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2017-04-24 EC Agenda Packet AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION April 24, 2017, Monday @ 6:30pm NOTE: LOCATI4N CHANGE FOR THIS MEETING ONLY Manager's Conference Room (in Administration Office just past Council Chambers) Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of March 27, 2017 (5 min) 3. 2017 Annual Report and Work Plan (20 min) (Action requestedJ 4. GreenStep Cities Inventory- Best Practices 11, 17, 22, and 24 (60 min) (Action requested) 5. Program/Project Updates (5 min) 6. Commission Member Council Reports 7. Council Updates 8. Other Business 9. Adjourn This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006(T1�Y: 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 March 27, 2017 Commissioners Present: Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Tonia Galonska, Tracy Anderson, and Jim Stremel Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist, Hannah Garry, GreenCorps Member and Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant Also Present: Abby Finis and Trevor Drake, Great Plains Institute Guest: Jeanne Iverson, Golden Valley Garden Club member � Absent: Commissioners Debra Yahle and Larry Johnson ; �;. Call to Order �� ,, Lynn Gitelis called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. �� _� �� Approval of ReQular Meetina Minutes - MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Galonska, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2017 regular meeting. Program/Pro�ect Updates For better time management, the Program/Project Updates agenda item was discussed at the beginning of the meeting. Commissioners were particularly interested in the City's solar efforts and requested that they have a more active role in these efforts in the future, such as making recommendations to Council. The complete program/project update is on file. Sustainabilitv and Resilience Plan — Goal Settinq Exercise The City's consultant, Abby Finis and Trevor Drake from Great Plains Institute, went over the results from the online Resilience Survey and the first Focus Group meeting. The survey, answered by 120 Golden Valley residents, was developed to better understand the City's strengths and weaknesses with respect to environmental, economic, and social stresses such as weather and climate related impacts. The first Focus Group meeting was held in early March and included representatives from organizations that serve vulnerable populations. The major themes that emerged were: Communication & Outreach; Preparedness & Response; Prioritizing Resources. The consultant then led the Commission in a second Focus Group meeting. Commission members were asked to identify goals and objectives that would enhance the resilience and sustainability of the City. From a list of five problem statement topic areas, the Commission selected its top three topics for further discussion: 1. Clean Energy 2. Waste Reduction 3. Storm Water Infrastructure G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2017�3-March\03-27-17 EC Minutes.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission March 27, 2017 Page 2 of 2 The Commission discussed what failure and epic success would look like and provided significant input on target success around these topic areas. The topics of Urban Forest & Vegetation and Economic Diversity were not selected for discussion but will be covered in the Sustainability and Resilience Plan. Information and results from the survey and both focus groups will be included in the City's Sustainability and Resilience Plan, and considered for the Comprehensive Plan Update. Annual Report and 2017 Work Plan Eckman presented the annual report for discussion and revision. This report will be presented to the Council in May. The 2017 Work Plan was also presented to the Commission for their input. Minor revisions were suggested and will be brought back to the Commission in April. Other Business The Commissioners were asked to prepare for the election of a new Chair and Vice- Chair Persons in May 2017. It was also noted that terms will be up in May for Lynn Gitelis, Tracy Anderson and Jim StremeL Adiourn MOVED by Galonska, SECONDED by Stremel, and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 pm. ��; ��, �� :,. � � � Claire Huisman �� Administrative Assistant �� ;;� �� - �;�` � �� ` �� I'� .. '*�'k " .:r . ��. �wk f�k�#� "� �M �� . �� '� '.'�`',,�w� J�'�`: .. '�s„ � � � � � �f �� i �;�„', i ��;�;a �w�`�;{� �.,.. ��,,, � & � � � „'„ � �":�r�,� G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2017�3-March\03-27-17 EC Minutes.doc �� r� CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY �:"1��1 �� .>:.:�Y ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT & 2017 WORK PLAN � �� May 9, 2017 � DRAFT In accordance with Section 2.50, Subd.4 of the Golden Valley City Code, and the bylaws of the Environmental Commission,the Golden Valley Environmental Commission submits the following summary of its 2016 activities and accomplishments, and the proposed work plan priorities for 2017. Major accomplishments in 2016 include: GreenStep Cities Progress Golden Valley entered the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 as a Step 1 city and began to inventory its current practices.To date,the City has completed and uploaded documentation for 23 actions meeting minimum requirements for 8 best practices and qualifying as a Step 2 city. These actions describe practices and policies that the City has already put into place and serve as a benchmark for future progress.See the attached document summarizing Golden Valley's GreenStep Cities inventory progress for more information. Climate Adaption and Community Resilience(Best Practice 29) As part of an effort to increase the City's resilience to climate and weather related events,the Commission provided input on two actions under GreenStep Cities Best Practice Number 29, Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience.The two actions relate to the City's emergency management plans and strategies to protect residents as well as built/natural infrastructure in extreme weather events.Guest presenters included the City's Fire ChiefJohn Crelly.Through review of these actions,the Commission was able to make recommendations on the City's practices and communication strategies to increase community resilience. Sustainability