2019-09-23 EC Agenda PacketREGULAR MEETING AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval of August 26, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
5.Old Business
A.Update on Draft Waste Hauling Ordinance (15 min)
B. Potential Pollinator Habitat (20 min)
(Action requested)
6.New Business
A. Student Environmental Competition (15 min)
B.Resilience & Sustainability Plan – Energy Goals (15 min)
C.Program/Project Updates (10 min)
D.Council Updates (5 min)
E.Other Business
7.Adjournment
September 23, 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 Seys.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Joseph Ramlet, Scott Seys, Jim
Stremel and Debra Yahle
Commissioners absent: Lynn Gitelis
Staff present: Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director; Eric Eckman, Development
and Assets Supervisor; Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist and Claire
Huisman, Administrative Assistant
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the agenda of August
26, 2019 as submitted and the motion carried. In discussion, Commissioner Hill requested that the red
lined version of the EC Bylaws be made available to the Commission.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the minutes of July 22,
2019 as submitted with the following change: edit Chair Hill’s name under “Call to Order” to read Chair
Seys and the motion carried.
6A. Discuss Model Waste Hauling Ordinance
Marc Nevinski presented a draft solid waste and recyclables collection ordinance for the Commissions
review. Comments included the following items:
• Under “Definitions” section – commercial establishment – clarify the meaning of “club” since it
was listed as a separate entity from “restaurant”.
• Under “Disposal Regulations” section – (d) Burning or Burying prohibited: add verbiage to allow
for burying materials for composting including pet waste.
• Under “Waste Hauling” section – (b) (1) vi regarding hauler’s market share: revise to indicate
that the licensee has to show that they have at least 15% of the total active Residential accounts
to renew by 2022.
• Under “Waste Hauling” section – (c) (1) (g): remove the word “fees” after the word “Cart”.
• Under “Waste Hauling” section – (e) (a) regarding hours of operation: revise to include holiday
pick up days.
• Under “Waste Hauling” section – (f) vehicles: clarify whether residential or commercial hauling
August 26, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
2
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2019 – 6:30 pm
2
• Under “Waste Hauling” section – (f) (7): change the word “fuel” to “energy”.
• Through the ordinance change “bi-weekly” to “every other week” for less confusion to the
meaning.
• Check for duplication of requirements and information through the document.
• Will the City require commercial haulers to provide data as well as the residential?
6B. GreenStep Cities – Step 5 Transportation Modes and Miles 6.1
MOTION by Commissioner Ramlet, seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the Performance Metrics
entry for Step 5 – 6.1 Transportation Modes and Miles into the GreenStep Cities website at the time
when all core topic areas and optional topic areas are completed and the motion carried.
6C. Potential Pollinator Habitat
Eckman gave a brief presentation on the City’s proposal to allocate funding for increasing the amount of
pollinator habitats in the City. The Commission was asked to help staff identify and evaluate properties
that would be good candidates to be enhanced as a pollinator habitat. Certain areas along Hwy 55 were
suggested but Eckman stated that areas along state highways would require an agreement with the state
before proceeding with the project. It was advised to concentrate on properties that are not sellable
and not transferrable. Another suggestion by the Commission was to consider enhancing the Boulevards
so they would filter winter salt from Bassett Creek. Commissioners were asked to email any further
ideas to City staff within the next few months. Staff will also provide the Commissioners with a Buffer
Map of Golden Valley.
6D. Program/Projects Update
The complete Program/Project Update is on file.
One topic discussed regarded Xenia Apartments and their lack of progress on their building construction.
6C. Council Updates - None
6D. Other Business
Commissioner Hill participated in the Bike/Walk Audit Tour of Golden Valley and found it to be very
educational.
Commissioner Ramlet stated that High School students from Minnetonka and Hopkins school districts
are actively forming a group to help their cities create a plan towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm
and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: September 20, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: Update on Waste Collection Ordinance
As outlined in the schedule below the City has been engaging with stakeholders and will provide
an update to the Commission at its September meeting.
Schedule
The schedule for the ordinance modification continues to be 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.
April 1, 2020 Licenses issued under modified ordinance.
As a reminder the waste hauling survey is open until September 30 and can be accessed at:
https://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/recycling/residential-waste-hauling.php
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City
Date: September 20, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Potential Pollinator Habitat
Based on direction from the Commission at its August meeting, staff evaluated all City owned
or maintained properties for their potential to be enhanced as pollinator habitat. Pollinator
habitat may include plots as small as 50’ x 50’ or areas as large as several acres, depending on
the site. Please see attached maps showing existing, programmed, and potential future
pollinator habitat areas for reference.
The evaluation criteria used to determine potential for pollinator habitat includes:
• Visibility to the public (vehicles, bikes, peds) to promote education and awareness
• Benefits to water quality
• Opportunity to reduce overall maintenance and costs
• Current land cover
• Sun exposure
• If salt impact is an issue
• If the site is located within a “green corridor” as shown in the Natural Resources
Management Plan
Staff also provided the estimated costs to establish and maintain the pollinator habitat based
on current contracts. Sites were scored based on these criteria and the information will be
presented at the September meeting for Commission review and approval.
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!!!CITY OF CRYSTAL
CITY OF ROBBINSDALE
CITY OF MINNEAPOLISCITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
CITY OF MINNEAPOLISCITY O FST. LOUIS PARKCITY OF ROBBINSDALECITY OF CRYSTAL
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
CITY OF NEW HOPE
CITY OF PLYMOUTHCITY OF MINNEAPOLISCITY OF ST. LOUIS PARKCITY O FPLYMOUTH456766
456770
456766
456740
456740
4567156 4567102
§¨¦394
§¨¦394
Æÿ55Æÿ55
Æÿ100
Æÿ100
£¤169
£¤169
Winnetka Ave SWinnetka Ave NWinnetka Ave NDouglas Dr NDouglas Dr NMedicine Lake Rd
Glenwood AveMendelssohn Ave NPlymouth Ave N
10th Ave N
7thAve Boone Ave NWisconsin Ave NNevada Ave NGeneralMillsBlvdG o ld e n V alleyRdRhodeIslandSandburg Rd
Betty CrockerDr
WayzataBlvd
Country Club Dr
Olympia St
Harold Ave
Laurel Ave
Louisiana Ave SJersey AveFloridaAve SGolden Hills DrZane Ave NS Frontage Rd
TurnersCrossroad NMeadow Ln NNoble Ave NHampshireAve SW ayza ta Blvd Zenith Ave NTheod o r e WirthPkwyDecatur Ave NDuluth St G o l d e n Vall ey Rd
AveNG o l d e n Valley Rd
Pennsylvania Ave SWayzataBlvd XeniaAveSOlson Memorial HwyN Frontage Rd
Lindsay St
Lilac Dr N0 1,800 3,600900Feet
IPrint Date: 9/20/2019Sources:-Hennepin County Surveyors Office for Property Lines (2019).-City of Golden Valley for all other layers.
Currently MaintainedVegetated Buffer
Managed Buffer(27.19 acres)
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!!!CITY OF CRYSTAL
CITY OF ROBBINSDALE
CITY OF MINNEAPOLISCITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
CITY OF MINNEAPOLISCITY O FST. LOUIS PARKCITY OF ROBBINSDALECITY OF CRYSTAL
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
CITY OF NEW HOPE
CITY OF PLYMOUTHCITY OF MINNEAPOLISCITY OF ST. LOUIS PARKCITY O FPLYMOUTH456766
456770
456766
456740
456740
4567156 4567102
§¨¦394
§¨¦394
Æÿ55Æÿ55
Æÿ100
Æÿ100
£¤169
£¤169
Winnetka Ave SWinnetka Ave NWinnetka Ave NDouglas Dr NDouglas Dr NMedicine Lake Rd
Glenwood AveMendelssohn Ave NPlymouth Ave N
10th Ave N
7thAve Boone Ave NWisconsin Ave NNevada Ave NGeneralMillsBlvdG o ld e n V alleyRdRhodeIslandSandburg Rd
Betty CrockerDr
WayzataBlvd
Country Club Dr
Olympia St
Harold Ave
Laurel Ave
Louisiana Ave SJersey AveFloridaAve SGolden Hills DrZane Ave NS Frontage Rd
TurnersCrossroad NMeadow Ln NNoble Ave NHampshireAve SW ayza ta Blvd Zenith Ave NTheod o r e WirthPkwyDecatur Ave NDuluth St G o l d e n Vall ey Rd
AveNG o l d e n Valley Rd
Pennsylvania Ave SWayzataBlvd XeniaAveSOlson Memorial HwyN Frontage Rd
Lindsay St
Lilac Dr N211
48
206
204
29
7
201
208
209
54
202
17
24
207
203
22
210
138
200
211
211 212
117
142
205
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0 1,800 3,600900Feet
IPrint Date: 9/20/2019Sources:-Hennepin County Surveyors Office for Property Lines (2019).-City of Golden Valley for all other layers.
