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2016-10-24 EC Agenda Packet AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION October 24, 2016, Monday @ 6:30pm Golden Valiey City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd Council Conference Room (across from Council Chambers) 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2016 3. City Solar Array presentation—Eric Seaburg 4. Resilience/Sustainability Plan a. Comp Plan Kickoff Meeting results b. Community Survey results 5. GreenStep Cities BP#29—Action 1, 3 Star Rating—Prepare to Maintain Public Health and Safety (Action requestedJ 6. GreenStep Cities Inventory Update—Hannah Garry a. Best Practices 8, 10, 16 and 18 (Action requestedJ b. Mayor's Monarch Pledge, Bee City USA resolution (Action requestedJ 7. Program/Project Updates 8. Commission Member Council Reports 9. Council Updates 10. Other Business 11. 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 inclutle large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting, Minutes September 26, 2016 Commissioners Present: Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Larry Johnson, Jim Stremel, Debra Yahle and Tracy Anderson Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist; Hannah Garry, GreenCorps Member Also Present: Council Member Larry Fonnest Absent: Tonia Galonska Call to Order '��'""°� Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. ,,, �; . ;, Approval of Reqular Meetinq Minutes MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 22, 2016 regular meeting. Minnesota GreenCorps Member Introduction Eric Eckman introduced Hannah Garry to the Commission. Hannah will be working on the Sustainability & Resilience Plan and GreenStep Cities efforts among other tasks. Hannah provide the Commission with an update`'�n the City's GreenStep Cities initiatives each month. Resilience/Sustainabilitv Plan — Comp Plan Kickoff Meetinq Summarv On September 19, 2016 the City hosted a kickoff event for the community to provide feedback on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Resilience/Sustainability station included materials describing climate trends, impacts, and adaptation as well as checklists for home emergency kits. Also available was a pilot emergency preparedness questionnaire based on the recommendations made by the Commission at the August 2016 meeting. Preliminary results from the goals exercise at the meeting (placing dots next to goals) showed that the top three goals were: "Encourage use of renewable energy, including wind, solar, etc" (31 dots) "Encourage waste reduction, recycling and composting" (24 dots) "Encourage energy efficiency for buildings and lighting" (22 dots) Results will help inform the drafting of goals and policies in the upcoming resilience/sustainability plan. GreenStep Cities BP #29 —Action 2 — Taraeted Communication StrateQies The final draft of this GreenStep action item was presented for review and approval. MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Stremel, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the BP29 Action 2 summary for entry into the GreenStep website. Video — Sustainabilitv Dashboard Tool (Cleveland, OH) The Commission viewed a video and discussed how the City leverages a dashboard tool to drive sustainability action in the community. The Commission then discussed the G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2016\9-September�092616 Minutes.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission September 26, 2016 Page 2 of 2 potential use of similar tools and graphics to show trends and help explain Golden Valley's sustainability and resilience efforts. Proqram/Proiect Updates The complete program/project updates is on file. Adiourn MOVED by Yahle, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 pm. ;,,� � � � �� e �, � ��rro � � p�� '�� ;� � G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2016\9-September�092616 Minutes.doc C1�� Of� a�� . �'.'� Physical Development Department 763-593-8030/763-593-3988(faxf Date: October 17, 2016 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Subject: Solar Energy Update The City installed rooftop solar array systems on the Public Safety building and Park Maintenance building in 2015 and has awarded a contract to install another array this fall. The projects were initiated using State grant funding and third party financing at no cost to the City. Eric Seaburg will be in attendance to present results and findings to date. G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Solar update_1016.docx ��tyaf � olden � � �r � � � Va. �''v Physical Development Department � 763-593-8030/763-593-3988�fax� Date: October 18, 2016 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Hannah Garry, MN GreenCorps Member Subject: Comprehensive Plan Kickoff and Community Survey-Summary Attached is the summary data from the comprehensive plan kickoff event where community members were invited to share priorities and comments in regards to goals for each chapter. The preliminary results of the sustainability and resilience chapter were discussed previously at the September meeting. As a reminder, the most popular goal in the sustainability and resilience chapter was, "Encourage use of renewable energy, including wind, solar, etc." Sustainability-related goals also ranked high in the water resources, housing and transportation chapters. • "Encourage energy efficiency and sustainable design" was identified as the highest housing priority for residents who attended the comprehensive plan kickoff event • "Improve bicycle connections throughout community" was identified as the highest transportation priority for residents who attended the comprehensive plan kickoff event • "Protect and enhance natural areas and wetlands to improve their function" was identified as the highest water resources priority for residents who attended the comprehensive plan kickoff event Also attached is the executive summary for the Community Survey that was conducted via phone in the spring of 2016. Several questions in the survey relate to the environment or the City's natural resources. Staff will go over these questions in more detail at the meeting. This survey is just one of many tools which will inform City decisions regarding policies and operations as well as the comprehensive plan. G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Comp Plan Kickoff Summary—Community Survey Sustainability • Total stickers = 169 • Most stickers = "Encourage use of renewable energy, including wind, solar, etc." • Least stickers = "Build community resilience to changing climate" Goals Sticker Count i Encourage use of renewable energy, including 31 � wind, solar, etc. ' Encourage waste reduction, recycling and 24 ' composting ' Encourage energy efficiency for buildings and 22 lighting Enhance water quality 20 Maintain/increase vegetation 20 Comments: • "Promote use of native plants" � • "Native plants in garden spaces and parks, offer incentives to some ' residents to do the same" Educate and engage the public in 19 sustainability opportunities Enhance air quality 12 Foster local food production 9 Build community resilience to changing g climate Other , • "Educate and act to protect pollinators" (2 stickers) � ' • "Promote small, residential honey bee 1 keeping" ' • "Free workshops on recycling; what � ' can be recycled" (1 sticker) • 1 additional sticker not placed on a ; ' post-it note Housing • Total stickers= 176 • Most stickers= "Encourage energy efficiency and sustainable design" (39) • Least stickers= "At least 10%of the housing designed and designated for seniors" (11) Goals Sticker Count Encourage energy efficiency and sustainable design 39 Remove substandard housing that cannot be 35 rehabilitated Comments: • "What about encouraging rehab, instead of'removal'?Careful about what "is called""substandard"!By what criteria?Maybe people just can't afford to make improvements! Offer a variety of housing types and designs 31 Ensure quality low and moderate-income options are 28 available Strive for non-discrimination against anyone seeking 23 housing Ensure at least 10%of the housing designed and 11 designated for seniors Comments: � How about 403�? • Why only 10%??Seems low, given demographics!(Sounds ageist!J Other "Creative housing options to include people with 5 disabilities and others" "What can the city do to promote and maybe 2 financially support housing renovations and updating —rather than tear downs?" "Could we create or encourage housing co-ops or 1 alliances to support 'aging in place'? "The Paisley Lane neighborhood has been re-made 1 with sub-divisions, which has caused loss of character and severe tree loss" "Intergenerational living spaces and housing near transit stops and LRT" "More use of renewable energy in homes" Transportation • Total stickers= 154 • Most stickers= "Improve bicycle connections throughout community" (32) • Least stickers= "Identify and address safety issues within roadway network" (11) Goals Sticker Count Improve bicycle connections throughout community 32 Comments: • "Safe connections" • "Glenwood"— "Ditto" • "GVR" "Duluth St" Improve pedestrian connections with new sidewalks 24 and trails Improve access to future light rail stations 22 Provide options for all modes of travel (auto, bicycle, 21 pedestrian) using"Complete Streets" concepts Visually integrate signage, lighting, and landscaping 15 along roadways Increase bus and light rail transit usage 12 Comments: • "Bus on Harold" • "Solar bus" • "Small,solar bus around town"— "Ditto" Identify and address safety issues within roadway 11 network Other "Safe bike and ped crossing over and under Highway 9 55" "(UpJ creativity such as bump outs, art on pathways, 4 etc." "North/south bike and ped paths and trails" 2 "We need to catch up with our neighboring 1 communities on providing on-street bike lanes with bike lane street signs and bike stencils" "Reduce height of plantings that obstruct visually" 1 "Small buses for trips between SLP(and CC gym, grocery store, and shopping" "A citywide streetcar/trolley/electric bus/etc that connects new community center with shops and residential areas and parks to reduce traffic, pollution, reliance on automobiles" Water Resources • Total stickers= 138 • Most stickers= "Protect and enhance natural areas and wetlands to improve their functions" (34) • Least stickers= "Prevent and reduce erosion and sedimentation" (8) and "Reduce impact of flood damage on residents and businesses" (8) Goals Sticker Count Protect and enhance natural areas and wetlands 34 to improve their functions Improve quality and reduce quantity of 32 stormwater runoff Improve water quality of local water bodies 27 Involve and educate the public on water resource 22 related issues Comments: • "Involve and educate XXXX" 1 sticker Prevent and reduce erosion and sedimentation 8 Reduce impact of flood damage on residents and 8 businesses Other "Lawn chemical education—free workshops" 3 "Protect drinking water" 2 "Encourage rain gardens, terraces, and nature 1 plants along blvds to slow run-off and filter" "Encourage residents to plant native plants in 1 their gardens" "Change the way we measure the economy" "Have an education XXXXXXXX Newsletter online Place GV webinar Sustainable use of resources Remove sustainability Causes then present Water resources" "More frequent street sweeping in fall" "Encourage residents to reduce the use of chemicals on their lawns" Pa rks • Total stickers= 153 • Most stickers= "Ensure a park environment supportive of active lifestyles by providing opportunities for physical activity for people who live,work, play, and learn in Golden Valley" (27) and "Create additional (or expand)open space, parks, and trails" (27) • Least stickers= "Redevelop parks and recreation areas