2017-09-25 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
September 25, 2017, Monday @ 6:30pm
Council Conference Room (across from Council Chambers)
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of August 28, 2017 (5 min)
3. GreenStep Cities Inventory
Review Best Practices 19, 20, 23, 27, 28, 29 (45 min)
Action requested)
4. GreenStep Cities— BP 25 Green Business Development (15 min)
5. Program/Project Updates (25 min)
6. Council Updates
7. Other Business
8. Adjourn
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
763-593-8006(TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may inclutle large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette,etc.
1
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
August 28, 2017
Commissioners Present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill,
Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist; Claire Huisman, Administrative
Assistant
Absent: Commissioner Larry Johnson
Call to Order
z,
Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Reqular Meetinq Minutes
MOVED by Gitelis, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried unanimously
to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2017 regular meeting as amended for a
spelling error.
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
In review of the Parks and Natural Resources Chapter, Goals and Objectives, the
Commissioners made the following remarks:
Goal 1: Preserve parks and Acquire Additional Land — Gitelis suggested to add
the goal of expanding existing buildings and areas to create rentable space for
the public to use. This would allow for better utilization of existing facilities.
Gitelis also suggested offering lifecycle facilities and activities for all ages from
the very young on up to the senior age groups.
Goal 2: Deliver Recreation and Education Opportunities— Galonska felt the
objectives for Goal 2 were not very innovative or aggressive and were lacking
diversity in their policy and actions. Gitelis and Hill both suggested adding the
objective to initiate programs specifically for single persons and for families of
diverse make-up. Gitelis said this goal should contain one new initiative per
year.
Goal 3: Protect and Enhance Open spaces and Natural Resources— No
comments for change were made on this goal which is mostly from the Natural
Resources Plan chapter and most of its policies have been adopted by the City
already.
Goal 4: Grow Brookview Golf and Recreation Area — Hill felt the two objectives
seem redundant and could be combined into one. Gitelis and Anderson
suggested that the water issue on the golf course grounds should be addressed
by considering Stormwater Management when enhancing and investing in the
facility. Hill would like to see the word "baskets" replaced with the word "sources"
under the Implementation Strategies section, bullet number 2.
G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes 2017 8-August\08-28-17 EC Minutes.doc 2
Minutes of the Environmental Commission
August 28, 2017
Page 2 of 2
GreenStep Cities Inventorv - Review Best Practices 1, 2, 3, 14, 20, 23, 26, 27, 28
Revision suggestions were as follows:
BP#1.6 — In Outcome Metrics/Measures section, change "over the next year" to
reference a definite time period.
BP#2.1 —The Home Energy Program was done in 2009. Effort will be made to budget
for this program again next year.
BP#26.2 — Reference both solar and wind energy in the Implementation Details section
and the Outcome Metrics/Measures section.
BP#19, 20, 23, 27 and 28 were tabled until next meeting.
MOVED by Galonska, SECONDED by Stremel and the motion carried
unanimously to approve Best Practice #1, Action 6; #2, Action 1; #3, Action 3;
14, Action 4; #26, Action 2 - as amended for entry into the GreenStep Cities
website.
Proqram/Proiect Updates
Staff provided updates on the City's water and natural resource projects. The complete
program/project update is on file.
Other Business
Eric Eckman presented each Commissioner with a "Valley Values" City coffee mug
which was given to City employees to promote team work, open communication,
positive attitudes and customer focus within the work place.
Commissioner Galonska made the comment that there was no reference made to the
Adopt-a-Pond" or "Adopt-an-Open Space" Programs in the recent City Newsletter
about park programs. It only mentioned the "Adopt-a-Park Program. Eckman said staff
would pass this along to Communications and Park and Rec staff.
Adiourn
MOVED by Gitelis, SECONDED by Galonska, and the motion carried to adjourn
the meeting at 8:10 pm.
Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant
G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes 2017 8-August\08-28-17 EC Minutes.doc 3
city of .-
lden t t u
Physical i)evelc pment I)epartmen
763-593-8030/763-593-398$(fax}
Date: September 20, 2017
To:Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities Inventory
Best Practices 19, 20, 23, 27, 28, 29
Golden Valley entered the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 and was recognized as a "Step
2" city on lune 15th 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 entries describe actions the City has taken or are ongoing and serve as a way to
benchmark the City for further progress.
Please review these for the September Commission meeting. After brief discussion, staff requests
that the Commission consider making a motion to approve these for entry into the GreenStep
Cities website.
