11-28-16 EC Agenda AGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
November 28, 2016, Monday @ 6:30pm
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd
Councii Conference Room (across from Council Chambers)
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2016
3. Determination of December Environmental Commission Meeting
4. Resilience/Sustainability Plan update
5. GreenStep Cities BP#29—Action 5, 1 Star Rating—Protect Public Buildings and
Natural/Constructed Infrastructure
(Action requestedJ
6. GreenStep Cities Inventory Update—Hannah Garry
a. Mayor's Monarch Pledge, Bee City USA resolution
(Action requested)
b. Best Practices 1, 4, 10, 16, 18 and 26
(Action requested)
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 include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc.
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
October 24, 2016
Commissioners Present: Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle and Tonia Galonska
Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist and Hannah Garry, GreenCorps
Member
Absent: Council Member Larry Fonnest and Commissioners Tracy Anderson, Jim
Stremel, and Larry Johnson
Call to Order
Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
.;�,,
Approval of Reqular Meetinq Minutes
MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Yahle, and the motion carried unanir�aously to approve
the minutes of the September 26, 2016 regular meeting.
Citv Solar Arrav Presentation
Eric Seaburg gave a presentation to the Commission describing the City's rooftop solar
array systems on the Public Safety Building and P�i`�Maintenance Building installed in
2015. Seaburg also explained how the projects�nrere funded using State grant funding
and third party financing. City Hall was rejected for a projec# due to the types of HVAC
units on the roof. In 2016, the City Council approved a con���ct with Sundial to install
and maintain solar arrays on the Utility MaintenancelS�r`��s maintenance Building. The
Commission voiced its support for these projects and instructed staff to provide this
information to the public via Facebook and the City website. Staff mentioned that
Communication staff is working on this.
Resilience/Sustainabilitv Plan — Comp Plan KickofF Meetinq Results and
CommunitY Survev Results
Eckman explained the City entered into an agreement with Great Plains Institute to help
develop the Resilience/Sustainability Plan. A representative from Great Plains will be
present at a future meeting to work with the Commission on the existing conditions
assessment and goal-setting.
The Commission was provided with data from the comprehensive plan kickoff event
held in September. The most common goal listed by the public at the kickoff meeting
was "Encourage use of renewable energy, including wind, solar, etc." The complete
summary data is on file.
Staff also discussed the results of the Community Survey administered by the Morris
Leatherman Company. A statistically valid random telephone survey of 400 people was
conducted and is done every three years. General results for topics pertaining to the
Environmental Commission include:
Recycle services: 93% rated good or excellent
Storm Drainage/Flood Control: 96% rated good or excellent
Brush Pickup/Mighty Tidy Day programs: 77% somewhat or very important
Curbside Pickup of Composting/Organics: 70% somewhat or very interested
Yard Waste Curbside Pickup: 79% somewhat or very interested
Yard Waste Drop-off: 65% somewhat or very interested
G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2016\10-October\102616 Minutes.doc
Minutes of the Environmental Commission
October 24, 2016
Page2of3
Dirt/Mulch Pickup: 64% somewhat or very interested
Solid Waste - go from open system of 8 haulers to an organized system: 51%
supportive
Plastic Bag Ban: 64% supportive
Community Gardens funded by City: 72% supportive
Most important environmental issue in City: "None" at 18%. However, if you add a
couple of the other related responses together you get "Water Quality" at 19%.
Water Quality of surface waters: 86% rated good or excellent
Concern about invasive species (buckthorn, emerald ash borer, etc): 54°to somewhat or
very concerned
These results along with other information will help inform the drafting of goals and
policies in the upcoming resilience/sustainability plan.
GreenStep Cities BP #29 —Action 1, 3 Star Ratinq — Prepare to Maintain Public
Health and Safetv
The Commission discussed this action at the previous meeting and instructed staff to
make minor changes. Garry provided the Commission with an overview of the final draft
of this entry. The Commission suggested adding language about exploring the use of
assistive technologies for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired.
MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Galonska and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the BP29 Action 1 summary for entry in the GreenStep Cities website
with the additional language and minor formatting changes.
GreenStepCities Inventorv Update — Best Practices 8, 10, 16, and 18
Garry provided the Commission with an overview of best practices #8, #10, #16, and
#18. The Commission reviewed and discussed a number of action items under these
best practices, but did not complete review of all items included in the packet. The
Commission decided that in the future about 45 minutes of each meeting would be
devoted to reviewing and approving Greenstep Cities inventory items until the inventory
is completed.
MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Galonska and the motion carried unanimously to
approve Actions 1, 2 and 7 of Best Practice 8 and Action 1 of Best Practice 10
with grammar and formatting changes for entry in the GreenStep website.
GreenStepCities Inventorv Update — Mayor's Monarch Pledqe, Bee Citv USA
Resolution.
Tabled to next meeting, November 28, 2016.
Proqram/Proiect Updates
The complete program/project updates will be discussed at the November 28, 2016.
Commission Member Council Reports
None at this time.
G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2016\10-October\102616 Minutes.doc
Minutes of the Environmental Commission
October 24, 2016
Page 3 of 3
Council Updates
None at this time.
Other Business
Commission needs to schedule/determine date of December 2016 meeting and
requested staff to include this agenda item for the November 28, 2016 meeting.
Ad�ourn
MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Yahle, and the motion carried to adjourn the
meeting at 8:30 pm.
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�11�C�. �� Physical Development Department
763-593-8030/763-593-3988(fax)
Date: November 16, 2016
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
Subject: December commission meeting
The date of the December Commission meeting is Monday, December 26. However, City Hall will
be closed in observance of Christmas Day.
The meeting could potentially be changed to December 19th, or December 12th as an alternative.
Please hold these dates open and be prepared to discuss this at the November Commission
meeting.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\December meeting date.docx
city of
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Vt�. E.'� Physical Development Department
763-593-8030/7b3-593-3988(fax}
Date: November 17, 2016
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
Subject: Update on Resilience & Sustainability Plan
The City received an environmental assistance grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to hire
a consultant to assist in the development of a Resilience and Sustainability Plan.Once completed the plan
will be included in the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan.The Environmental Commission identified this
project as its top priority in the 2016 annual work plan.
The City completed a request for proposals process and selected Great Plains Institute as its consultant to
help guide the planning process and draft the plan.The project team held a kickoff meeting on November
8.
The project deliverables include:
• Inventory of existing conditions(risk&vulnerability assessment)
• Completion of Greenstep Cities actions related to the inventory
• Community engagement strategy and facilitation
• Develop vision,goals, objectives, and strategies
• Draft the plan
The project milestone schedule follows:
• November 2016-January 2017 Existing conditions inventory/assessment
• January 2017 Meet with Environmental Commission
� February 2017 Community/stakeholder meeting
• March-April 2017 Develop goals, objectives, policies, strategies
• April 2017 Meet with Environmental Commission
• May-June 2017 Draft the Plan
• June/July 2017 Review Plan with Environmental Commission
In addition to the meetings identified above,there may be additional opportunities to facilitate meetings
with various City staff,the community and targeted stakeholder groups. In addition, staff will provide a
monthly update to the Commission asking for input and feedback throughout the project.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Resilience-Sustainability Plan update.docx
city of�
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V�. �..''� Physical Development Department
763-593-8030/763-593-3988(fax)
Date: November 16, 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 5—Protect Public Buildings and Natural/Constructed Infrastructure
At its October 2016 meeting,the Environmental Commission agreed to move ahead to its next
priority under GreenStep Cities Best Practice 29, Action # 5. This action involves preparing public
buildings and infrastructure for extreme weather events that will be brought on by changes to
climate. Following is Action #5 and its 1 star rating as they are defined on the GreenStep Cities
website.
Action#5 Protect public buildings and natural/constructed infrastructure to reduce
physical damage and sustain their function during extreme weather events.
1 Star Rating— Inventory and/or map your sanitary sewer system, gray and green
stormwater infrastructure, city roads and bridges, and municipal power lines.
Below is a draft of this GreenStep action item provided in the website's format. Please review this
for discussion at the November 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 Physical Development Department implements an on-call system with an emergency "red
book" which provides staff with critical maps (including sanitary sewer system, gray/green
stormwater infrastructure and water supply mains), procedural information, and contacts during
emergency events and disasters. Information in the book is updated on a continuous basis.
The City is cooperating with the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission to develop a
hydrologic and hydraulic model of the watershed. Once completed, this model will be used to
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
identify areas of the City that are at risk of flood damage to assist in planning and preparedness
efforts. In partnership with the watershed, the City is engaged in an ongoing effort to stabilize
streambanks for erosion controt, water quality protection and flood mitigation.
As of 2015 the City had 120 miles of street, most of which had been reconstructed under the
Pavement Management Plan (PMP) including subgrade correction, installation of curb and gutter,
and in some cases, repair and replacement of sanitary sewer and water mains. The PMP
emphasizes preservation to maximize the useful life of the street (maintenance measures result
in an anticipated pavement lifespan of 50 to 60 years). Golden Valley maintains 113 miles of
sanitary sewer (consisting of gravity mains, lift stations, and force mains), 75%of which is over 50
years old. The City also maintains 136 miles of water mains serving the community, 69%of which
is over 50 years old. The City has 83 miles of storm sewer pipe, 33 miles of drain tile, 3,083 catch
basins, and manages 54 ponds and wetlands, 29 constructed sedimentation basins, and 4
bioretention basins/rain gardens.
OUTCOME MEASURES/METRICS
Several sections of streets within the City have been identified as being at risk of becoming
inundated during the 1%annual chance flood event (100-year flood). One utility accessory
building has been identified as being at risk of flooding during the 1% annual chance flood event.
The City has a flood preparation checklist that lists creek crossings, bridges, culverts and streets
for City staff to monitor during large precipitation events. The 2016 FEMA Flood Insurance Study
indicates that all bridges/culverts in Golden Valley have the capacity to contain discharge during
the 1% annual chance flood event and all but 3 have the capacity to contain discharge during the
0.2% annual chance flood event (500 year flood).
As of 2016 the City has restored and stabilized 5.2 miles along shoreline of streams and
drainageways.
DESCRIPTIVE LINKS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Eric Eckman (Public Works Specialist)/eeckman(q)�oldenvalleymn.�ov/763-593-8084
PARTNERS
Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
Joint Water Commission (Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope)
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763-593-8030/763-593-3988 ifax)
Date: November 16, 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 local
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
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).
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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 speciat 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�/mavorsmonarchpled�e to take the pledge and access resources.
Communications&Convenin�:
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.
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763-593-8030/763-593-3988(fax}
Date: November 16, 2016
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
Hannah Garry, MN GreenCorps Member
Subject: GreenStep Cities Inventory Update:
Best Practice 1, 4, 10, 16, 18, and 26
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 16 entries describe actions that the City has already completed or are ongoing and
serve as a way to benchmark Golden Valley for future progress in the GreenStep Cities program.
After being rated these entries should be sufficient for completion of Best Practice 1, 4, 10, 16, 18
and 26.
Please review these for the November 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 1—Efficient Existing Public Buildings
Action# 1 Enter building information into B3 Benchmarking database
Action#2 Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes
Action#5 New construction qualifies under green building framework
Best Practice 4—Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals
Action #4 Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing so as minimize
car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds
Action #5 Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking
lot or parking project
Action #8 Replace the city's existing traffic signals with LEDs
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Best Practice 10—Design for Natural Resource Conservation
Action #5 Develop/fund a conservation easement program
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 practices that maximize
sustainability
Action#8 Involve community in hands-on land restoration and stewardship
Best Practice 26—Renewable Energy
Action # 1 Adopt solar energy standards or a wind energy ordinance
Action#5 Install a municipally owned renewable energy technology
BP1—Efficient Existing Public Buildings
Action#1—Enter building information into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking database and routinely
enter monthly energy,water use data for all city-owned buildings
• One star: Complete the Building Editor for each city-owned building; identify the person
responsible for routinely entering data; enter current(at least once/90 days), consecutive
monthly energy use data ongoing; also best to enter 12 consecutive months of historical energy
use data
• Two star:Complete 1 Star criterion and enter 24 consecutive months of historical data;
routinely validate newly entered data by looking at patterns/trends and inconsistencies; correct
inaccurate entries and identify potential opportunities for energy savings
• Three star:Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria, routinely ID energy-related operations and
maintenance issues and poorer performing buildings for follow-up action; routinely enter
current and consecutive (monthly or quarterly as available)water use data ongoing
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
10 years of energy use data has been entered for 20 City-owned buildings. Consecutive monthly energy
use data is entered about every 6 months for all 20 buildings by the recycling coordinator.Trends and
opportunities for energy savings are reviewed by staff and presented to the Environmental Commission
on an annual basis.
For more information contact:
Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
eeckman@goldenvallevrr�n.gov
(763)593-8084
BP1—Efficient Existing Public Buildings
Action#2—Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to
reduce energy costs.
• One star: Implement changes in one poorer-performing building and summarize the actions
taken: updating temperature,ventilation and lighting schedules and setbacks; installing
building-wide computer and office equipment power management software; assigning
responsibility for turning off manual lights and other shared equipment; assuring that routine
HVAC maintenance schedules are thorough and implemented at appropriate intervals; revising
janitorial schedules to day-time hours; adjusting janitorial responsibilities to include regular
cleaning of sensors, lamps and HVAC vents; installing lower-flow faucet aerators,dish sprayers,
and showerheads to reduce hot water use
• Two star: Complete 1 Star criterion for two buildings. Post the Print Screen of the Baseline tab
for one of the buildings with the Energy gauge showing at least a 5%decrease in energy use
compared to the baseline period [12 months immediately prior to implementing changes].
Continue fine-tuning operations and maintenance procedures and monitoring energy usage to
identify opportunities for additional savings
• Three star: Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria for two buildings. Use 63 to report at least a 10%
decrease in energy use compared to the baseline period
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
The City is in the process of changing out T12 fluorescent light ballasts and bulbs for more efficient T8
ballasts and bulbs in all of its buildings. Motion activated lighting was added when the bottom level of
City Hall was remodeled in the spring of 2016. Motion sensors have also been installed in approximately
10 locations for locker rooms and offices in City owned buildings.
For more information contact:
AI Lundstrom
Park Maintenance Supervisor
alundstromC��oldenvallevmn.�ov
(763)593-8046
BP1—Efficient Public Buildings
Action#5—Document that the new construction or major remodeling of a public building has met or
qualifies under a green building or energy framework
• One star: Report one city building or school, or county/other government building, and which
framework was used
• Two star: Complete 1 Star criteria for two buildings, and list at what level the buildings are
certified. Report energy use reduction in remodels
• Three star: Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria for two buildings. In addition, show that one of the
remodeled buildings has met or been certified at gold-equivalent or better, and that the actual
energy use of the building is less than or equal to the MN Sustainable Building 2030 Energy
Standards for Years 2010-15 for Remodeling
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details
The new Brookview Community Center is being built to LEED Silver certification standards.Some of the
planned green building features include LEV and bicycle parking, solar reflective roof and terrace and
stormwater quality control features. High efficiency boilers and water heaters will also be installed.The
complete project is 99.1% LED.The exterior site lighting design is 67%more efficient than required by
current Minnesota energy code and the interior lighting design is 13%more efficient than required by
current Minnesota energy code.The new Brookview Community Center is scheduled to be completed
July 2018.
For more information contact:
Rick Birno
Director of Parks and Recreation
rbirno@�oldenvall.�mn,gov
(763) 512-2342
Descriptive Links:
http://www.�oldenvallevmn.�ov/recreation/brookview/brookview-studv php
BP4—Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals
Action#4—Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing so as minimize car idling at
intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.
• One star: Report synchronized traffic signals,flashing yellow left turn arrow signals, installation
of detectors in at least 10%of city signals (operated under traffic accentuated/responsive mode)
• Two star:Work with the county/MnDOT to interconnect traffic signals and coordinate them in
one corridor; install one or more bicycle crossing signal detectors
• Three star:Work with the county/MnDOT to interconnect/coordinate among traffic signals and
synchronize them along several corridors
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
All 43 traffic signals in Golden Valley have loop detectors to minimize idling.All of the traffic signals
along Highway 55 from Wirth Parkway west to Medina are interconnected to minimize car idling and
promote the efficient flow of traffic. Some signals in Golden Valley that are close to Highway 55, such as
the Golden Valley Road and Boone Avenue North intersection, are also coordinated.All new County
signals are being upgraded to include video detection as well.
There are flashing yellow left turn signals at the intersection of Golden Valley Rd and Winnetka Ave N
and at the intersection of Xenia Ave and Golden Hills Drive.
Two of Golden Valley's first roundabouts are being built as part of the reconstruction of Douglas Drive,
one will be open to traffic sometime in late November 2016 and the other will be constructed during the
summer of 2017.These will increase the flow of traffic and reduce idling.
