2018-05-21 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
May 21, 2018, 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 April 23, 2018 (5 min)
3.New member introduction – Scott Seys (5 min)
4.Commission Guidelines and Guiding Principles (30 min)
5.Election of Officers (5 min)
(Action Requested)
6.Review Commission Bylaws (15 min)
(Action Requested)
7.2018 Work Plan (5 min)
8.Update on Solid Waste discussion (20 min)
9.Program/Project Updates (5 min)
10.Council Updates (5 min)
11.Other Business
12.Adjourn
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GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
April 23, 2018
Commissioners Present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Larry Johnson,
Joseph Ramlet, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Staff Present: Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director; Eric Eckman,
Development and Assets Supervisor; Claire Huisman, Administrative
Assistant
Absent: Commissioner Lynn Gitelis
Call to Order
Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes
MOVED by Anderson, SECONDED by Galonska, and the motion carried
unanimously to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2018 regular meeting.
A farewell was given to Commissioner Larry Johnson for his many years of service to
the Environmental Commission. He will be resigning from the Commission after
tonight’s meeting.
Solid Waste Baseline Information
Marc Nevinski shared with the Commission the presentation he gave to the Council on
April 10th regarding organized solid waste collection. The discussion looked at the
current status of Golden Valley’s solid waste and recycling programs, recent survey
results, what other communities are doing, and goals for Council to consider. The goals
and values suggested by Council include: options and flexibility; cost neutral; reduce
number of trucks; retain choice; make services affordable; single day pick-up;
environment.
During the presentation Commissioners provided the following comments and
questions:
• Is there a cap on the number of haulers?
• How do you know if a resident does not have trash service?
• What is the recycling arrangement with Plymouth and Minnetonka?
• Is organics considered recycling?
• Is organics cheaper than solid waste?
• Does any hauler besides Randy’s provide organics collection?
• Does Randy’s partner with competitors to provide blue bag program?
• Friday seems to be “pick-up day” in Golden Valley based on observations
Nevinski asked the Commission to think about the following questions and provide
feedback to staff:
1. What do you hear from Golden Valley residents about trash hauling?
2. How might residents be engaged in this conversation about trash hauling?
3. What data should be gathered or questions answered that have not been?
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Minutes of the Environmental Commission
April 23, 2018
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Annual Report and Work Plan
Eckman presented and discussed with the Commission the 2017 Annual Report and the
2018 Work Plan which will be presented to the Council on May 8th. The annual report
highlighted the Commissions major accomplishments which included:
• GreenStep Cities Program progress and recognition;
• Completion of the City’s Resilience and Sustainability Plan by the Commission
along with their contribution and input on other chapters in the City’s
Comprehensive Plan;
• Budget approval from the Council to host a community event and/or workshop for
this year’s topic, Sustainable Yards and Gardens (using less chemicals);
• Review and assist the City with its Environmental Projects through the
Commissions monthly Program and Projects Updates from various city
departments.
The 2018 Work Plan included the following:
• Continue to work on Step 4 of the GreenStep Cities Program;
• Help guide and give feedback on the City’s community conversation on solid
waste collection;
• Assist in the preparation of the curbside recycling contract for 2019;
• Utilize its $3,500 budget to host an educational workshop;
• Create a City-wide pollinator policy;
• Remove barriers in the zoning code for producing local food (Vertical
Greenhouses/Urban Farming);
• Continue to assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan.
MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Yahle and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the 2018 Work Plan and its presentation to the City Council on May 8th.
GreenStep Cities Step 4 – Wastewater
After discussion of Step 4 core topic Wastewater and review of the 2016 Metropolitan
Council Inflow and Infiltration report, the Commission made the following motion.
MOVED by Ramlet, SECONDED by Galonska and the motion carried unanimously
to approve the entry for Step 4 Wastewater into the GreenSteps Cities website.
Program/Project Updates
The complete Program/Project Update is on file. Eckman discussed the city’s
application for a GreenCorps member whose main focus would be to assist the City in
waste reduction, recycling and composting/organics management. He also gave an
update on the DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project. Chair Hill gave a brief
update on the Bike Ped Task Force.
Other Business
Joseph Ramlet spoke about attending a youth event at the Capitol on Wednesday, April
25th. He will not be at the June Commission meeting due to summer work with the MN
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Minutes of the Environmental Commission
April 23, 2018
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Conservation Corp. He also mentioned that he participated in a video promoting
student involvement which can be accessed through the Hopkins School website.
Eckman mentioned that a new Commission member will be appointed in May as well as
the yearly election for Chair and Vice-Chair. The current Chair and Vice-Chair are
eligible to serve another year. The Commission will go through a “new member”
orientation with reminders on open meeting laws, etc.
Chair Hill asked for guidelines on what the Commissioners can and can’t do when
involved in elections and campaigning.
Adjourn
MOVED by Galonska, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried to
adjourn the meeting at 8:33 pm.
Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 18, 2018
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Commission Guidelines and Guiding Principles
Staff will present information on the City’s organizational structure and the Commission’s
guidelines and guiding principles.