Attachments:
Best Practice Action 19.5—Adopt goals and create programs to revegetate shoreland
Best Practice Action 20.1—Compare energy use of your water facilities with peer plants
Best Practice Action 20.3— Establish program for decreasing inflow and infiltration
Best Practice Action 20.4—Assess energy use at water facility, report on changes
Best Practice Action 23.3—Adopt an air quality policy
Best Practice Action 27.2—Facilitate the creation of gardens and chicken keeping
Best Practice Action 27.3—Create assist with and promote local food distribution
Best Practice Action 28.3— Facilitate business parks within walking distance of
transit/residential zoning
Best Practice Action 29.2 - Integrate climate resilience into city planning, policy,
operations, and budgeting processes
Best Practice Action 29.3 - Increase social connectedness through engagement, capacity
building, public investment, and opportunities for economically vulnerable residents
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
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BP19—Surface Water Quality
Action#5—Adopt goals to revegetate shoreland and create a local program or outreach effort to help
property owners with revegetation
One star:Collaborate with DNR and others and support/initiate an effort to measure shoreland
status and set goals for needed restoration work and to locally promote DNR revegetation
incentives and technical assistance
Two star:Achieve 1-star and report progress toward meeting goals for restoration of a specific
percentage of shoreland
Three star: Enact a point-of-sale regulation that ensures shoreland revegetation as property is
sold
Golden Vallev Entry
Implementation Details
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC), of which Golden Valley is a member,
established the goal to, "maintain or improve shoreland integrity and implement stream restoration
measures to maintain or enhance ecological functions as well as human health, safety, and welfare" in
its 2015 Watershed Management Plan.This plan also identified the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources shoreland habitat restoration grant program as a state funding source that cities and/or the
BCWMC could obtain to fund shoreland projects(Section 5.2.2.4).
The BCWMC Channel Maintenance Fund can be utilized by private property owners in the member cities
to cover part of the costs of restoring and revegetating shoreland areas along streams.
In the Surface Water chapter of its 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Golden Valley established the goals to
Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and maintain shoreland integrity" and "Improve the
quality of Bassett Creek and City lakes to enhance the aesthetics and recreation opportunities in Golden
Valley."The chapter also includes a water resources implementation program identifying projects that
will improve water quality, potential funding sources, and proposed years of implementation. Several of
these projects have been completed, are ongoing, or are planned.
Outcome metrics/measures:
The City has established over 5 miles of stream bank buffer(out of 16 miles of stream banks)since 2007.
As of 2016,over 30 private properties had stabilized their own shorelines, 5 with the assistance of the
Channel Maintenance Fund. 20 private properties have restrictions regarding vegetation and shorelines
established through conservation easements.
For more information contact:
Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
763-593-8084
eeckman@goldenvalleymn.ov
Descriptive Links: http://bassettcreekwmo.or/document/wmp-plans
5
BP20—Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities
Action#1—Compare the energy use and financial perFormance of your facilities with other peer plants
using standardized,free tools.
One star:Calculate your waste water plant's benchmark by dividing average daily energy use by
typical flow in MGD(millions of gallons per day). Report energy use for drinking water produced
and delivered in kWh per 1,000 gallons (typically between 0.25 to 3.5 kWh)
Two star: Use B3, Portfolio Manager or the like to report several years of historic data; note how
all water and waste water facilities compare to similar plants
Three star: Report that the Sewer, and Drinking Water, Enterprise funds have had 5+years
Positive Net Income; rank in the best 25%of Upper Midwest peer plants
Golden Vallev Entry
Implementation Details
The City is a member of the Joint Water Commission (JWC)along with the cities of Crystal and New
Hope.The JWC purchases drinking water from the City of Minneapolis, which draws its water supply
from the Mississippi River.The 1WC owns two water storage reservoirs from which water is pumped to
three above-ground water tanks and through pipelines that serve all three cities. One of the reservoirs is
located in Golden Valley.The City uses the B3 benchmarking database to compare energy usage of our
water facility to peer plants.
Outcome metrics/measures
The average daily flow for the three cities that make up the JWC is 4.75 MGD. Between June of 2016
and lune of 2017,the average daily electric usage for the Golden Valley reservoir was 2,043 kWh per
day.
For more information contact:
Joe Hansen, Utilities Maintenance Supervisor
763-593-8038
jhansen@ oldenvallevmn.ov
Descriptive Links:
http://www.oldenvallevmn.ov/watersewer/water/
6
BP20—Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems
Action#3—Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer
lines and losses in drinking water systems
One star:Create a program backed by ordinance for inspecting household/business gutters,
foundation drains,sump pump connections, drain tile, lateral service lines, and/or inspections of
city-owned sewer lines; report types of water system preventive maintenance
Two star: Make sewer inspections mandatory at the time of property transfers, street
reconstructions; require repairs or provide incentives such as 50% reimbursement to property
owners to make repairs or enact utility bill surcharges for owners who are non-compliant with
I&I standards; report water system leak detection and water meter calibration, replacement and
automation
Three star: Report outcomes from I&I and water loss programs, such as#of disconnects, %
clearwater reduction, GPD removed,water supply leaks(unaccounted/non-revenue water loss;
should be under 5%), money saved at the wastewater treatment plant,capital costs avoided by
being able to defer capacity additions
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
All properties in Golden Valley must be inspected for Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) issues and are required to
be in compliance with the City's I/I program before they can be transferred (Section 3.31 of the City
Code). I/I issues include clear water connections to the sanitary sewer as well as cracks or leaky joints in
the sanitary sewer pipes. Property owners who apply for plumbing permits(when valuation exceeds
10,000),variances,subdivisions, or other planning actions from the City will also be subject to an
inspection.The City also conducts I/I inspections as part of its Pavement Management Program the year
prior to reconstructing a street. Properties that do not pass inspection are required by the City to
complete repairs within 180 days(Section 3.31 Subdivision 5.B).