and Resilience Plan The Commission identified development of the City's first Sustainability and Resilience Plan as its top priority for 2016. In late 2016,the Commission began working with a consultant to develop a risk and vulnerability assessment to describe existing conditions within the City. In addition to the comprehensive plan community kickoff meeting held in September,two focus group meetings were held to gather input on needs and goals.The Commission will continue to work on developing the plan in 2017 including implementation strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate impacts. Once completed, a compacted version of the plan will be included as a chapter in the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan update. Pollinators The Commission reviewed and discussed proposals for City involvement in two non-profit programs that benefit pollinators and habitat.After thoughtful consideration,the Commission was not able to support participation in the programs due to concerns about the narrow focus of the programs and the City resources required to administer.The Commission acknowledged the importance of pollinators, habitat, awareness, and reduced pesticide use.They acknowledged that the City has done a significant amount of work with respect to pollinators and that it can continue its good work without the formality of the new programs.The Commission expressed an interest in creating a more broad policy regarding pollinators in 2017.A summary of the City's pollinator actions is attached to this report. Program and Project Updates The Commission receives monthly program and project updates from staff on a variety of topics such as energy,water resources, natural resources, recycling,and development.These updates provide an opportunity for the Commission to review and comment on the City's current environmental projects and programs and to identify topics that the Commission may want to explore in the future. 2017 Work Plan The Commission proposes the following work plan priorities for 2017: 1. Complete the Sustainability and Resilience Plan; condense and insert into 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update 2. Continue to provide input on other chapters of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update 3. Complete the GreenStep Cities Inventory of current best practice actions 4. Engage in new initiatives within GreenStep Cities program,consistent with the Sustainability and Resilience Plan, including: a. Sustainable Purchasing b. Green Business Development c. Energy and Climate related actions d. Removing barriers for Vertical Greenhouses/Urban Farming 5. Pollinators a. Create a broad pollinator policy b. Consider a ban on neonicotinoids/coated seeds 6. Continue to assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan 7. Recycling a. Explore organics options b. Explore textile options GreenStep Cities Inventory Progress 2016 Total completed actions: 23 1-star actions: 2 2-star actions: 11 3-star actions: 10 euilding and Lighting - Efficient Existin� Public Buildin�s o Utilizing B3 Benchmarking database o Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned buildings o Construct new public buildings under green building or energy framework - Efficient Outdoor Li�htin�and Si�nals o Coordinate traffic signals to minimize car idling o Use LED lighting for parking lot lighting o Replace the City's existing signals with LEDs Land Use - Mixed Uses o Organize a community planning/design process for a mixed use district o School or City building has mixed use attributes to promote multi-modal transportation o Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations - Desi�n for Natural Resource Conservation o Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory and assessment, incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources through development process o Develop/fund a conservation easement program Environmental Management - Urban Forests o Certify as a Tree City USA o Adopt best practices for urban tree planting and quality o Budget for and achieve urban canopy/tree planting goals o Build community capacity to protect existing trees/plant resilient species - Parks and Trails o Achieve minimum levels of City green space o Create park/city land management practices that maximize pollinator friendly environments, recycling collection,and/or sources of non-potable water o Develop program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration Economic and Community Development - Renewable Ener�v o Adopt renewable energy ordinance that allows or encourages appropriate renewable energy installation o Install municipally owned renewable energy technology - Climate Adaptation and Communitv Resilience o Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate- related events o Integrate climate resilience into city planning o Protect public buildings and infrastructure to reduce physical damage and sustain their function during extreme weather events Pollinator Activities Following are City policies, practices, projects, and ongoing activities regarding pollinators, pollinator habitat, and education/awareness: • The PUD Amenity Options in city code includes "Enhanced Landscaping" which is defined as: A landscaping plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect that provides exceptional design with a variety of pollinators and native trees, shrubs, and plant types that provide seasonal interest and that exceed minimum City standards. • The Environmental Commission recommended that the following language be added to the new Tree & Landscape code: "The City recognizes the ecological value of native plants, grasses, and wildflowers and encourages the establishment of these environments where appropriate. Some reduction in the required number of trees, shrubs, and perennials may be considered to accommodate a larger massing of these environments." • The Natural Resources Management Plan includes the following language: o Community input identified "management and habitat enhancement for wildlife and insect species, i.e. pollinators" as an important issue. o Objective to preserve and protect natural areas and open spaces to maintain and attract desired wildlife species. o Objective to educate private property owners on ways to attract, protect, and conserve desired wildlife species o