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2017-01-23 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION January 23, 2016, Monday Council Conference Room (across from Council Chambers) Immediately after the Joint Commissions€ Meeting which Is 5:30p to 7:00p In the Council Chambers Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 28, 2016 (5 min) 3. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2016 (5 min) 4. Sustainability & Resilience Plan update - GPI Presentation (60 min) S. Program/Project Updates (5 min) 6. Commission Member Council Reports 7. Council Updates S. Other Business 9. Adjourn This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72 -hour request. Please call 783-5938006 CITY: 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 November 28, 2016 Commissioners Present: Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Tracy Anderson, Jim Stremel, Larry Johnson, and Council Member Larry Fonnest Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist and Hannah Garry, GreenCorps Member Call to Order Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Yahle, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the October 24, 2016 regular meeting. Determination of December Environmental Commission Meetina The next Environmental Commission Meeting is scheduled for December 26, 2016. City Hall will be closed in observance of Christmas. Staff suggested two alternative dates of December 19th and December 12th. After discussion, the Commission agreed to December 19, 2016 as the next scheduled Environmental Commission Meeting. Resilience and Sustainability Plan Update Eckman explained 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. Staff then explained the proposal process and listed the project deliverables: • 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 Staff then gave an overview of the project schedule • November 2016 — January 2017: Existing conditions inventory/assessment • January 2017: Meet with the Environmental Commission • February 2017: Community/stakeholder meeting • March — April 2017: Develop goals, objectives, policies, and strategies • April 2017: Meet with the Environmental Commission • May — June 2017: Draft the Plan • June — July 2017 Review Plan with Environmental Commission GAEnvironmental Comm ission\Minutes\2016\11 - November\112816 Minutes.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission November 28, 2016 Page 2of3 The Commission provided suggestions and ideas regarding the community engagement/stakeholder meetings. Staff will provide a monthly update to the Commission and is requesting input and feedback throughout the project. Best Practice 29 Climate Adaption and Community Resilience Action 5 — Protect Public Buildings and Natural/Constructed Infrastructure Garry provided the Commission with an overview of best practices 29, Action 5 and the City's proposed entry that meets the 1 -star rating. The Commission suggested minor revisions including removing the language regarding the municipal power lines. MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Johnson and the motion carried unanimously to Approve Best Practice 29 Climate Adaption and Community Resilience Action 5 — Protect Public Buildings and Natural/Constructed Infrastructure - 1 -star rating summary. Mayors' Monarch Pledge and Bee City USA Staff presented information on these two programs that increase awareness and action regarding pollinators and pollinator habitat. The programs were brought to the attention of staff by community members and the Golden Valley Garden Club. Staff reviewed the programs and found that they fit within GreenSteps Cities and our existing and planned actions regarding pollinators, habitat, and natural resource education/awareness. The Commission thoughtfully reviewed and discussed the information presented, but ultimately was not able to support the City's participation in the programs for reasons listed below: • The programs were too specific in their focus on only monarchs and bees, rather than all pollinators • Concerns about the potential increase in City resources required to administer new programs • Concerns about doing work that furthers the interests and agendas of non -profits (i.e. the National Wildlife Federation in the case of the Mayor's Monarch Pledge) The Commission acknowledged the importance of pollinators, habitat, awareness, and reduced pesticide use. They acknowledged that the City has been doing a lot with respect to pollinators recently and that it can continue its good work without the formality of these new programs. The Commission also expressed an interest in possibly creating a more broad policy regarding pollinators in the future if it fits into their work plan. They also expressed their appreciation for the Garden Club's interest in increasing pollinator habitat and awareness. Staff will ensure that the City continues its existing and planned work on pollinators and completes GreenSteps Cities actions without participation in the new programs. The City will continue its relationship with the Garden Club and look for ways to achieve mutually beneficial goals in 2017 and beyond. G:\Environmental Comm ission\Minutes\2016\11 - November\112816 Minutes.