Pollinator Plots
Potential Pollinator Plot(23.79 acres)
Planned (5.01 acres)
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City
Date: September 20, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: Student Environmental Competition
In order to further engage with the community on issues relating to the environment, staff is
proposing that the Commission explore the possibility of hosting an annual student competition
to present ideas on ways Golden Valley could become more sustainable, more resilient, and
improve the environment. The ideas could be new or could expand upon ideas in the City’s
2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Commission would choose the winning submission and could
further explore the winning concept and recommend it to the Council for inclusion in future
budgets. A portion of the Commission’s annual budget may be used to host the event.
Commission members should come to the meeting prepared to discuss the potential of hosting
such a competition.
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City
Date: September 20, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Resilience & Sustainability Plan – Energy Goals
Reducing energy consumption and costs is a GreenStep Cities Step 5 metric and one of the Commission’s
top work plan priorities for 2019-2020.
In order to achieve GreenStep Cities Step 5 and the energy goals listed in the City’s Resilience &
Sustainability chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the Commission is being asked to explore its
active participation in Xcel Energy’s Partners In Energy community collaboration program in 2020-2021.
The City’s Resilience & Sustainability plan recommends partnering and participating in community
programs like this one to achieve the City’s goals. Partners In Energy would help the community
(residents, businesses, municipal operations) focus, develop, and implement its short-term and long-
term energy goals.
As a reminder, the City’s energy goals include the following:
Promote and Develop Clean, Renewable Energy
• Increase citywide renewable energy use, purchase, and generation
• Encourage new development, redevelopment, and retrofit projects to add renewable
energy capacity or infrastructure
• Continue to incorporate renewable energy or its supporting infrastructure into City projects
and operations
Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Lighting, and Infrastructure
• Provide education and communication to residents and businesses about opportunities to
decrease energy costs and lower energy-related emissions
• Integrate energy efficiency best practices information and assistance into building permit
process
• Increase the energy efficiency of all public buildings, campuses, infrastructure, and
operations
Commission members should review the attached informational packet and come prepared to discuss
and share their ideas.
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Partners in Energy Overview
Golden Valley
2019
1
10
2
Partners in Energy Scope
Partners in Energy is a two-year collaboration with Xcel
Energy to develop and implement your energy plan goals.
Partners in Energy is launching streamlined planning for
communities with limited planning resources or needs. Focus
is on implementation support.
2
Planning
(4 months)
Implementation
(pending needs)
Planning
(6 months)
Implementation
(18 months)
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3
How it Works
1.Communities apply to participate.
a)Applications accepted two times a year (Jan. 25th)
b)Xcelenergy.com/PartnersinEnergy
c)1-800-369-4362
2.Includes all of Xcel Energy’s programs and services, not just conservation
offerings.
a)Promote Xcel Energy’s renewable
b)Supports education on energy information and billing options
3.Incorporates co-branding with communities and local partners.
a)Press releases
b)Email, direct mail, flyers
c)Workshops
4.Relies heavily on community resources.
5.Vendor team:
a)Brendle Group –prime, Colorado
b)Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) –Minnesota
c)Vermont Energy Investment Corp (VEIC) –online Exchange resources
3
12
4
Resources for Planning
A variety of resources are available to support the
planning phase.
4
Facilitation
& Guidance
Project
Management
Data
13
5
Resources for Implementation
A variety of resources are available to support the
implementation phase.
5
Marketing and
Communications
Data Tracking/
Measurement
Program
Expertise
Project
Management
14
6
The Exchange
Webinars and Office Hours
Opportunities to share with
and learn from other
participating communities
developing and implementing
their own Energy Action Plans
In-person events to inform and
provide networking
opportunities
Online community resources
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Partners in Energy Portal
xcelenergycommunities.com
•Community library (planning process documents)
•Videos
•Webinars
•Toolkits
•Surveys
•Comment/Question Board
•Information Resources
•Calendar
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Home Info Learn & Interact Communities Tools
What is Xcel Energy Partners in Energy?
