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2016-01-25 EC Agenda Packet AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION January 25, 2016, Monday NOTE: NEW TIME 6:30pm Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd Manager's Conference Room (next to Council Chambers) 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2015 3. Blue Line LRT Municipal Consent Discussion 4. 2016 Work Plan 5. Home Energy Squad Enhanced 6. Program/Project Updates (Staf� 7. Commission Member Council Reports (Commissioners) 8. Other Business 9. Adjourn This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968)to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille,audiocassette,etc. GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting, Minutes December 14, 2015 Present: Commissioners: Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Tracy Anderson, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Larry Johnson, and Jim Stremel; Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist; Council Member Larry Fonnest and Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant Absent: None Call to Order Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Approval of ReQular Commission Meetina Minutes MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Hill, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2015 regular meeting and the November 23, 2015 joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission. Proqram/Proiect Verbal Updates Eckman provided updates on the revision of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission will be bringing in a planning consultant to provide guidance in Comp Plan updates and the roles of the Commissions in the process. Planning Commission would like Environmental and Open Space & Rec Commissions to take part as well. Solar Partnering with New Energy Equity, the city has set up two 40KW solar systems. One is on top of the Public Safety Building and the other is on the Public Works Maintenance Building. These systems generate enough power to operate both buildings. Any power not used is pumped back into the Xcel Power Grid. The contract term is 15 years and over that time, the savings to the City will be approximately $90,000. Natural Resources Eckman stated that the Sentencing to Service people were out helping with the City's natural resource management plan by cutting trees and buckthorn along the Bassett Creek nature area; ponds and City culverts. Water Resources • The 2015 Bassett Creek Restoration Project has begun which extends from Rhode Island Ave to Duluth St. They will begin native vegetation planting next spring. • The Schaper Pond diversion curtain was installed which will improve the quality of the water before it reaches Sweeny Lake. • Barr Engineering is continuing to work on the Long Term Flood Damage Reduction Study and will be meeting with the cities involved to discuss the study results and cost scenarios. Eckman will look into providing the group with the minutes and/or slide show from that meeting when it occurs. G:\Environmental CommissionWgendas\2016\01-January\121415 Minutes for 012516 Agenda.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission December 14, 2015 Page 2 of 3 Forestry Tree and Landscape Code revision is up for approval at the next Council meeting. Planninq Current applications for Conditional Use Permits were briefly discussed. Other Items METRO Blue Line Extension Project update — Met Council approved the revised scope and cost at their Dec 9t" meeting. Golden Valley's Open House and Public Hearing for Municipal Consent is tentatively set for the Feb. 2"d City Council meeting. Bottineau will hold a public hearing on Jan. 19t" at 6pm in the Minneapolis Central Library. Beth Robertson-Martin from General Mills' Pollinator Center gave a brief presentation on Pollinators. Some of the key points mentioned: • There are two distinct focus areas: honeybees (which are not native to US) for agricultural purposes; and wild pollinators (everything except honeybees) • Pollinator populations have declined due to: habitat loss; pesticide use; disease and pests • They are working with the Xerces Society which helps to protect North America's bees and butterflies by: creating a diversity of bloom; protecting nests & egg- laying sites; no use of pesticides • Xerces provides practical advice and recommendations to industry and communities • General Mills has planted an area (0.2 acres) on their main campus to provide milkweed and flowering species that will attract pollinators. They are also planting a pollinator area (1.2 acres) at the JFB site. Ideas for 2016 work Plan Eckman opened with a quote from the minutes of a 2014 council/manager meeting which encouraged Golden Valley to be a leader in environmental issues and promote being a green city with a commitment to conservation, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Eckman then presented a list of work plan tasks for the Commission to consider in 2016: • Outline City's bee friendly strategies; possibly work with Xerces Society on a community