2015-10-26 EC MinutesG:\Environmental Commission\Minutes\2015\102615 Minutes.doc
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
October 26, 2015
Present: Commissioners: Tracy Anderson, Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Larry
Johnson, and Jim Stremel; Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist;
Council Member Larry Fonnest and Claire Huisman, Administrative
Assistant
Absent: Commissioners Debra Yahle and Tonia Galonska
Call to Order
Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Approval of Regular Commission Meeting Minutes of September 28, 2015
MOVED by Stremel, seconded by Johnson, and the motion carried unanimously
to approve the minutes of the September 28, 2015 regular meeting.
Updating Tree and Landscape Requirements
After reviewing the proposed changes to the City’s Tree code, Commission
members offered some revision suggestions which included:
1. Encourage tree replacement with trees larger than 4 inches.
2. Under “Prioritizing Mitigation Options”, consider removing option #4 pay
cash in-lieu of planting, or identify the fund that will hold the money until
such time when the City can plant the trees on City property.
3. Under Subdivision 2 Definitions, the definition for “coniferous tree” was
removed but should remain. (Standard dictionary definitions are being
removed from city ordinances, and therefore coniferous tree was
removed.)
4. Better clarification of Hardwoods and Softwoods
5. Change verbiage on Subdivision 3 Permitting Process, Sec B,3
6. Consider adding the Table from the Executive Summary to the Code as
an easy reference to the tree code.
7. Under Subdivision 6 Landscaping Requirements, Sec C-Calculations, add
new item to allow for larger masses of native “prairie type” plantings and
consider reduction of tree and landscape requirements to accommodate
these areas.
Natural Resources Education/Communication Plan
The list of natural resource based educational topics from the last meeting were
reviewed and discussion ensued on ways to educate the public on these topics.
Ideas revolved around holding workshops (preferably during Earth Days), inviting
guest speakers and hosting a booth at the Home Remodeling Fair (held in
spring). Larry Johnson offered his expertise on Buckthorn removal during any of
the proposed events.
Composting and Organics Recycling
Eric Eckman stated that he spoke with Republic Services regarding Organic
Recycling and they said that they are not ready to offer a subscription service for
Organics Recycling to the public at this time. The method of collection and