Management Strategy to encourage diversification of species and the use of native species to the extent practicable. o Management Strategy to include specialized vegetation plots for pollinators (birds, bees and butterflies) are encouraged as they provide a specific ecological function, and can be used for educational purposes. o Implementation tool to help develop environmental awareness and stewardship in the community like offering periodic community workshops on invasive species control, selecting and planting native trees and vegetation, or on creating wildlife (including pollinator) habitat. o Implementation tool to host a community celebration on a theme of current importance, e.g., "community pollinators" or "the world of bees and butterflies". • For almost 20 years, Golden Valley has contracted with a professional consultant to assist in managing 30 native vegetation buffer areas using integrated plant management.The buffers provide habitat and food for pollinators. The consultant performs monthly site visits and assesses whether an area needs to be burned, mowed or spot-treated. Herbicide is only applied as needed through spot treatment. • The Environmental Commission is considering in its 2017 work plan the drafting of a broad pollinator policy that best meets the City's natural resource management goals, and may consider a ban on chemicals and seed coating containing harmful neonicotinoids. • The Environmental Commission helped determine the 2016-2017 natural resources education/communication topics including Bees/Pollinators, Buckthorn Management, Wetlands, Urban Wildlife, Emerald Ash Borer and other insect related tree issues. A pollinator week announcement is planned for social media in June and a newsletter article is slated for July/August • The Environmental Commission helped draft a newsletter article about the importance of pollinators and using less chemicals, highlighting examples from the community. Nov/Dec 2015 City News: "Golden Valley Abuzz about Pollinator Habitats" http://www.�oldenvalleymn.�ov/news/publications/citynews/pdf/2015/nov- dec-2015.pdf(pg. 5) • The Environmental Commission brought in General Mills representatives to present the companies work with pollinators and increasing habitat locally and globally • The Environmental Commission initiated the inclusion of a pollinator booth/workshop at 2016 Home Remodeling Fair • In 2015,there were 54 acres of native vegetation buffers established and maintained in Golden Valley (22 acres of which is owned and managed by the City). • Additional pollinator habitat was created or planned in 2016-17: 0 2015 Bassett Creek Restoration project (approximately 3 acres) o Brookview Golf Course areas (approximately 3 acres) o Honeywell Pond and Briarwood-Dawnview Pond buffers o The Liberty Flood Mitigation Project includes native vegetation buffers 0 2016 Douglas Drive project includes pollinator-friendly vegetation o New Brookview Community Center low-mow areas and stormwater buffers o Garden Club planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants in streetscape areas and is interested in establishing pollinator habitat at the new Brookview o Private Developments (a number of new buffers and habitat created) • Phosphorus-free fertilizer and herbicide are used on athletic fields, Brookview Park, and City Hall campus on an as-needed basis only. All staff that handle fertilizer& pesticide products are certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on an annual basis and all products are applied according to their label recommendations. Herbicide treatment is used on athletic fields if weeds compose over 70%of an area. Milkweed is not removed from any public lands and is included in public planters, medians and along roadways. • Golden Valley has four low-maintenance mowing areas on City parkland including Schied Park hill, Glenview Terrace Park hill, and Brookview Park Tennis hill. These areas are typically non-programmed spaces with steeper slopes. These areas allow the City to reduce inputs, saving on labor, equipment and material cost, while providing ecological diversity. • The City has documented many of its pollinator and habitat-related activities in GreenStep Cities and will continue to do so. Ci�y �� r�' �� t�. �� Physical Develc�pment Depar#ment 763-593-8034/763-593-3988(fax) Date: April 18, 2017 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Hannah Garry, MN GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Inventory Best Practice 22 Golden Valley entered the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 and will be recognized as a "Step 2" city in June 2017. The Program includes 29 best practices, each with several associated actions that cities can complete for recognition. At its February meeting,the Environmental Commission reviewed two actions under Best Practice 22, Solid Waste Reduction: Action #2 and Action #4. After discussion, it was requested that staff further investigate measures and metrics that show progress under both of these actions. Additional research and interviews with staff allowed for the improvement of the two actions reviewed in February, as well as the addition of Action #6. The attached 3 entries describe actions that the City has already completed or are ongoing relating to solid waste reduction, and they serve as a way to benchmark the City for future progress in the GreenStep Cities program. After being rated,these entries should be sufficient for completion of Best Practice 22. Please review these for the April 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 22—Solid Waste Reduction Action#2 Adopt and meet recycling goals for waste generated by City operations Action#4 Publicize, promote and use recycling and re-use businesses/services Action#6 Implement one or more city-wide solid waste collection/recycling systems G:\Environmental Commission\Memos BP22—Solid Waste Reduction Action#2—Adopt and meet recycling/composting goals for waste/toxics generated from internal city operations. • One star: Measure/audit waste generated, and/or adopt goals for diverting a percentage of overall solid waste into recycling or compostables collection, or goals for specific waste streams such as from parks • Two star: Describe actions taken, such as collecting organic material and beverage containers from parks and sending this material into organics