The City's 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan allocates$600,000 to address Inflow/Infiltration in the I-
394 sewer shed (Project#W&SS-074)and $35,000 to purchase portable sewer flow meters for
monitoring inflow and infiltration in the sanitary sewer system (Project#W&SS-076).
The City tracks its progress with the I/I program by monitoring sewer flow at nine sites and monitoring
groundwater levels at seven sites.
Outcome metrics/measures:
In 2017, after ten years of implementing the I/I inspection program, 55%of properties within the City
had been inspected for compliance with the I/I ordinance.As a result of the City's program, in 2017, 310
disconnects had been made and 47%of properties in the City were known to be compliant with the
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services(MCES)directives regarding I/I.
According to a 2016 meter review and analysis published by the Metropolitan Council, between 2004
and 2015,Golden Valley reduced its peak flow from 12.9 million gallons per day(MGD)to 9.8 MGD (3.1
MGD or 24%)and reduced its I/I flow from 10.9 MGD to 7.8 MGD (3.1 MGD or 28%).These reductions
have resulted in savings at the wastewater treatment plant of up to approximately$2,772,175/year
7
BP20—Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems
cost to treat water approximately$2.45/1000 gallons x I/I flow reduction of 3.1 million gallons daily x
365 days/year).
For more information contact:
RJ Kakach, Engineer
763-593-8043
rkakach(a@ oldenvallevmn.ov
Attachments:Section 3.31 of City Code: Certificate of Inflow and Infiltration Compliance
Partners: MCES
8
BP20—Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems
Action#4—Assess energy and chemicals use at drinking water/wastewater facilities and report on
implemented changes that had a short payback period.
One star: Options include shifting operation times of large pumps or activities so as to secure a
cheaper electrical rate, purchasing cheaper'interruptable rate' electricity, installing a peaking
generator for load shaving/cost savings as well as backup power
Two star: Evaluate pump efficiency, repair or upgrade to efficient ones and report on
anticipated cost savings
Three star: Implement other/longer payback period drinking water facility upgrades such as
measurable reduction in chemical use, use of backwash water, etc.
Golden Vallev Entry
Implementation Details
A third party electrical company inspects the City's water and wastewater pumps on a yearly basis to
ensure all pumps are working to their maximum efficiencies.The City has installed a peak shaving
generator in its pumphouse and has replaced two out of the four water reservoir pumps with newer,
more efficient models.There are plans to replace the remaining two pumps by 2020.
Outcome metrics and measures
The average daily flow for the three cities that make up the loint Water Commission (Golden Valley,
New Hope, and Crystal) is 4.75 MGD. Between June of 2016 and June of 2017, the average daily electric
usage for the Golden Valley reservoir was 2,043 kWh per day.
For more information contact:
Joe Hansen, Utilities Maintenance Supervisor
763-593-8038
ihansen@ oldenvallevmn.gov
9
BP23—Local Air Quality
Action#3—Conduct one or more policy or education/behavior change campaigns on the topics below
and document:
a. Decreased vehicle idling in specific locations
b. Participation in the Air Aware Employers program
c. Adoption of a smoking-free policy at one or more multi-unit housing buildings, private or public
d. Replacement of gasoline-powered equipment with lower polluting equipment
e. Increased sales by retail stores of low and no-VOC household products
One star: Participate in the Air Aware Employers program; OR report the dimensions of and
results from your vehicle-idling actions:for example, no idling in the downtown core. Report no-
idling policies for city and school fleets in best practice 13 and for business fleets under 23.4
Two star:Adopt a non-smoking ordinance for parks; report on your campaign with retail stores
OR gasoline-replacement efforts
Three star: Report on the reach of your smoking-free policy
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
Golden Valley adopted a Smoke Free Environment ordinance (Section 10.67 of City Code) in 2005.The
ordinance prohibits smoking in: both indoor and outdoor dining areas of liquor and food establishments,
within 25 feet of any outdoor dining area at any liquor or food establishment, public places, places of
work,within 25 feet of entrances, exits,open windows, and ventilation intakes of public places and
places of work,and in public parks and recreation facilities.
For more information contact:
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager
jzimmerman@goldenvallevmn.gov
763-593-8099
Descriptive Links:
http://weblink.ci.olden-vallev.mn.us/Public/2/doc/493862/Pa e1 aspx
10
BP 27—Local Food
Action#2—Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation
of food growing areas/access in multifamily residential developments
One star: Remove restrictions to food gardening/raising of chickens/bees in residential areas.
Two star: Proactively zone for&allow by right food gardening/raising of chickens/bees report
one or more developments that have dedicated, permanent and managed growing space, such
as resident garden space, and/or related facilities(such as greenhouses)
Three star:Work with a rental building owner to establish a community garden,farmer's market
or CSA/food buying club drop-point within 1/2 mile; establish tax incentives to use vacant lots
for urban agriculture
Golden Vallev Entry
Implementation Details:
In 2013,the City amended its Animal and Fowl-Keeping ordinance (Section 10.32 of the City Code)to
allow for the keeping of chickens (Subdivision 3). Residents who wish to keep chickens must obtain a
license annually and fulfill the provisions established by the City. Information on the regulations
regarding chicken keeping is available on the City's website.
