2019-02-25 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
February 25, 2019, 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 January 29, 2019 (5 min)
3.Green Step Cities Step 4 – Green Buildings (15 min)
(Action requested)
4.2019 Commission sponsored workshop (5 min)
5.2019 GreenCorps Application (10 min)
(Action requested)
6.Program/Project Updates (10 min)
7.Citywide pollinator policy (20 min)
8.2019 Draft Work Plan (20 min)
9.Council Updates (5 min)
10.Other Business
11.Adjourn
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G:\Environmental Commission\Agendas\2019\2- February\2 - 01-28-19 EC Minutes.doc
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
January 28, 2019
Commissioners Present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Joseph Ramlet,
Scott Seys, and Jim Stremel
Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor; Drew Chirpich,
Environmental Specialist and Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
Absent: Commissioners Lynn Gitelis and Debra Yahle
Call to Order
Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes
MOVED by Galonska, SECONDED by Stremel, and the motion carried
unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 26, 2018 regular meeting.
Approval of 2019 Meeting Dates
MOVED by Anderson, SECONDED by Ramlet, and the motion carried six to one to
change the May 27th meeting to May 20th due to the Memorial Day Holiday and to
cancel the December 23rd meeting due to the Christmas Holidays.
Solid Waste Hauling Update
Eckman presented a summary of the waste hauling forum that was discussed at the
January 8th Council/Manager’s meeting. The League of Women Voters will have their
report available on solid waste hauling this spring. It was requested for the Commission
to be given a copy of the report at the time it is made available to the Council.
Curbside Textile Recycling Proposal
Chirpich presented to the Commission the curbside textile recycling program offered by
Simple Recycling Company and marketed by WasteZero, a textile and soft recyclable
curbside pickup organization. Collection bags are given to the residents for used
clothing, textiles and other small household goods. These will be picked up on normal
recycling days by a transit van. There is no cost to the residents or the City but they do
require a five year contract. Simple Recycling will weigh the material and pay the City
$20/ton. 30% of the material goes to local thrift stores, 30% is shipped to overseas
markets and the rest is shredded into insulation and/or fiber for industrial use. Staff was
asked to find out where the company does its sorting. It was suggested by the
Commission to use the money the City will be receiving on environmental programs.
MOVED by Hill, SECONDED by Galonska, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the Curbside Textile Recycling Proposal and present it to the Council for
their approval.
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Minutes of the Environmental Commission
January 28, 2019
Page 2 of 3
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GreenStep Cities – Step 4 Metrics – Surface Water
After a brief discussion of Step 4 core topic, Surface Water, led by Drew Chirpich, the
Commission made the following motion.
MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Seys and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the Performance Metrics entry for Step 4 Surface Water as amended into
the GreenSteps Cities website at the time when all core topic areas and optional
topic areas are completed. The amendment included changing the percentage
rating on Data Element 12.3 to reflect “non-impaired” waters instead of
“impaired” waters so the goal to reach would be a rating of 100%.
GreenStep Cities Inventory – BP 23-5, 4-3, 12-6 and 2-4
Best Practice 23-5: Install & promote one or more public fueling stations for plug-in
electric vehicles. The City installed a 240 Volt dual charging station in the City Hall
parking lot which qualifies them for this Best Practice. Rate for charging is 90 cents per
hour and $1.20 per hour afterwards. It was suggested to possibly add a charging station
in Wirth Park where the City could share the cost of installation with the City of
Minneapolis.
Best Practice 4-3: Replace the city’s existing street lighting with LED’s. In 2018, the
city worked with Xcel Energy to change out 558 cobrahead street lights with 3000k LED
bulbs which uses less energy and emits less CO2 into the air.
Best Practice 12-6: Add/expand transit service or promote car/bike sharing. In 2018,
the City approved an agreement with “Lime” allowing the company to deploy a fleet of
dockless bikes and scooters. The City has implemented the service and is actively
promoting the program on the City’s website and in its newsletter.
Best Practice 2-4: Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building
practices within the city. The City installed two water fountain systems which allow for
the quick fill of reusable water bottles. Since installation in July, 2018, the use of the
fountains have saved an equivalent of 5,564 plastic water bottles. Commissioners
recommended adding the data from Brookview and possibly from various larger
businesses in the area who have water filler stations to the amount of saved plastic
water bottles for the City.