and recycling collection • Three star: Report measures that show goals were met by the increased amount of waste diverted into recycling and compostables collection Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: The City recycles at our public buildings and facilities as well as at 5 parks throughout the City. In 2016 additional recycling bins were added to 3 parks to accommodate the amount of plastic bottles and aluminum cans that were being thrown away. The City has also taken steps to make recycling more convenient for visitors of the parks by adding more signage,containers,and a large recycling container for easy dumping of material.Additional recycling carts are available for special events such as the farmers' market,festivals,or other City events. Woody organic material and yard waste produced by the City is trucked to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Recycling Facility that turns this waste into compost and compost blends for retail and wholesale purchase. Outcome measures/metrics: In 2016, Public Works staff collected 447.7 tons of leaves from City properties. For more information contact: Tom Hoffman,Water Resources Technician thoffman@goldenvalleymn.�ov (763)593-8044 BP22—Solid Waste Reduction Action#4—Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used, repaired and rental consumer goods in the city/county • One star: Identify and list relevant businesses; promote events such as fix-it clinics • Two star: Publicize and promote reuse/repair/rental businesses on your city website, in newsletter articles; facilitate neighbor-to-neighbor reuse of large items before annual 'curbside cleanups.' • Three star: Document increased use of these businesses; organize volunteers(or support others)to run at least one "fix-it" clinic for community members Golden Vallev Entry Implementation Details: The City annually hosts"Mighty Tidy Day"to provide residents with a monitored site to dispose of items that cannot be donated such as old mattresses and sofas, broken bicycles, unwanted tires and outdated electronics. Residents who bring furniture and household items in good condition can donate them to Bridging, a non-profit organization that provides quality goods to people transitioning out of homelessness and poverty.There are also several second-hand shops in the City, including Once Upon A Child, Empty the Nest,Tech Dump,and the PRISM thrift store,where residents can bring gently used goods. Recycling information and links to Hennepin County materials, including the A-Z disposal guide, are available on the City website and in the bimonthly newsletter. Outcome measures/metrics: In 2016, residents disposed of the following items at Mighty Tidy Day: 6,976 pounds of paper(to shred) 520 light bulbs 87 flat panel Ns/monitors 94 small appliances 37 large appliances 73 pieces of scrap metal 60 mattresses/couches 61 box springs/chairs 6 tires with rims 21 tires without rims 106.5 cubic yards of miscellaneous debris The total tonnage of scrap metal, mattresses,couches, box springs, chairs, and miscellaneous debris hauled away by Republic Services was 25.95 tons.Shred-N-Go,Tech Dump,and Better Futures provided recycling services for all paper, light-bulbs, and appliances respectively. BP22—Solid Waste Reduction For more information contact: Tom Hoffman,Water Resources Technician thoffman@�oldenvallevmn.�ov (763) 593-8044 Descriptive links: http://www.goldenvallevmn.�ov/recyclin�/mi�htvtidyday/ BP22—Solid Waste Reduction Action 6—Implement one or more city-wide solid waste collection/recycling systems: a. Require collection of recyclables from multi-unit residential buildings b. Require collection of 3 or more recyclable materials from commercial entities c. Organize regular,ongoing residential solid waste collection by private and/or public operations to link one (or more)geographic district(s)to only one hauler. • One star: Require organized collection of residential recyclables,OR publish hauler rates on the city's web site and require waste/recyclables tonnage reports as a condition of licensing, OR assist residents on a percentage of city blocks to arrange for at least 75%of the houses to contract with the same hauler. • Two star: Require garbage haulers to follow the city-organized recycling collection schedule; report the city recycling rate AND either mandate collection of recyclables from multi-unit residential buildings OR mandate collection of 3 or more recyclable materials from commercial entities. • Three star:Organize garbage collection; note estimated cost savings to residents and from decreased truck traffic.Also note if trucks use compressed natural gas(and if CNG is favored/required as a city license condition). Golden Vallev Entry Implementation Details: Golden Valley has provided a curbside recycling service since 1987 to all single and multiple family residences of four units or less. Garbage haulers must follow the City organized schedule. Owners of multifamily dwellings containing more than four units are required to provide a recycling collection service for a minimum of every other week collection,collection must include all materials collected in the City's curbside recycling program (Section 6.35 Subdivision 11.C).Commercial and institutional entities are required to contract,through a licensed private hauler or the City,for recycling for a minimum of every other week collection (Section 6.35 Subdivision 11.6). Outcome metrics and measures: In 2016, 2,174.05 tons of materials were diverted to recycling through the City's program. For more information contact: Tom Hoffman,Water Resources Technician thoffmari@�oldenvallevmn.gov (763)593-8044 Descriptive links: http://www.�oldenvallevmn.