that will serve future community needs" Goals Sticker Count Create additional (or expand) open space, parks, 27 and trails Ensure a park environment supportive of active 27 lifestyles by providing opportunities for physical activity for people who live, work, play, and learn in Golden Valley Provide attractive parks, nature areas,and open 25 spaces for community enjoyment Maintain, improve, and replace park amenities 18 throughout the park system Continue to provide recreational and educational 16 opportunities to meet the needs of the community Protect, preserve, enhance and educate residents 15 on natural resources Comments: • "And sustainability and preservation of resources"3 stickers Provide recreational opportunities for all 14 community members, regardless of age,ability, or socio-economic status Redevelop parks and recreation areas that will 6 serve future community needs Other "Outdoor swimming pool" 2 Economic Competitiveness • Total stickers= 140 • Most stickers= "Encourage high-quality development projects that respect their surroundings and are visually attractive" (29) • Least stickers= "Increase job density to grow tax base, expand markets, and provide more opportunities for Golden Valley residents" (10) Goals Sticker Count Encourage high-quality development projects 29 that respect their surroundings and are visually Comments: attractive • "NOT at the expense of our green space and not at the point where we diminish the sylvan character of our city!!!"6 stickers Encourage redevelopment of obsolete, blighted 27 or unsustainable parcels Comments: • "Yes, but only with consultation of citizens and neighbors to get development that matches the character and meets needs locally" Protect the existing job base by maintaining 23 major employers Encourage redevelopment projects that are 23 environmentally sustainable and support active living Diversify the economic mix of Golden Valley 15 Increase job density to grow tax base, expand 10 markets, and provide more opportunities for Golden Valley residents Other "Get solar buses/tesla plant or station" 3 "Diversify the population and engage those from 2 other cultures" "Attract and engage people from other cultures" 1 "Encourage transit oriented development" 1 "Implement a Golden Valley "rewards"card to encourage local shopping. (Similar to something like SA Rewards Card or Target RedbucksJ" "Solar:good bus transportation on Highway 55 east of Douglas" "Change the way we measure the economy" "Sustainable competitiveness" Land Use • Total stickers= 184 • Most stickers= "Arrange land uses to minimize conflicts, create buffers between residential and commercial or industrial areas" (27) • Least stickers= "Provide a variety of housing options to work at any stage of life" (12) Goals Sticker Count Arrange land uses to minimize conflicts, create 27 buffers between residential and commercial or industrial areas Integrate alternative modes of transportation 23 throughout the city Develop commercial corridors and a recognizable 23 town center Preserve and enhance the natural environment; 19 reduce air pollution Protect the environment with sustainable land 19 use patterns and policies Respect traditional neighborhoods 18 Implement multi-use areas 15 Plan for active living to improve community 14 health Preserve elementary schools, employment 13 centers,and open space Provide a variety of housing options to work at 12 any stage of life Other "Continue to fine-tune and improve the 1 ordinances for subdivisions and construction to preserve neighborhood character and trees/green space" What does Goiden Valley need to become more "livable"? • "Safe crossings for bikes and peds over 55" • "Ways to promote interaction and exchange—even sharing—among residents—and spaces ro promote!" • "Bike lanes to downtown Golden Valley from anywhere in the city' • "Preserve the green space" • "Comprehensive bus service for at least 20 hours/day" Are there parts of Golden Valley that are in need of change? • "Downtown needs to a central spot to draw people ro it for errands" • "Valley View Park is currently being used only to fly kits,feed geese, and raise the land value of adjacent houses. 1 propose the park is used for commercial, sports, or apartments." • "Do we need any "regional destination"locations to draw patrons (customersJ from beyond Golden Valley?Theater?Arts?Park amenity?" Are there parts of Golden Valley that should NOT change? • "Certain neighborhoods are beautiful and should be maintained without density" • "Neighborhoods" • "Preserve neighborhoods with large lots and lots of trees! That's what we moved to GV for!" • "YES!!!Neighborhoods and qreen space (all of itJ" • "No big box stores, please!" • "In anticipation of the old shopping center owner at some point deciding to sell the land on 55.... l live across the street and don't want the city to allow a high rise to go in there! We'll never see the sun again in Wesley Commons!" Vision Boards What important changes does Golden Valley need to make in the next 10 years? • "Continued progress in creating diverse housing options" • "Increased density without losing green space" • "North south bike and ped trails" • "Not let Hwy 55 divide us!" • "Make sure the play equipment is safe to play on" • "Safe connectivity by foot, bike, wheelchair to amenities from all neighborhoods" • "More welcoming to people of other cultures" • "Transit friendly;more emphasis on bike and pedestrian access" • "More downtown mixed use dev" • "Push people to downtown—meaning traffic and daily errands" • "A fun splash pad for little kids" • "Diversity" • "Enhance town square �places for kids to climb on and play" • "Splash pad in town square!" • "Update laws to be in line with new needs;public transit, renewable energy for homes, conservation" In the next 20 years? • "Embrace a true downrown" • "Vibrant downtown!" • "Create a more central downtown" • "Stockman Park baseball field repairment" • "Balance transitions and density with retaining what we love about GV" List three words you feel best describe Golden Valley : • Neighborhood,friendly, green • Near the action • Accessible, inviting, poised for positivity • Convenient, quiet, somewhat resistant to change • Centralized, parks, quiet • A sylvan jewel, most beautiful suburb • So much poteniial, beautiful streets, trees • Good, awesome, nice What do you value most about Golden Valley? • "The ambiance!" • "Parks, central" • "The number of parks" • "Its beautiful sylvan character—do not lose it!!!" • "The people! The parks!" • "Parks and proximity to downtown Minneapolis" • "People and neighborhoods" fihe 1V�orr�s Leathe�macr� �'vmpany Ezecutive Summary 2Q16 �ity of Golden Valley C�ty Deniographics: Golden Va11ey cantinues to maintain the characteristics of both a msture,generally stable community combined vvith a significaat element af transicnce,particularly among a segment of youagcr renters. The median Iongevity of adult residents is 15.7 yeats. Thirty-five percent of the sample s�eport moving ta the city during the past ten years,while 38%have lived there for over two decades. Ta looking toward the fut�ue,the typical resident ac�to remain in the community for at least another tcn years if not for t�e rest of their life,while nine percent envision loaving within the next five years. Thiriy-nine percent of the households have individuals at Ieast 55 y�eara old; in fact,31%of the households are camposed entirely of over 55 year olds. T�venty-seven percant of the househalds with seniors in re�idence regort participation ia senior programs offered by the City of Golden Valley. Virt�ally all of the particip�ants rate thcir experi,ences pasitively and a 12°h group would like tc�see the City offer"card leagues.,, Tweniy-seven percent af the households possess school-aged children and/ar pre-schoole�s. Seventy-six percent own t�eir curreat residences,whereas 2�%rent. The average age of respondents is 49.7 years old.. Tw�nty percent af the sample fall inta the 18- 34 yee�r age range,with 21°/a 65 yeans old or older. Residents are elassified according to the precinet in which they live. Z�venty-saven porcent roside in Precincts 1 ar 2;twenty-three percent in Precincts 3 or 4;twenty-five percent in Precincts 5 or 6;and,26%in Precincts 7 and 8. Women outnumber men by four perceat in the sample. Qualf�y of L�fe Issr�r: A solid 98°!a again rate thc quality of life as either"excellent"or"ga�d;"forty-cight pereent raring it as"excellent" A vezy small two perce,nt poat"anly fait"ratinga. Positivc ratings,then, held fairly constant during the ten-year period. In thiaking about"high quelity"aapect�of Galden Valley,34%point ta"housing/ neighborhoods,"while 1�%cite its"people." "Cl�►$OVCII]I]]Crit S11d BCIYiCCS"OT"SC�10018"8TC critical to 13%,and"nah�ral areas snd open spacea"ia key to lp°fo. 7-lzc�Mo��•is Lerrthet•rnan Compu►tp August 2016 In discussing"low quelit�'asgacts of the oity, eight percent are unable to respond to the query. Thirty-nine pezcent are"enthusiasta"—residents who see no"low qualit�'aspocts of the cammunity;this enthueiasnn level,while still much higher than the suburban norm,dropped 15% in three yeare. "S�"tops the list at 15%,followed by"low incnme housing,"at 14°�0. Tn cansidering serious i�sues facing t�e city, 14%point ta"high taxes,°'cansistent with the 2013 siudy. "Growing diversity"follows at eight perce�t. "Riaing crime"and"too much growth"are each posted by seven percent. Twenty-seven percent see no seraus isaues facing the comrnunity, down five percant in three yeazs. This"booater"level is fa�times higher than the Metrapolitan Asea subuifian norm. Eighty-eight percent feel�e city is moving in the`�ight diractiony"and nine percent think it is going"aff on the wrong track." Once again,residents endarse the directian of the city and its recent policies. Cfty Govern►nent and Sta�}:� Seventy-ane percent,an 11%dscrease since 2013,feel they could have an imgact on the way things are run in C�#olden Valley,twenty-three percent think they cauld not. Overall,this level af empowerment remains a�ve the suburban area norm. Fifly-ni�ae percent repart having a"gceat deal"or"fair amount"of b�owledge about ti�e work af the Mayor and City Co�uncil. Eighty-five p�ent$ither"strongly approve"or"apgrove"af their job,while I 1°fo register disapproval. Positive ratings are based upon the pex�ception of a"good. �017�n�al�Of Cl��1'01?iCLI18�"Stlt�"i18te11S t0 Iti'.B1dP.IltB�'s CIlt1CS pOlIlt t0 8Il`�lIIWlllltl�Ill'.SS t0 listen"and"disagreem+ent with City Council spccadiag decisians." Fifty-twa percent report having contact with the Galden Va11ey City Staf�;this leval of contact is six percent higher than the 2013 study. Eighty-seven gercent rate the st�ff as"accellenY'or "good,"while only eight percent rate them critically,relatively unchanged from the 20131ave1. Positive evaluations are based on the perceptian of a"goad job,""helpfiilness;`"good listeners," aad"Iack of groblems in the community;"negative judgments are based upon gerceptions of "pac�r spending.,' By a b?