and the motion carried unanimously
to approve the minutes of the August 24, 2015 regular meeting.
Compostinq and Orqanics Recvclinq
Eric Eckman presented a composting/organics recycling report which gave
existing options available to residents as well as some potential options to
consider. Other items discussed included: new or amended recycling contract to
add organics material to the existing recycling contract (either cart or bag);
modify existing trash hauler licensing in city code to require licensed haulers to
provide organics collection as an optional service to residents. Eckman will talk
with Republic Services for pricing and contract options on providing organic
recycling to Golden Valley residents. It was suggested to include for Council
information, a Cost-Benefit Analysis on organic recycling services.
Natural Resources Education/Communication Plan
The Environmental Commission is tasked to assist in the implementation of the
Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP) which involves supporting and
providing public outreach and education. Brainstorming ideas for topics to
include in annual or bi-annual communication pieces to the public (through social
media, newsletters, TV, etc) included: pollinators/bees; buckthorn busting;
Emerald Ash Borer; other insects affecting trees; wildlife; water resources
information; Garlic Mustard; air quality; and human encroachment onto public
properties.
Staff will work with Communications staff to put together a schedule so that these
natural resource topics can be rolled out at the appropriate times throughout the
year.
Updatina Tree and Landscape Reauirements
The Physical Development Dept is working on updates to the Tree Preservation
section of City Code. The Environmental Commission will be able to review and
comment on the proposed code revisions after City Council's initial review in
October.
Proaram/Proiect Updates
The complete program/project summary is on file. Eckman provided additional
Minutes of the Environmental Commission
September 28, 2015
Page 2 of 2
updates on the Liberty Crossing Project which included two minor changes to the
plan: provide for two levels of parking under the apartment building; and remove
8 townhomes in the northeast part of the site to allow for more above ground
flood storage. Eckman also discussed the temporary access & occupation of
Sochacki Park in regards to the Bottineau LRT Project. The LRT project team
continues to work on engineering analysis and environmental review.
Commission Member Council Reports
None
Other Business
Meeting dates and time were discussed for the rest of 2015 and for 2016. The
Commissian decided to change the time of the meeting from 7:OOpm to 6:30pm
beginning January 25, 2016. Proposed meeting dates include:
October 26, 2015 July 25, 2016
November 23, 2015 August 22, 2016
December 14, 2015 September 26, 2016
January 25, 2016 October 24, 2016
February 22, 2016 November 28, 2016
March 28, 2016 December 26, 2016 (to be cancelled)
April 25, 2016
May 23, 2016
June 27, 2016
Adiourn
MOVED by! Hill, seconded by Galonska, and the motion carried to adjourn the
meeting at'9:02pm.
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Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant