2019-07-22 EC Agenda PacketREGULAR MEETING AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval of May 20, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
5.Old Business
A.GreenStep Cities Step 5 – 5.1 Transportation Modes and Miles; Number of EV Charging Stations (10 min)
Action Requested
B. Review Commission Bylaws (10 min)
Action Requested
6.New Business
A.Solid Waste Licensing Requirements & Waste Hauling Matrix (40 min)
Organics Option
CNG and Emissions
Metrics Considerations
B.Program/Project Updates (10 min)
C.Council Updates (5 min)
D.Other Business
7.Adjournment
July 22, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
1
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Hill.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Joseph Ramlet (arrived at
6:50pm), Scott Seys and Debra Yahle
Commissioners absent: Lynn Gitelis and Jim Stremel
Staff present: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist and Claire Huisman, Administrative
Assistant
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the agenda of May
20, 2019 as submitted and the motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to approve the minutes of April
22, 2019 as submitted and the motion carried.
5A. Solid Waste/Organics Tour Summary
Drew Chirpich gave a brief summary of the tour held on May 15, 2019 of Randy’s Sanitation center in
Delano, MN that was attended by City Staff, Commission Members and Members of the League of
Women Voters. The main attraction was Randy’s Blue Bag Organics Program and watching the process of
how the facility uses a robotic arm to identify and remove the blue bags, filled with household organic
waste, from the rest of the solid waste that is traveling along a conveyor belt.
5B. GreenStep Cities – Step 5 Prioritization
In order for the City to reach and complete Step 5 of the GreenStep Cities Program, the City must show
improvement in certain areas of the metrics of Step 4. These metrics have been prioritized as follows:
1. Metric 3.2, MPG of Gasoline Fleet
2. Metric 3.4, MPG of Diesel Fleet
3. Metric 5.1, Number of EV Charging Stations
4. Metric 6.1, Vehicle miles driven per person per day (by residents)
5. Metric 6.2, City Employee single vehicle miles driven per day
6. Metric 1.4, Percent of LED Streetlights in the City
7. Metric 8.6, Net number of new trees planted
8. Metric 11.5, Ratio of Inflow and Infiltration volume to total volume entering the wastewater
collection system
May 20, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
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City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2019 – 6:30 pm
2
9. Metric 14.1, Number of city-owned and private renewable energy generation sites
10. Metric 14.2, Generation capacity of city-owned and private renewable energy sites
11. Metric 7.6, New Affordable housing Units (General Welfare component)
12. Metric 1.1, kBTU used per sq ft, per year (Natural Gas)
13. Metric 2.1, City-Owned Green Buildings
14. Metric 2.5, Green Certified Private Buildings
15. Metric 12.3, DNR Public Waters Not Impaired for Recreational Use
16. Metric 14.4, Annual renewable energy purchases by the city
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the prioritization of
Step 5 metrics as submitted and the motion carried.
6A. Stormwater Management Report
Chirpich gave a power point presentation on the Cities Stormwater Management Program. The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires municipalities to obtain a Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit which allows its permit holders to discharge stormwater to
lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. This permit agreement is for a 5 year period. The current cycle will
be up for renewal in 2020. A question was asked if the City does any testing of the water from the
ponds, streams, etc. and specifically testing of Bassett Creek before it enters the City and then when it
exits the City. It was noted that the watershed and other partner agencies perform monitoring and
sampling of the waters, especially for phosphorus, sediment/clarity, chlorides and oxygen levels. There is
a continuously operating watershed monitoring station on Bassett Creek just downstream of the Golden
Valley-Minneapolis border. Most of the data about the creek comes from that station.
6B. Program/Projects Update
The complete Program/Project Update is on file.
Topics briefly discussed included:
• WasteZero Simple Recycling Program will start May 31st. The bags have been mailed to the
residents and will be picked up on their scheduled recycling pick up days.
• The City will be receiving a GreenCorp Member for the 2019-2020 service term who will be
starting in September 2019.
• The City is investigating surrounding communities’ organics, recycling and waste hauling
programs to better understand new emerging opportunities.
• DeCola Ponds B and C Project held a public hearing on the temporary dewatering plan where
comments were received and will be used to help the final design and permitting process.