°10-18%majarity,residents favor changing fram the cu�rent odd-numbercd year city electic�ns to even-numbered years. There wcre no"strong ogponents"of this chang�. Camxxunity Characteris�cs: When considering a list of 1 S characteristics of a community,majorities think the City of Golden vailey has"about the right number or amount"of fourteen. "Af�ordable rental units" is the oaty 2 7`�te Mnt�ris I_eutlrc,�„ta�r Cc►mpun,y Axgr�s�2016 one where"alwut right"dropped to 49°/a. Five characteristics are viewed by 25°fo or more respondents as"too few or litkle"in the city. These five characteristica include:"affordable housing,defined as a single family home costing less than$160,230,"at 31%;"stanter homes far young families,"at 3Q%;"entertaiament establishiments,such as mavie theaters and night clubs," at 28°l0; "assisted living far seaiors,"at 26%;and,"one level hoUsing for seniors maintainad by an sssociation,"at 25%. Three other characteristics are viewed by over 20%aa"too much or twa many:»`°luxury Iugh amenity rental units�"at 21%; °`affordable rental units,'°at 20%; and, "exeeutive high-end housing,"at 2Q°la. City Servfres: (3n the iasues of pmperty ta�ce,s aad city services,residents are t�ending toward a more�upportive appraach to maintain highly-rated services. They split---6Q°fo-35%—in sugport of an inorease in their properiy taxes if it were needed ta maintain city services at their current levels;in 2006, residents split againat a properiy tax increase by a 43%to 36%margin,and in 2013,residents favored a property t�x increase by a 53%-39%majoriiy. Even so,62%rate the city portion of their graperty taxes as either••very high„or"somewhat high,°in comparis�on with nearby subvr�s;thirty-three percent see them a�"abaut average." Ninety-two percent,an increase of eight pexcent in three years,thiak they receive aither an"excellent"or a"good"value for the P�P�Y taxes they pay. City servicea evaluations are very pasitive. Police protaction,fire protection,recy�cling aervice, starm drainage and flood c,ontrol,park maintenance,city recreation facilities,city-spansored recreatioa programs, aniwal control,cammunications, str�et lighting,quality of city drinking water,dependability of cifiy drinking water,quality of sanitary sewer savice, dependability of sanit,�y sewer aervice,and snow plowing receive approval ratings of ainety percent or higher. Only Irteighbarhood Watch pro�ams and city street repair and maintenance post positive ratings under 9Q%–for Neighborhood Watch programs,its positive rating is$2%; and,for street repair and maintenaace,the positive retting is 84%, which ia still almQst 40%higher then the Metrapolitan Area suburban norm. Critics of the Neighborhood Watch pragrams focus on the "need far morc programs,"while critics of city street repair and maintenance point to"poor street rGpair." Overall,though,the consistmcy and mag�itude of the pasitive ratings of Golden Valley city services remains at the top of the Melropolitan Area. Forty-nine percent vbould prioritize funding directed towand"�maintainin,g aad improving in.frastruchue,such as roads,water and sewers."Eighteen percent would prioritize"creaxing community connections, such as neighborhood associations and community events,"while 1 S% urge`°improving public safety.,, Sixty-two perceat are"conccrned"abaut the aging infiastru�ture in the City of Golden Valley; 3 Ilae Mrrri�is Leatherman G"ompan,� A�griist, ZO.l6 of those conccrned,most e�cpresa a moderate level of anxiety. By an$8%-13°/a majority, residents suppart usin8 F�Fert}'taxes or fe�s to repair or replace city roads. By�nn 80°lr20% majority,they feel the same way about repair or replacxment of city water and sewer pipe�. By a 77°l0-23%majority,rasidents would support a proje�t focused on sidewalks and traila. And,by a G8%-33%verdict,they support repairing or replacing city buildings and facilities. Ecanornic Development: Ninety-three percent,a 12%increase in three years,rate general eeononuc development in the community as either"exceltent"or"good." Only six percart arre mare critical in their cvaluationa. Ninety percent favorably rate the city's efforts to attra,ctt new busineases,an eight percent iner�ase since t�e 2013 study; anly six percent post negative ratings. Three typ�es of development are sought by moderate-sized groups in t3�e community:"big-box retait,"at 13%;"re�taurants,"at 12%;aad,"assisted living facilities,"at 11%. Fifteen percent alsa state there are"no types"of development they wotild particularly like to see in the crty. Only one type of developtnent ia strongly opposad by moderate-sized grou�s in the city: "apartments,"at 15%. Twenty-six percent report there are"no types"af d.evelopment they would strongly oppose. Ninety-seven percent rate the gensral condition and agpearance of induatrial anti commercial propertits as either"e�ccellent"or"good;,,only faur pe�c�nt zate them as"only fair"or"po�or." The positive rating jusnped 25°!o in ten years. By a eolid 66%-21°!o majority,residcnts support the rcccnt changes ta limit the subdividing of current residential lots. Env�'ronrnental I.csues: Moderate perccntagcs of respondents paiizt to five ennironmental issues as"most important"ta bc addresscd in tho City of Golden Valley: "air pollution,"at 15%;"litter,"at 14%;"lawn ehemieal run-of�',"at 10%;"water quality in lakes and ponde,"at nine percent;aad,"quality of drinking water,"at seven percent. But, 18%think tlyere are no important environmental issues currently needing to bc addressed. Eighty-six percent rate the water quality of lakes,rivera, �tream�s and wetlands in the community a.s either"exccllent"or"gaod;'thirteen percent rate it lower. Fifty-four percent report they are at least"somewhat concerned"about invagive species in the city;only ten percent,though,are"very concerned." Respondents w�informed some communities in the Metro Area have approved ordinances 4 Tlre Mor•,•is Leathermart Company Aug«st,2Q16 encouraging tha reduction of plastic bag use either by cha�ing fees in stnres ar a complete plastic bag ban. By s solid 64°�r30°fa majority,residents support tbe City of Golden Valley doing something similaz;intense suppart provea twice as hig�ar,intense ogpasifion to policies ]i'1ce this. Transportattor�Issues: Fii�y-twa percent leave Golden Va11ey on a regular or daily basis. Twenty-aeve,n percent do nat leave the community an a regular basis,while 22%are aurently unemploy�ed ar ret�red. Amang the group leaving on a regular ar daily basis, $?°to report they normally drive alone while commutiag to work while 11°fa van ar car paol. Ninety-tl�ree percent rate the ease of get�ing fram glaco to place wit�in the City of Gvlden Valley fi�vorably; eight percent are more critical. Twenty eight gercent have used public transportation dtaring the past two years,a ten percent increase in three years;ninety-four gercent rats thtir experieace favorably,while six percent hald the opposite view. Public transpartation non-users indicate one averwhelming r�ason for their choice: seve,�ty-nine percent just`�refer tu drive." When told abaut the Metra Blue Line Light Rail Line plans connacting Dowatown Minneapalis to Broolrlyn Park,with a stap n�ar Theodore Wirt3�Park,,23%report they ar household members are at least"samewhat likel�'to use thia optian whcn+openal in 2U21. Fzojectai use by Golden Valley residents is an�y seven percent of city households. They are almast cqually iik�ty to get to the Light Rail Station by walking,biking,being dmpped off,or using a park and ride lot. ?f bua rapid transit were available along Highway 55,3Q%of Golden Valley households sre either"very likely"or "samc�what likely"to use this service; standard market projectian tcchniques estimate nine percent of the housebolds in t�e city would be ac�tual riders. Respondents were reminded two years ago the City passe�a winter parking ordinance, restricting parking on eity streets &om midnight ta 6 AM from November 1°�tbrough Maroch 31�. By a 54%-32%majority,residents favor chaaging the ardi:uauce ta restrict garking from 2 AM to 6 AM during Winter montha. Fublic Safety Issues: Thirty-two percent,almast a thre+e-fold increase in three years,repc�rt there aze members of their hai�soholds who would consider becoming a firefighter in the city;perceived barriers for the lack of potential psrticipation aze"age or health issues,"at 39%,and"no interest,"at 45%. Seventy-niae percent think the current responss time af around eight minutes to a�re call of the Golden Valley Fire Department is"acce�table;"af the 17%not finding the average response 5 The 1►?rn�r•is Leatherman Company Ar�grest,2Q16 time acc�eptable,72%would suppork a property taa incre�se to reduce th�t time. The three most-often offe�+ed one-word perceptiana of the Galden Valley Police Depar�nent are "excellent,""gaod"and`fielpful." Eighty-four percent report awareness of the Police Department's communiry pmgnams,such as Ni�t to Unite,Folice in the Parks,the Citizen's Academy,GVPD University,and apen houses. F�rty gercent of the sample had coutact with the Department through its communitY P�B�s durin8 the past year,and 97%rate the experience favorably. Twenty-six percent report other contacts with th�Folice Department in the gast two years. Among these contacts,42°�o were for traffie violations�36%were far emergency services, and I S%were far the inwestigation of a crime. Eighty-nine percent rate the way the Police Department��i these situations es either"excellent"or"good;'eleven percent wexe more critical. N�inety percent say the time it took ti�e Poliee Department to respond was"prompt." And, 89°lo say the Police Department peraonnel w�re courteous and actcd in a prafessional manncr. The best ways for residents to receive information and ugdates fiam the Police Department include:"mailings,"at 33%; "e-mail,"at 23%;and the"City Newsletter;'at 19�!'0. Ninety-four perccnt tbink there is"about ttie right amouat"of police patralling in i�eir residential neighlrorhood Only five perc�nt see it as"nat enough." There are two public safety prablems which resident�fccl concemed about:"juvenile erime,"at 20'�'0;aad,"traffic safoty," at 14%. Hut,at the same ti�me,21 a/o do not aee any public safety problems as critical in the community. Waste Disposal iasues: Fifty-five percent,down ten gencent in thrae yeara,participated in the City Bruah Pick-Up,Leaf Drop,or Mighty Tidy Day programs;all participants rate these services highly. Seventy-seven percent label these pr+ograms as at leest"somewhat impo�tant"to their households; iu fact,29% saY the3'are"y�'��, Farty-twa pencent repart currently using the curbside pick-up of yard waste and small bruah service;another 22°lo are"very iaterested"in using this service in the future. Twenty-six percent are currently usiag the curbsidc pick-up of composting organics serviee;this time another 26% are"very interested"in using tbe sarvice in the future. Twenty percent avail thernselves of thc yard waste drop-off site;twenty-eight percent are"very intere�tsd"in future use. Thirteen gereent eurcently use t�e dirt and mulch pick-up scrvico;anothor 26%,though,are"very interested"in futune use. Rcvcrsing the 54°l0-39%majarity of reapondcnts opposed to organized garbage calloction three ycars ago,residents currcntly support the change by a 51%-38%maJority. Support�rs citc three reasons far their positian:"le�s truck traffic,""chea.per,"and 0°ICBB IOA�YYffilIItEi1AIICC" 6 Tlie A�or•ria �eatX�e�rman Company Augus�2QX 6 Ogponents base their decision on"liking their current hauler,""cheaper,'°ar"want to choase." In assesaing arganized vereus c�pe�a garbaga collaction systcros,pluralities ar majorities think an open garbage calte,ction does a bctter job in"cost for garbage collectian"and"customer aervice,"while phualities or m�jarities consider an organized colle+ction does a better jab in `°cost for street meintenance and upkeep"ar`�ollution&om trucks.,' Parks and Recreation: Usage of the various components of the park syatem vary markedly. During the past yesr,72% use�the aity's trails. Sixty-seven perce�t of the householde use+�cammunity garks and/rn neighborhood parks,down eight pe,rcent in three years,and an identical6fi°/a used opea spaces and natural areas. Thirty-nine percent report attending summer conceYts and special events, while 32%visited the Brookview Galf Course and Lawnbowling. Twenty-nine perc�nt use8 the cornmunity athl�atic fields,28°!a used on-street bike routes and shoulders,and 27%used the Brookview Faric Picnic Shelters. Twenty-three pezcent visited the Broakview Cammuaity Ceater and 21°lo visited the David Community Center at Meadowbrook School. On1y 14°/a used outdoor ice rinka,while 13%used City tGnnis courts. Ninety-five percent of the users af city sidewalks,trails,bike routes and shoulders neport walking ar nuining there,3b%recreational b�ce there,20%fitness train,and 18%commute�ere. Ninety-five p�rcent rate the city's traila and sidewalks system favorably;anly five pereem are more critieal in their evaluations. The very amall group of negativa respandents focus on the "lack of enough sidewalks'"If sidewalks in their neighborhaod were cannected,20%are"much more l�cely"to wa.lk or bicycle to where they needed to go and 51°lo are"samcwhat more likel�' to do sa Residents provide super-majorities in favor of using city funds for three parks and recreatian purposes. By a 72%-27%majarity,residents support the use of city funding for city gardens. By a b9°�o-30%,residents similarly endorse the use of city funds far aff-street trails. And,by a 6?