�ov/recyclin�/curbside/index.php Ci�� 0� I, �� , ��, �,'� Physical Develc�p►ment I3epartment 763 593 8030/i63-593-3488(fax) Date: April 18, 2017 To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist Hannah Garry, MN GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Inventory Best Practices 11, 17, and 24 Golden Valley entered the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 and will be recognized as a "Step 2" city in June 2017. In order to become a "Step 3" city, Golden Valley must document the completion of 16 best practices, including 10 specific best practices required by the program. Each best practice encompasses a variety of actions a city may take in order to complete it. The attached 11 entries describe actions that the City has already completed or are ongoing and serve as a way to benchmark the City for future progress in the GreenStep Cities program. After being rated these entries should be sufficient for completion of Best Practices 11, 17, and 24. Please review these for the April 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 11—Living Streets Action# 1 Adopt a complete streets policy Action#3 Modify a street in compliance with streets policy Action#4 Complete street gaps Action#5 Remedy gaps between streets and trails Action#6 Implement traffic calming measures Best Practice 17—Stormwater Management Action# 1 Adopt and use Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) Action#3 Adopt stormwater management strategies by ordinance Action#5 Adopt guidelines for stormwater infiltration practices G:\Environmental Commission\Memos Best Practice 24—Benchmarks&Community Engagement Action # 1 Use a committee to lead implementation of GreenStep best practices Action#2 Report goals and data to community members Action#3 Engage community members in process resulting in commitment to measure and report progress on sustainability indicators BP11—Complete Green Streets Action#1—Adopt a complete streets policy that also addresses street trees and stormwater. • One star:A city council resolution to develop standards or a policy governing city-owned streets; or very explicit complete streets comp/strategic plan direction expressing the city's intent to facilitate multi-modal transportation (at least one route for each mode) • Two star:A city-council-adopted complete streets policy and implementation criteria • Three star:A living Streets policy; modify street design standards/practices according to policy, addressing multimodal transportation,trees and stormwater; possible additional elements include align new streets to give buildings energy-efficient passive solar orientations; address public art in the street right-of-way; use a sustainable infrastructure tool Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: On March 15,2011 City Council passed a resolution to support complete streets and direct staff to continue to use established plans and policies supporting transportation systems for all users. The Transportation Chapter of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan addresses implementing bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements including conditions and connectivity as well as the integration of future pedestrian and bicycle facilities with roadway improvements. A bicycle and pedestrian task force has been assembled to assess routes and connectivity in Golden Valley and a bicycle and pedestrian section will be incorporated to the 2040 comp plan expressing the City's intent to facilitate multi-modal transportation. For more information contact: Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager jzimmerman@�oldenvalleymn.�ov (763)-593-8099 Descriptive Links: http://www•�oldenvalleymn.�ov/plannin�/comprehensiveplanupdate/index.php BP11—Living Streets Action#3—Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy • One star:Summarize the complete streets elements-grey infrastructure such as adding sidewalks, bumpouts, bike lanes,truck routes, broad band, smart grid. • Two star:Summarize the complete streets(re)construction project and its green infrastructure elements-street trees,vegetation, rain gardens, permeable pavement, stormwater capture and re-use,etc. Note if a utility franchise fee (vs. special assessments)was used. • Three star: Use the Envision Sustainable Infrastructure Rating System; implement a "dig once" plan/policy(installing conduit/other underground capacity that can accept future infrastructure such as fiber optics without digging up the street); report lower cost of project(capital costs and/or anticipated maintenance costs)compared to reconstructing roads with no changes. Implementation Details The Douglas Drive corridor project will incorporate streetscaping, sidewalks, bike lanes and roundabouts at Sandburg Road and Golden Valley Road intersections for improved traffic flow. Construction will be completed in 2017.As part of the project, an existing stormwater pond was expanded and pumps were added so that stormwater could be used to irrigate nearby ballfields. Excess right-of-way acquired for the project is being retained as green space and two of the properties are being utilized as filtration basins, receiving some of the reuse water from the pond. For More Information Contact: Jeff Oliver City Engineer (763)-593-8034 joliver@�oldenvallevmn.�ov Descriptive Links: http://www.�oldenvallevmn.�ov/streets/construction/dou�las-drive.php BP11—Living Streets Action#4—Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity within your road network by,for example,adding a bike route/lane,truck route, sidewalk or mid-block alley. • One star: Remedy at least one complete street gap, including using alleys. • Two star: Inspect,evaluate, inventory and map your roadway network for complete streets insufficiencies and develop a prioritized transition plan and timeline for remedying the insufficiencies and gaps. Pay particular attention to multimodal conflict areas and transit connections to serve users and destinations. • Three star: Routinely budget complete streets improvements through roadway& bridge capital improvement&maintenance projects; show project cost-savings through innovative/collaborative efforts with other jurisdictions/stakeholders; address street corridor issues by infill, adding bridge liner(retail on a bridge to be rebuilt in a walkable corridor),etc. Implementation Details The City has remedied certain street gaps in accordance with its complete streets policy.A Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force has been assembled to assess routes and connectivity in Golden Valley and a bicycle and pedestrian section will be incorporated to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan expressing the City's intent to facilitate multi-modal transportation.The City's 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan budgets for$400,000 in sidewalk and trail system upgrades(Project#5-030) as identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan in order to provide greater mobility for non-motorized transportation within the City that is fully accessible for users of all physical abilities. For more information contact: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer (763)-593-8034 joliver(a@�oldenvallevmn.