• The Flood Mitigation Cost Share Reimbursement Program provides up to $50,000 to help eligible
residents with flood proofing costs.
6C. Council Updates - None
6D. Other Business
Chair Hill gave a brief summary of her presentation given during the Council/Manager’s meeting of the
Environmental Commissions 2018 Annual Report and the 2019 Work Plan.
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City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2019 – 6:30 pm
3
6E. Review Commission Bylaws
The Environmental Commission’s bylaws were reviewed and some revisions were recommended. Staff
was requested to:
• Add as numbers 5, 6 and 7 under Article I, statements to include as part of the Commissions
duties in regards to “climate”, “health & wellness” and “waste generation & abatement” which
would include recycling, compositing, etc. The existing numbers 5 & 6 will become 8 & 9.
• Clarify the procedure for asking a Commission member to step down for having missed too many
meetings. It was suggested that the Commission not be the deciding factor in this situation and
the letter of such request should not come from the EC Chair.
• Change “On March 1” to read “As of March 1” under the Annual Report section.
• Change the sentences under Article IV, Officers to read “Terms of office shall be for a one year
term. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall not serve more than two consecutive terms.”
The Bylaws will be revisited at the next meeting with the changes shown in “red”. A motion for approval
will be considered at that time.
6F. Election of Officers
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to appoint Commissioner Scott
Seys to the position of Chair and to appoint Commissioner Debra Yahle to the position of Vice-Chair and
the motion carried.
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to adjourn the meeting at 8:02pm
and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: June 14, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities Step 5 Metrics 5.1
The City is working toward Step 5 in the GreenStep Cities Program, which involves improvement
upon metrics measurements in seven core topic areas and five optional topic areas.
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
•Transportation Modes and
Miles
•Open Space, Parks, and Trees
•Stormwater
•Wastewater
•City Buildings and Lighting
•Renewable Energy
•Land Use
Optional topic areas
•City Fleets
•Infrastructure for Biking and
Walking
•Car, Transit, and Bike Options
•Surface Water
•Green Buildings
The first Step 5 metric that the City is completing is Transportation - Car, Transit and Bike
Options; 5.1 Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. The performance metrics are attached
to this memorandum for review. After discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider
making a motion to approve the City’s Step 5 Transportation-related metrics.
5
(2018 values taken from Plugshare application in 2018)
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: July 18, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: 2019 Bylaws Update
During its May meeting, the Environmental Commission reviewed its bylaws and updated the
mission statement to better encompass the Commission’s goals. During the meeting some
clarification was requested on procedures, and which aspects of the bylaws could be altered.
Staff has further investigated the extent to which the bylaws can be augmented, and presents the
current version of the updated Environmental Commission bylaws for approval.
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BYLAWS
Environmental Commission
Article I: Purpose, Mission, and Duties
The Environmental Commission shall be an advisory commission to the City Council on matters relating to the
environment and human health. The Commission shall:
• develop and make recommendations to educate the public on environmental regulations, policies,
practices and tools
• 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
• review and make recommendations regarding the city’s existing environmental ordinances, policies,
and guidelines
• 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
• Develop and make recommendations regarding waste reduction, recycling, and organics/composting
• Review and make recommendations on the City’s resilience and sustainability policies and actions to
address climate variations
• participate, as directed by the City Council, in local activities initiated by other public and quasi-public
agencies regarding environmental issues
• advise and recommend such other functions or procedures as may be assigned to them by the City
Code or the Council
Article II: Membership, Appointments, Terms, and Officers
A. Membership
The Commission shall consist of seven regular members, and one voting youth member. Regular members
shall be qualified voters and residents of the City. Youth members shall live or attend school within Golden
Valley and enrolled in school grades 9 through 12. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist if a member ceases
to meet the residency requirements.
B. Appointments and Terms
Appointments are made effective May 1 of each year. The Council shall appoint regular members of the
Commission for three-year staggering terms. Youth members shall be appointed for a one-year term. The
terms of Commission members shall be fixed and determined at the time of appointment by the governing
ordinance. Emphasis in appointments will be made based on knowledge of environmental issues and their
relationships to the natural environment and the quality of life in the City. The City Council shall appoint
the members of the Commission and to fill vacancies for unexpired terms.