MOVED by Seys, SECONDED by Stremel, and the motion carried to approve Best
Practices 23-5, 4-3, 12-6 and 2-4 for entry into the GreenStep Cities website with
the amendment for BP 2-4 to include the water bottle savings data from
Brookview and possibly other businesses in the City. Motion to remove BP 12-6
from entry into the GreenStep Cities website failed to pass 2 to 4.
Citywide Pollinator Policy
Eckman stated that he is meeting with the People for Pollinators Golden Valley Group
on February 8, 2019 at 9a in City Hall. They will be discussing ideas and items which
will help with the draft of the Citywide Pollinator Policy. The Commission hopes to have
the policy completed by May 2019.
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Minutes of the Environmental Commission
January 28, 2019
Page 3 of 3
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Program/Project Updates
Chirpich reviewed the year-end recycling report which provided weight in pounds of the
various collected materials. Commissioners asked staff to provide the previous year’s
reports as well. The Commissioners also expressed interest in going on a tour of
Hennepin County Energy Recovery Center (HERC) in downtown Minneapolis. The
center burns solid waste to recover energy and steam which is used for heat and power
in the surrounding area.
The Commission asked if grants for Emerald Ash Borer removal were being actively
sought after by the City. Staff will contact the Forestry Dept. for an update regarding
this matter.
DeCola Ponds B and C Project was briefly discussed. The Council approved
agreements with the MnDNR and the Bassett Creek Watershed Management
Commission to begin final design work on the flood mitigation project. Besides reducing
flooding issues, additional benefits include improving water quality, enhancing
vegetation and wildlife habitat and improving recreation and park user experience. As
part of the project, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) was completed
and public comments were accepted. A public open house is scheduled for February 6,
2019 at 5p at Brookview to review the plans and provide feedback for the project.
Adjourn
MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried to adjourn
the meeting at 8:20 pm.
Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: February 20, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities Step 4 – Green Buildings
The City is working toward Step 4 in the GreenStep Cities Program which involves the
documentation of metric measurements in seven core topic areas and five optional topic areas.
Measuring for Step 4 is important as the City must show improvements in each topic area to
advance to Step 5. Improvements within these topic areas will help the community reduce
energy and carbon emissions, save money, and increase resilience to short and long term shocks
and stressors.
Core topic areas
Open Space, Parks, and Trees
Stormwater
Wastewater
City Buildings and Lighting
Renewable Energy
Land Use
Transportation Modes and Miles
Optional topic areas (in priority order)
City Fleets
Infrastructure for Biking and Walking
Car, Transit, and Bike Options
Surface Water
• Green Buildings
• Local Food (only if green buildings
does not prove to be workable)
The next core topic area that the City is completing is Green Buildings. The performance metrics
are attached to this memorandum for review. Also attached are the guidance documents for
completion of this action. After discussion staff requests that the Commission consider making a
motion to approve the City’s Step 4 Green Buildings-related metrics.
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: February 21, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: MetroBlooms Workshop
The City of Golden Valley has been in touch with MetroBlooms about hosting a workshop at
Brookview Community Center this spring. The City has worked with MetroBlooms in the past,
hosting a Turf Alternatives Workshop in October 2018.
Last November the Commission agreed it was interested in continuing the arrangement with
Metro Blooms if the opportunity presented itself. The next workshop in the series is Healthy Soils
(base cost $1,500) which includes a Q&A/group discussion after the presentation. Brochure is
attached.
The Commission is requested to discuss this opportunity and approve the scheduling of this
workshop, if acceptable.
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2019 Resilient Yard Workshop Series
Resilient Yard Workshops begin with an overview of the changing weather patterns the Metro is
expected to see in the coming years as a way to introduce solutions for property owners to both
mitigate and adapt to those changes (including installing raingardens, turf reduction and turf
alternatives, trees, and native plants). Discussion is followed by one-on-one conversations with
residents to assist with landscape plans to reduce runoff and conserve water.
Turf Alternatives Workshops focus on the logistics of removing and replacing turf grass with
more ecologically friendly options, including low-mow fescues and the popular “bee lawns”.
A facilitated discussion following the presentation addresses obstacles or questions attendees
might have and solutions and local resources to overcome them.