For more information contact:
Jeff Oliver, City Engineer
(763)593-8034
joliver@�oldenvalleymn.�ov
BP4—Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals
Action#5—Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
• One star: Install at least one LED/solar-powered flashing sign,for example,warning flashers and
wayfinding/signage lighting
• Two star: Install PV-powered or LED lighting as a pilot in a street, parking lot or park project.
• Three star: Install routinely, as matter of policy, LED or solar powered lighting in street, parking
lot or park projects.
Golden Vallev
Implementation Details:
The entire City Hall campus exterior lighting system has been converted to LED (signs, parking lot lights,
bollards, security lights). In addition, building maintenance staff retrofits LED lighting within park
buildings and other public spaces as resources allow. LED building security lights are added as park
shelter roofs are replaced.The City is working on creating an up to date inventory of these conversions.
Outcome metrics/measures:
The City Hall parking lot was retrofit with LEDs in 2013 resulting in an 18,967 kWh decrease in annual
power consumption between 2013 and 2014. In 2013 the cost of electric consumption from that parking
lot was$3,172.86 per year, in 2014 it was$1,436.00 (difference of$1,736.86).
For more information contact:
AI Lundstrom, Park Maintenance Supervisor
(763) 593-8046
alundstrom@goldenvalleymn.gov
Parking Lot Lighting
Parking Lot Annual Power Consumption
45,000
� 40,0�0 t _....._ �
�
� 35,000 , '
� _..___ �
0 30,000 40,687 ___._ _____.
Q- 25,000 `: 40,965 39,407 38,645 f / � �
35,965 ' �
� 20,000 . 34,874 38,199 37,946
0
L 15,000 : ___ __
v '
0 10,000 � _._____..____, _--_..________�__._.._._�_.r._.._________.._.._ 18,979
18,815
� 5,000 � _ _ _
0 �
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Year
Parking Lot Annual Electric Costs
$3,500 :
I f
..�
^ $3,000 � ��..r,,� . . $3,172.86 . �
� �_,..,,.m,:.k u,_.ww.
� , .,�.���.. �, .v,���.��
o $2,500
�
� _. �
.� $2,909.08 � �
� $2,000 � � , ' i
� _ _
$2,760.98 $2,861.10 $2,850.38 $2,894.62 $2,815.21 $3,099.60 �
c $1,500 ';
0
U �.,, - ��..
3 $1,000 _.,.---_.�___.._�_�__..._._ .._...---._._.____.__..�__..___.�_._.�__._-
o $1,436.00 $1,323.10
a $500 i _
$0 ` _ __ _ __
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Year
BP4—Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals
Action#8—Replace the city's existing traffic signals with LEDs.
• One star: Replace 1/3 of the city's existing traffic signals
• Two star: Replace 2/3 of the city's existing traffic signals
• Three star: Replace 100%of the city's existing traffic signals
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details
About 57%traffic bulbs in Golden Valley are LEDs(982 bulbs out of 1,708 bulbs).41%of the state owned
bulbs are LEDs(281 bulbs out of 685 bulbs) and about 52%of the county owned bulbs are LEDs(347 out
of 669 bulbs). 100%of traffic bulbs that the City owns(354 bulbs) have been replaced with LEDs.
Outcome measures/metrics
In 2009, before traffic signals were replaced with LEDs,the City's annual power consumption for traffic
signals was 277,028 kWh. Since replacing traffic signal bulbs with LEDs in 2010, annual power
consumption has dropped to 116,827 kWh in 2015 (a reduction of 160,201 kWh from 2009 levels).
Annual costs related to traffic signals have decreased as well. In 2009 operation of traffic signals cost the
City$31,923.73, after replacing bulbs with LEDs traffic signals cost the City$23,053.16 (a difference of
$8,870.57 per year). In 2015 traffic signals cost the City$16,566.33 (a $15,357.40 decrease from cost in
2009).