C. Officers
The Commission shall elect officers of Chair and Vice-Chair from the Commission membership by its voting
members at its regular annual meeting, (no later than the second meeting after May 1 in each year). The
Chair and Vice Chair positions rotate, and members may only serve two consecutive years as the Chair or
Vice-Chair. Should the office of Chair or Vice-Chair become vacant, the Commission shall elect a successor
from its membership at the next regular meeting and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said
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BYLAWS – Environmental Commission 2
office. Officers may also delegate the duties of their position to other Commissioners as deemed
appropriate by the Commission.
Chair responsibilities include:
• work with staff liaison to develop meeting agendas
• conduct and preside at all meetings in a productive and time-efficient manner
• ensure the Commission conducts its activities within the stated mission and bylaws of the
Commission
• appoint Commissioners to subcommittees
• monitor and ensure the progress of the Commission
• report to the City Council
Vice-Chair responsibilities:
• perform the duties of the Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair
• perform all other duties as prescribed by the Commission
Article III: Meetings and Attendance
A. Meetings
All meetings of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law
and City Code. This means all business and discussion occurs at a meeting which has been posted and is
open to the public.
The presence of a majority of all regular members currently appointed to the Commission shall constitute
a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes.
In the event a quorum is not reached, a smaller number of members may meet to have informal
discussion, however, formal action shall not be taken and must be reserved for such time as when a
quorum of the Commission is reached. A quorum of the members should not discuss Commission business
by email, forms of social media, telephone, or informal meetings. Commission meetings may be cancelled
by the staff liaison if there are no items on the agenda for discussion.
The proceedings of meeting should be conducted using standard parliamentary procedure.
i. Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Commission shall be held on the fourth Monday of the month at City
Hall at 6:30 pm. The Commission may, by a majority vote, change its regular meeting dates for any
reason provided proper public notice of the changed meeting is provided.
ii. Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the commission shall be a regular meeting, typically the first meeting after
May 1 of each year, at which time elections will be held.
iii. Special Meetings
A special meeting may be called by the Chair or whenever three members request the same in
writing. Staff shall give notice to each commissioner, at least three days prior to any special
meeting, of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
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BYLAWS – Environmental Commission 3
B. Attendance
Absences in one year should not exceed three consecutive meetings or more than 25 percent of the total
meetings for the year. 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.
A standardized letter of warning will be sent from the City Manager’s office to any member after two
consecutive or two total absences for groups meeting once a month. For those meeting twice a month the
letter would be sent from the chair after two consecutive or five total absences. If a member exceeds the
allowable number of absences the City Manager’s office will send a standardized letter stating the
member must step down because of the importance of regular attendance and the number of citizens
interested in serving. If the City Manager’s office feels there are extenuating circumstances in a case of a
member who has not met the attendance requirements, an exception can be made.
Article IV: Rules
A. Recordkeeping
All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be kept in accordance with City procedures,
Minnesota Statute and Rules regarding preservation of public records and the Minnesota Data Privacy Act.
B. Work Plan
The Commission will draft an annual work plan that details activities and projected timelines for the
upcoming year.
• The Chair may appoint Commissioners to be primarily responsible for each work plan activity.
• The Commission may establish subcommittees to oversee work plan activities. The
subcommittees will be chaired by Commissioners appointed by the Chair.
• The Commission’s work plan will be submitted to the City Council, typically during the first
quarter of the calendar year. The Chair and/or Commissioners will attend a Council/Manager
meeting to discuss the annual work plan with the City Council.
• The Commission’s work plan must be agreed upon by the City Council.
C. Annual Report
The Commission shall submit an annual report to the City Council summarizing the past year's activities.
The report may highlight information the Commission feels appropriate to convey to the City Council.
D. Performance of Duties
Commissioners are expected to adequately prepare for meetings. Commissioners unable to complete an
assigned task should notify the commission chair or subcommittee chair as soon as possible. The
Commission staff liaison may ask the City Council to review a Commissioner’s appointment based upon its
assessment of significant non-performance of duties.
Article V: Amendments and Revisions
The Commission will review these bylaws no later than the second meeting after May 1 every three
years. Members may present recommendations for changes and amendments. These bylaws can be
altered or amended at any regular monthly Commission meeting with a majority of members present,
provided that notice of the proposed changes and amendments is provided to each member at least 10
business days before the meeting. The Council must review and approve any changes to, and has final
authority regarding, these bylaws.