project. • Look into City sponsored community gardens • Apply for Blue Star Award Program for stormwater management • Apply for Green Step City recognition • Explore Hennepin County's Zero Waste Program • Explore more opportunities for solar energy and alternative energy sources • Draft a resilience section for the comp plan • Educate residents to retain, infiltrate or reuse stormwater • Prioritize and make recommendations on investments and management practices in the City's nature areas and open space parcels Minutes of the Environmental Commission December 14, 2015 Page 3 of 3 Additional items were also discussed: Hennepin County apartment move in/ move out program; and reduction or reuse of waste on construction sites. Council member Fonnest felt there should be a larger vision for the Commission. They should look toward a three year goal which would take a more global direction. The Commission will discuss further their goals and purpose at their next meeting. Adjourn MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 9:OOpm. Claire Huisman Administrative Assistant Clt� 0� ��" M� C��C��Yt ME �II � RAN [) 1J �V1 � �C�, ��l' Physical Development Department � 7b3-593-g095/763-593-8109 ifax� Executive Summary For Action Golden Valley City Council Meeting February 2, 2016 Agenda Item Public Hearing— Preliminary Design Plans of the METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau) Light Rail Transit Project Prepared By �� Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager �, Summary Minnesota State statute requires that each municipality along a proposed light rail line hold a public hearing in order to allow for public review and comment on the physical elements of the project's preliminary design plans (also known as the Municipal Consent Plans). As a participating City in the METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau) Light Rail Transit Project, Golden Valley is required to hold a public hearing and take action to approve or disapprove the Municipal Consent Plans within 45 days of a joint public hearing held by the Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, and the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority(HCRRA). This joint public hearing took place on January 19, 2016, meaning the City of Golden Valley must take action by March 4, 2016. Failure to approve or disapprove the Plans is deemed to be a vote of approval. Project Background The concept of transit in the Bottineau Corridor h"��been studied as far back as 1988, when Hennepin County included it in its regional transportation system plans. In 2008, it was one of 29 corridors studied by the Metropolitan Council for potential commuter rail or Light Rail Transit (LRT)/Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) investment. After a two years of investigation by the HCRRA, the Metropolitan Council, and local jurisdictions, an Alternatives Analysis Report was published in March of 2010 that narrowed the universe of options for the corridor with respect to mode and route. Four LRT options and one BRT option were advanced. In June of 2012, the HCRRA recommended the LRT B-C-D1 alignment which included a section of track and at least one station in the northeast corner of Golden Valley. After a lengthy process that involved extensive public input, the City of Golden Valley voted to approve the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) in December of 2012. 1 The Metropolitan Council voted to approve the LPA route and mode in May of 2013 and adopted the Bottineau Transitway into the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan. In April of 2014, Hennepin County published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that identified the significant benefits and impacts of the four LRT alternatives and strategies for minimizing or mitigating the negative impacts identified. The City of Golden Valley provided comments on the DEIS in May of 2014 after joint review by the Planning, Environmental, and Open Space and Recreation Commissions and following a public hearing. The Bottineau Transitway was redesignated the METRO Blue Line Extension in August of 2014 and the Metropolitan Council became the lead agency as the project entered the two year Project Development phase of work. The purpose of this phase is to refine the LPA through significant design work (including track alignment, the location of stations, and other system elements), refinement of the project scope and cost estimate, and an environmental analysis (FEIS). Throughout the Project Development phase, elected officials, City staff, Commissioners, business representatives, and residents have had opportunities to review and comment on the evolving Plans. City staff has participated in regular Issue Resolution Team (IRT) and Technical Project Advisory Team (TPAC) meetings in cooperation with staff from the Bottineau Project Office, the other Cities along the line, Hennepin County, MnDOT, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and the Three Rivers Parks District. Members of the Planning and Open Space