%-30'�o sglit,residents would approve city funds to be us�for an off-leash dog area, Twa more projects are favared by majorities. By a 55%-38%sptit,residents assent ta the use of city funds for a central commuaity pedestrien plaza replacing Wimnetka Avenue near the C;reek and Library. And,by a 54%�6°fo naargin,they support city funding for bicycle boulevards on neighborhoad streets where gaiestrians,bikes and motor vehicles share t�e raad. Two projects,however,are opposed by majorities. By a 54%-45%split,residents oppose the use of city funds for on-street bicy�cic lanes. And,by a S8%-41%majority,they oppose city funds used for tennis caurts. 7 Th�119ur-�•is Leatheri�trrrr Contp[tny September,2016 In discussing the future of city tenais courts,respondents were t�ld most were built in�e 1970's and 1980'a,can no longer be maintained for safe use,and would require complete recc�nstiuction. They were also informed the City maintains and operate eignific�ntly more tennis coutts than most neighboring communitie,s. Thirty-six percent support"reconstruct(in�courts only nseded for carnmunity tennis grograms,"while 32°/a apt far"reduc(ing)the number of t�nnis courts and raeonstruct(ing}them." Sixteen pencent suggest"do not replace any of the tennis courts,"while eight percent urBe"fund(ing)the replacement of all c�nrent tessis court facilities.°' Thirty-four pereent of the sample,five percent higher ti�an the 2013 study aad I4%higher than the 2006 study,repart household members paracipated in City patic aud recreation prograrns. The most popular programs arc••so8ba11/baseball,,>"summer Pragrams,°'"aztslcrafkslhobby," aad"fitness:' Satisfactian with the offerings remains virtually una,nimoua. Ninety-nine perr.ent vicw the cunent mix of City park and racreation pro,gramrning as meetan�g the aeeds of their households. Fifly-four pereent say household members currently leave the city far park aud reerea6an�a1 facilities and activities elsewhere;this level is 2fl%higher than the 20131eve1. The most popular re�son is for"lakcsllwating,"at 28%,followed by"parka,"at seven percent,and "walking trails"or"galf courses,"at�c pereent each. 'i`his level of recreational"le,akagc"to ather communities is about ten percent higher xhan the suburban norm. Com�nunicadarts ts�sues: The Csty Newsletter is regarded as the principal saurce of inforrnation a'bout Golden Valley City Government and its activities l�y 56°!0. The City w�site and lacal newspapers follow,at 12% and 13%,respectively. Forty-eight percent prefer to receive information about City Government and its activities thraugh the city's newsletter. Tbirteen percent prefer the City website,and 12% point to local newepapexe. In asaessing the reach of various conannunications chsnnels,the"Galden Valley City News" ncwsletter regie�tters a high reach of 82%,but eight percent lawer than the 20131eve1. Onty 84%, down 11%in three ycars,of those receivin,g the city newslcttcx rcport regularly roading it. Ninety-five percant rate the comtent of thc newslatber highlx,whilc 44%rate the form�at and appearance of the newsletter favaiably. Regular reads suggest the need for both"mare detail" and"'more budget information." Seventy-six percent receive and read the"New HopelGolden Vailcy Sun Paet"new�paper. Farty-two p�ercent read the city legal notices printed therc. But,if they cQu1d choose,47%wauld grefer to receivc city legal natices in the newsletter,20%in thc newspager,and 18%throngh e- rnail. 8 TI7e A?n��ris L�atl�er»rur� C�tmp�tny September,2016 Farty-uine percent,dnwn 12%since the 2013 study,of the surveyed households currently receive cabte television. Amostg cable television subscnbers,31%"frequently"or "occasionatly"watch Golden Valley City Council Meeting live or taged telecasts during the past year;this level of viewerahip is down 14%in three years. Thirty-t6ree pe�ent,alsfl down 14%, report watc�ing the Community Bulletin Board durin;g the past year. Thirry four percent at least "occasionally"tune in to city programrning,such as the State of the City,Mayar Minutes and city videos. Seventy-four percent report having access to the Intesnet from hame ar at work, In fact, 72°fo have access from their homes. Sixty-thrae pement of home ar work Internet users report accessing the City's website–translating to 47%of the households across the community. The typical website visitor rates it as either"excellent"ar"gaod"and is able to find what helshe is Ivoldng for. While GS%of Internet-equipped residents,up 10%in three years,are aware the City is webatreaming city meetings and programs on the city's web site,2S°!o,alsa a lfl°lo increase, actually viewed a city meeting ar program there. Similarly,while 65%,up I 1°fo since the 2013 study,are aware the city pravidas o-mail updates to residents wha►subscnbe to the`iCrV Direct Connect"service, only 19°!o have subscribed to that service. Bath Facebook aad YouTube alremdy have large user pools,at 78°/a and 53%,reapectively. In both cases,moderately large poole of curnat uaers would be likely tv use them fvr obtaining information abc�ut the conlmunity. Twitter is a seoonciary social medium for this gurpase. Concl�stores: 1. Once again,C�olden Valley citizens rem�ain very pleased with tbeir community—city aervices, Citx Staf'f and Ciiy Cauncil. The dramatic increase in city service ratings,noted in the 2t}13 study,has been reinforced in this study. There are mo major declines in serviGe ratings, indicating the 2413 cha,nges were not a fluke but a significant and sustainable change. Community ideatity and neighborliness still remain at remarkably high levels for an inner-ring snburban community.In fact,39%think there is nothhing"law quality"in the commuaity. "Booaterism,"while registering a slight retreat from thrx y�eais aga,is over ono-quaitcr of the sample and three times higher than the auburban nrnm. Residential views of City government cantinue ta rank among the top four or five cities in the Metropolitan Area. Cflnfidence in the future,which wa�very shaky in the 2006 study,is maintaining high�evels af stability. 2. Tha praperty taac climat�has become.more hastile during the past three years. In fact,at 14%,it leads the list af`�nast serious"issues facing the community. But,residents are not reflexively anti-tax. They slmost unanimously see"�cellenY'ar"good"value in the taxes they 9 7�Ire;�9r�r�ri.��Letttltet�rt�g�n Compttny ,S't��l1ET'�Z�JX� pay for high quality city services,and they would support a groperty tax to maintain city service;s at current levels. Respo�dents also support the use of property�ces or feea to repair or replace aging infrastructure, such as city roada,water and sewer pipes,sidewalks anc�trails,and city buildings and facilities, And,in considering parks aad recreadonal faeilities,residen�s also overwhelmin,gl.y support city funciing of community g,ardens,an off-leash�g area, and off- street trails. 3. The City n�eds to rcasstss its commuaications system with rc,sidents. The"Golden Valley News"dragped by 17°lo in three years. The reach af cable television also declined by 12% during the same time geriod;among cable television subactibers,viewing ofpmgrams on the Governmcnt Channel drapged by aa average of 10%. Use of the City website dropped by a emall four percent since the 20I3 study;part of the loss in cable viewing af City Couacil meetings may be attributed to�increase in web-etreaming those telecast�. To augment the reach af the current eommunicatians system,t�e City may wish ta more bm�dly advertise its presence on Face�rook and You'I�ibe. 4. Significant xnajorities favor the City taking fi�rther action on sevtxal fmnts. These include: • Reciuci�rg the average fire calt res�nse tirrte,even if a�m�rty ta��increase wsre required. • Gaatinuing dialogues with residents in preparation for a change tv an arganized system of garbage collectian. • Either charging fees in stores for the use of piastic bags or baaning their use outright. • Reducing ti�e number af city-maintained and city-opetated tennis courts and recon�tructing only thoae chosen for coantinued operation. • Claanging to evar-numbered years for city elections. In 2Q16,because of sound policies and well-defined plaas for the fi�ttu�e,many residents of the City of Galden Valley cantinue to be e.nthusiastic abaut their community. They feel informed, ernpowered, and confident. But,cc�tain mid-coursc correctiana ar chan�cs,garhi�ularly in communications,may be needcd to continuc,and even s�ngthen,that linkagc, This will be�ome even more critical in the future as the City confronts issues of a more Metropolitan nature. Sustaining tt�e cunent high l�vel oftrust arnong the citizeiuy will allow decisian-makers to mak�e tough judgment ca2ls based upan a solid foundation of popular consent. 10 T7re Mo�°rts 1_eatl�c�r»��rr Compu�ty Septeuiber,�Q�'6 Methadology: This study contains ti�e results flf a sample af 400 randomly selected adult residents residing in the City of Golden Valley. Professional interviewers conducted the survey by telophone between Juty 26�'and August 9�',2016. The typical respondent took twenty-eight mim�tes to complete the questionnaire. The results af the study ar�projectable to all adult Golden Valley residents within t 5.0°fo in 95 out of 100 caees. 11 city of� olde� � � �► � �v � �C�, �.'� Physical Development Department 763-593-8030/763-593-3488(fax) Date: October 17, 2016 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Hannah Garry, MN GreenCorps Member Subject: Best Practice 29 Climate Adaption and Community Resilience Action 1—Prepare to Maintain Public Health and Safety At its September 2016 meeting,the Environmental Commission agreed to move ahead with its next priority under GreenStep Cities Best Practice 29. Having previously entered information believed to be sufficient for a two star rating in action 1, more details were added in order to begin to satisfy the requirements for a three star rating. Action# 1 Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members. 