As of December 1, 2015,the City Council may only allow a new land use project through the planned
unit development process if the proposal includes enough pre-rated public amenities total at least 5
points. One public amenity option developers may choose to include is a community garden (3 points).
Outcome measures/metrics:
Between 2013 and 2017, 12 licenses for keeping chickens were issued in the City. In 2017,there were 9
current licenses.
For more information contact:
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager
izimmerman@ oldenvallevmn.ov
763)-593-8099
Descriptive Links:
Animals and Fowl-Keeping Ordinance
http://weblink.ci.oldenvalley.mn.us/Public/2/doc/502370/Pa el.aspx
11
BP27—Local Food
Action#3: Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
a. A farmer's market or co-op buying club
b. An urban agriculture business or a community-supported agriculture (CSA)arrangement
between farmers and community members/employees
c. A community or school garden, orchard or forest
One star:Summarize what exists in the city: a farmer's market, urban agriculture businesses,
etc.
Two star: Report on supportive actions taken by the city such as use of city land for a farmer's
market,garden plots in city parks, hiring a garden/market coordinator, supporting season
extension techniques such as hoop houses or greenhouses; donations from markets/gardens to
food shelves
Three star: Report on percent of housing units within a 1 mile of a healthy food source (farmer's
market,community garden, CSA drop point, and stores with an NAICS code of 445110 or
445230); convert top level of a parking ramp for a local food growing business
Golden Vallev Entry
Implementation Details:
Market in the Valley is a farmers market that is held in the City Hall parking lot every Sunday morning
June through October. Market in the Valley is operated by the Northwest Community Farmers Market
Connection (NCFMC), all produce is Minnesota grown and sold by the farmers who grow it.
7,072 out of 9,610 residential units are within a mile of CSA drop-off points or the farmers market (74%
of the population).
Outcome measures/metrics:
In 2017, Market in the Valley had an average attendance rate of approximately 1,000 shoppers per
Sunday.
For more information contact:
MarketintheVallev@ mail.com
Descriptive links:
http://www.marketinthevallev.or/home
12
BP27—Local Food
Background info
CSA drop points in Golden Valley:
Common Harvest Farm CSA drop point(Kyle Avenue near Rice Lake Park)
Community Homestead CSA drop points (701 Decatur Ave N and 225 Georgia Ave N)
Tangletown Gardens Farm (Sprit of Hope Church)
Within a mile of City limits:
Earth Dance Farm (1825 Jersey Ave S, St Louis Park)
Earth Dance Farm (2208 Willow Ln N, St Louis Park) (this one really helped us-Heather)
Earth Dance Farm (1531 Logan Ave N, Minneapolis)
13
BP28—Business Synergies
Action#3—Require, build or facilitate at least four of the following in a business/industrial project:
a. Shared parking/access OR shared recreation/childcare facilities
b. Green product development, manufacturing or sales OR a green job training program
c. Building located within walking distance of transit and/or residential zoning
d. Renovated buildings OR buildings designed for reuse
e. Green buildings built to exceed the Minnesota energy code by 20%OR renewable energy
generated on-site
f. Combined heat and power(CHP)generation capacity or shared geothermal heating/cooling
g. Low-impact site development
One star: Report on the features in a business park or industrial park project and what role
the city played in their achievement.
Two star:Specify which elements were/are required by the City
Three star: Rate the project using the Envision sustainability rating system or equivalent
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details
While Golden Valley does not define business or industrial parks,there are a few areas in the City that
are loosely considered business parks by staff due to their attributes.The Sandburg Road/Medicine Lake
Road area,the Downtown West area (between Highway 169 and Wisconsin Avenue North),and the
area east of Douglas Drive between Golden Valley Road and Highway 55 are all largely composed of
commercial, light industrial, and/or industrial zoning districts and are centers for office buildings and
industrial uses.There is transit service through the Downtown West area as well as along Highway 55
and Interstate 394.All three areas are within 0.5 mile of single-family zoning.
One business resident,who renovated an existing building in the Downtown West area before moving
into it in the summer of 2017,was granted a reduction in the minimum parking required by the City in
exchange for evidence of adjacent properties that it can share parking with.The City also facilitated
shared parking for the Central Park West property on the southwest corner of the Highway 100 and
Interstate 394 interchange (an area which is zoned for business and professional offices).
For more information contact:
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager
jzimmerman@goldenvallevmn.gov
763-593-8099
Descriptive Links: http://www.oldenvallevmn.ov/zoning/pdf/zonin-map85x11 pdf
14
BP29—Climate Adaption and Community Resilience
Action#2 Integrate climate resilience into city or tribal planning, policy,operations, and budgeting
processes.
1 star:Conduct a high-level assessment of strategic climate vulnerabilities. Identify important
assets and key adaptation/resilience strategies.