For more information contact
Tim Kieffer, Street Maintenance Supervisor
(763) 593-3960
tkieffer@�oldenvallevmn.�ov
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signal Annual Power Consumption
350,000
L 300,000 ; __.__..___.----._.___�_�_______ '
�
� 250,000 = ._�__.__.__�,_wu�__,__..__��.__�_._..�..__.___.___�_ �
0 318,355
a 200,000 304,679
___.__ __.__.._____..___ _____---_._.�__...-- i
� 277,028 �
� 150,000 ',, _.._�_ ;
0
v
v 100,000
163,844
� 50,000 ' 132,305 132,041
112,439 116,827
, 0 _
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Year
Traffic Signal Annual Electric Costs
$ao,000 ,
$35,000 -���.-.,.,_.: ._._ . _._.._..__�.____...____�_______...___.._____________.__ I
_._.__ .. . ,�_
L . rY � , .... ,�r,.�.4 i
� �3�,��� !. . ...... . ....... .._._.. _....... .._.... ....... ......... ...... ... �
u $35,418.31 i
.� $25,000 r $34,593.36 _ _ _ _ __ '
� _ ;
o- .�.
� $20,000 r __ $31,923J3 ��'' .., ��... _.___.._.... �
�,�.
�N �
; _,�r�--� � ..._. �
v $15,000 j v ���
� � $23,053.16-� n�-..,._��, ...�
o $10,000 ; $17,542.50
a $18,936.54 $16,585.10 \
$5,000 $16,566.33
$�
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Year
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 Entry
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
eeckmanCc@�oldenvallevmn.�ov
(763)-593-8084
Descriptive links:
Environmental State of the City 2015:
http://www.goldenvallevmn.gov/boards/environmental/environmental-state-of-the-citv-report-
2015.qdf
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
alundstrom@goldenvalleymn.�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 Entrv
Implementation Details:
The 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 aerial photos and digital inventorying 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
alundstror��oldenvallevmn.gov
(763)-593-8046
Tim Teynor, City Forester
t�nor@�oldenvalleymn.�ov
(763)-593-3976
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 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, 60(2"-2.5" balled and burlapped) shade and evergreen trees were planted throughout the
parks and other public properties.
For more information contact:
AI Lundstrom, Park Maintenance Supervisor
alundstrom@Qoldenvalleymn.�ov
(763)-593-8046
Tim Teynor, City Forester
ttevnor@�oldenvallevmn.gov
(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 Entry
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 Golden Valley 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
alundstrorn@goldenvallevmn.�ov
(763)-593-8046
Best Practice 16—Urban Forests
Tim Teynor,City Forester
tteynor@goldenva IIeYm n.�ov
(763)-593-3976
Descriptive links:
http://dotapp7.dot.state.mn.us/plant/
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, approximately
54.7 acres per 1000 residents (population 20,866).
For more information contact:
Eric Eckman
Public Works Specialist
eeckr7�an@�oldenvalleymn.�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 Entry
Implementation Details:
For over 20 years, Golden Valley has contracted with a professional consultant to assist in managing 25
native buffer areas using integrated pest management.The City 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. Overall spot
treatment of herbicide 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 MPCA.
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
alundstrom@�oldenvalleymn.Qov
(763)-593-8046
Descriptive links:
Environmental State of the City 2015:
http://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/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 Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
Golden Valley runs 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 or
organizations in Golden Valley through the Adopt-a-park program. 1 resident and 2 organizations
participated in the Adopt-a-pond program and maintained a total of 8 ponds. 1 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
http://www.�oldenvallevmn.gov/surfacewater/storm-drain-adoption.php
Storm Drain Stenciling Web Map
htt�s•//www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=2ad42fbbddd94d7482fe31fe3f51790f
For more information contact:
Eric Eckman
Public Works Specialist
(763)-593-8084
eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov
BP26—Renewable Energy
Action#1: Adopt solar energy standards or a wind energy ordinance that allows or encourages
appropriate renewable energy installations.
• One star: Ensure that solar and wind energy installations are allowed land uses for appropriate
zoning districts within the zoning code. Report any resulting installed capacity in kW
• Two star:Adopt the Minnesota Solar Challenge land use best practices or a wind ordinance with
provisions that promote rather than restrict renewable energy installations. Include incentive
provisions such as fee guidelines,fast-tracking permits(as noted in action 26.7). Note land use
or street standards that maximize solar orientation of buildings. Report any resulting installed
capacity in kW
• Three star:Adopt solar energy standards and a wind energy ordinance AND require renewable
energy installations or RE-ready buildings when the city is a financial participant in a project.