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: July 22, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director
Subject: Discussion of Waste Collection Ordinance Modifications
In April, the City Council decided to modify the City’s waste hauling ordinance to enhance
collection standards and limit the number of hauling licenses available in Golden Valley. Using
the five goals Council identified for waste collection in 2018, staff has prepared a matrix to
identify potential modifications to the City’s waste collection ordinance. The Environmental
Commission is asked to review the attached matrix and provide feedback. The discussion around
the matrix will be used to prepare modifications to the ordinance.
Unfortunately there was not a quorum at the June meeting and this topic was not discussed.
However, staff has updated the matrix to add more detail and provide more background
information. Additionally, specific questions for a number of elements have been included.
The anticipated schedule and process for the ordinance modification is as follows:
June EC reviews concepts for ordinance modifications and provides comments.
July EC reviews refined concepts and provides additional comments.
August EC reviews concept ordinance.
September Stakeholder engagement and update to EC.
October Council discusses draft ordinance and stakeholder feedback
November Council considers adoption of ordinance modifications.
Questions for EC consideration and discussion:
• What elements of the matrix are most important or need further exploration?
• Are there other policies, methods, implications, etc…to consider and explore?
• What benefits, trade-offs, or challenges does the Commission see in the matrix elements?
• What other questions, concerns or goals should there be awareness of?
11
Golden Valley Environmental Commission
June 24, 2019
Discussion of Waste Collection Ordinance Modifications
1. Ensure that residents have options for the type and level of waste disposal services they desire.
General Policy Details/Specifics Rationale Enforcement Possible Implications Current Code Questions for Discussion
1a Enable residents
to select from a
number of haulers
licensed by the
City.
Issue licenses in the following
categories:
• Residential Waste
• Commercial Waste &
Recycling
Licensing manages the number of
haulers operating with the City but
also allows residents to choose their
hauler.
Define the number of
licenses available in
code.
Determine the number
of licenses; Reduce
number via attrition;
16-193 – Max 10 for waste; 6 Recycle
16-195 – Licensing
16-201 – Revocation
• What is the right number of
licenses for Golden Valley?
• Should Commercial licenses
include both waste and
recycling?
1b Establish minimum
level of services
haulers must
provide
30-60-90 cart sizes
Sets basic expectation for standards
and services a hauler most provide to
operate in the City.
Require description of
services and rates in
license application.
None – set by statute • Are there other services that
should be required to be
offered?
1c Establish options
for services hauler
must make
available for
residents to
choose.
Valet service or
Senior/disabled service
option
Provide service for residents with
mobility limitations
Require description of
services and rates in
license application.
16-193(e)(4)
1d Establish options
for services hauler
must make
available for
residents to
choose.
Yard waste option,
Christmas Tree Pick up,
Bulk item pick up
Additional services residents may find
of value
Require description of
services and rates in
license application.
6-193(e)(3) – yard waste
1e Establish options
for services hauler
must make
available for
residents to
choose.
Organics Option (SEE MEMO
1)
Begin to provide collection services
option that will be required by
County.
Require description of
services and rates in
license application.
Further analysis of
organics collection is
planned and needed.
22-25 – compositing on site • Should an organics
requirement be included in
the ordinance update, or
should organics be studied?
1f Establish options
for services hauler
must make
available for
residents to
choose.
Bi-weekly service
Option for residents who produce less
waste.
Require description of
services and rates in
license application.
16-193(a)(1)
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Golden Valley Environmental Commission
June 24, 2019
Discussion of Waste Collection Ordinance Modifications
2. Establish waste disposal practices that improve environmental outcomes.
General Policy Details/Specifics Rationale Enforcement Possible Implications Current Code Discussion Questions
2a Minimize the amount of fossil
fuels expended.
Require use of only
CNG/LP fueled trucks;
Have minimum fuel
efficiency standards for
trucks
(SEE MEMO 2)
Reduce emissions, noise License specific
vehicles; haulers
report MPG numbers
for all licensed
vehicles
Less carbon
emissions; Could
increase costs or fees
due to investments
• Is this an important and
effective requirement to
implement?