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission November 28, 2016 Page 3of3 The Commission made two separate motions in consideration of participation in the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and Bee City USA programs. Moved by Hill SECONDED by Anderson to participate in the Mayor's Monarch Pledge. All voted nay. MOTION Failed. MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Anderson and the motion carried to not participate in the Bee City USA program. GreenStep Cities Inventory Update: Best Practice 1, 4, 10, 16, 18, and 26 The following entries were reviewed, discussed and approved by the Commission with minor revisions. 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 MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Johnson and the motion carried unanimously to approve GreenStep Cities Inventory Update: Best Practices 1 and 4 for entry in the GreenStep Cities website with minor editing and formatting. Program/Project Updates Staff reviewed with the Commission the Program/Project Updates for November 2016. Commission Member Council Re None at this time. Council Updates None at this time. Other Business Adjourn MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Anderson and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm. GAEnvironmental Commission\Minutes\2016\11 - November\112816 Minutes.doc GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting, Minutes December 19, 2016 Commissioners Present: Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Tracy Anderson, Jim Stremel, and Larry Johnson Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist and Hannah Garry, GreenCorps Member Absent: Council Member Larry Fonnest Call to Order Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes November 26, 2016. NO MOTION. NOT APPROVED. Corrections will be made and the revised minutes will be presented at the next scheduled meeting on January 23, 2017. Resilience and Sustainability Plan Update Eckman reviewed with the Commission the outline for the existing conditions assessment which will detail the community's risk and vulnerability to a variety of acute and chronic stressors. The results of the assessment will be brought before the Commission in early 2017. Best Practice 29 Climate Adaption and Community Resilience Action 5, 2 Star Rating — Assess City Owned Buildings and Sites for Vulnerabilities to extreme weather Garry provided the Commission with an overview of best practice 29, action 5 and the City's proposed website entry that meets the 2 -star rating. The Commission suggested minor revisions including removing the language regarding the municipal -owned power lines. MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Stremmel and the motion carried unanimously to Approve Best Practice 29 Climate Adaption and Community Resilience Action 5, 2 Star Rating — Access City Owned Buildings and Sites for Vulnerabilities to Extreme Weather. GreenStep Cities Inventory — Best Practices 10, 16, 18 and 26 Garry provided the Commission with an overview of Best Practices 10, 16, 18, and 26. The Commission suggested minor revisions. Best Practice #10 to include wetland information describing banked and credit acreage and the calculation per resident of the forestry expenditures. Best Practice #16 to be more specific of industry tree and shrub planting practices. Best Practice #16 be more specific on the 10-20-30 forestry general rule of thumb description. Best Practice #18 to insert the 2016 population. MOVED by Hill SECONDED by Johnson and the motion carried unanimously to Approve GreenStep Cities Inventory — Best Practices 10, 16, 18 and 26. Program/Project Updates GAEnvironmental Comm ission\Minutes\2016\12 - December\121916 Minutes.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission December 19, 2016 Page 2of2 Staff reviewed with the Commission the Program/Project Updates for December, including an energy update on Solar, Lighting and Buildings. The Commission inquired as to an update on the Blue Line which is now in the engineering phase of the project. Commission Member Council Reports None at this time. Council Updates None at this time. Other Business The Commission requested staff to include all Environmental Commission minutes to the City Council monthly. The Commission discussed the 2017 meeting dates and did not make changes at this time. Adjourn MOVED by Johnson, SECONDED by Anderson and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm. E_ 0 GAEnvironmental Commission\Minutes\2016\12 - December\121916 Minutes.doc Ct� o ' golden- MEMORANDUM i. a Physical Development Department 7163-593-8030 f 763-593-3988 (fax) Date: January 17, 2017 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Subject: Resilience and Sustainability Plan - Existing Conditions Assessment and