2 star: Incorporate climate adaptation and resilience goals and strategies into the city's
comprehensive plan (or long-term vision or adaptation plan for Category B &C cities and tribes)
using public engagement processes which must involve proactive outreach, stakeholder
involvement, and meaningful engagement of vulnerable and underrepresented populations
3 star: Implement a green zone policy(or other approach)that engages grassroots support for
redevelopment of underserved neighborhoods to benefit existing residents (such as by reducing
pollution sources, improving the condition of streetscapes to increase walkability,and providing
long-term affordable commercial space for local small businesses owned by lower-income,
immigrant, and/or minority residents)
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
The City retained the services of a consultant to assist with the development of its first Resilience and
Sustainability Plan. Writing of the plan began in fall of 2016 and was completed in fall of 2017.To first
gain an understanding of the existing conditions,the consultant conducted a vulnerability assessment
covering natural and built infrastructure assets as well as economic and social vulnerabilities. Focus
groups, interviews with local business representatives, and a community survey were used to gather
feedback from the community which directly influenced the development of the plan.The subject of
one of the focus groups was supporting vulnerable populations in Golden Valley and was composed of
people working to provide social services to vulnerable populations in Golden Valley. Results from the
community outreach effort as well as the vulnerability assessment led to the development of six goals:
1) Promote and Develop Clean, Renewable Energy
2) Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Lighting and Infrastructure
3) Promote Waste Reduction, Recycling and Composting
4) Protect and Enhance the Natural Environment
5) Plan for Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure
6) Increase Community Resilience and Preparedness.
These goals, along with their associated objectives, policies, and implementation strategies will be
incorporated into the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan update as a separate chapter on Resilience and
Sustainability.The Comprehensive Plan update will be adopted by City Council in 2018.
Outcome measures/metrics:
For more information contact:
Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
eeckman@ oldenvallevmn.ov
763)-593-8084
15
BP29—Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience
Action#3—Increase social connectedness through engagement, capacity building, public investment,
and opportunities for economically vulnerable residents to improve their economic prosperity
One star:Conduct community engagement events specifically targeted to underserved
populations, and take follow-up actions to resolve problems/vulnerabilities brought to the city's
attention
Two star: Implement a program of targeted training,job placement,and/or supportive services
specifically designed to meet identified needs of economically vulnerable residents in the
community and improve their prosperity
Three star: Implement a green zone policy(or other approach)that engages grassroots support
for redevelopment of underserved neighborhoods to benefit existing residents
Golden Vallev Entrv
Implementation Details:
In February of 2017 the City hosted two focus groups to gather feedback from the community for the
development of its first Resilience and Sustainability Plan.The subject of one of these focus groups was
supporting vulnerable populations in Golden Valley.The attendees of this focus group were all
professionals who work to provide services to vulnerable populations in Golden Valley. Feedback
provided by them was incorporated into the objectives, policies, and strategies outlined in the City's
Resilience and Sustainability Plan,which was completed in July 2017.
For more information contact:
Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
763-593-8084
eeckman@goldenvallevmn.ov
Attached File:Supportin Vulnerable Populations in Golden Vallev Focus Group Summarv
16
city of'
olc en ME A U
T. ,'Physical Development Department
763 593 8 30/763 593 3988(fax)
Date: September 20, 2017
To:Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Public Works Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities- Best Practice 25 - Green Business Development
Golden Valley entered the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 and was recognized as a "Step
2" city on June 15th 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.
Once the City completes its inventory of existing best practices, and uploads the actions to the
GreenStep website for approval by program staff, there is only one action remaining to achieve
Step 3. It is BP25 Green Business Development. The City already completed one action under BP
25 (action 25.4 Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local waste products/services) but
must complete one additional action.Those possible actions are listed below. Before staff begins
working on this action, it would like to discuss the potential options with the Commission.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
17
Action Examples
25.1 Support new green businesses and green Provide incentives(e.g.targeted loans,grants,
jobs through targeted assistance and new expedited permit)or participate in business
workforce development assistance efforts for green businesses
25.2 Create or participate in a Promote business assistance providers on city
marketing/outreach program to connect website, participate in a campaign organized by an
businesses with assistance providers(including assistance provider,or create an ongoing city-
utilities)who provide energy, waste,or organized business assistance program
sustainability audits and assistance Partners in Energy(Xcel)
25.3 Actively promote sustainable tourism in Contact businesses about making internal changes
your city,and green tourism resources to to go green,create or participate in an ongoing
tourism and hospitality businesses in/around the green tourism initiative
City Opportunity to partner with St. Louis Park
to develop a "Go Green"tab on the
Discover St. Louis Park" website featuring
sustainable activities and restaurants in
the two cities
25.5 Lower the environmental and health risk Go beyond regulatory requirements using
footprint of a brownfield MPCA/other best practices, create jobs, develop a
remediation/redevelopment project mixed-use site, attract green businesses, add
renewable energy generation capacity
25.6 Promote green businesses that are Recognize and promote (on city web site)
recognized under a local, regional, or national businesses recognized by environmental program
program General Mills ranked 29th out of 500
companies in Newsweek's"Green
Rankings" (2016)
General Mills included in Global 100 Most
Sustainable Corporations compiled by
Corporate Knights(2016)
Honeywell received Frost&Sullivan New
Product Innovation Award for
Photovoltaic Solar Modules(2016)
25.7 Conduct or participate in a buy local Promote diverse businesses located in/nearby the
campaign for community members and local city(beyond information on city website),
businesses promote locally owned businesses,create
incentives for buying local (i.e. local dollar gift
certificates)
18
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES—September 2017
ENERGY
LED Street Lights
Xcel Energy informed the City that it plans to replace all 525 cobra-head style street lights with more
energy efficient LED lights in late 2017 or early 2018.The changeout for the entire City may only take
their crews one week to complete. Last year,Xcel indicated it would install 4000 Kelvin (K)color
temperature bulbs which were industry standard at the time. Now, after completing additional research
and analysis,Xcel is planning to install 3000K LED bulbs in Golden Valley.A color temperature of 3000K
will provide a more yellow light, rather than a white or blue light. More information about this project
will be posted on the City website as it becomes available.