and Recreation Commissions served on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and business representatives served on the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). Council Member Snope and Mayor Harris served on the Corridor Management Committee. Each of these groups reviewed and provided feedback on the Plans. The Bottineau Project Office held a public Community Workshop at the Church of St. Margaret Mary in February of 2015 to present an overview of the light rail project and to solicit input on the design from attendees. Two open houses were held at Golden Valley City Hall—in August and October of 2015—to review such items as the location of stations, parking, pedestrian and bicycle access, and environmental issues. In December of 2015, the Metropolitan Council approved a revised scope and cost estimate for the project, initiating the Municipal Consent process with Hennepin County and the member Cities. A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected in August of 2016. Upon its conclusion and approval by the Federal Transit Authority, entry into the two year Engineering phase of work is anticipated. If all remains on schedule, construction of the METRO Blue Line Extension would take place between 2018 and 2020, with revenue service beginning in 2021. Station Area Planning In addition to the Project Development work conducted by the Metropolitan Council, the City of Golden Valley has also been engaged in station area planning to prepare for the eventual construction of two light rail stations within the City. In February and March of 2013,the City participated in a Design Charrette at Theodore Wirth Park with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The outcome of this process was a series of design explorations around each of the two proposed stations. Hennepin County convened a roundtable of at Unity Christ Church in August of 2013 to discuss the proposed Golden Valley Road and Plymouth Avenue stations and identify key challenges and considerations for each. The Golden Valley City Council formed the Bottineau LRT Planning Advisory Committee in October of 2013. Serving on the Committee were two Commissioners each from the Planning, Environmental, and Open Space and Recreation Commissions; two residents; one business representative from Courage Kenney Rehabilitation Institute; and one representative from the Church of St. Margaret Mary. This group met monthly and began work with Hennepin County and its project consultants in July of 2014 to develop station area plans. Three Open Houses were held as part of the process to solicit feedback on the plans—in November of 2014 and in January and June of 2015. In addition, a City-sponsored Community Meeting was held at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in January of 2015. The City Council received the final Station Area Planning Report in July of 2015 and key elements of the plans have informed and been incorporated into the Municipal Consent Plans. Plan Elements The Municipal Consent Plans show the general dimensions and location of the light rail tracks, stations, and other components. Specifically, they document the LRT track location; the location and layout of stations; roadway features including turn lanes, lane widths, and traffic signals; sidewalks; pedestrian crossings; the location of the Operations and Maintenance Facility; freight track location; and system elements, including the general location of Traction Power Substations. Moving from south to north, the Plans for Golden Valley include: a Traction Power Substation in the vicinity of Xerxes Avenue North and Oak Park Avenue North (a Minneapolis street), BNSF freight rail tracks shifted to the westerly 50 feet of the rail corridor,two new light rail tracks in the easterly 50 feet of the rail corridor, a reconstructed trail within Theodore Wirth Park, a reconstructed Plymouth Avenue Bridge which would provide space for the trail and Bassett Creek in the westerly portal, space for freight rail in the center portal, and space for light rail in the easterly portal. The platform for the Plymouth Avenue station would be located between the light rail tracks north of the Plymouth Avenue bridge, with vertical access provided from the north side of the bridge deck. North of the Plymouth Avenue station, the Plans include: a second Traction Power Substation in the vicinity of City right-of-way at the termination of York Avenue North, a reconstructed Theodore Wirth Parkway bridge which would provide space for freight rail in the westerly portal and space for light rail in the easterly portal. The platform for the Golden Valley Road station would be located between the light rail tracks north of the Theodore Wirth Parkway bridge, with vertical access provided from the south side of the Golden Valley Road bridge deck. A reconstructed Golden Valley Road bridge would provide space for trail access in the westerly portal, space for freight rail in the center portal, and space for light rail in the easterly portal. North of the Golden Valley Road station, the