Resident Survey The City continues to work on the development of a Resilience and Sustainability Plan with its consultant, Great Plains Institute (GPI), and the Environmental Commission. One element of the Resilience and Sustainability plan is a risk and vulnerability assessment Inventorying existing conditions In the City. The draft assessment Is attached to this memorandum. Please review prior to the January Commission meeting. Representatives from GPI will be present at the meeting to share information, gather input, and answer questions. A resident survey is also being developed and will be promoted via the City's webpage, social media and newsletter beginning the week of January 23rd. The survey is a key element of the plan's community engagement strategy. Feedback from the survey will be used to help determine the community's resilience and sustainability related goals and will be Incorporated into the final Resilience and Sustainability Plan. GAEnvinonmental CommleelonWOMOBlROWDOnce Assearnent and SurvW.docx y 1 i Yp f� GREAT PLAINS IM=Tf MTE ;� r '�rplRBdlr+�go �� y� Ip Vulnerability Assessment Summary Climate Hazards The 2013 Report of the Interagency Climate Adaptation Team suggests Minnesota can expect prolonged heatwaves and cold spells; diminished air quality; more extreme weather (droughts, heavy precipitation); and increased ecological changes (Invasive species, vector-borne disease). The Minnesota Department of Health completed a statewide Extreme Rain Events, Diminished Air Quality vulnerability assessment, where it determined the risk of climate events, by county. Hennepin County climate risks include: Extreme Heat, Invasive Species LOW: Drought, Vector-borne Disease Vulnerability Summary For this vulnerability assessment the following areas were analyzed: Natural Infrastructure." Built frifirastructure ■ Trees Native Landscaping Rain Gardens Climate Mitigation • Sewers • Water Streets • Bridges Stormwater * Age • Income • Race Health Economic Vulnerabilities • Language • Personal • Community -wide Opportunities exist to reduce the citys contribution to climate and weather related variations. This assessment includes a summary of energy consumption within the City and identifies renewable energy and energy efficiency resources. natural Infrastructure: Trees & dative Plants Climate Hazards Invasive species: High Extreme Wind Events & Tornadoes: Drought: Heavy Rainfall: Vulnerability Summary Trees offer many important benefits to communities: they improve air quality, remove carbon from the atmosphere, provide shade, support stormwater management, enhance aesthetics, are home to wildlife, and may increase property values. Native plants can also improve surface water quality, provide critical habitat to pollinators, improve aesthetics, and reduce maintenance costs. Strengths: The City has a healthy tree canopy coverage with a generally diverse mix of tree species; the City follows the lk2&29jule for replacement. The City continues placerf with native plantings. let- in ie Matmasses: The City has a relatively high count of Ash trees that are susceptible to Emerald Ash Borer. The City's commercial areas have a relatively low tree canopy coverage. The City has a less than healthy planting to removal ratio. The area of native planting remains a relatively low amount compared to manicured turf_ Vulnerablllty: The greatest concern for tree health in Golden Valley is the spread of Emerald Ash Borer, and recovering from strong wind events that have taken down a number of the City's trees in recent years. Healthy Level Healthy Level liz 1 Healthy Level 4r RcL+i o 't- *t Or O Natural Infrastructure: Water Quality &c Supply Climate Hazards Freeze/Thaw: Dromhe 1 Heavy Rainfall: Vulnerability Summary Increased precipitation and freezeAhaw cycles may make it more difficult to maintain stomrwater practices that help reduce pollution and maintain health of surface water. Strengths: The City implements best management practices to reduce stommrater impacts on surface water. The City cleans ponds, stormwater pipes, catch basins and outlets; installs and deans sump catch basins and manholes, and sweeps streets in spring, summer, and fall. The City purchases its drinking water from the City of Minneapolis, which draws from the Mississippi, a stable source of water. Weaknsseas: Most stormwater in Golden Valley flows into Basset Creek, which is an impaired water, and does not meet water quality standards for chloride, fish bioassessments, and fecal coliform. More freezeAhaw cycles may lead to an increase in the amount of salt/deicer that is applied to the roads, which may deteriorate the quality of the water. Vulnerability The primary concern in Golden Valley is the health of surface water such as Basset Creek, which may degrade as heavy precipitation events and freeze/thaw cycles increase. m■nagemenr LmmmLrawn Built Infrastructure: Sewers, Water., Roads, Bridges Climate Hazards Heavy Rainfall: High Freeze/Thaw. High Vulnerability Summary Increased precipitation