Healthy Soils Workshops dive into the nitty gritty of the biology beneath our feet. Drawing on
the same research that supports no-till and cover crops in agriculture as well as decades-long
experience of our Blue Thumb partners, these workshops are meant to educate and empower
homeowners to limit erosion, compaction and chemical applications, capture more runoff on
their properties, building resilience from the ground up.
Blue Thumb Workshops engage property owners by offering simple ways they can take action
in their yard to help build a resilient community, protect clean water and provide habitat for
pollinators. They also offer our MS4 partners an effective public outreach and engagement tool
with measurable outcomes.
Blue Thumb partners have 50-100% of their partner fee discounted from the cost of a workshop and
have access to an expanding library of shared Planting for Clean Water® resources and educational
displays, as well as professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year.
They’re also encouraged to refer residents to our partner finder tool to find help installing BMPs, and
receive extra help publicizing clean water events, programs, activities and ways to get involved.
To learn more about workshops or becoming a Blue Thumb partner,
visit bluethumb.org or contact me at john@metroblooms.org, 612-314-3450.
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Date: February 20, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: MPCA GreenCorps Application
Summary
Minnesota GreenCorps is an AmeriCorps program that began in 2009. The goal of Minnesota
GreenCorps is to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation
of environmental professionals. The program places members with host sites around the state to
assist communities and local governments in addressing a variety of statewide needs. For the
2019-2020 program year, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) anticipates placing and
supporting up to 42 full-time GreenCorps members throughout Minnesota. More information is
available at: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps/program-information.
City staff recognized this as an excellent opportunity for a candidate to work with staff and the
Environmental Commission on implementation of the City’s Resilience & Sustainability Plan and
GreenStep Cities initiatives.
The City has been successful applying for GreenCorps members in the past. A GreenCorps
member worked at City Hall from September 2016 to August 2017. The member focused on the
City’s Comprehensive Plan, GreenStep Cities initiatives, and implementation of the City’s Natural
Resources Management Plan
If selected by MPCA, the GreenCorps member would work at City Hall on a full-time basis from
September 2019 to August 2020. The GreenCorps member would assist the City with its waste
reduction, recycling, and composting/organics management goals, objectives, and
implementation actions.
The Commission is being asked to make a motion in support of the City applying for a MPCA
GreenCorps Member for the 2019-2020 program year.
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PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – February 2019
NATURAL RESOURCES
CPL DNR grant – Consistent with the Nature Area Prioritization Matrix developed by the Commission, staff identified
Basset Creek Nature Area as a potential fit for the DNR’s Conservation Partner’s Legacy (CPL) grant. Staff submitted the
required materials for the grant in January. Staff was recently notified that the City was awarded the full requested
amount of $50,000. The City will be required to provide a $5,000 match. The grant proposal includes removing invasive
species and restoring the nature area with native species.
WasteZero Contract- The City has reviewed, commented upon, and resubmitted to WasteZero the contract proposal for
the WasteZero curbside textile recycling program, and is waiting to hear back from WasteZero about the updated
proposal.
WATER RESOURCES
DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project
A public open house was held on February 6, 2019 in Brookview’s Bassett Creek Room to review the preliminary design
plans and gather input to help guide the final design of the project. A total of 8 people attended and 4 comments were
received. Attendees were generally supportive of the project.
Medicine Lake Road and Rosalyn Court impacted by a 3.5 inch rain in 2010.
Kings Valley Pond Maintenance Project- Work on the King’s Valley pond maintenance project is substantially complete.
Sediment excavation and hauling has finished. Restoration efforts will continue in the spring.
ENERGY
Limebike- At their peak, Golden Valley had a total of 53 Lime bikes and 61 scooters deployed. Through the months of
August, September, and October a total of 769 bike rides were taken in Golden Valley by 470 individuals. And although
Lime scooters were only in Golden Valley for a few short weeks, a total of 730 rides were taken by 439 riders. Due to the
later than expected deployment of the bikes and scooters as well as the information gathered in 2018, the Council
extended the MOU through the end of 2019
RECYCLING
Year-End Recycling Report- In January the Commission requested the recycling participation rate in 2018 in Golden
Valley. The community had a 92% recycling rate. 11
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
Feb 20, 2019
Architectural and Material Standards—Discussion regarding potential Zoning Text Amendments to regulate exterior
building materials and to require certain architectural features on new or remodeled buildings. The Planning
Commission discussed materials on February 11 and will discuss architectural features on February 25.