WATER RESOURCES
Medicine Lake Road and Winnetka Avenue Area Long Term Flood Mitigation Plan
The DeCola Ponds Flood Control newsletter was recently mailed out to property owners located on or
near the DeCola Ponds system.The newsletter serves as a communication tool to provide information
about current and future stormwater projects in the area.The newsletter is attached to this update.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Emerald Ash Borer(EAB) Management Plan
EAB has been discovered in communities adjacent to Golden Valley, but so far has not been discovered
in the City. Staff continues to monitor and respond to reports of possible EAB.
As part of the EAB management plan,the City removes about 30-50 ash trees per year throughout the
park and open space system, primarily during the winter months.The City replaces ash trees with a
variety of other resilient species,often with the help of DNR grants.This fall,crews are planning to plant
55 shade trees in parks and open spaces around the City.
Also as part of the EAB management plan,the City is working with Hennepin County,to remove and
replace ash trees located within the Winnetka Avenue streetscape near city hall.Crews are in the
process of marking and removing 51 ash trees and will be working with volunteers to replace the ash
trees with up to nine species of tree at no cost to the City.The planting is scheduled for Saturday,
October 1.Those interested in volunteering may contact AI Lundstrom, City Forester.
Buckthorn Removal Volunteer Program
The City has an ongoing volunteer program for a number of different activities, including removal of
buckthorn.This fall, Park Maintenance staff is working with volunteers looking to remove buckthorn
from Wesley Park and other areas around the City. Interested persons can learn more and download an
application at http://www.oldenvallevmn.ov/natural-resources/invasive-species/index.php
SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING
Hennepin County is developing its 2018 Solid Waste Management Master Plan to reach the goal of
recycling 75 percent of waste by 2030 and sending zero waste to landfills.
A draft of the master plan is now available for review and comment through October 9. Review the draft
plan at http://www.hennepin.us/solidwasteplanning
19
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
635 Hampshire Place—Variance from the side yard setback in order to expand a garage and add a
second parking stall.The required setback is 15 feet and the applicant is requesting to reduce this
distance to 7.5 feet. Scheduled for the September 26 meeting.
Mixed Income Housing Policy—At their meeting on September 19,the City Council approved (4-0)a
new Mixed Income Housing Policy for Golden Valley that will require a portion of the new housing units
in eligible projects to meet affordability requirements.This policy is similar to others approved by
nearby communities in recent years and will act as an implementation tool to aid the City in meeting its
housing goals.
Global Adult Day Services, Inc.–6960 Madison Ave W(Conditional Use Permit)—CUP to allow adult
day care in a multi-tenant building in an Industrial Zoning District. Up to 30 refugee/immigrant clients
would be served between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.The Planning Commission recommended
approval (5-0)at their meeting on August 28.The City Council approved the CUP(4-0) on September 19.
Lions Park View–7200 Harold Ave(Subdivision)—Subdivision request to split one lot into two.The
existing home in this R-2 zoned property would be demolished and two new homes would be
constructed on small single family lots.The Planning Commission recommended approval (5-0) at their
meeting on September 11.The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on October 3.
5509 Lindsay Street(Comp Plan Amendment and Rezoning)—Guiding and zoning an excess MnDOT
parcel from Right-of-Way to Moderate Density Residential use and R-2 zoning.The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the Rezoning (3-2) but recommended denying the Comp Plan Amendment
0-5)at their meeting on August 28, citing questions about the planned future land use of the area.The
City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on October 3.
1611 Lilac Drive N (Comp Plan Amendment and Rezoning)—Guiding and zoning an excess MnDOT
parcel from Right-of-Way to Low Density Residential and R-1 zoning.The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the Rezoning(3-2) but recommended denying the Comp Plan Amendment
0-5) at their meeting on August 28.The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on October 3.
Douglas Drive Redevelopment Plan—Staff will recap the Douglas Drive Redevelopment Plan that was
created in 2008-2009 and approved in 2010 and will discuss the likely evolution of the plan in light of
recent redevelopment opportunities along the corridor.