3 Star Rating— In consultation with the county, designate public facilities as community safe shelters for each type of event as applicable. Arrange for adequate provisions (including potable water) and backup power for 5-7 days. Develop coordinated strategies with private sector critical facilities and document agreed upon procedures. Betow is a draft of this GreenStep action item provided in the website's format. The additions relating to the 3 star rating are indicated as beginning and ending with double asterisk (**). Please review this for discussion at the October Commission meeting. After discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve this summary for entry into the GreenStep website. IMPLEMENTATION DETAIL The City of Golden Valley is part of the North Suburban Emergency Management Planning Group. The group has established a regional Emergency Operations Plan which describes strategies and mechanisms through which cities will mobilize resources and conduct activities to guide and G:\Environmental Commission\Memos support emergency management efforts using the National Incident Management System. This includes a crisis communication plan that identifies spokespersons and how public information would be disseminated in the event of a disaster. Hennepin County has an All-Hazard Mitigation Plan which addresses hazards including climate- related hazards such as extreme heat, storms, flooding. The County Emergency Management staff keeps maps that show critical facilities and hazardous facilities which are used to target areas during response, including where vulnerable populations may be present. Hennepin County has a website that utilizes a survey as a proactive process for community involvement and feedback on its hazard mitigation plan in order to assess vulnerabilities to climate change impacts and identify strategies and activities to increase resilience and lessen the impact of future hazards. The City of Golden Valley works hard to serve all of its residents and businesses, and understands that there may be populations that are considered vulnerable or more susceptible to the impacts of weather and climate related events and service disruptions. These populations include elderly, children, persons with mobility or health issues, renters, immigrants, and economically disadvantaged. Approximately 25% of all persons living in Golden Valley are age 65 and older and are spread throughout the community. OUTCOME MEASURES/METRICS The City regularly updates databases and maps that identify critical facilities, hazardous materials, high density employment centers, high density housing areas, and vulnerable populations. Areas where vulnerable populations may be concentrated include properties with health care facilities, nursing home and assisted living facilities, senior housing, group homes, schools, child care centers, high-density housing areas, floodplains and other flood prone areas. High density housing areas include rental properties that may have a higher percentage of persons who are transient, immigrant, young, elderly, mobility-challenged, or economically disadvantaged. The City is in the process of updating its communication strategies for emergencies and weather and climate related events. This work will include strategies for educating and communicating with residents before events (disaster preparedness, weather aware) and targeting specific populations before and during events. Among the vulnerable population areas listed in the section above, focused attention will be given to neighborhood watch groups, rental property managers, schools, and senior programs. Following are communication methods the City currently uses to reach residents and inform them on what actions to take during an event: • GV Emergency (automated call,text, email and landline notification system) • City Website • City Facebook site • Press Release or Press Conference if necessary • Emaillistserve • Public Address system on emergency vehicles ** In the event of a small local incident, Golden Valley has an agreement with Metro Transit that buses will be sent to shelter residents until the American Red Cross arrives or until people can be returned to their homes. In these short windows of time The City will do what it can to accommodate basic needs such as provide bottled water. During these events, if necessary,The Salvation Army could also be brought in for limited food. The City may ask for permission to use certain buildings as short-term shelters in the event of an emergency but there are no set shelters identified currently for this purpose. The American Red Cross maintains a national list of facilities that could be used as emergency shelters. If local governments need a long-term shelter the American Red Cross would be notified for assistance and the North Suburban Emergency Management Planning Group could support the shelter with cots, pillows, blankets and toiletry items. Plans for opening, staffing and operating a shelter is a coordinated effort between the American Red Cross, Local, and County government. In the event of extreme heat, Hennepin County Emergency Management publicly lists cooling centers. Last summer three Golden Valley locations were listed but these may be subject to change based on continued evaluation and cooperation with partners. In the event of a vector-borne illness outbreak, depending on the expected impacts to the community, various elements of the Emergency Operations Plan may be pressed into action. The Minnesota Department of Health would be the lead agency to identify, track and provide guidance on how communities should respond to such an incidence. ** In addition to maps and databases kept by the City, Hennepin County Dispatch maintains a database of properties with alert information and special needs, based on prior experiences, for use in an emergency. DESCRIPTIVE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT John Crelly (Fire Chief)/jcrellv@�oldenvallevmn.�ov/763-593-8065 PARTN ERS North Suburban Emergency Management Planning Group Hennepin County �ttyaf�► alden t� � �C�. e� Physical Development Department 763-593-8030/763-593-3988(fax) Date: October 17, 2016 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Hannah Garry, MN GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Inventory Update: Best Practice 8, 10, 16 and 18 Golden Valley gained entry into the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 and is currently considered a "Step One" city. In order to become a "Step Two" city Golden Valley must document the completion of 8 best practices. Each best practice encompasses a variety of actions a city may take in order to complete it. The attached 12 entries describe actions the City has already completed or are ongoing and serve as a way to benchmark Golden Valley for future progress in the GreenStep program. After being rated these entries should be sufficient for the completion of Best Practice 8, Best Practice 10, Best Practice 16 and Best Practice 18. Please review these for the October Commission meeting. After brief discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve these for entry into the GreenStep Cities website. Best Practice 8—Mixed Uses Action # 1 Organize a community planning process for a mixed use district Action #2 Locate a city building with specific mixed use attributes Action #7 Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development Best Practice 10—Design for Natural Resource Conservation Action# 1 Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory and protect natural resources through development process Action #5 Develop/fund a conservation easement program G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\GS Cities Update Oct. Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Action# 1 Certify as a Tree City USA Action #2 Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality and use them in development projects Action#3 Budget for urban canopy/tree planting goals Action #6 Certify at least one or more local staff/volunteers Best practice 18—Parks and Trails Action #3 Achieve minimum levels of city green space Action#5 Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize sustainability Action#8 Involve community in hands-on land restoration and stewardship G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\GS Cities Update Oct. BP8—Mixed Uses Action#1:Organize or participate in a community planning/design process for the city/a mixed use district • One star:Conduct a process that involves community members/stakeholder input • Two star: Bring in a facilitator to work with the city,community members and other stakeholders; use the Equitable Development Scorecard as an evaluation tool • Three star: Participate in a Minnesota Design Team charrette; plan to increase the percent of residents who work within 10 miles of their homes Golden Vallev Entry Implementation Details: A consultant was used to facilitate community planning meetings for the I-394 mixed use district in the 2008 comprehensive plan. Resident and business surveys were sent out and a visual preference survey (VPS)was conducted.An open house was held to gather input on the re-zoning process as well as a "resident roundtable"to address specific concerns brought up in the surveys.A presentation on the progress of the project was given to the Chamber of Commerce and made available to other organizations and neighborhood associations.The 2040 comprehensive plan will use some form of community planning process for additional mixed use planning. For more information contact: Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager jzimmerman@�oldenvallevmn.gov (763)-593-8099 Descriptive links: http://www.goldenvallevmn.�ov/plannin�/comprehensiveplan/pdf/04-SpecialPlanningDistricts.pdf BP8—Mixed Uses Action#2: Locate or lease a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes: a. Adjacent to an existing employment or residential center b. Designed to facilitate and encourage access by walking and biking c. Accessible by regular transit service • One star: Explain which attributes are met • Two star: Parking spaces are significantly below the parking standard due to bike/ped/transit access, shared parking, municipal lot • Three star:A public school is located along a public transit line and provides incentives(such as discounted bus passes)for students to use the line Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: The City Hall campus is connected via walking paths and sidewalks to the Hennepin County Library and McDonalds to the north, it is adjacent to small scale commercial uses to the west and south and senior housing to the east.There are bus routes that go along Winnetka Ave and Golden Valley Rd within 0.1 miles of campus. Perpich Center for the arts, a state funded public arts school, is located along the 755A Ltd Stop/Hwy 55 route, reduced-fee bus passes are available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Noble Elementary school is located along the 14E, 14L and 758 routes. For more information contact: Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager jzimmerman@goldenvallevmn.�ov (763)-593-8099 BP8—Mixed Uses Action#7:Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts). • One star:Two or more uses in multi-story buildings favored in the comp plan with overall goals or design guidelines • Two star:Adopt incentives(density bonus, development assistance)for vertical mixed use development such as housing above commercial, shared parking in the downtown core • Three star:An incentive and/or requirement for inclusionary(affordable) housing in at least one development; live/work vertical units allowed by right Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: The 2008 comprehensive plan included a proposal for the I-394 mixed use district which encompassed requirements for a mix of uses in specific areas as well as development standards based on the design guidelines from the general report. Live/work vertical units are allowed in the I-394 mixed use district. Shared parking is allowed in some areas. The 2040 comprehensive plan will give support to more mixed use planning and will expand the number of potential locations across The City. For more information contact: lason Zimmerman, Planning Manager jzimmerman@goldenvalleymn.