Xcel Energy Partners in Energy provides communities in Minnesota and Colorado free services to develop an energy plan and assistance with
implementing that plan. Each community has its own unique energy needs and priorities, and Partners in Energy tailors its services to complement each
community’s vision.
More and more communities are realizing energy planning plays a critical role in helping them reach their goals. The benefits of wise energy choices are
diverse. By working with citizens, businesses, and even their own government facilities, a community can shave dollars off utility bills, promote
renewables, drive resource conservation or contribute toward greenhouse gas reduction goals. Partners in Energy helps address the challenge of
identifying local priorities and then structures a path that leverages all resources available.
This site helps participating communities learn from and collaborate together to achieve their goals. It provides access to a variety of program-
specific resources as well as collaboration forums for communicating with others in your community and beyond.
Learn & Interact
General Program Info
My Community
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8
Participating Communities
September 2019
EXCHANGE
1
EXCHANGE
2
EXCHANGE
3
EXCHANGE
4
EXCHANGE
5
EXCHANGE
6
EXCHANGE
7
EXCHANGE
8
EXCHANGE
9
EXCHANGE
10
January 1,
2015
October 1,
2015
January 1,
2016 July 1, 2016 January 1,
2017 July 1, 2017 February 1,
2018
August 1,
2018
February 1,
2019
August 1,
2019
December 31,
2016
September
30, 2017
December 31,
2017 June 30, 2018December 31,
2018 June 30, 2019 March 30,
2020
September
30, 2020
March 30,
2021
September
30, 2021
Midtown
Community
Works, MN
St Louis Park,
MN
Ramsey
County, MN
Saint Paul,
MN
Shorewood,
MN
Bloomington,
MN Fridley, MN Northfield,
MN
Northglenn,
CO
Minnetonka,
MN
Maplewood,
MN Edina, MN Jefferson
County, CO
Saint Cloud,
MN
Eden Prairie,
MN
Rosemount,
MN Hastings, MN Greeley,CO Pueblo
County, CO
St Paul
Public
Schools, MN
Red Wing,
MN
Summit
County, CO Englewood,
CO Faribault, MN Mahtomedi,
MN
Railroad
Island, MN
Red Wing,
MN*
Denver, CO
(Muni)
Denver,CO
(EV)Superior, CO
Littleton, CO Louisville, CO Winona, MN Erie, CO Wheat Ridge,
CO
Nederland,
CO Eau Claire, WI Longmont,
CO
Lafayette, CO Garfield
County, CO
Broomfield,
CO
Westminster,
CO Centennial,
CO Thornton, CO
Fort Collins,
CO
Minturn, CO
National
Western
Center, CO
Subtotal: 3 Subtotal: 5 Subtotal: 3 Subtotal: 5 Subtotal: 7 Subtotal: 6 Subtotal: 6 Subtotal: 4 Subtotal: 4 Subtotal:5
Total: 8 Total: 11 Total: 16 Total: 23 Total: 29 Total: 34 Total: 38 Total: 42 Total: 47
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9
Minnesota & Wisconsin
Communities –August 2019
Completed Implementation
•City of Eden Prairie
•City of Edina
•City of Faribault
•City of Mahtomedi
•City of Maplewood
•City of Oak Park Heights
•City of Red Wing
•City of St. Louis Park
•City of Shorewood
•City of Winona
•Lake Street Corridor in Minneapolis
•Ramsey Co. Parks and Recreation Dept.
Implementing their Plans
•City of Bloomington
•City of Fridley
•City of Hastings
•City of Northfield
•City of Rosemount
•City of St. Cloud
•City of Saint Paul
Developing their Plans
•City of Eau Claire, WI
•City of Minnetonka, MN
•Saint Paul Public Schools9
Map Credit: Google Maps 2019
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Questions and Next Steps
10
19
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PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – September 2019
GREENSTEP CITIES
Step 5- The City is continuing to work towards showing improvement on the metrics compiled in Step 4 of the
GreenStep Cities program to advance to Step 5. The City is gearing up now to begin working on energy goals in 2020.