• What might be the downside
of such a requirement?
2b Promote route planning
efficiency.
Require haulers to map,
address and route
information
Provide better coordination
between haulers, reduce emissions,
reduce time in city
Include route
information in
license application
and keep up-to-date
Reluctance by haulers
to share data
• What information would be
provided by such
information? How would it be
used?
2c Prioritize drop off/tipping
facilities for haulers
Potentially waste to energy or NG
capturing landfills, capturing energy
encompassed in solid waste
Request receipts for
tipping
Could increase costs
2d Increase knowledge of operations Require reporting of waste
collection in tons; Disposal
information etc… (SEE
MEMO 3)
Quantify collections related data to
determine if policies are effective,
metrics met; Align with goals of Comp
plan and GreenStep Cities
Development of
tracking system
• What are the important
metrics to report on?
• How will the information be
used?
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Golden Valley Environmental Commission
June 24, 2019
Discussion of Waste Collection Ordinance Modifications
3. Establish standards for waste collection that minimize impacts to infrastructure and enhance neighborhood livability (cleaner, safer, quieter, and
healthier).
General Policy Details/Specifics Rationale Enforcement Possible Implications Current Code Discussion Questions
3a Reduce number of hauler
licenses through attrition
Possible conditions to obtain
license: Fees, insurance,
various operational and
equipment requirements,
require minimum percent of
market share
Reduce the number of licenses
through attrition; consider policies
to manage the rate or pace of
attrition through licensing
requirements.
~Licensing
requirements
~Reporting # of
customers
~city data from
utilities/GIS
Attrition requires
time. Decisions to be
made about
requirements that
may affect rate of
attrition
• What licensing
requirements should be
included in a modified
ordinance?
• Should requirements be
phased in over some
period of time?
3b Reduce the time trucks spend in
the City
Limit collection days to
specific days per week, and
times of day; or Assign
haulers to specific days
Reduce the impact to
neighborhoods of multiple trucks
throughout the week
Establish through
licensing
Less trucks on hauling
days
16-199 – collection times • Will limiting collection days
achieve goals?
• Is it better to have one day
or several days of
collection?
3c Ensure professional operations Increase licensing fees,
insurance requirements for
haulers
More robust standards Requirement of
license application
Impact some haulers 16-194 - Licensing
3d Reduce impact of trucks to
neighborhoods
Require route
information/mapping
Can coordinate with other haulers’
routes
Requirement of
license application
Time demands on
staff and haulers;
concerns over
propriety info
3e Reduce impact of trucks to
neighborhoods
Require rear loading instead
of side loading trucks
Both sides of street can be
collected in one pass, people
instead of robotic arms are tipping
cans
Review through
licensing and in field
observation
Less traffic on local
streets; requirement
may not fit haulers’
fleet or increase costs
for labor.
• Is this of interest to
residents?
• Is there interest by haulers?
3f Protect local streets and
infrastructure from additional
and repeated stress.
Require minimum number of
axels per truck.
Trucks must have a minimum
of two rear axels; or 1 axel/ 7
tons
Distribution of weight reduces road
impacts. Consider options for
spring load restrictions
Review through
licensing and in field
observation
Could increase costs
for service; Consider
realistic requirements
What standards or metrics should
be used to determine the right
number of axels? 7 Tons per Axel
Maximum is our current City road
standard. . Currently recycling and
refuse trucks are exempt from load
restrictions. Load restrictions = 6
tons per axel.
• Require minimum dual
rear axels
• Require 1 axel per 7 tons
• Require 3 axels minimum
3g Ensure trucks are safely
maintained and operated.
Require minimum vehicle
standards, cameras, and DOT
inspection records
Promotes safety and well
maintained vehicles
Requirement of
license application
16-196 - Vehicle requirements
3h Ensure trucks are
environmentally maintained and
operated.
Require trucks are enclosed
and do not leak. Require spill
kits and tools to clean up
debris. Report spills to City.
Reduce potential for negative
impacts of collection to
neighborhoods and streets;
supports City stormwater program.