�ov (763)-593-8099 BP 10—Design for Natural Resource Conservation Action#1—Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment(NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources through the subdivision or development process • 1 star:Complete an NRI or NRA and use findings in the decision-making process when evaluating land use options • 2 star:Adopt ordinance language that utilizes findings in the inventory/assessment; adopt an incentive for conservation design in your zoning or subdivision ordinance, in which at least 50% of developable land is permanently protected,or create a conservation design district that requires the use of conservation design practices such as permanent protection of high quality habitat/open space, explicit wildlife corridors • 3 star: Create city-wide protections for natural systems/resources(e.g.,groundwater, uplands, forest bats), such as mandatory natural resource design standards for priority natural resource and open space areas,or for rezonings of agricultural or other undeveloped land, require a finding of fact that undeveloped residential land in the city is insufficient to meet market demand Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: Golden Valley conducted a natural resource inventory in 2003 and updated the inventory in 2013. Using information from the inventory,the City created its first Natural Resource Management Plan in the spring of 2015 that identified high and low quality areas and strategies for conservation and restoration of natural areas. The City has created ordinances to preserve high quality natural areas during development and the natural resource management plan is referenced when evaluating development projects.The Planned Unit Development Ordinance (section 11.55 of the City Code) preserves and protects substantial desirable portions of sites including trees, scenic views, creeks,wetlands and open waters.The City's Subdivision Regulations (section 12.30) allows the city to require a portion of a proposed subdivision to be dedicated to the public as a park, playground, public open space or storm water holding area or ponds(up to 10%). The Floodplain Management Zoning Overlay District (section 11.60) protects the critically important floodplains of Bassett Creek and its tributaries from any development that would threaten the quality of the City's water bodies or ground water infiltration,cause rapid runoff or increase periodic flooding resulting in loss of life and property. The Shoreland Management ordinance (section 11.65) prohibits the clear cutting of natural vegetation, and requires sufficient vegetative cover be left intact or restored to prevent runoff and soil erosion within critical shoreland areas. In 2015, upon the recommendation of the Environmental Commission, an option and incentive was included in the Tree& Landscape Code to plant a larger massing of native grasses and wildflowers in developments as an alternative to traditional landscaping, where appropriate. The Green Corridors concept in the Natural Resource Management Plan will be used to inform the 2018 comprehensive plan process and the review of land use and development proposals. BP 10—Design for Natural Resource Conservation Outcome measures/metrics: A total of 57.3 acres of native buffer have been mapped inside Golden Valley(25.2 of those acres are owned by The City and 32.1 acres are privately owned). For more information contact: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist eeckman(�goldenvall�mn.�ov (763)-593-8084 Descriptive Links: City Code: http://weblink..ci.Qolden-vallev_.mn.us/Public/Browse.aspx BP 10—Design for Natural Resource Conservation Action#5—Develop/fund a conservation easement program, such as a purchase of development rights program, in collaboration with a land trust • One star: Have placed at least one conservation easement on a parcel • Two star: Develop or participate with others in a conservation easement program • Three star:Adopt a purchase of development rights or transfer of development rights program Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: As of 2015 the city has established 13 conservation easements that cover 25 properties. In 2007 The City granted a conservation easement in the General Mills Nature Preserve, encompassing shallow marsh, wet meadow, and floodplain forest to the Minnesota Land Trust to ensure it would be preserved in perpetuity. Outcome measures/metrics: As of 2016 the city has established 13 conservation easements,totaling 25.7 acres. For more information contact: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist eeckman@�older�valleymn,gov (763)-593-8084 Descriptive links: Environmental State of the City 2015: http://www.�oldenvalleymn.Qov/boards/environmental/environmental-state-of-the-citv-report- 2015.pdf Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Action#1—Certify as a Tree City USA. • One star: Certified for current year • Two star: Certified for 30 or more years, or recent recipient of a Growth award • Three star: Certified for at least 10 years with an annual tree budget(for maintenance, planting, replacements, removals) of at least$4 per resident(twice the Tree City requirement)or have calculated and publicized the financial and other benefits of trees to your city Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation details: Golden Valley has been a Tree City USA since 1987 (29 years). Outcome measures/metrics: In 2015 the total community forestry expenditures came out to$273,266.80 (Golden Valley population, 20,371). For more information contact: AI Lundstrom, Park Maintenance Supervisor alur�dstrom@�oldenvallevmn.�ov (763)-593-8046 Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Action#2—Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality; use them in at least one development project • One star:Adopt MN Tree Trust Best Practices, MN Stormwater Manual tree design guidelines or the like • Two star: Use guidelines in at least one development project; document that the development achieves an excellent or better Tree Trust rating, or assess the performance of tree trenches and tree boxes • Three star: Incorporate adopted tree planting best practices in development ordinances; show with data that'plant once' practices are decreasing the number of dying boulevard trees that must be replanted Golden Vallev Entry Implementation Details: Golden Valley Forestry department follows industry tree and shrub planting best management practices and uses MnDOT specifications for all street reconstructions and projects such as the Highway 55 Lilac Project. Golden Valley also uses digital inventory and aerial photos to determine where more cover or more diverse cover is needed in the city. Planting projects are monitored for success and practices are re-evaluated as needed. Outcome measures/metrics: Continued monitoring has generated the percent survival for the following projects: A 2010-2012 planting project funded by a MN DNR Community Forest Bonding Grant(100 trees in 2011, 82 trees in 2012) showed an estimated 90%survival after two years. A 2013 Met Council Environmental Services Reliever Project(47 trees) showed 89%survival. A tree planting project in city parks in response to a 2011 tornado (funded by MCES grant and Trees for Tyrol group) (57 trees) had 86%survival. A 2014 Tree Trust project in Brookview Park (35 trees) had 89%survival. 2014 and 2015 City Fall planting projects(14 and 50 trees respectively) each had 100%survival. For more information contact: AI Lundstrom, Parks Maintenance Supervisor alundstrom@�oldenvalleymn.gov (763)-593-8046 ` Tim Teynor, City Forester tteynor��oldenvalleymn.gov (763)-593-3976 **Attach "2015 forestry summary" and "tree planting projects (2011-2015) survival estimate" (in Best Practices\BP16\Resources) Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Action#3—Budget for and achieve urban canopy/tree planting goals • One Star:A minimum number of trees planted by the city each year,OR at least 2-3 trees planted for each city tree lost • Two Star:An overall city tree canopy of at least 30%and/or a canopy above 60%for residential areas • Three Star:An overall city tree canopy of at least 40%, with goals for canopy over parking lots (such as 50%), canopy over residential (60%-75%), canopy over commercial/industrial Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation details: Golden Valley has an annual budget for tree planting in parks and public spaces ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 in addition to a budget for tree replacement as part of the Pavement Management Program. The city continues to monitor and inspect trees for disease and pests on public land and makes an effort to replace them with native, resilient species.Annually the City plants between 50-75 trees for both parks and as part of the Emerald Ash Borer replacement program. 5-10 trees are planted as part of other city construction projects each year as well. According to Earth Define which uses LiDAR data to determine%tree canopy, Golden Valley has an overall city tree canopy of 40.5%. According to a DNR tree inventory conducted in 2010,Golden Valley has about 21.8 trees per acre in areas maintained by The City. Outcome measures/metrics: In 2015, 128 trees were planted in Golden Valley(74 public, 50 residential). 210 trees were removed from public property and 145 diseased trees were condemned on private property. $18,460 was spent on tree planting and initial care, $41,412 was spent on tree maintenance, and 16,500 was spent on removals.The total community forestry expenditures were$273,266.80(Golden Valley population: 20,371). In 2016,so far 60 trees have been planted within the park system. For more information contact: AI Lundstrom, Park Maintenance Supervisor alundstrom@Qoldenvallevmn.�ov (763)-593-8046 Tim Teynor,City Forester tte nor o� Idenvalleymn.�ov (763)-593-3976 Descriptive Links: http://www.arc�is.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=e3d71d9cbb5e4a6cbe39cc48aa49c582 Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Action#6—Build Community capacity to protect existing trees/plant resilient species by certifying at least one or more local staff/volunteers. • One Star: For smaller cities: at least one volunteer is a Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector or a Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector • Two Star:At least one city staff member is a Certified Forester, a landscape horticulture professional,or holds Tree Inspector and First Detector certification; city staff provide free assistance to residents/businesses. • Three Star:City has written and begun implementing a community emerald ash borer preparedness plan/climate change adaptation plan for urban forests; city tree canopy follows "10-20-30" rule-of-thumb Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation details: Golden Valley has two full time staff with Forestry and Horticulture degrees. One staff member is additionally a Certified Arborist and has a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from the International Society of Arborists. Per Section 10.50,subdivision 2 of the City Code a tree inspector,certified by the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, administers the Shade Tree Pest Control Program for Dutch Elm disease, oak wilt, and other pests for The City.The City is responsible for removing diseased trees from public property within 20 days of disease confirmation. Property owners are responsible for removing condemned trees from private property. A list of recommended trees is provided for residents on the city website. Recommendations for native and/or resilient species are made to residents who request tree replacement advice. Residents are also directed towards the MnDOT Plant Selector online tool to pick plants based on site characteristics and to the Plymouth Tree and Shrub sale where native,diverse species can be purchased online and picked up every spring. The City began developing an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan 2010 and updated it in 2012.The intent was to provide city staff and community with a dynamic pest management guide that could easily be updated as new pest management technology evolves.The plan calls for staff to work with residents who have boulevard ash trees and remove trees in poor condition by request. Forestry generally uses 10-20-30 rule of thumb for replacing varieties of shade trees. Outcome measures/metrics: In 2011 city staff removed 200 low quality ash trees. In 2014, 30 ash trees were removed from parks and boulevards and 67 shade trees were planted in city parks and right-of-way. Each year low quality ash trees are removed as needed and replacements are made based on available funding. For more information contact: AI Lundstrom, Park Maintenance Supervisor alundstrom@goldenvalleymn.gov (763)-593-8046 Best Practice 16—Urban Forests Tim Teynor,City Forester tte nor �oldenvalleymn�ov (763)-593-3976 Descriptive Links: http://dotapp7.dot.state.mn.us/plarit/ BP18—Parks and Trails Action#3—Achieve minimum levels of city green space. • One star:There exist at least 7 acres of municipal park land per 1000 residents • Two star:At least 20%of total city land area is in protected green infrastructure(parks and protected natural resource areas,trails, publicly accessible school green space) • Three star:90%or more of residents are within one-half mile of a park or other protected green/blue space Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: A little over 15%of Golden Valley(1,140.4 acres) is dedicated to parks and open space.That's 54.7 acres per 1000 residents (population 20,866). Outcome measures/metrics: For more information contact: Eric Eckman Public Works Specialist eeckman@�oldenvallevmn.