and freeze/thaw cycles have the potential to stress and shock built infrastructure systems like pipes (stormwater, sewers, water), roads, and bridges. This may result in increased maintenance costs, structural damage to public infrastructure, damage to private properties, and inconveniences to residents. *Gngths: The City has a Capital Improvement Program that recognizes aging infrastructure and addresses flooding impacts. The City anticipates that 100% of roads will be reconstructed to City standards by 2022. YYeaknesaw: The City has a significant amount of aging infrastructure, which has seen an increase in the amount and costs of maintenance (pipe breaks, deterioration, sink holes) over the past 20 years. Much of the system needs to be replaced. Vulnerabiliity: The major vulnerability is the age and condition of the pipe infrastructure within the City. The City expects 100% of roads to be reconstructed _s 73.00/0 Infrastructure maintenance will coincide with to City standards by 2022. reconstruction of roads. Built Infrastructure: Areas in Floodplain • Vulnerability summary to be added PENw Floodphda FSM Wp Ermathe 11mm e R3MFboqftft 1%ate• Vulnerable Populations: Extreme Weather & Floodinj oRAF'` Climate Hazards Extreme Wind Everts & Tornadoes: Heavy Rainfall: Vulnerability Summary Hennepin County is likely to see mere heavy precipitation events that may lead to localized flooding, basement, flooding, and regional flooding (Basset Creek). Extreme rain and weather events may have an impact on individuals who need to r +� evacuate or seek safety, and may cause structural damage to personal property. _b Sftngft., Golden Valley is generally an affluent community with adequate financial resources. The City's website has good — - resources to help residents minim¢e flooding impacts. The WI%A, "" A community participates in FEMNs community rating system. 14 Weaimaeses: Homes that are located in floodplains or are susceptible to basement flooding may pose a greater risk to Individuals, B e � t' v,' RQVC' A `J' residents and their property. Vulnerability: Residents who tend to be the most vulnerable during extreme weather events are those with limited mobility (including senior residents and those with ambulatory difficulty), residents who do not speak English well and may not receive adequate preparation and response instructions, and low- income individuals who are likely to be disproportionately impacted by property damage and ability to recover. More than 20% of Golden Valley residents are older than 65, 33% of whom live alone. — r% drAWoo V4." hlennepin 1I'm lry-" 1, - Vulnerable Populations: Extreme Heat & Air Quality Climate Hazards Extreme Heat: High Diminished Air Quality: Vulnerability Summary Minnesota and especially Hennepin County will likely see an increase in the number of days that require a heat advisory. Increased extreme weather may cause power disruptions during times when air conditioning is needed. As wildfires and pollen blooms increase, more air quality alerts will be issued. ftrmngths: The Community Center and City Hall are critical public facilities with air conditioning. The City has a healthy tree canopy in residential areas to help reduce the impact of urban heat island effect. Weaknesses: The City faces potentially significant tree loss (see natural infrastnuclure). The City's commensal area has low tree canopy coverage and high impervious surface, particularly asphalt surface parking areas. Winerabllltq: Residents who are most vulnerable to heat and air quality hazards are senior residents, children under 5, k w -income residents who live in areas near major roadways, and those with erasting respiratory illnesses like asthma or allergies. Those who appear to be at greatest risk are the elderly and residents with respiratory illness, particularly those who live alone during times of power disruption. 50 ^� mnlleurta Hennepin I I W 1 1- 1 , $-.4" V�Amy nes Hennepin ..1-li e Il.., iaa .. —' Vulnerable Populations: Vector -Borne Disease _ Climate Hazards Vector-borne diseases: Vulnerability Summary Vector bome diseases that are found in Minnesota include West Nile, transmitted by mosquitoes, and Lyme Disease that is transmitted by deer ticks. Lyme Disease, in particular, has been rapidly expanding throughout the Midwest as deer ticks find it a more favorable climate. Hennepin County is currently at a low to moderate risk for Lyme disease. Strongths: The City currently has low incidence of residents who have contracted vector-borne diseases. The City fails within the jurisdiction of the metro mosquito control district which has a regular program for treating mosquito breeding habitat within Golden Valley. Weaknesses: The qty has many heavily wooded and natural areas that make a good habitat for ticks and mosquitoes. Vulnerablllty: Most at risk are children under 5 who play outside and will need to be thoroughly checked by an adult for any sign of ticks or Lyme disease. Reported cases of Lyme Disease, 2014 (CDC) n s V dia l G1(.iS 'f?r,`%s5 rl i �# Sli7 f4? T'r'�7{oi�'E'•w{ (:ike by (I24!