�ov Descriptive Links: http://weblink.ci.�olden-valley.mn.us/Public/2/doc/565845/Pa�e1 aspx BP11—Living Streets Action#5—Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking. • One star: Make functional/recreational walking/biking possible between at least one park/open area and city streets. • Two star:Add a walking/bike trail that significantly improves access between two areas without a full network of streets, e.g., connecting cul-de-sacs within a housing development that has very long blocks. • Three star: Fully integrate your street and off-road trail network to facilitate bike/pedestrian commuting. Implementation Details The City has created trails in Lions Park connecting the park to the parking lot and in Brookview Park running parallel to Winnetka Avenue, a major roadway. In 2002 the City built a pedestrian bridge over Highway 100 connecting Bassett Creek Park in Crystal to Briarwood Nature Area in Golden Valley.A trail connection was also added between Regent Avenue and Briarwood Nature Area. For More Information Contact: Jeff Oliver City Engineer (763)-593-8034 joliver@goldenvallevmn.�ov BP11—Living Streets Action#6—Implement traffic calming measures, including road diets, roundabouts, shared space and de-paving, in at least one street redevelopment project. • One star: Measures such as streetscaping, bump-outs, raised cross walks, intersection markings, medians and narrower lane widths. • Two star: Measures such as roundabouts, and road diets where 3 lanes replace 4 lanes of a road with under 20,000 average annual daily traffic counts. • Three star: Measures from street reclaiming, naked streets, shared space,woonerfs,and Paint the Pavement approaches; diverging diamond interchange; a multi-modal Level of Service metric developed and applied to road projects; conversion of underused/redundant roads to gravel roads, stormwater management, energy generation,etc. Implementation Details The Douglas Drive corridor project will incorporate streetscaping, sidewalks, bike lanes and roundabouts at Sandburg Road and Golden Valley Road intersections for improved traffic flow.Construction will be completed in 2017. Reconstruction of Winnetka Avenue South and Xenia Avenue South incorporated perennial, shrub,and tree plantings in medians and boulevards.Xenia Avenue was constructed with curves to induce slower traffic speeds. The City supported road diets implemented on three County Roads where four lanes were reduced to three.Almost every street reconstruction project the City has completed for the last 15 years has narrowed roadway widths. When reconstructing streets,the City always looks for opportunities to remove redundant roadways and reduce impervious surfaces. In 2004,the City converted a segment of the Olson Memorial South Frontage Road to trail and greenspace. In 2010,the City converted a segment of road to a biofiltration basin (rain garden) and trail in Paisley Park. In 2017,the City converted a segment of Rhode Island Avenue to greenspace and flood storage.A redundant segment of road that was located in the floodplain at Scott Avenue North was converted to trail and native buffer. For More Information Contact: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer (763)-593-8034 joliver@�oldenvallevmn.�ov Destriptive Links: http://www.�oldenvallevmn.�ov/streets/construction/dou�las-drive.php BP17—Stormwater Management Action#1—Adopt and use Minnesota's Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) • One star: Use the MIDS calculator for new development and redevelopment site design • Two star:Work with MPCA or other stormwater staff to train city staff and to introduce MIDS to the city council • Three star:Adopt and implement the MIDS community assistance package Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: The City of Golden Valley adopted Minnesota's Minimal Impact Design Standards(MIDS) into its City code in 2015.The vast majority of Golden Valley is located in the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission which adopted MIDS into its Watershed Management Plan in 2015 as well. In accordance with the Watershed Management Plan, City Code requires improvements and development proposals to incorporate MIDS. Outcome measures/metrics Several developments and public projects have been required to follow the new guidelines since the City code was updated resulting in a reduction in the amount of stormwater volume, sediment and phosphorus entering natural receiving waters within the City. For more information contact: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer (763) 593-8034 joliver@�oldenvalleymn.gov Descriptive links: http://weblink.ci.�olden-valley.mn.us/Public/2/doc/494114/Pagel.aspx Partners: Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Minnehaha Creek Watershed District BP17—Stormwater Management Action#3—Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies: a. A narrower streets provision that permits construction of 22-or24-foot roads for public, residential access and subcollector streets(with fewer than 500 average daily trips) b. For sites less than one acre, retain the water quality volume of 1.1 inches of runoff from all impervious surfaces for new and fully-redeveloped construction sites. c. For non-MS4 permittees, adopt an illicit discharge prohibition rule or ordinance and an erosion and sediment control ordinance. • One star:At least one ordinance in place (MS4s must achieve a 2-or 3-star rating) • Two star:Two ordinances in place • Three star:Three or more ordinances in place Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: Golden Valley code requires stormwater runoff rates be limited to pre-project rates for the 2-year, 10- year and 100-year, 24-hour precipitation events. It additionally prohibits anyone from causing illegal discharge into the stormwater system unless they get authorization from a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) point source permit obtained from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or is associated with firefighting activities. Public and private street width proposals between 24-and 26-feet are consistently approved by Golden Valley staff,and some as narrow as 18-feet have been approved. Non-residential development and redevelopment projects between one-half acre and one acre where stormwater is being discharged to a surface water without being routed first through a stormwater management facility or best management practice (BMP) must include stormwater management BMPs to protect and improve water quality. Developers are required to meet the erosion and sediment control requirements specified by current regulatory rules in the Stormwater Management ordinance, consistent with MPCA's Construction Stormwater Permit. Outcome measures/metrics: For more information contact: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer (763) 593-8034 joliver@�oldenvallevmn.