Report any resulting installed capacity in kW
Golden Vallev Entry
Implementation Details
The City has a Solar Energy Systems Ordinance (11.75 in City Code)that allows solar energy systems in
all zoning districts provided it meets the requirements outlined in subdivision 3 of the code.The Wind
Energy Conservation Systems Ordinance (11.74 in City Code) allows both mounted and freestanding
wind energy conversion systems in all zoning districts except the Single Family Zoning District,
Moderate, Medium, and High Density Residential Zoning Districts as well as Shoreland Overlay Districts
provided they meet the requirements outlined in subdivisions 3-5 of the code.The purpose of these
ordinances is to clearly define the standards for installing solar or wind energy systems,to ensure they
are used in a safe and effective manner and make approval of such equipment accessible to residents.
Outcome measures/metrics
A total of 9 residents, 5 businesses, and 2 public buildings were issued building permits for solar panels
since the City began keeping electronic permit records in 2001.The reported aggregate value of these
installations is$363,793.
For more information contact:
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager
�z� immerman@�oldenvalleymn.gov
(763) 593-8099
Descriptive Links
http://weblink.ci.�olden-vallev.mr�.us/Public/DocView.aspx?id=355825&searchid=bfeea8cb-21bb-42a8-
90ee-607239b04a1c&dbid=2
http://weblink.ci.�olden-vallev.mn.us/Public/DocView.aspx?id=502403&searchid=bf94fa26-8261-4ea4-
91dd-39066f3b636c&dbid=2
BP26—Renewable Energy
Action#5—Install a public sector/municipally owned renewable energy technology, such as solar
electric (PV), biomass, solar hot water/air, micro-hydro or wind
• One star: Describe any public sector project and report installed capacity in kW
• Two star: Install at least two different RE technologies and report installed capacity in kW; show
that a RE installation has shaved off peak energy demand and allowed the monthly utility
demand charge to be decreased
• Three star: Install RE capacity in excess of 100 kW; report combined heat and power generation
Golden Vallev Entry
Implementation Details:
In 2015 Golden Valley added two photo voltaic arrays on public buildings that were funded through
partnerships with the Made in Minnesota Solar program and power purchasing agreements with New
Energy Equity(NEE).The Public Safety Building has a 40 kW capacity grid and the Park Maintenance
Building has a 40 kW capacity grid both owned and operated by Sundial Solar.The City buys power from
Sundial at a rate that is lower than what is offered by Xcel Energy($0.085/kWh as opposed to
$0.11/kWh). In the event that there is excess energy, it is pumped into the Xcel power grid and the City
receives a credit on its monthly Xcel statement.
In 2016 the City committed to installing two additional solar projects: a 40 kW capacity grid on the
Utility Maintenance Building and a 40 kW capacity grid on the Streets Maintenance Building. Both arrays
will be maintained and operated by Sundial Solar.The systems are expected to fulfil 75%of the Utility
Maintenance Building's power and 100%of the Streets Maintenance Building's power.
Outcome measures/metrics:
It is estimated that the array on the Public Safety Building has generated 47,335.36 kWh so far, fulfilling
15%of the building's power demand (360,000 kWh annually)and saving the City$1,183.38 to-date.
It is estimated that the array on the Park Maintenance Building has generated 41,194.17 kWh so far,
fulfilling 100%of the building's power demand (39,000 kWh annually) and saving the City$1,1029.85 to-
date.
In a little less than a year,the arrays installed in 2015 have offset an estimated 127,624 Ibs. (approx. 64
tons) of carbon dioxide that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere.
For more information contact:
Tom Hoffman,Water Resources Technician
thoffman@�oldenvallevmn.�ov
(763) 593-8044
Partners:
Xcel energy
Made in Minnesota Solar
Sundial Solar
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES—November 2016
ENERGY
Buildings and Lighting
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.
Xcel Energy Street Lighting Replacement
Xcel will be replacing existing street lights with more efficient LEDs in Golden Valley at the
beginning of 2017. The effort will involve converting Xcel Energy-owned streetlights from
cobra-head style, high pressure sodium fixtures to new, more energy-efficient fixtures using
LEDs. Xcel is offering this service at no up-front cost to customers and they predict that
communities will save 4-5%on their street lighting bill after the conversion has been
completed.