�ov (763) 593-8084 BP18—Parks and Trails Action#5—Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following: a. Low maintenance turf management; native landscaping; organic or integrated pest management; pollinator/monarch-safe policies b. Recycling/compostables collection c. Sources of nonpotable water, or surface/rain water,for irrigation • One star: Introduce low/no mow areas into parkland; collect recyclables • Two star: Introduce low/no mow areas into parkland AND utilize organic or integrated pest management; certify through the MPCA at least one city staff person at Level 1 in turf grass BMPs; collect compostables; adopt a bee-safe/pollinator policy • Three star: Provide sources of non-potable water,or surface/rain water, for parkland irrigation; require all city-licensed turf grass services to have staff certified at Level 1 in MPCA turf grass BMPs; introduce sheep/goats to keep grass mowed/invasives at bay; raise honey on city land/buildings; other innovative methods Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: For over 20 years,the City has contracted with a professional consultant to assist in managing 25 native buffer areas using integrated pest management.We assess whether an area needs to be burned, mowed or treated on a monthly basis. Herbicide is only applied as needed (through spot treatment). Golden Valley has four low-maintenance mowing areas on City parkland.These areas are typically non- programmed spaces with steeper slopes.These areas allow the City to reduce inputs, save on labor, equipment and material cost, and diversify the ecology. Fertilizer is used on athletic fields and on city campus as needed and without phosphorus per Minnesota Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer law. Overall spot treatment is used on athletic fields if weeds compose over 70%of an area. Milkweed is not removed from any public lands and is included in public planters, medians and along roadways. One staff member is level 1 certified in turf grass BMPs through the M PCA. Golden Valley has significantly increased park and public event recycling to maximize recycling at higher use facilities (Brookview Park Shelters,the Brookview Park Tennis program, Isaacson Little League Field and the Schaper Softball Complex). Outcome measures/metrics: In 2015, phased mowing reductions were introduced to naturalize certain areas of parks that are not programmed for recreation including Schied Park hill, Glenview Terrace Park hill and Brookview Park Tennis hill. There are currently 53.5 total acres of native buffer planted in Golden Valley(21.7 acres managed by the City). In 2015, about 6 total acres of pollinator habitat were planted in public areas in addition to the 1.6 acres of buffer planted around ponds and along streams. 2.5 acres have been added in 2016. More BP18—Parks and Trails pollinator habitat and stormwater management vegetation is planned for projects in the community in 2017 and beyond. For more information contact: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist eeckman@goldenvallevmn.gov (763)-593-8084 AI Lundstrom, Park Maintenance Supervisor alundstromC�goldenvallevmn.Qov (763)-593-8046 Descriptive links: Environmental State of the City 2015: http://www.goldenvallevmn.�ov/boards/environmental/environmental-state-of-the-citv-report- 2015.pdf BP18—Parks and Trails Action#8—Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration and stewardship projects. • One star: Create an annual event or ongoing'adopt a park' effort for volunteer trash cleanup of open space, buckthorn removal,etc.for parks or selected public open space areas. Event can be in cooperation with other organizations • Two star: In addition to cleanup and removal of exotics(1 Star),engage community members in annual restoration of natural areas(replanting shoreland buffers, restoring prairie,etc.) • Three star:Create and fund an annual city-wide event for cleanup and restoration,engaging residents in most neighborhoods and creating a public promotion around the event Golden Valley Entrv Implementation Details: Golden Valley runs an Adopt-a-park,Adopt-an-open space,Adopt-a-pond, and Adopt-a-storm drain programs. Participants remove litter and buckthorn from their designated public natural areas and Adopt-a-pond volunteers do some work, such as laying down erosion blankets,to correct soil erosion as well.Adopt-a-storm drain participants keep their storm drain free of litter and can also stencil a "dump no waste" message near storm drains that lead to a neighborhood pond, lake,or Bassett Creek. Profiles of the adoption program and other volunteering events are reported on in the city newsletter and on the city's web page. Outcome measures/metrics: In 2016, 31 (out of 36 available) parks and nature areas had been adopted by individuals/organizations in Golden Valley through the Adopt-a-park program.Three people/organizations participated in the Adopt-a-pond program and maintained a total of 8 ponds. One open space was adopted in 2016. Between May of 2014 and August of 2015, 14 areas had been stenciled for storm drains. links: Storm Drain Adoption Programs htt : www.goldenvallevmn.gov/surfacewater/storm-drain-adoption.php Storm Drain Stenciling Web Map htt s: www.arc�is.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=2ad42fbbddd94d7482fe31fe3f51790f Other Adopt-a-web pages coming soon... For more information contact: Eric Eckman Public Works Specialist (763)-593-8084 eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov BP18—Parks and Trails Ct t� Q� alG�+��'Z � � � �t�. �.'� Physical Development Department 763-593-8030/763-593-3988(fax} Date: October 18, 2016 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Hannah Garry, MN GreenCorps Member Subject: Mayors' Monarch Pledge Bee City USA Increasing the City's commitment to protecting pollinators has been identified as one way Golden Valley can advance in the GreenStep Cities program, specifically under Best Practices 18 (Parks and Trails) and 24 (Community Engagement). While Golden Valley has already made a lot of progress towards becoming a pollinator friendly community,this year it has two additional opportunities to create and promote pollinator habitat through community engagement. The Mayor's Monarch Pledge is an effort from the National Wildlife Federation to engage loca� government leaders in the protection of the monarch butterfly both through creating more pollinator habitat and raising public awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly. The pledge commits a community to taking at least 3 of the suggested 24 actions within a year of pledging. Staff has been made aware of some community interest in taking the pledge this year and committing Golden Valley to protecting the monarch butterfly as well as other pollinators. The full list of actions recommended by the NWF is attached. An additional opportunity for Golden Valley to promote the protection of pollinators was recently brought to the attention of City staff by the Golden Valley Garden Club. Bee City USA is a designation given to communities that commit to celebrating national pollinator week and planting and protecting native pollinator habitat. In order to gain designation as a Bee City, City Council would have to pass a resolution giving authority to the Golden Valley Garden Club to create pollinator habitat and educate the public on pollinators. If passed Golden Valley would be the first Bee City in Minnesota. Attached is a resolution that the City would send to Bee City USA for approval before bringing to City Council in December. G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge&Bee City These may be especially good opportunities for the City to take part in for their overlap with the GreenStep Cities program. The commitments required by both the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and a Bee City USA designation would help increase Golden Valley's star rating in actions under BP18 and fulfill an action under BP24, which is required to become a Step 3 city. Staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion recommending the City's participation in the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and Bee City USA program. G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge&Bee City . � . ' WILI)LIFE t� � - � 3�� Mayors' Monarch Pledge Action Items Mayors and local government chief executives who have taken the Mayors' Monarch Pledge must commit to implement at least three of the 25 following action items within a year of taking the pledge. At least one action must be taken from the"Program& Demonstration Gardens"section. Mayors and local government chief executives taking more than eight actions will receive special recognition as part of the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Leadership Circle. NWF will follow up with all mayoral points of contact with a quarterly survey(1/1,4/1,7/1, 10/1)to monitor progress. Please visit www.nwf.or�/mavorsmonarchpledge to take the pledge and access resources. Communications&Convenine: 1) Issue a Proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species' need for habitat. 2) Launch a public communication effort to encourage citizens to plant monarch gardens at their homes or in their neighborhoods. 3) Communicate with community garden groups and urge them to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants. 4) Convene city park and public works department staff and identify opportunities for revised mowing programs and milkweed/native nectar plant planting programs. 5) Convene a meeting with gardening leaders in the community to discuss partnerships to support monarch butterfly conservation. Pro�ram &Demonstration Gardens: 6) Host or support a native plant sale or milkweed seed giveaway event. 7) Facilitate or support a milkweed seed collection and propagation effort. 8) Plant a monarch-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent location. 9) Convert abandoned lots to monarch habitat. 10) Plant milkweed and native nectar plants in medians and public rights-of-way. 11) Launch a program to plant native milkweeds and nectar plants in school gardens by engaging students,teachers and the community. 