RECYCLING
GreenCorps Member- The City has been selected as a host site for a GreenCorps Member through the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency. The member will be focusing on improving the City’s recycling and waste hauling programs
with an emphasis on organics. The member Emma Pierson, is set to start on September 23rd. Emma is planning to attend
the October Environmental Commission meeting.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Bassett Creek Nature Area Restoration Project - Site preparation work has begun, with the majority of the invasive
species removal to take place through the fall. Seeding and planting will begin in spring of 2020.
Addressing Encroachment into City Nature Areas—As part of the Bassett Creek Nature Area Restoration Project, the
City 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. To date, all encroachments in the Bassett Creek
Nature Area have either been addressed or a removal plan has been established. This process will be applied in other
areas of the City as encroachments are identified.
Brookview Ponds F and G Native Buffer Expansion- Site preparation for the expansion of native buffer areas around
Ponds F and G within Brookview golf course has begun. The scope of the project is to implement native vegetative
buffers around the ponds to provide habitat, water quality benefits and improve bank stabilization.
BWSR Pollinator Habitat Program- The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has received funding from the
state legislature to implement a cost share program for landowners to install pollinator habitat on their properties.
Approximately $700,000 will be available to residents in grants of $150, $350, and $500 to install plots of native
vegetation beneficial to pollinators. The program will also provide signs to help identify plots and bring awareness.
Workshops are planned for fall with funding available this winter. The City will post details on its website once more
information comes out.
WATER RESOURCES
DeCola Ponds B&C Improvement Project- The flood mitigation project has begun and will continue through winter with
the contractor performing utility work and pond excavation. Trail construction, site restoration and planting of native
trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers will begin in spring 2020. Please visit the City’s website to view project plans,
schedule, and find out more http://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/stormwater/projects/upcoming-projects/index.php.
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
Sep 18, 2019
421 Burntside Dr and 448 Westwood Dr N—A Minor Combination/Subdivision to create three lots from two existing
lots. One of the existing homes could remain, though they are both anticipated to be teardowns. A neighborhood
meeting is being arranged. Scheduled for a public hearing on October 14.
Narrow Lots—The City Council will be considering options to revise the zoning regulations (setbacks, height, etc.) of
narrow lots (those less than 65 feet wide) at the Council/Manager meeting on October 10. Based on general direction
from the Council, the Planning Commission will discuss any potential zoning amendments at their meeting on October 14.
Zoning Study—Discussions around amendments to the Zoning Chapter in order to modernize sections of code and
address issues raised by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Continued analysis and conversation is scheduled for October 14.
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Glenwood Avenue Repaving Project—At their meeting on September 17, the City Council voted (5-0) to approve a mill
and overlay plan for Glenwood Avenue between Highway 100 and the eastern border of the city that reduces the width
of travel lanes for autos, includes buffered bicycle lanes, and removes on-street parking. Construction is scheduled for
2020.
8301, 8401, and 8501 Golden Valley Road—On September 17, the Council voted (5-0) to approve a Minor PUD
Amendment to adjust the amount of signage allowed at the Valley Creek development west of Wisconsin Ave. A
previous condition of the PUD limited total signage to less than what would otherwise be allowed “by right”. The Council
approved 150 square feet of signage for each of the three parcels.
4(d) Tax Program—At a Housing and Redevelopment Authority Work Session held on September 10, the HRA directed
staff to move forward with the creation of a City program to support multi-family properties that are interested in
obtaining a 4(d) tax status in exchange for guaranteeing that units within the building remain affordable for at least 10
years. Staff will bring this policy forward for approval at future HRA and City Council meetings.
Narrow Lots—The City Council will be considering options to revise the zoning regulations (setbacks, height, etc.) of
narrow lots (those less than 65 foot wide) on October 10. Based on general direction from the Council, the Planning
Commission will initiate conversations around specific zoning amendments.
Downtown Study—Working with Hennepin County Active Living, staff provided a bicycle corral for use at the Arts and
Music Festival on September 14 (see photo below). Additionally, staff collected information about walking and biking in the
downtown area from attendees and users of the Luce Line Regional Trail in the form of surveys. This information will help
inform broader plans for future improvements on the City Hall Campus.
Staff have been working with HKGi to prepare scenarios of possible redevelopment options for portions of the
downtown centered on the intersection of Winnetka Ave and Golden Valley Road. These will be shared, along with the
guiding principles that are being considered, at an Open House at Brookview on October 21 from 5-7 pm.
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