Requirement of
license application
16-196 – vehicle requirements
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Golden Valley Environmental Commission
June 24, 2019
Discussion of Waste Collection Ordinance Modifications
4. Avoid significant operational or capital cost increases to the City and residents.
General Policy Details/Specifics Rationale Enforcement Possible Implications Current Code Discussion Questions
4a Provide for competitive service
and price environment
Require detailed rates &
fees from haulers;
Notification to city and
customers.
Transparency of fees and rates;
Knowing tipping and disposal fees
will help to understand operational
costs and trends over time
Ask for receipts for
tipping and itemized
costs of operation;
Require notification of
rate change to City &
customers
Improved
understanding of
collection rates and
costs;
• What do residents want to
know about prices and
fees?
4b Clearly define administrative
citation procedure, and
conditions that constitute a
revocation of license for
violating licensing
requirements
Have minimum penalties
with outlined escalations,
leading to permit
revocation
Have clear repercussions for actions
that pose a threat to infrastructure,
human safety, environmental health
Issue Admin Citations,
revocations
Increase in staff time
dedicated to license and
enforcement
16-201 – revocation of license
15
Golden Valley Environmental Commission
June 24, 2019
Discussion of Waste Collection Ordinance Modifications
5. Increase the City’s and community’s understanding of the waste disposal process in order to achieve its goals and those of its partner agencies.
General Policy Details/Specifics Rationale Enforcement Possible Implications Current Codes Discussion Questions
5a Better understand
problems/challenges/
concerns associated
with service
Require reporting of issues
log; Timelines for
responding to customers
Customer service Increased staff and hauler
time demands
5b Better understand
hauler operations,
needs, services,
industry
Require incremental
(quarterly to annually)
meetings
Set expectations for regular interaction
with licensed haulers
Increased staff and hauler
time demands
5c Improve
understanding of
waste management
Report Participation rate of
customers in services;
composition studies as
necessary
Increased staff and hauler
time demands
5d Educate public on
waste disposal best
practices
Public education and
information, labeling,
facilities tours; Rejected
load tagging
Provide customers with information and
education on why loads are rejected.
Increased staff and hauler
time demands;
• What information might
residents find useful?
• How can haulers partner to
educate residents??
16
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: July11, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: Discussion of Organics Collection Options
As part of the update to Hennepin County Ordinance 13, the county is mandating that cities
provide the opportunity for all single family to fourplex households to participate in curbside
organics recycling beginning in 2022. There are two different ways this mandate can be met and
a number of factors to consider, including:
1. How are organics collected? Who collects them?
a. Require haulers to offer curbside organics collection, or
b. Include organics collection as part of the City’s recycling program
2. How do households collect and store their organic waste?
a. Contain organics in their own separate cart, or
b. Utilize a durable compostable bad (e.g. Blue Bag)
3. How best to pay for organics collection? What option will lead to higher
participation?
a. Opt-in vs All-in funding structure
b. Type of collections system for organics, goals for participation, costs
The City has been awarded a GreenCorps position for 2019/2020, which will begin in
September. The position will help the Environmental Commission in evaluating options for
organics collection to make a recommendation to the Council.
MEMO 1
17
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: July 15, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Emissions Considerations
In April, the City Council decided to modify the City’s waste hauling ordinance to enhance
collection standards. During this process Council identified five goals, including “Establish waste
hauling practices that improve environmental outcomes.”
One way to help achieve this goal is to minimize emissions from waste collection vehicles by
requiring the use of trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
A 2014 study from the U.S. Department of Energy states that 70 vehicles operating with CNG can
save up to 1,800 tons of greenhouse gas emission per year, and save about 520,000 gallons of
diesel fuel. In addition to the air quality benefits, vehicles running on CNG can save up to 50% in
fuel costs compared to diesel vehicles driving an equivalent route. Additionally, CNG trucks are
also quieter than traditional diesel vehicles.
While there are many benefits to a CNG fleet, there are significant upfront costs to acquire these
vehicles, including the fueling infrastructure required to operate them, and important inspections
and maintenance considerations to ensure safety of operation.