12) Earn recognition for being a wildlife-friendly city by expanding your action plan to include other wildlife and habitat conservation efforts through a program like the NWF Community Wildlife Habitat program 13) Create a monarch neighborhood challenge to engage neighborhoods and homeowners' associations within the city to create habitat for the monarch butterfly. 14) Initiate or support citizen-science efforts that help monitor monarch migration and health. 15) Add milkweed and nectar producing plants in community gardens. 16) Expand invasive species removal programs to make it possible to re-establish native milkweed and nectar plants to the landscape. 17) Host or support a city monarch butterfly festival. Svstems Chan�e: 18) Remove milkweed from the list of noxious plants in city weed/landscaping ordinances (if applicable). 19) Change weed or mowing ordinances to allow for native prairie and plant habitats. 20) Increase the percentage of native plants,shrubs and trees that must be used in city landscaping ordinances and encourage use of milkweed where appropriate. 21) Direct city property managers to consider the use of native milkweed and nectar plants at city properties where appropriate. 22) Integrate monarch butterfly conservation into the city's Park Master Plan,Sustainability Plan, Climate Resiliency Plan or other city plans. 23) Change landscape ordinances to support integrated pest management and reduced use of pesticides and insecticides. 24) Adopt pesticides practices that are not harmful to pollinators. 25) California Specific: Pass a resolution to protect over-wintering monarch butterfly habitat on public and private lands. RESOULTION DESIGNATING GOLDEN VALLEY AS A BEE CITY USA�AFFILIATE WHEREAS,the mission of BEE CITY USA is to galvanize communities to sustain pollinators; and WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators have experienced population declines due to a combination of habitat loss, use of pesticides,and the spread of pests and diseases; and WHEREAS, creating communities that support pollinators can foster environmental awareness and sustainability WHEREAS, pollinator friendly habitat provides diverse and abundant nectar and pollen sources from native species of plants blooming in succession throughout the growing season WHERAS, Golden Valley should be certified a BEE CITY USA COMMUNITY because of its abundant natural resources and the interest of its residents to promote healthy and diverse ecosystems and protect pollinators NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Golden Valley that: 1. The Golden Valley City Council is hereby designated as the BEE CITY USA sponsor. 2. The Public Works Specialist of Golden Valley is designated the BEE CITY USA liaison. 3. Facilitation of the Golden Valley BEE CITY USA program is assigned to the Golden Valley Garden Club 4. The Golden Valley Garden Club is authorized to, and should: a. Celebration:Annually celebrate National Pollinator Week(third full week in June) or some other appropriate occasion with educational events, pollinator habitat plantings or restoration, proclamations or promotions that showcase Golden Valley's commitment to enhancing pollinator health and habitat b. Publicity&Information: Install and maintain one authorized BEE CITY USA street sign in a prominent location and work with The City to create and maintain a webpage on the Golden Valley website which includes a copy of the resolution, links to the national BEE CITY USA website, contact information for the Golden Valley Garden Club, and reports the Golden Valley Garden Club will submit annually to maintain its BEE CITY USA designation. c. Habitat: Develop a program to create or expand pollinator habitat which can include: i. Identification of public areas that can be enhanced with pollinator-friendly plantings ii. Creation of a recommended native species list and guides for planting your own pollinator-friendly garden iii. Dissemination of informational and educational materials to the public via the BEE CITY USA web page and/or the Golden Valley Garden Club facebook page d. Document Review: Review relevant documents on integrated pest management policies and practices and identify appropriate locations for pollinator friendly plantings and consider other appropriate measures e. Renewal:After completing the first full year as a BEE CITY USA affiliate,each January, apply for renewal of Golden Valley's BEE CITY USA designation following the format provided by BEE CITY USA, including a report of the previous year's BEE CITY USA activities, and paying the renewal fee based on Golden Valley's population ($200 in 2017). PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES—October 2016 ENERGY Building Maintenance staff continue to retrofit LED lighting and room occupying motion sensors within park buildings and other public spaces as resources allow. For example, LED building security lights are added as shelter roofs are replaced. NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN (NRMP) Forestry Park maintenance staff is working with a contractor to plant 60 (2"-2.5" balled and burlapped) shade & evergreen trees throughout the parks and other public properties this fall. The City continues to manage its EAB management plan. Staff has been working on removing 30 to 60 park and open space ash trees annually to help reduce the cities liability/costs due to future expected losses. As a reminder an EAB infestation was identified last year on the west side of Highway 169 in Plymouth. Staff has been working with several volunteers in 2016 to eradicate buckthorn at Hampshire Park, Wesley Park and a few other locations. WATER RESOURCES Honeywell Pond Expansion &Storm Water Reuse Project The City is working with the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission to expand Honeywell Pond and install a storm water recycling system that will help irrigate the Sandburg Athletic Complex. The project will be completed in 2017. Sanitary Sewer Inflow and In�ltration 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 diligently 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, about nine years into the I&I Point of Sale Program, approximately 54% of sewer services in Golden Valley have been inspected and 44% 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 2017 Pavement Management Project, and a significant amount of mains and manholes in the I-394 Corridor Sewer Lining Project. Floodplain Management Zoning Text Amendment to adopt an updated floodplain management code. Recent updates to FEMA maps and study for Hennepin County require the City to adopt a modified floodplain management code in order to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program. The Planning Commission recommended approval (6-0) at its September 12 meeting. The City Council approved the new code (5-0) on October 5. Letters were mailed to property owners in and near the floodplain to inform them about the new maps and encourage them to look into the need for flood insurance. Long-Term Flood Damage Reduction Study for Medicine Lake Road &Winnetka Avenue Area (includes DeCola Ponds neighborhood) The Liberty Development project is underway as the apartment building and utilities are being constructed. Work is also beginning on the City's flood mitigation improvement project adjacent to the development site. Approximately 4 acre-feet of flood storage is being provided over and above the developer's required flood mitigation. The flood storage created by this project will lower the flood levels on Medicine Lake Road by about 1.5 feet and by about 0.3 feet on DeCola Ponds A, B, C, and D. If additional flood storage projects are constructed in the future by the three cities involved in the flood damage reduction study, the flood levels will continue to be lowered within key flood areas. MIGHTY TIDY DAY Mighty Tidy Day was held on October 8th at Brookview Park. A full report including prices and materials collected will be included in the next meeting packet. DEVELOPMENTS Planning Commission Outdoor Storage- Discussion regarding possible Zoning Text Amendments to the current outdoor storage requirements. The Commission received an overview of issues commonly associated with outdoor storage at the August 22 meeting. Staff will focus on issues related to non-residential properties at the October 10 meeting and will address residential properties and auto dealer inventory at future meetings. Specific changes will be brought to the Commission and Council in late 2016 or early 2017. Board of Zoning Appeals 4805 Markay Ridge—Variance from the location requirements as well as the amount of separation required from a principle structure for a recently constructed accessory structure. A shed was built along the side of the garage with 3" of separation instead of the required 10'. The BZA approved the variance (5-0) on September 27. 1825 York Avenue North—Variance from the front yard setback requirements in order to construct a garage addition. The BZA approved the variance (5-0) on September 27. 1115 Hampshire Avenue North—Variance from the front yard setback requirement in order to construct an open front porch. The BZA approved the variance (5-0) on September 27. 4601 Elmdale Road—Variances from the front yard setback requirement in order to construct an open front porch and a home addition. The BZA approved the variance (5-0) on September 27. 1350 Boone Avenue North—Variance from the articulation requirement as part of the addition of a new second story. Scheduled for the October 25 meeting. Other 2040 Comprehensive Plan—Comments from the Kick-off event and Comp Plan website have been collected and will be shared with the City Council and City Commissions. A final scope of work, community engagement plan, and updated schedule for 2017 will be brought to the City Council in December for approval. Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Task Force-The second of four Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Task Force meetings was held on Monday, October 3. At the meeting,the Task Force discussed the overarching goals for the bicycle and pedestrian section of the Comprehensive Plan. They also discussed options for new sidewalks and bikeways as well as intersections that could benefit from safety improvements. The third Task Force meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2017, and staff is expecting to present a set of recommendations from the Task Force to the City Council in late spring/early summer 2017. METRO Blue Line Extension - Following the conclusion of the federal environmental review, the Metropolitan Council approved the Final Environmental Impact Statement on September 28, concluding the state environmental review process as well. The project is now eligible to enter the Engineering phase of work. 60%complete plans are expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2017; 100%complete plans should be finalized in late 2017. Construction is scheduled from 2018 to 2020, with passenger service beginning in 2021. The Met Council also set the final budget for the project at$1.256 billion. local funding for 51% of the cost must be secured by mid-2017 in order to request federal funding from the FTA of $752.73 million. The local share is expected to be split between the Counties Transit Improvement Board ($463.76 million),the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority ($149.6 million),the State of Minnesota ($149.6 million), and smaller amounts between Hennepin County, MnDOT, and Brooklyn Park for specific roadway improvements. An Open House to share evolving station designs as wel) as updates to the 30%complete plans is scheduled for November 10 at Golden Valley City Hall.