Plans include bridging to allow the light rail tracks to cross the Grimes Pond area. In the triangle of land bounded by the rail corridor, Golden Valley Road, and Theodore Wirth Parkway, the Plans include a park and ride for approximately 100 parking spaces. Vehicle access would be provided from Golden Valley Road and a ramp would provide pedestrian access from the parking area to the station platform. While not shown on the Plans, improvements to the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Theodore Wirth Parkway and trail connections at the Golden Valley Road station are included in the project scope and cost estimate. Items of Concern In November of 2015, prior to the Metropolitan Council's vote on the revised scope and cost estimate for the project, the Golden Valley City Council passed a resolution outlining six key positions that were viewed as being critical to the interests of the City. These included: support for light rail stations at both Golden Valley Road and Plymouth Avenue, the need for a park and ride at the Golden Valley Road station and importance of trail connections there, improvements to the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Theodore Wirth Park, restoration and enhancement of Sochacki Park after its use for construction staging, the incorporation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities into the design of the new bridges, and the mitigation of impacts of noise, vibration, aesthetics, etc., resulting from the construction and operation of the light rail line. A majority of these items were addressed as part of the revised scope and are included in the Plans, though details—included advanced design—remain to be fleshed out through the Engineering phase of work. These include the park and ride at the Golden Valley Road station, improvements to the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Theodore Wirth Parkway, a new trail connection between Theodore Wirth Park and Sochacki Park under the reconstructed Golden Valley Road bridge, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities on the reconstructed bridges. In addition, the Sochacki Park Joint Powers Agreement Partnership, made up of representatives from the Cities of Golden Valley and Robbinsdale as well as from the Three Rivers Park District, have worked to arrive at an agreement governing the use of Sochacki Park for construction staging for the line and the reasonable mitigation, restoration, and enhancement that must be done in conjunction with its use. The remaining item concerns the mitigation of issues such as noise, vibration, lighting, safety, and aesthetics. These items will be addressed within the FEIS and will continue to be refined throughout the Engineering phase of work. Some specific issues, such as the details regarding construction (what will be the days and hours of operation? where will workers park? how will the line be accessed?), will need to be negotiated in the future as more is known about the final design and staging of construction. As part of the DEIS review in May of 2014,the City of Golden Valley submitted to Hennepin County a comment letter outlining a number of items it felt needed to be addressed in the Project Development and FEIS processes. Staff has reviewed these comments and feels they have all been addressed by the Bottineau Project Office as part of Project Development, or will be addressed in the coming months as part of Engineering. The attached document summarizes those comments and provides an update on how they have been handled. Municipal Consent Communication and Public Engagement Printed copies of the Municipal Consent Plans have been made available to the public since December 15, 2016, at Golden Valley City Hall and at Brookview Community Center. Digital plans have been available to the public on the METRO Blue Line Extension page on the Metropolitan Council website and linked to via the City's website since December 15, 2016. Opportunities to comment on the Plans via the internet, email, or US mail have been made available. City staff has recorded and passed along to the Bottineau Project Office any comments received to date. Outreach to the community in advance of the public hearing was conducted in a number of ways, including: newspaper articles in the Star Tribune and SunPost, an article in the January/February City newsletter, broadcast pieces on local cable television, news stories on the City website, posts on the City Facebook page, emails sent to those on the City's Bottineau listserv, an electronic highway sign along Golden Valley Road, individual postcard mailings to a previously identified list of roughly 700 property owners along the proposed line, and announcements at City Council and other Commission meetings over the past two months. Finally, an open house on the Municipal Consent Plans was held at City Hall this evening prior to the public hearing. The public hearing scheduled for the City Council meeting tonight is meant to provide an avenue for interested parties to comment on the Municipal Consent Plans. Action