�ov Descriptive links: Stormwater Management ordinance: http://weblink.ci.�olden-vallev.mn.us/Public/DocView.aspx?id=494114&searchid=a464ceba-fcb6-47a3- bc41-3a3721bb88d0&dbid=2 BP17—Stormwater Management Action#5—Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices: a. Rain gardens/infiltration practices b. Rainwater harvesting practices c. Green alleys or green parking lots d. Pervious/permeable pavement or pavers e. Green roofs/green walls f. Tree trenches/tree boxes • One star: Install, require and/or provide guidelines for rain gardens, rain barrels, parking lots (salt use reduction/alternatives, French drains,etc.)or pervious pavement; report that all city staff are developing guidelines that use the updated precipitation data in Atlas 14 • Two star: Install, require, incentivize and/or provide guidelines for green roofs, cisterns, neighborhood water storage, rainwater harvesting to supplant irrigation with drinking water, and other stormwater reuse • Three star: Have an ongoing retrofit program to reduce pollutant loads and stormwater volume from existing neighborhoods that requires one or more of the stormwater practices in this action; aim for zero stormwater discharge in a development project Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: Design guidelines for residents wishing to install a rain garden are available on the City website.The Stormwater Management Ordinance (Section 4.31 of City Code) requires permits for any development activities that will disturb or remove soils and/or vegetation. Projects must meet the standards set by the City and,depending on location,the standards of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC)or the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Requirements are included for the construction of native buffers and stormwater management facilities.Stormwater control techniques including infiltration,evapotranspiration, reuse/harvesting,conservation design, urban forestry and green roofs are given preference as design options for those seeking a permit.The City also has the ability to require mitigation efforts in the case that the permittee cannot cost-effectively meet the conditions for post-construction stormwater management. The lawn maintenance ordinance (Section 10.51) allows residents to fill out a native vegetation permit so they may plant large areas of native vegetation as an alternative to traditional landscaping. Guidelines for reduced salt use during icy months are on the City website and have been printed in winter editions of the newsletter in the past.The Planned Unit Development ordinance includes"Green Roofs"and "Enhanced Stormwater Management" as two out of 20 public amenities that may be included in applications in order to gain approval. Rain gardens have been planted outside City Hall and buffers have been planted around ponds in Brookview golf course. In 2017,the City and the BCWMC enhanced the treatment of stormwater flowing through Honeywell Pond prior to its discharge into Bassett Creek and installed a stormwater harvesting system that will help irrigate the Sandburg Athletic Complex.Other advanced stormwater management techniques are implemented in smaller street projects as opportunities arise. BP17—Stormwater Management Outcome measures/metrics As of 2016,there are 5 rain gardens owned by the City, 1 owned by Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB), 2 owned by Robbinsdale School District and 36 privately owned rain gardens in Golden Valley. As of 2016,4 sites in Golden Valley use pervious/permeable pavers(2 private, 2 MPRB).There is 1 green roof in Golden Valley owned by Breck School. For more information contact: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer (763) 593-8034 joliver@�oldenvalleymn.�ov Descriptive links: http://www.�oldenvalleymn.�ov/homeyard/yards/native.php Partners: Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission BP24—Benchmarks&Community Engagement Action 1—Use a committee to lead,coordinate and report to community members on implementation of GreenStep best practices. • One star:A staff green team,or small working group (e.g. city manager, council member,citizen commission chair) exists; annual news article/media to community members referencing GreenStep (&other programs as relevant); city web has a link to city's GreenStep web page. • Two star:A citizens' commission or committee of city staff/officials exists to lead and coordinate GreenStep implementation; a report available online with details on city's GreenStep accomplishments. • Three star:A committee of city staff/officials and community members (business,education, religious)exists; annual report includes some metrics, such as dollars spent/saved, energy saved, and any sustainability indicators measured,and energy/carbon inventory data or ecological footprint data if gathered. Golden Vallev Entry Implementation Details The Environmental Commission coordinates and monitors the implementation of the GreenStep Cities program.All Environmental Commission meetings are open to the public.A summary of actions completed by the City and entered onto the GreenStep Cities website will be included in the Commission's Annual Report to Council which will be made available to the public via the City's website. A link to the City's GreenStep Cities web page is available on the City website. For more information contact: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist (763)-593-8084 eeckman@�oldenvalleymn.