2016-06-27 EC Minutes GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
June 27, 2016
Commissioners Present: Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Tonia Galonska, Larry Johnson, Jim
Stremel, Debra Yahle and Tracy Anderson
Staff Present: John Crelly, Fire Chief; Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist and Claire
Huisman, Administrative Assistant
Also Present: Council Member Larry Fonnest
Absent: None
Call to Order
Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Reqular Meetinq Minutes
MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Stremel, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the minutes of the May 23, 2016 regular meeting.
Minnesota Climate Chanqe Basics
Staff recently attended a climate adaptation workshop as part of the City's continued
work on resilience planning. A presentation on Minnesota Climate Change Basics was
given by Kenny Blumenfeld from the MN DNR Climatology Office. Eric Eckman
discussed with the Commission, the key points from the presentation regarding climate
observations & expectations over the next 10 years. It was suggested to have this
presentation available to the public via website. Eric will confirm with the DNR if this
document is a stand-alone report. It will also be made available at the table during the
Comprehensive Plan Kick-Off Open House on September 19, 2016 from 6:30pm-
8:30pm.
GreenStep Cities
Golden Valley Fire Chief, John Crelly was asked to speak to the Commission to discuss
resilience from a Fire Department perspective. Discussion ensued on the City's Hazard
Mitigation Plan and Emergency Management preparation in relation to the GreenSteps
Best Practice #29. Mr. Crelly summarized that the main objective of the plan is to
reduce loss of life, minimize property damage and damage to the environment. Mr.
Crelly highlighted some projects and examples of how the City prepares for weather
related events and discussed how the City communicates information regarding
hazards and emergencies to the public.
Following the presentation and discussion the Commission discussed the Best Practice
#29 priority list.
MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Johnson and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the Best Practice #29 priority list which staff presented to the Commission.
This list included action items and their star ratings which would be completed in order
over the course of the next year and discussed at future EC meetings.
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Minutes of the Environmental Commission
June 27, 2016
Page 2 of 2
Comprehensive Plan-MPCA Grant for Resilience Planninq
Staff discussed the status of the grant application that will help fund the City's
Resilience Plan effort. It appears the City has been selected to receive the grant this
summer and a consultant will be brought on board to lead this effort with the
Commission.
Commission members will bring to the next meeting their thoughts on the basic
information that should be made available to the public at the table for the Resilience
Chapter during the Comprehensive Plan Open House. They may also start thinking of
questions to ask in a future survey questionnaire. It was also suggested to have the Fire
Chief at the open house as well to answer the public's questions regarding emergency
preparedness/hazard mitigation.
Proqram/Pro�ect Updates
The complete program/project update is on file.
Commission Member Council Reports
Council member Fonnest gave a few updates to the Commission:
• The three cities met regarding the DeCola Ponds flood study and the cities are
currently considering their commitment levels to the long term plan and future
projects. Money could become available if the bonding bill passes in a special
session but all three cities would have to be in agreement on how to move
fo rwa rd.
• The Annual Bassett Creek Watershed Bus Tour was a success.
• Dawn Hill was appointed to the Bike & Pedestrian Task Force.
• Debra Yahle was appointed to another 3 yr term on the Environmental
Commission.
• Douglas Drive is moving forward on its renovations and is expected to be
completed by fall of 2017.
Adiourn
MOVED by Johnson, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried to adjourn
the meeting at 8:34 pm.
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Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant
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