on the Plans is anticipated at the regular City Council meeting of February 16, 2016. Going Forward Assuming all of the parties involved in the process grant Municipal Consent, the design, engineering, and refinement of the Plans will continue. Staff is already engaged in biweekly Design Review Team meetings to continue to work on issues such as the park and ride at Golden Valley Road and trail connections at the two Golden Valley stations. The TPAC, CAC, BAC, and CMC groups will also continue to meet to review plans and provide feedback. New plan sets will be provided to the City at the 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% levels of design and regular updates will be provided to the City Council as has been done over the past two years. The FEIS process, which is anticipated to be completed by August of 2016, will be based on the DEIS analysis but will also incorporate any comments received as part of the public review of that document. In order to satisfy federal requirements, it must identify the significant benefits and impacts of the proposed LRT line and propose strategies for minimizing or mitigating any negative impacts identified. The FEIS document will include a Transportation Analysis (items such as freight rail, vehicular traffic, pedestrians and bicycles, and parking), a Community and Social Analysis (items such as land use plans, cultural resources, visual/aesthetics, and safety and security), a Physical and Environmental Analysis (items such as utilities, floodplains, wetlands, noise, vibration, water biological environment, and water quality and stormwater), an Analysis of Indirect Effects and Cumulative Impacts, an Evaluation of Environmental Justice (addressing potential impacts to minority and/or low-income populations), an Evaluation of Section 4(f) (which deals with parks and recreational areas of significance and historic sites), and an Evaluation of Financial Considerations. Additional initiatives, such as the Hennepin County Community Works program which seeks to promote complimentary projects that are outside of the scope but that support the operation of the light rail line, have begun. Staff and elected officials are already engaged in this effort through regular meetings of the Community Works Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Community Works Steering Committee. Attachments • Summary of Items from DEIS Comment Letter (4 pages) • DRAFT Resolution Approving the Preliminary Design Plans (3 pages) Huisman, Claire From: Huisman, Claire Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:03 AM Subject: FW: Blue Line LRT municipal consent discussion at Environmental Commission 1/25 Attachments: Public Hearing Municipal Consent Email Content.docx Importance: High Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Claire Huisman�Public works,Administrative Assistant� City of Golden Valley 7800 Golden Valley Road � Golden Valley, MN 55427 � 763-593-8030 � 763-593-3988 (Fax) � 763-593- 3968 (TTY) � CHuisman@�oldenvallevmn.�ov From: Eckman, Eric Sent:Thursday,January 14, 2016 6:13 PM To: Huisman, Claire<CHuisman@goldenvalleymn.gov> Subject: FW: Blue Line LRT municipal consent discussion at Environmental Commission 1/25 Importance: High Claire: Please send this out to the EC right away. We will be discussing the Blue Line LRT following a short presentation from Planning Manager Jason Zimmerman at 6:30pm. The official EC agenda will go out next week, but we wanted to get this information out right away so commission members have time to prepare for the meeting. Please review the municipal consent materials and have your comments ready so that they may be included in a formal recommendation to Council. Jason mentioned that any comments the Commissioners wish to submit should be sent (through me) to him by the end of the day on Wednesday,January 27, in order to be included in the agenda packet for the Council Meeting on February 2. Here is the link to the Met Council page that has information about the process and the digital plans. Hard copies are available at City Hall and Brookview. http://www.metrocouncil.or�/Transportation/Prolects/Current-Prolects/M ETRO-BIue-Line- Extension/Municipal-Consent.aspx Attached is additional information about the upcoming public hearings. Enjoy, Eric � METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau) Light Rail Transit Project Upcoming Public Hearings on Municipal Consent As part of the Municipal Consent process for the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail project,two public hearings are being held to allow interested parties in Golden Valley to comment on the physical design component of the preliminary design plans for the METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau Light Rail Transit) project. On Tuesday,January 19, 2016,the Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, and the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority(HCRRA) will host an open house and public hearing in Pohlad Hall at the Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 55401. The open house will begin at 5 pm and the public hearing will begin at 6 pm. On Tuesday, February 2, 2016,the City of Golden Valley will conduct an open house and public hearing at City Hall,7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley 55427. The open house will begin at 6 pm and the public hearing will begin at 7 pm. It is anticipated at this time that Golden Valley City Council will take action on Municipal Consent at the City Council meeting on February 16, 2016 at City Hall. City Council agendas on live online access to City Council meetings are available at: http://www.