After evaluating options, Xcel determined that all fixtures will have a color temperature of
4,OOOK to maximize efficiency. This produces a neutral bright cool white effect. The lighting will
be directional and will result in less glare and spillover. Following replacement, residents may
contact Xcel with any concerns or comments, and upon investigation the fixture placement and
angle may be adjusted. More information is available at:
https://www.xcelenergy.com/workin� with us/municipalities/outdoor li�htin�/community-
wide led street li�htin� upgrades
and https://www.xcelener�y.com/staticfiles/xe/PDF/MN-LED-Street-Lighting-Info-Sheet.pdf.
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 City's 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, Wildwood 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 Infiltration
The City of Golden Valley has been actively working to reduce Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)
sanitary sewer flows since MCES notified the City of a peak discharge violation in 2005. Since
that time, the City and the private sector have been working 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, streets and utilities
are being constructed. Work has also begun 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 areas.
DEVELOPMENTS
See attached Planning Report
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 lanuary
11, 2017, and staff is expecting to present a set of recommendations from the Task Force to the
City Counci) in late spring/early summer 2017.
Eckman, Eric
From: Zimmerman,Jason
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2016 11:05 AM
To: Bradley Prchal; Chris Bennett; Goellner, Emily; Golden Valley Council Members;Golden
Valley M-Team; Eckman, Eric; Hansen,Joe; Kieffer, Tim; Loomis, Steve; Lundstrom, AI;
Oliver,Jeff;Tracy, Bert;John Mott; McGuire Brigl, Chloe; Nally,Judy;Wittman, Lisa; Amy
Blenker;Andy Johnson; Cathy Waldhauser; Chuck Segelbaum;John Kluchka; Rich Baker;
Ron Blum
Subject: The Planning Report - Nov 16, 2016
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The Planning Report is published twice a month to keep City Council Members and Commissioners apprised
of current applications, to summarize action taken, and to report on items related to the physical
development of Golden Valley.
NOV 16, 2016
Outdoor Storage—Discussion regarding possible Zoning Text Amendments to the current outdoor storage
requirements. The Commission reviewed concepts related to outdoor storage on non-residential
properties, for auto dealership inventory, and on residential properties at three meetings in October and
November. A summary of the discussions will be brought to the Council/Manager meeting in February for
feedback before specific changes to code language are drafted. These are expected to be presented to the
Commission and Council in early 2017.
5635, 5701, 5743, and 5747 Glenwood Avenue (Glenwood Senior Living)—Preliminary Planned Unit
Development, Rezoning, and Comprehensive Plan Amendment to allow for the construction of a 146 unit
senior living building at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Xenia Avenue South. The existing single family
home and duplex would be demolished and a new property boundary with the apartments to the west
would be established. The five story building would provide Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
housing for seniors. As part of the proposal, two properties would be rezoned from R-1 to R-4 as well as be
reguided from Medium High Density Residential to High Density Residential. Public amenities associated
with the PUD are proposed to be a Community Garden, Enhanced Stormwater Management, Enhanced
Exterior Lighting, and Enhanced Landscaping. A hearing has been delayed while the site plan and access
points are being revised.
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700 Colorado Avenue South (Morrie's)—Conditional Use Permit to allow for the establishment of an auto
rental business (Morrie's Heritage Car Connection, to relocate from their current operation site at 710
Pennsylvania Avenue South) and accessory auto detailing and installation within an existing building. In
addition, the proposal calls for the site to be used for the storage of cars related to the Heritage Car
Connection and other dealership inventory and to provide space for training for employees. The
Commission recommended approval (7-0) on November 14. Scheduled for the December 6 meeting.
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1136 Welcome Circle—Variance from the front yard setback requirement in order to construct a deck.
Scheduled for the November 28 meeting.
6300 Olson Memorial Highway—Variance from the front yard landscaping requirement in order to account
for the construction of the Luce Line Trail along Douglas Drive. Scheduled for the November 28 meeting.
1350 Boone Avenue North—Variance from the articulation requirement as part of the addition of a new
second story. This was discussed at the October 25 meeting and was tabled to allow the applicant to
provide additional information.
2040 Comprehensive Plan—Staff will lay out the proposed schedule for preparing and approving the
Comprehensive Plan update at the Council/Manager meeting on December 13. The main points of each
chapter will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council early in the process and then each
chapter will be brought back for an informal review by the Joint Commissions and the City Council prior to
the official public hearings. This document is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 and will be
shared with neighboring communities before being submitted to the Metropolitan Council in early 2018.
Additional information about current development projects may be found on the �r�ty �fet�s;te.
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