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 18, 2018
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Review Bylaws
The Commission is asked to review the bylaws on an annual basis and forward any proposed
changes to Council for consideration. The bylaws are attached for your review. Consideration
should be given to adding the City’s Resilience and Sustainability Plan and Natural Resources
Management Plan to Mission Statement #2.
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BYLAWS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
Article I: Mission Statement
The Environmental Commission has been established to advise and make
recommendations to the City Council in matters relating to and affecting the
environment. Specifically, the Commission shall:
1. Develop and make recommendations to educate the public on environmental
regulations, policies, practices and tools;
2. Develop and make recommendations as an advisory review body for
amendments to or revisions of the city’s Surface Water Management Plan and
provide advice as requested by the Council on other city programs and
initiatives;
3. Review and make recommendations regarding the city’s existing environmental
ordinances, policies and guidelines;
4. Develop and make recommendations on management practices for the city’s
nature areas, public and private ponding areas, and other such city-owned
properties as directed by the City Council;
5. Participate, as directed by the City Council, in local activities initiated by other
public and quasi-public agencies regarding environmental issues;
6. Advise and recommend such other functions or procedures as may be assigned
to them by the City Code or the Council.
Article II: Membership, Meetings, Attendance and Annual Report
1. Membership
a. The Environmental Commission membership shall consist of seven (7)
regular members who shall serve three-year staggered terms and one (1)
voting youth member, who shall live or attend school within Golden Valley
and enrolled in school grades nine (9) through twelve (12). The youth
member shall serve a one (1) year term. Emphasis in appointments will be
based on knowledge of environmental issues and their relationships to the
natural environment and quality of life in the City.
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2. Meetings
a. The Commission will hold monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of the
month at 6:30 p.m.
b. A quorum consisting of a majority of the appointed membership is
necessary to transact the business of the Commission.
c. The Commission may hold special meetings to complete or initiate
business at the call of the chairperson or at the request of three members.
d. Each member shall be notified at least 48 hours notice of a special
meeting regarding the time, place and purpose of the meeting.
e. All meetings will be open to the public.
3. Attendance
Attendance is required at all meetings. Absences in one year should not exceed
three consecutive meetings or more than 25 percent of the total meetings for the
year. A standardized letter of warning will be sent from the respective chair to
any member after two missed meetings. If a member exceeds the allowable
number of absences, the Mayor will send a standardized letter, stating that the
member must step down because of the importance of regular attendance. If
the Commission feels there are extenuating circumstances in a case of a
member who has not met the attendance requirements, the Commission may
send a letter to the Council explaining the situation and requesting an exception.
If a member is unable to attend a meeting, that member should contact the staff
liaison, who will inform the chair if a quorum cannot be attained and the meeting
will be cancelled.
4. Annual Report
On March 1 of each year, the Commission shall provide the City Council with a
written annual report outlining its activities over the past year and its proposed
activities for the upcoming year.
Article III: Appointment, Terms and Vacancies
1. Appointments
The Council shall make appointments to the Commission at its last meeting in
April, effective May 1. The members shall begin their term at the Commission’s
first meeting in May.
2. Terms
Members will serve three-year staggered terms.
3. Vacancies
If a vacancy occurs before the end of the term, interim appointments may be
made by the Council.
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Article IV: Officers, Elections and Duties
1. Officers
The Environmental Commission will have two officers: a chairperson and a vice
chairperson. Terms of office shall be for a maximum of two years and shall
rotate. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall not serve consecutive terms.
2. Election of Officers
The Commission will elect officers at the May meeting each year. Officers will
serve until the next election.
3. Duties of Officers
The Commission Chairperson will:
Work with staff liaison to develop meeting agendas.
Conduct and preside over monthly meetings in a productive, timely manner.
Monitor and ensure the progress of the Commission.
Report to the City Council.
Assure that the Commission conducts its activities within its mission and
bylaws.
The Commission Vice Chairperson will:
Preside over any meeting in the Chairperson’s absence.
Article V: Amendments and Revisions
The Commission will review these bylaws every three years, at the March meeting.
Members will present recommendations for changes and amendments. These bylaws
can be altered or amended at any regular monthly Commission meeting, provided that
notice of the proposed changes and amendments is mailed to each member at least
ten business days before the meeting. The Council must review and approve any
changes to, and has final authority regarding, these bylaws.
Revised by the Env. Comm. 06/27/05;
Adopted by the Env. Comm. 07/24/00;
Adopted by the City Council 09/05/00.
Revised by the Env. Comm. 03/23/15
Revised by the Env. Comm. 11/23/15
Revised by the Env. Comm. 02/27/17
Adopted by the City Council 03/21/17
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 18, 2018
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Coordinator
Subject: 2018 Work Plan
On May 8, 2018, the City Council received the Commission’s 2017 annual report and reviewed
and discussed the proposed 2018 work plan. There were no significant changes. Below is the final
2018 work plan.