�oldenvalleymn.�ov/council/meetings.php The preliminary design plans (also called Municipal Consent Plans) are available for viewing at Golden Valley City Hall and at Brookview Community Center during normal business hours. Digital plans and additional information can be viewed online at: http://www.metrocouncil.or�/Transportation/Prolects/Current-Prolects/M ETRO-BIue-Line- Extension/Municipal-Consent All interested persons are encouraged to provide input and there are multiple ways to do so. You may send comments by email, through the Metropolitan Council website,or through US mail. For more information on options for submitting comments by mail,TTY, email, and fax, please visit: www.BlueLineExt.or�. 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I ''�'� � ` , � � �;. ' � o ��`�� ;,� ";�,'.�s .�� . � `°�� ': �.. �i�� `-�� d�� {' �c� •• ,� �� a. C� �� --- ' �� `'' � �'' �� ,,. �� t � � _ � 4� � ! � �� v W .,. � � 4 _ �� , � r w � .. f � �� } �� , '� .., w � : 4 � .. . � � ;:) �__. � `�� ;`". � � � � � � � �� C � � � �� C7 � � Q� +� � �� ,�� C.� � .. ».�. .. � y,...; p ... �, i��M�t4��3��#x • •�M3T � YY�B�.YiiW��•Yfi �4ei�Fait� *i+`«#s'e�+.`.�..` *f'ki�i e'fs:� f s Y�ti�'+ ��BY �4#w-'... .. PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES—January 2016 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN Vegetation Management Staff is working with Hennepin County's Sentencing to Service program to remove unwanted vegetation like buckthorn and volunteer trees from the City's open spaces, waterways, and native buffer planting areas. This work is essential for protecting water quality and stormwater infrastructure, preserving property, enhancing the natural environment, and maintaining ecological diversity. Work will continue through winter. WATER RESOURCES City MS4 Stormwater Program There is a CityNews article coming out with a focus on how citizens can report a questionable leak, spill, or discharge to city staff(this is also known as Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination - IDDE). There is also a webpage devoted to this effort. http://www.goldenval levmn.�ov/surfacewater/index.php 2015 Bassett Creek Restoration Project (Rhode Island Ave to Duluth St) In partnership with the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission, the City of Golden Valley is constructing the 2015 Bassett Creek Restoration project, which extends from Rhode Island Avenue at the upstream end to Duluth Street at the downstream end. The overall project is divided into the following two phases: Phase 1 Slope shaping, stabilization of stream banks, and repair of storm sewers Schedule: November 2015 through June 2016 Phase 2 Establishment of native vegetation and plantings along the stream (includes pollinator habitat) Schedule: Beginning in spring/summer 2016 following Phase 1 work, Ongoing establishment and management through 2018 Following is the status of work in each area of the project. Area A (Rhode Island Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue): Initial stream bank stabilization work is complete. Contractor will return in spring to touch up and final grade. Area B (East side of Golden Valley Golf& Country Club to Hampshire Avenue): Crews are beginning work to clear the access corridor this week. Area C1 (Hampshire Avenue to Florida Avenue): Work to provide access to the creek corridor is complete. Stream bank stabilization work will begin in late January/early February. Area C2 (Florida Avenue to Douglas Drive): Work to provide access to the creek corridor is complete. Stream bank stabilization work will begin in late January/early February. Area C3 (Douglas Drive to CP Railroad Bridge): Initial stream bank stabilization work is complete. Contractor will return in spring to touch up and final grade. Areas D1 and D2 (CP Railroad Bridge to St. Croix Avenue): Work to provide access to the creek corridor is wrapping up this week. Stream bank stabilization work will begin in February. Area E (St. Croix Avenue to Duluth Street): Initial stream bank stabilization work is complete. Contractor will return to this area in the spring to relocate portions of the trail, and perform touch up and final grading. As a reminder, St. Croix Park and the trail along the creek are closed to the public during construction. It is anticipated the park and trail will reopen in the early summer once final grading is completed. Long-Term Flood Damage Reduction Study for Medicine Lake Road &Winnetka Avenue Area (includes DeCola