Pedestrian Overlay District—Discussion regarding the potential creation of a Pedestrian Overlay District would could
be applied to major corridors in the city in order to help regulate development. Scheduled for the February 25
meeting.
8043 Lewis Road (American Rug Laundry)—Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a laundry in a Light
Industrial zoning district. An existing building would be renovated. Scheduled for the March 11 meeting.
HRA Levy/Affordable Housing Update—Discussion of research on the potential to establish a levy by the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority to fund implementation of the housing goals in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Additional
updates on other potential tools to address/support affordable housing in the city. Scheduled for the March 12
meeting.
Firearm Sales—Zoning Text Amendments to restrict the location and to regulate the manner in which firearm sales
can be conducted in the city. Buffers of 750 feet from Institutional-zoned properties and 375 feet from Residential-
zoned properties were chosen, among other regulations. The Planning Commission recommended approval (6-0) on
January 24. The City Council approved the changes to the Commercial, Light Industrial, and Industrial zoning districts
(4-1) on February 19.
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City
Date: February 21, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Citywide Pollinator Policy
The Environmental Commission’s 2018 Work Plan includes the creation of a Citywide Pollinator
Policy. The pollinator policy will likely take the form of a resolution adopted by council similar to
other cities in the metro area.
The goal of the resolution is to summarize the City’s current efforts regarding pollinators,
habitat, and education/awareness, and to expand on these efforts to include new policies and
actions established in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan that reflect the community’s values.
As part of this process, staff met with the volunteer group People for Pollinators Golden Valley
which is sponsored by the Golden Valley Garden Club. People for Pollinators would like to assist
the Commission and City with the resolution and implementation of pollinator actions within
the community. Staff will provide more information at the meeting.
The following attachments are being provided for your information and benefit:
• A summary of the City’s current pollinator efforts (Current Pollinator Activities)
• Examples of recently adopted pollinator resolutions from other cities.
Below are some resources and links that may be helpful as the Commission begins to think
about this topic:
• University of Minnesota – Bee Lab - https://www.beelab.umn.edu
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pollinators/index.html
• Pollinator Friendly Alliance – https://pollinatorfriendly.org/
• Humming for Bees – https://www.hummingforbees.org/
• Landscape Arboretum – http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/beeandpollinatorcenter.aspx
• Metro Blooms – https://metroblooms.org
• Xerces Society – https://xerces.org/guidelines/pollinator-minnesota-wisconsin/
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City
• A short TED Talk presentation “Why Are Bees Disappearing?” from U of M Professor Dr.
Marla Spivek.
- https://www.ted.com/talks/marla_spivak_why_bees_are_disappearing?language=en#
t-941446
Commission members are asked to read through the attachments and other helpful resources and come
to the February 25th meeting prepared to discuss their ideas, questions, issues, and goals related to this
topic. Staff recommends that a draft resolution be prepared for council consideration in early spring.
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Current Pollinator Activities
Following are City policies, practices, projects, and actions that involve pollinators, pollinator
habitat, and education/awareness:
Codes and policies
• 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 Resilience and Sustainability Plan includes many goals, objectives, and policies
supporting pollinators, pollinator habitat, and a reduction in the use of chemicals:
o Increase the amount of native vegetation cover including pollinator habitat
o Reduce the use of chemicals, such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, that
have potentially negative impacts on natural resources and human health
o Establish land management standards and practices that lower inputs and
maximize resilience (i.e. utilize low maintenance turf, replace turf with native
and resilient species wherever possible)
o Provide information and assistance to residents on natural landscaping
techniques, including rain garden installation and creation of pollinator habitats
o Increase native species planted along streets and in publicly owned parking lots.
Plant native species in impervious surface areas to enhance stormwater
management and provide habitat to pollinators and other wildlife.
• 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
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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”.
• The Environmental Commission’s work plan for 2018 includes the drafting of a broad
pollinator policy that best meets the City’s goals.
Practices
• Phosphorus-free fertilizer and herbicide are used on athletic fields, Brookview Park and
golf course, 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
50% of an area and become an injury risk. 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.