2018 Work Plan
Based on the Resilience and Sustainability Plan and Natural Resources Management Plan, and within the
framework of the GreenStep Cities program, the Commission proposes the following work plan priorities
for 2018:
1. Continue working on GreenStep Cities Step 4 metrics to address climate-related impacts,
improve the environment and local economy, and reduce energy use and costs. These include:
a. City Buildings and Lighting
b. Transportation Modes and Miles
c. Renewable Energy
d. Land Use
e. 5 optional topic areas (previously selected by the Commission)
2. Help guide and give feedback on the City’s community conversation on solid waste collection.
3. Assist in the preparation of the curbside recycling contract for 2019.
4. Utilize Commission’s budget of $3,500 to host an educational workshop on Sustainable
Yards and Gardens, with an emphasis on reducing chemicals (pesticides, herbicides,
fertilizers, chlorides) and other inputs. Comment from Council: As part of this workshop,
consider including a list of possible companies that could provide reduced-chemical or
chemical-free lawn services to residents.
5. Create a City-wide pollinator policy.
6. Remove zoning and land use barriers for producing local food (Vertical Greenhouses/Urban
Farming).
7. Continue to assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan.
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 18, 2018
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Coordinator
Subject: Update on Solid Waste Discussion
At its April 23, 2018 meeting, the Commission received information about the City’s solid waste
and recycling programs, the City Council’s preliminary goals for solid waste collection, and
potential strategies for achieving those goals. Staff also asked the commission to consider the
following questions:
1. What do you hear from Golden Valley residents about trash hauling?
2. How might residents be engaged in this conversation about trash hauling?
3. What data should be gathered or questions answered that have not been?
Staff will revisit these questions and then provide an update on the solid waste discussion.
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PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – May 2018
MN GREENCORPS PROGRAM
The City applied for a MN GreenCorps member to assist with its waste reduction goals. Unfortunately, the City was not
selected as a host site for the upcoming year. Program staff said there were numerous applications and the competition
was very strong in the waste reduction topic area this time around.
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
May 17, 2018
7040 Glenwood Avenue (Minor Subdivision)—Subdivision request to split one lot into two. The existing home would
be demolished, the existing driveway onto Glenwood would be removed, and two future driveways would be
constructed on the frontage road. Land would also be dedicated for a potential future frontage road cul-de-sac.
Scheduled for the May 30 meeting.
Jaguar/Land Rover (Major PUD Amendment)—As part of a project to reconstruct the Land Rover showroom, the
applicant is requesting to extend the parking area into the front setback. This shift in parking area would be more
than offset by the removal of an area of impervious surface along the western edge of the property. Scheduled for
the May 30 meeting.
5530 & 5540 Golden Valley Road and 1530 Welcome Avenue North (Land Use Map Amendment and Zoning Map
Amendment)—In anticipation of a pending proposal to construct an assisted living and memory care facility for
seniors, the three properties would be guided for Medium-High Residential use and zoned Medium Density (R-3)
Residential. There are currently two single-family homes and one vacant commercial building at this location.
Scheduled for the May 30 meeting.
2429 Douglas Drive (Land Use Map Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment)—In anticipation of a pending
proposal to construct a medical transitional care facility, this property would be guided for Medium-Low Residential
use and zoned Moderate Density (R-2) Residential. A single-family home that was struck by lightning in 2017 was
recently demolished at this location. Scheduled for the May 30 meeting.
Meadowbrook School (Major PUD Amendment)—Proposal to add a net total of eight classrooms to the north end of
the existing building in order to help relieve existing crowded conditions. Challenges include managing already heavy
traffic at drop-off and pick-up times during the school year. The Planning Commission discussed the proposal at
length at its meeting on April 19 and recommended approval (7-0) with a number of conditions.
Prior to the City Council meeting on May 15, the City and Hopkins School District agreed to spend additional time in
2018 exploring other creative and comprehensive solutions to the traffic issues on Glenwood Avenue. The School
District will provide funding for a left turn lane on Glenwood Avenue should the City require it to be constructed. The
City Council voted to approve the amendment (5-0). A right turn lane on Turners Crossroad and the preservation of
the playground in the northeast corner of Glenwood and Turners intersection were included in the approval.
Global Pointe Senior Living (Minor PUD Amendment)—Proposal to convert one room currently designated as an
Activity Room to a dwelling unit. This would increase the total number of units in the building to 99. The City Council
approved the amendment (5-0) at May 15 meeting.
2040 Comprehensive Plan—The City Council approved the release of the draft Comprehensive Plan update to the
public. This opened a 60 day window for public comments and a 6 month window for adjacent communities and
affected jurisdictions to comment. Public hearings on the final Plan are expected in the fall of 2018.
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Recodification—On June 12, staff will preview the updates and changes to the City Code being carried out as part of
the Recodification process. Many of these modifications are housekeeping in nature, though there are some more
substantial fixes being included as well. The Planning Commission will review changes to the Zoning Chapter; the City
Council will be asked to approve the entire Recodification later this summer.
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