}rtV. Economic Vulnerability: Community Wide Climate Hazards Extreme weather in other parts of the country and the world may have local impacts on the economy of Golden Valley. Changing growing seasons, drought, and heavy rains may impact agriculture, driving up the costs of purchasing food, or making certain foods unavailable. Extreme weather is already causing home insurance rates to rise nationwide, making home ownership less affordable for lower middle- class and kw4noome families_ Global, national, and regional economic health may impact local jobs. Vulnerability Summary Communitywide vulnerability looks at how the City might fare during an economic disruption. This analysis uses unemployment numbers from 2015 and from 2009 (the peak of the recession) and looks at the diversity of the current employment sectors, highlighting the sectors that suffered the highest percentage of job loss during the economic recession from 2007 to 2011. lengths: Golden Valley is well-positioned to withstand economic disruption. Both Minnesota and the Twin Cities region performed better than the country during the economic recession. Golden Valley currently has a healthy unemployment rate and a diverse workforce. Weaknea w The Twin Cities metro region has some of the greatest income disparities between white residents and residents of color in the country. Vulnerablllty: Low-income residents, residents of color, and immigrants are often hit hardest by economic disruptions. C I ar-;f t ,r-;errro0oYrn@m Rate r Golden Valky-q�Er++etur Minnsoaa Golden Ernployrmertt Sectors rAL Risk.1 M+P. Famwi l s4n V0.0,t I t'.' M, -- Mt4 or O• S. 'Pie C V o►r-L Showih9 f"rnpioc3mentt Economic Vulnerability: Resident Level Climate Hazards Additional economic impacts that could burden residents are high heating and cooling costs due to prolonged heatwaves and cold spells. Travel may also be impacted by extreme weather. Vulnerability Summary Extreme weather events may have a disproportionate impact on people who are economically vulnerable. Many climate hazards can have a direct or indirect impact on the financial stability of low-income residents_ Economic disruptions are also likely to have greater consequences for lowAncome residents relative to middle class or wealthy residents. strengths: Golden Valley has a relatively low percentage of low-income residents. Weaknesses; 8.2% of the population live below the poverty line, and 20.6% are eligible to receive heating assistance. By choice or personal reasons, 5.6% of Golden Valley residents do not have access to a vehicle. Vulnerabli t . Heatwaves and prolonged cooling spells can have significant financial impacts on households with a high energy burden. Residents without access to a vehicle may have difficulty making it to work, or evacuating in times of extreme weather events. Climate Mitigation: Electricity Consumption Electricity Consumption A major contributor to climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of electricity. While the electric grid in Minnesota continues to get cleaner, it remains important for local governments to understand energy consumption in their communities. Golden Valley residents get their electricity from Roel Energy. Residents make up the largest customer sector with more than 8,000 customers. However, 62% of the energy is consumed by 146 Industrial customers. -E1ff*�l "+ ' Lmilknw Xcel Energy offers a number of programs to customers to increase efficiency and dean energy actions. Very few Golden Valley residents and businesses are taking advantage of these programs. Under 400 residents t' -4- or e! participate in Windsource, and only 2 businesses do. More -40' businesses take advantage of energy efficiency rebates than residential customers. Overall the current participation in dean energy and energy efficiency programs is having little impact on the energy consumption within the city. Xcel Energy offers a production incentive for solar installations. Solar+Rewards, 12 residents and 2 businesses have taken advantage of this program. In 2015, the City installed two solar PV systems: Public Safety Building (40kW), Park Maintenance Building (40kW). —" Comm I'iur",fi-ta• .,'.; Cltm,, Energy SUbscriOtlons r k �hl�Tnlar �+" [�� . MdhPS�' SO�yP If'WWIL! 