• Brookview Golf Course staff have naturalized shorelines along Bassett Creek and ponds
within the golf course. Two ponds have managed buffers and two more are planned for
establishment in 2019. Fescues and low-maintenance mowing areas have been
introduced on slopes and other areas of the Brookview campus. These areas are
typically non-programmed spaces and non-playable areas of the golf course. These
areas allow the City to reduce inputs, saving on labor, equipment and material cost,
while providing ecological diversity.
• The City retains the services of Hennepin County STS to perform laborious tasks
including weeding rain gardens, planters, and medians, and controlling buckthorn and
other non-native plants within nature areas and open spaces. Efforts are made to leave
milkweed and other native plants in place within public spaces and rights-of-way.
Projects
• For over 20 years, Golden Valley has contracted with a professional consultant to assist
in establishing and managing 32+ native vegetation buffer areas using integrated plant
management. The buffers provide habitat and food for pollinators. The consultant
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performs monthly site visits and assesses whether an area needs to be burned, mowed,
biological control, or spot-treated. Herbicide is only applied as needed through spot
treatment.
• 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 after 2015:
o 2015 Bassett Creek Restoration project (approximately 3 acres)
o Brookview Golf Course areas (approximately 3 acres)
o Buffers around the new Honeywell Pond and Briarwood-Dawnview Pond
o 2016 Liberty Flood Mitigation Project added native vegetation buffers
o 2016 Douglas Drive project includes pollinator-friendly landscaping
o New Brookview Community Center low-mow areas and stormwater buffers
o 2019-20 Decola Ponds B and C Improvement project includes 2.3 acres of
restored habitat for wildlife and pollinators
o Garden Club is planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants in
streetscape areas and is interested in establishing pollinator habitat at the new
Brookview
o Private Developments (many new buffers and acres of habitat created, including
permanent conservation easements)
Actions
• 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.goldenvalleymn.gov/news/publications/citynews/pdf/2015/nov-
dec-2015.pdf (pg. 5)
• The Environmental Commission brought in General Mills representatives to present the
company’s 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 2017-2018 the City partnered with the Garden Club and GV Community Foundation
to prepare and plant a pollinator garden within a landscape island in the city hall parking
lot.
• In 2017 the Garden Club planted a demonstration pollinator garden plot at the Farmer’s
Market
• Volunteer efforts – The City supports volunteer efforts in the community from
individuals pulling buckthorn and garlic mustard to groups like the Garden Club planting
and maintaining streetscape and median planters.
• The City has documented many of its pollinator and habitat-related activities in
GreenStep Cities and will continue to do so.
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: February 21, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: 2019 Draft Work Plan Priorities
The Commission is requested to develop work plan priorities for 2019 based on the City’s
Resilience & Sustainability Plan, Natural Resources Management Plan, and GreenStep Cities
Program. Below are ideas to get the conversation started.
2019 Work Plan ideas
1. Begin work on GreenStep Cities Step 5 metrics to address climate-related impacts,
improve the environment, and reduce energy consumption and costs.
a. Prioritize the order in which the 12 topic areas are completed.
b. If the City is successful in its application for a MN GreenCorps Member for 2019-
2020, work with member to complete GreenStep Cities actions related to Waste
Reduction, Recycling, and Composting/Organics management.
c. Host a zero-waste community event.
2. Assist Council with the solid waste collection discussion.
a. Review the upcoming solid waste collection report.
b. Provide input and feedback on any proposed changes to the current system.
3. Explore options for citywide curbside organics collection.
4. Utilize its $3,500 budget to host an educational workshop on Resilient Yards. Consider
using any remaining funds for the Home Energy Squad Program.
5. Continue to assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan.
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6. Explore the revision of City code to allow for temporary use of goats for vegetation
management on public and private properties.
7. Revise City code to remove barriers to producing local food (Vertical Greenhouses, Urban
Farming)
8. Implement a comprehensive buckthorn management program.
9. Complete a ready and resilient guide for the community.
10. Review solar and wind ordinances and update as needed.
11. Review City code with respect to wood burning and update as needed to protect and
maintain air quality.
12. Research strategies to lower the emissions of city fleet.
13. Other?
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