Ponds neighborhood) Tasks underway include modeling and evaluating the various flood mitigation projects to determine cumulative impacts during a flood event; further develop cost-share scenarios; meet with 3 cities to present and discuss preliminary results. Staff from the three cities recently met with the consultant, Barr Engineering, to review some preliminary information regarding the cumulative impacts that would result from the various flood damage reduction projects proposed in the study. Work is ongoing. A meeting with area residents is anticipated in the spring. Final report is expected in spring. Citywide Pond &Wetland Assessment The City is in the process of conducting a pond and wetland assessment to determine the condition of these water bodies. This work is required as part of the City's stormwater permit with MPCA. Results will help the City prioritize and program future capital and maintenance projects to keep the ponds functional and protect and improve water quality in downstream natural receiving waters. The preliminary results on wetland condition are in and will be shared with the Commission. Stormwater Pond condition information is still being processed and will be shared in the near future. This is anticipated to be a CityNews topic in the future. Sanitary Sewer Inflow and Infiltration The City of Golden Valley has been actively working to reduce Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) sanitary sewer flows since MCES notified the City of a peak discharge violation in 2005. Since that time, the City and the private sector have been working hard to eliminate I&I from the sanitary sewer system by methods of replacement, repair, lining, and manhole sealing. These efforts seem to be having a positive impact. In general, the City's annual sewer flows have been trending downward since 2005. In addition, eight years into the I&I Point of Sale Program, approximately 52% of sewer services in Golden Valley have been inspected and 42% have achieved compliance with city code, despite the recession that saw a decrease in home sales. Although progress has been made, much work needs to be done to ensure that sewer flows stay in check to allow for future development and redevelopment in the region, and to prevent sewer overflows into the Mississippi River and other natural water bodies. Among the upcoming projects, the City is planning to rehabilitate 100%of the sanitary sewer mains and manholes in the 2016 and 2017 Pavement Management Projects. Staff will be presenting an I/I update to the Council at a Council/Manager meeting in early 2016. The Environmental Commission is welcome to attend. PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS Current Applications Luther Auto (9000 10th Avenue North)—Conditional Use Permit to allow for auto repair in an Industrial zoning district. Luther is proposing to renovate the old Gopher News building for use as a call center, meeting space, installation and repair area, and indoor and outdoor storage of vehicles. Planning Commission recommended approval (5-0) on December 28. Scheduled for City Council on January 20. The Three•Nine•Four Apartments—Construction of 303 market rate apartment units and 107 senior living units. The last remaining legal challenge has been decided in the favor of the developer and the HRA. Approval of the Final Plat, PUD Permit, and Development Agreement is scheduled for City Council on January 20. Central Park West—Major PUD Amendment to construct a 6 story, 126 room, Marriott hotel on the north end of the site. The hotel structure would be located in St. Louis Park but the parking would be located in Golden Valley. Plans will be reviewed by both cities. Scheduled for Planning Commission on February 8. Jewish Family& Children's Service (5905 Golden Valley Road)—Conditional Use Permit to allow for retail sales incidental to other uses in a Light Industrial zoning district. JFCS has purchased the building and would like to lease space to PRISM for their food shelf and thrift shop. Not yet scheduled for Planning Commission. METRO Blue Line Extension - Municipal Consent—As part of the Municipal Consent process for the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail project, a public hearing will be held to allow interested parties in Golden Valley to comment on the physical design component of the preliminary design plans for the project. On Tuesday, February 2,the City will conduct an open house and public hearing at City Hall. The open house will begin at 6 pm and the public hearing will begin at 7 pm. It is anticipated at this time that City Council will take action on Municipal Consent at their regular City Council meeting on February 16. The preliminary design plans (also called Municipal Consent Plans) are available for viewing at Golden Valley City Hall and at Brookview Community Center during normal business hours. Digital plans and additional information can be viewed online at: http://www.metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Current-Projects/METRO-BIue-Line- Extension/M unicipal-Consent