2040 Comprehensive Plan—All chapters of the Comp Plan have been discussed at an Open House and
with the Planning Commission and member of the public as part of a Comp Plan Conversation. Staff and
consultants are now working on drafting the text of each chapter and will be sharing these with the
Commissions and City Council for comments and feedback over the next few months.
Draft implementation steps for all ofi the topics will be brought forward early in 2018.The 2040
Comprehensive Plan is on track to be submitted to the Metropolitan Council in mid-2018.
For additional information about the Comp Plan and the initial goals associated with each chapter,visit
the 2040 Comp Plan web site: bit.lv/GV2040CompPlan. 20
U I YI 1 j
V l1
o Flood Control
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Long-Term Flood Mitigation Plans UnderWay
Last summer the City Councils from Golden Valley,Crystal, flood hazard mitigation program for projects around DeCola
and New Hope met jointly to review the findings and recom- Ponds B and C,but funding fell short in 2017(see page 3 for
mendations of the Medicine Lake Road and Winnetka Avenue more information on the proposed project around DeCola
Area Long-Term Flood Mitigation Plan(also known as the Ponds B and C).
DeCola Ponds Study).The flood mitigation plan includes
information about the potential risk of flooding in the area and Funding flood mitigation in the Decola Ponds area is one of
recommendations for projects to help mitigate flooding,includ- Golden Valley's top legislative priorities.Efforts to obtain fund-
ing a conceptual governance and financing model. ing from the State and other agencies will continue in 2017 and
2018.Letters and testimony from residents who may be impact-
Ihe City Councils took no action at the joint meeting;how- ed by flooding are extremely valuable when requesting funding
ever,in subsequent meetings the individual Cowicils further and appearing before legislative committees.Please contact the
reviewed the report and discussed the recommendations.They City at 763-593-8030 if you are interested in contributing to
concluded that individual projects in their respective communi- this effart during the next legislative session.
ties would be undertaken at the appropriate time
and when the necessary funding is available.The
Councils determined that a joint powers agree- f-"'--- I
ment is not desired as a way to oversee project I m
a2nd AveN
implementation,but that a collaborative and
unified effort is needed to fund and construct Crystal m m
flood mitigation projects in the three cities.
The collaborative effort includes working with New Hope E
project partners and making requests for fund-44
ing.Project partners include Hennepin County,
Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commis t"'!"=w
sion,and State agencies such as the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources and Board of j S`7 e aWaterandSoilResources. t;;
c, e Z -dburgRd
Bonding Bill O!d Golden Valley
Because outside resources will be needed to help
fund construction of the flood mitigation proj-
ects,City staff and elected officials worked with
State senators and representatives on funding
bills in 2016 and 2017.'Ihe Cities requested an
appropriaYion of$8.4 million from tl e State's
y"°'
21
1
Update On Current Projects
The flood storage being created by the City's Liberty Gossing Ijle Liberty DevelopmentInfrastructureImprovementProjectisthefirstofmanyflood
Construction of The Liberty development atmitigationprojectsoutlinedintheMedicineLakeRoadand
Winnetka Ave and Medicine Lake Rd began lastWinnetkaAvenueAreaLong-Term Flood Mitigation Plan.
summer.Featuring a 187-unit apartment building
The Liberty Crossing Infrastructure Improvement Project is and 55 townhome units,the project is scheduled
located in and around the Rhode Island Ave corridor.A portion for completion in 2017,with landscaping and final
of Rhode Island Ave has beeu permanently removed to facili- touch-up in 2018.
tate the project.The project includes:
As part of the Liberty project,the developer
creation of above-and below-ground flood storage that will worked with the City to maximize the amount of
benefit the community and the environment on-site flood storage to benefit the community.
reduction of impervious surface area to help protect and T1 e combination of above-ground basins and
improve water quality in DeCola Ponds and Bassett Creek below-ground storage tank is funded with Tax
Increment Financing.establishment of native vegetation buffer areas to improve
water and air quality and enhance
pollinator habitats
development of public open space and
trails that connect to the Pennsybania i tedie;ne-take-rt-
Woods Nature Area
improved aesthetics and increased op-
portunities for recreation and wildlife 2 i
viewing I g a
replacing the agiilg Metropolitan
Council Environmental Services san- a a
itary sewer force main located within
the Rhode Island Ave corridor
Ihe project created ftood storage that will
lower flood levels on Medicine Lake Rd c.,9 o^a
FboC Storag
by about].5 feet and on Ponds A,B,C, T'"
and D by about 0.3 feet Construction is
expected to wrap up this fall.
j L _ ... _. F n:.
W1 w The Liberty
IIdt S IYeXt? 1 Developmem
I 5AsdiscussedintheMedicineLakeRoad
and Winnetka Avenue Area Long Term w- - s
Flood Mitigation Plan,there is no simple z
solution to the ongoing flooding issues a s o
in the area.While the new flood storage
facilities created by the Liberty Crossiiig co.z
Infrastructure Improvement Project are
extremely important to the overall plan,it
will take a series ofprojects constructed
z
as soon as funding allows to make a more a
t_.__•_ ___. i :._...._... . ,.. L pYOEOUIICj 1rilpdCt dflCj IOWeY flOOd IeVe S.K Penns i ania
Ninods
To that end,other governmental partners
are exploring opportunities as well.