'Y 6K ZK Climate Mitigation: Renewable Energy Opportunities- Mitigation Opportunities The solar resource in Golden Valley has been mapped to identify how much solar energy is possible in the city and where there might be good locations for solar installations. This tool can be used to help residents and businesses determine whether their solar resource is adequate to pursue and installation. The following summarizes the rooftop solar opportunity within the city of Golden Valley: Total rooftop solar resource capacity: 166 MW Rooftop resource capacity of top 10 buildings: 23 MW There is a significant solar resource in the City of Golden Valley. The solar resource of the top 10 buildings could offset apprOArnately 9% of the electricity consumed in the City. nearly achieving the State's goal of 10% solar electricity by 2030. The total rooftop solar resource available in Golden Valley could generate 64% of theelectricity consumed in the City. Beyond Solar: • Windsource Energy Efficiency Rebates Community Solar Subscriptions There are several opportunities available to help residents and businesses improve energy efficiency and increase clean energy generation that will help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES —January 2017 ENERGY Buildings and Lighting Minnesota GreenCorps member, Hannah Garry, has been working to assess Golden Valley public buildings for energy-saving opportunities. As a part of this effort, an employee energy use survey was distributed to Golden Valley employees in January. The purpose of the survey was to gain a better understanding of ways in which occupants of public buildings could reduce energy -usage. Responses are currently being analyzed. Results of the survey will be presented to City staff sometime next month. WATER RESOURCES 2014 Schaper Pond Diversion Project, Golden Valley (SL -3): In Fall 2016, the Watershed Commission Engineer reported that the new diversion structure had been vandalized and repair was needed. The City's contractor is being mobilized to perform the necessary repairs (add weights to baffle anchors, etc) soon after ice -out this spring, ahead of the planned water quality monitoring this summer. The contractor will also finish vegetation establishment this spring as weather allows. DeCola Pond F Dredging Project: As a requirement of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Permit, the City includes projects to dredge stormwater pond sediment accumulation in its Capital Improvement Program. Dredging sediment accumulation increases stormwater treatment capacity and improves the water quality entering Bassett Creek and other downstream water bodies. In a recent pond assessment DeCola Pond F was identified to be in need of pond dredging. The City received bids on the project and it is currently awaiting City Council's consideration of the award of contract. 9450 Olympia Street: In 2016, the City worked with the owner of this property to apply for and receive a Flood Damage Reduction Assistance Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to purchase and remove the structure in accordance with the grant program. The property had experienced repetitive flood damage in the past. The property was purchased by the City in August 2016 and the structure was demolished the week of January 9, 2017. The final site work will be completed in the spring. This is the first of four potential voluntary acquisitions in the neighborhood to assist property owners that experience repetitive flood damage. After properties are acquired and structures are removed, the City will be exploring the construction of a storm water treatment facility in this area to help improve the quality of storm water flowing to Medicine Lake. PLANNING AND ZONING Housing Discussion—Two presentations regarding housing will be given at the January Council/Manager meeting. Maxfield Research will brief the Council on the current state of housing in Golden Valley, including information about types of units, vacancy rates, home values, and affordability. Ground Solutions Network will then provide an overview of tools available to communities to support mixed income housing projects, which place affordable units within buildings that also contain market rate units. Both items help lay the groundwork for updated Housing policies in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Outdoor Storage—Discussion regarding possible Zoning Text Amendments to the current outdoor storage requirements. The Planning 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 Planning Commission and Council in early 2017. DEVELOPMENTS 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. Instead of the articulation variance, a small variance from the side yard setback requirement was approved at the December 26 meeting. 8640 Winsdale Street North—Variance from the front yard setback requirement in order to construct a garage. Approved at the December 26 meeting. 1509 Alpine Pass—Variances from front yard and side yard setbacks in order to expand a garage and construct an office addition. Approved at the December 26 meeting. 1401 Winnetka Avenue North—Variance from the maximum allowed height of an accessory structure in order to make legal a newly constructed shed. Scheduled for the January 24 meeting. OTHER INFORMATION 2040 Comprehensive Plan—The third of four Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Task Force meetings will be held on Wednesday, January 11, to consider an improved network plan. The fourth Task Force meeting is scheduled for March 8 to discuss implementation strategies. Staff is expecting to present a set of recommendations from the Task Force to the City Council in late spring/early summer 2017.