MEMO 2
18
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: July 15, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: Waste Hauling Licensing – Reporting Requirements/Metrics
In updating the City’s waste hauling ordinance, consideration should be given to require
reporting by the haulers of certain metrics. Such data will be helpful to better understand waste
collection and determine if the City’s policies and practices area effective in achieving goals for
environmental outcomes and service delivery. Examples of such metrics include:
• Tonnage of MSW collected
• Drop off locations
• Tipping and disposal costs
• Special collections (e.g. appliances)
• Customer incident or complaint logs
• Vehicle MPG
• Route information
• Number of customers per route
• Number and type of service levels provided
The data collected should relate to City Council’s goals, be reportable by haulers, and useful for
staff and policy makers. Staff requests that the Commission review possible reporting criteria
and make a recommendation on what should be included in the upcoming licensing
requirements.
MEMO 3
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PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – June 2019
GREENSTEP CITIES
GSC Step 5—The City has begun working towards Step 5 Metrics. In order to qualify for Step 5, the City must show
improvement upon the metrics gathered for Step 4 in the seven core topic areas and five of the optional topic areas.
RECYCLING
St. Louis Park Construction Waste Drop Off Event--Golden Valley will be assisting St. Louis Park with a construction
waste drop off event. The objective of the event is to repurpose residual construction materials that would otherwise
have been disposed of. The event will take place at the SLP Municipal Service Center (7305 Oxford St) Friday, Sept 13,
4:30-6:30pm, and Saturday, Sept 14, 9-11am. Golden Valley residents are welcome to participate in the drop off event.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Addressing Encroachment into City Nature Areas—As part of the Bassett Creek Nature Area Restoration Project, the
City has reached out to property owners with minor encroachments (landscaping, fire pits, mowed turfgrass, fencing) to
set up site visits and discuss how to effectively address each encroachment. The nature area must be cleared of
encroachments by September 1, 2019 when the restoration project begins.
WATER RESOURCES
DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project
The first phase of the project is out for bid and includes heavy construction work to excavate and create flood storage,
install pipes and culverts necessary to convey stormwater, and pave trails in the nature area. Award of contract is
expected in July with pond dewatering beginning in September and excavation scheduled for November 2019.
The second phase of the project involves restoration work to plant trees and establish native vegetation throughout the
project area. This work will be completed under a separate contract and is expected to begin in spring 2020.
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
Jun 7, 2019
145 Jersey Ave S (Good Shepard Catholic School)—Conditional Use Permit to add a child care center to the existing
elementary school. The proposal would add a classroom of up to 20 pre-school age children during regular school
hours. Scheduled for the June 10 meeting.
Mixed Use Zoning District—Consideration of revisions to the I-394 Mixed Use zoning district to allow its use in
various locations throughout the city. Discussions continue on June 10.
Telecommunications Facilities—A Zoning Text Amendment to make aesthetic standards for small wireless facilities
(small cell equipment) on private property consistent with recently adopted regulations around small cell equipment
in the public right-of-way. To be scheduled for a public hearing early this summer.
City Council
1345 Natchez Ave S—A Lot Consolidation of a single-family residential property with excess right-of-way associated
with the construction of I-394. The City would like to reduce its inventory of vacant parcels and the applicant would
like to expand a side yard. Approved (5-0) on June 4.
Architectural and Material Standards—A Zoning Text Amendments to regulate exterior building materials and to
require certain architectural features on new or remodeled buildings. Approved (5-0) on June 4.
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Downtown Study—The City Council approved a contract with HKGi planning consultants for the upcoming phase of
the Downtown Study. Work will begin in June and is scheduled to be completed by December. Separately, the Council
approved a scope of work with Hennepin County Active Living to prepare a demonstration project near the City Hall
Campus that would connect the Luce Line Regional Trail with the downtown in coordination with at least one
community event over the summer.
1030 Angelo Drive—Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of a boathouse within the Shoreland Overlay
District. A non-conforming 8’x8’ shed would be removed and a 12’x10’ boathouse built in a conforming location. The
Planning Commission recommended approval (5-0) on May 29. Scheduled for the June 18 meeting.
10 West End—Ryan Companies has informed the City they are ready to move forward with the construction of the 11
story office building and 7 story parking ramp approved as part of the Central Park West development. Applications
for building permits should be made in July with a ground breaking targeted for August 30. Occupancy of the building
is scheduled for January of 2021. As part of the process, community members will help inform the public art that will
be added to the north façade of the parking ramp.
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