The Cities of New Hope and Crystal Liberty Crossing
have taken preliminary steps to explore Infrastructure Improvement Project
22
1
the potential of constructing floud z y,o —
mitigation projects in their commu- Q
910
nities.Crystal recently completed m
e a " " `, lo
work in Yunker Park that resulted
in additional rate control and flood I ' t"
v
storage benefitting the watershed. 1`:'_ `
s - ' l ,'
Ihe Cities are currently working on
their comprehensive plans to identify a L.*-,_,
potential redevelopment areas and a
projectlocations to maximize hiture Pueiic
flood stora e o ortunities.
Easement
g pp Area
r ,
Ihe Bassett Creek Watershed Man
agement Commission(BCWMC)
has allocated$2.9 million in funding
in its five-year capital improvemeni
n3
program toward construction of fu-
tureprojects thatwould help reduce p i pzeoa
flood damage. Pond s Pond c
Pennsylvania
The next project in line involves wooas
creation of flood storage in the Penn- z J o
sylvania Woods Nature Area around
DeCola Ponds B and C(see map). s`
70
N
W UAsmentionedearlier,the three cities
requested an appropriation of$R.4
92C
million from the state's flood hazard
mitigation program for this project. 9
Wio ZTheBCWMChasidentified$1.6
o
million toward the local share of this I z i
project if funding is included in the a
T
next bonding bill. oecc.a v,r,c
u
To prepare for this potential funding
opportunity,a feasibiliry study must
i
be completed.It is anticipated the DeCola Ponds B 8 C
study will begin this fall.While the Infrastructure Improvement Project Study Area
project will seek to maximize flood
storage,one goal is to preserve the
upland areas of Pennsylvania Woods To help property owners understand costs and options,City
that contain the most significant hardwood trees.More in-staf}has developed a table showing the estimated cost of flood-
formation will be exchanged and feedback will be gathered proofing for each property under existing conditions and after
during the community engagement process for the study. full implementation of the long-terin mitigation plan.Residents
Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks. are encouraged to set up individual meetings with staff,either
in City of ices or on site,to discuss flood impacts and potential
Full implementation of the Medicine Lake Road and Winnet-solutions for tlieir property.
ka Avenue Area Long-Term Flood Mitigation Plan will lower
flood levels and reduce flood damages.However,even after full For More Information
implementation,a number of homes will still need to do addi-To schedule a meeting with staff,or if you have questions or
tional floodproofing to protect themselves to the base flood el- need more information,contact the Golden Valley Physical
evation.Property owners may floodproof their homes on their Development Department at 763-593-8030.
own at any time.For helpful information about floodproofing,
check out the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/media-library/
assets/documents/480(see Chapter 7 Floodproofing.
23
1
Water Quality Improvement Is Ongoing Effort
The City of Golden Valley is continually working to improve water resources both in the community and beyond.
DeCola Pond F Dredging Project
M_____________
City staff recently completed a citywide pond and
wetland assessment to help prioritize which ponds are in d
need of dredging to maintain their water quality treat- a', 11,
ment effectiveness.Based on the study results,DeCola
Pond F was selected for a dredging project in o Madison Ave W
L A
winter 2016. z
a'
Ihe project could not be completed due to warmer than oe oia ra„a s o o a vona c A
m
expected temperatures,so the contractor will be back PQ Sri an A
this winter to finish the work.Staffwill contact adjacent Q
wooa5
Sandburg Rdresidentsasnoreinformationbecomesavailable.
d
Deceia Pond D
Decola Fond A
zw
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ca t
Winnetka Heights Dr r O Isaacso Park
acc
z d = a
a m Decola Pond FQ Q Uecola Pond E
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tK Mdi fh Cf
Adopt-a-Pond Program
Orion Associates,located in Golden
Valley,adopted DeCola Ponds A,
i :,r«i .
a f a.
x ."F`r',..'` J:B and C in Z016 and has continued 11j.+'W j I' F..* Y: A f J
its work in 2017 as part of the City's
y f; a -_, ` ''
adopt-a-pond program.The group
i :
i1i',: , .a . .t-
goes out several times during the r. ; 3'""
year to remove litter and debris from
r ``a =#
t . `
ponds,remove buckthorn from trail
and shoreline areas,and applygrass
4 r;'
seed to bare and eroded soils.'Ihis
work is helping protect and improve g, t. ' t . '~`'
k a r`"' the City's vater resources,and posi- s
tive feedback has been received from i(
jpg .
y } F '
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R C'?._ .i: ...._
YY`S]
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nearby residents.
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TreeYrust F raject In Pennsylvania Woods F. ,
4 ,, _. ,.
For more 35 years,the City has worked with the Tree Trtist
r-
r,,.`"' z
youtl organization to complete several park improvement proj 1 ,
ects throughout the community.This year's projeci focused on
the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area.Improve nents included
correcting drainage issues and stabilizing eroding soils within y'
a,'
their work areas,which benefit the aesthetics,recreation,and yw., " 4 =
5 yi^S . .
the environment
24