�ov Descriptive links: https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/citylnfo.cfm?ctu code=2394924 - - BP24—Benchmarks&Community Engagement Action 2—Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals. • One star: Report goals/outcomes annually from plans such as comprehensive, parks, library, housing, stormwater, drinking water,transportation,economic development, energy, sustainability. Issue a city Performance Management Report. • Two star:Achieve 1 Star rating AND identify specific steps from city departments on how to improve performance or meet goals that were not met in the previous year • Three star: Integrate goals/outcomes reporting explicitly into the city capital improvement planning process, identifying how public dollars are targeted to meeting sustainability goals in the plans Golden Vallev Entry Implementation Details All plans, such as the Comprehensive Plan,the Natural Resources Management Plan and the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Plan are made available for residents on the Golden Valley website.The City produces a biennial budget, updated and adopted annually. Before commencing writing of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, staff reviewed how well the City succeeded at completing the objectives and policies listed in each chapter of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.These reports were presented to the Planning Commission and made available to the public through the Commission's agenda packets which were posted online. The Comprehensive Plan references the City's Capital Improvement Plan that catalogues public investments by date and cost, and the Planning Commission reviews the CIP every year for its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. For more information contact: Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager izimmerman@�oldenvalleymn.�ov (763)-593-8099 I BP24—Benchmarks&Community Engagement Action 3—Engage community members in a public process that results in city council adoption of and commitment to measure and report progress on sustainability indicators. • One star: Involve an existing city council committee or community task force, or create an energy,environment,or sustainability city council subcommittee,advisory commission or task force. • Two star:Adopt and commit to measure and annually report on sustainability indicators, generally related to or directly ties city's work on GreenStep best practices; may include community-wide energy and water use,vehicle miles traveled,and waste generated. • Three star:Adopt and commit to measure and annually report on broad sustainability indicators such as covered by the STAR Community Rating System. Golden Vallev Entrv Implementation Details: The City has an Environmental Commission that consists of residents and advises the City Council in matters relating to and affecting the environment, including resilience and sustainability efforts.The Commission presents an annual report to Council regarding the implementation and progress of sustainability initiatives in the City, including advancement under the GreenStep Cities program. For More Information Contact: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist eeckman@goldenvalleymn.�ov (763)-593-8084 Descriptive Links: http://www.�oldenvallevmn.�ov/boards/environmental/index.php PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES—April 2017 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN Wildlife Staff received a second concern about feeding wildlife this spring,this time involving turkeys.As with the previous concern,the City is using this as an opportunity to provide education to residents consistent with the goals and strategies outlined in the natural resources management plan.As recommended by the Environmental Commission in 2016, additional communications regarding wildlife (newsletter,website) is planned for 2017. SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE PLAN As part of the community engagement strategy for this plan, a second focus group meeting was held March 22 with the Environmental Commission to prioritize goals.The City's consultant is working with staff to compile and process all information provided to date via surveys and meetings in order to draft the goals, objectives,and policies. Staff will give a presentation on Sustainability and Resilience including the progress of this plan at the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Conversation with the Planning Commission on May 8.As with other comprehensive plan conversations, Environmental Commission members are welcome and encouraged to attend. PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS See attached .'` �,"��, � � , � �� `�i� � �� . � �. � ��.�� The P��r��n��ng Rep�rt 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 and economic development of Golden Valley. APR 5, 2017 �.#". . %.� g ,. ":�,. #, i 4„.w� 7155 Medicine Lake Road (Tactical Urban Combat)—Conditional Use Permit to operate an indoor paintless paintball facility in an existing building in an Industrial zoning district. Hours of operation would mainly be evenings and weekends, with some daytime appointments available. WITHDRAWN. � �,;��;� �r'G�f s- �� .#��,—.�� 6484 Westchester Circle—Variance from the side yard setback in order to construct a third parking stall on an existing garage. The new structure would extend 5.37 feet into the 15 foot setback area. Scheduled for the April 25 meeting. 1509 Alpine Pass—Variance from the maximum impervious surface percentage allowed in order to construct a home addition and associated driveway expansion. The Zoning Code limits the impervious surface percentage to 50%of the lot area; the applicant is requesting a variance to go to 52.55%. Discussed on February 28 and tabled to the April 25 meeting. ��e ��i�� 2040 Comprehensive Plan—The second Comp Plan Conversation will take place on April 12. A mini Open House focusing on Housing will be held from 6-6:30 pm in the Council Conference Room. At 6:30 pm, staff and consultants will discuss topics in the proposed Housing chapter with the Planning Commission. Other Commissioners and members of the public are welcome to attend this hour-long session. For a complete schedule of all of the Comp Plan Conversations planned in 2017, visit the Community Engagement section of the 2040 Comp Plan web site: bit.ly/GV2040CompPlan. Additional information about current development projects may be found on the Cit�!webs�i;r}.