01-26-21 City Council AgendaCouncil Strategic Planning Session
This meeting will be held via Cisco Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration
made by the City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. The public may monitor this meeting by calling 1-415-
655-0001 and entering the meeting code 177 246 0485. For technical assistance, please contact
support staff at 763-593-8007 or webexsupport@goldenvalleymn.gov. If you incur costs to call
into the meeting, you may submit the costs to the City for reimbursement consideration.
Additional information about for monitoring electronic meetings is available on the City website.
PAGE
1.2020 Action Steps 3-17
2.Affirmation Statements and Values 18-30
3.2021 Action Steps 31-58
4.Pyramid of Success 59-61
January 26, 2021 – 6:30 pm
Meeting Held Virtually
2021 ANNUAL
COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
ü Attend working group meetings and provide input for new system to replace
MNLARS.
ü Implement software conversion for reading meters.
ü Worked on CARES grant reporting.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSCOMMUNICATIONS
ü Developed/implemented messaging and public education regarding access to City
services during COVID-19 and pivoted promotion for programs and events due to
COVID restrictions.
ü Developed procedures to broadcast virtual City meetings, including methods for
interactive community participation. Produced and promoted six virtual open
houses, seven virtual tours, and 13 virtual events. Branded, produced, and
promoted the HomeRECed virtual recreation program, which featured 118 new
videos from March 23 to Dec 31.
ü Increased engagement by publishing five community input surveys and eight
community input reports.
ü Developed/implemented strategic communications plans for more than 15
projects. Developed new City web pages/website dashboards for COVID; equity,
diversity, and inclusion; and police policies, practices, and data.
ü Grew City’s use of social media and video, adding Nextdoor platform and
increasing average number of Facebook video views per month from 2,203 to
4,975.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSFIRE
ü Collaborated with City staff on developing a CORR plan for the COVID-19
pandemic. Staff worked closely with other professional partners and agencies
to coordinate efforts, learn from each other, secure grant dollars, and deal
with other pressing issues impacting the City.
ü Replaced GV Emergency’s operating platform with CodeRED with no
interruption of service to residents and businesses.
ü Contributed to Green Step Cities initiative by purchasing the City’s first hybrid
vehicle and adding iPads to greatly reduce the use of paper in day-to-day
operations.
ü Continued to move towards a scheduled part-time duty crew model by
developing duty crew work tasks and educational training while on shift.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSHUMAN RESOURCES
ü Developed and implemented City’s continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
ü Developed and implemented City’s Readiness and Recovery Plan (CORR ).
ü Successfully completed Phase I Rising TIDES Task Force.
ü Hired and on-boarded Equity and Inclusion Manager.
ü Completed Compensation and Class Study for all City employees.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSLEGAL
ü Created administrative process to manage long-term local emergency and
track emergency actions.
ü Helped draft COOP Plan and CORR Plan.
ü Created templates for key contracts and provided contract training for staff,
reducing contract review time and improving quality and consistency of
contracts.
ü Provided training to staff members on contracting, data practices regulations
and management, data retention, and code enforcement.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSPARKS & RECREATION
ü Successfully partnered with Golden Valley Arts and St Louis Park Friends of the
Arts to host the first Artists Showcase at Brookview.
ü Received the 2020 Innovation and Education award for Golden Valley Park &
Recreation’s virtual HomeRECed program from the National Recreation and
Parks Association.
ü Updated all Wesley Park outdoor facility and general park lighting with energy
efficient LED lighting fixtures.
ü Installed artificial turf on the lawn bowling green to meet current use needs
and expand year-round opportunities.
ü Developed 10-year plan for golf course bridge maintenance, repairs, and
replacement within the current golf CIP budget.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSPHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
ü Seek bids from and increase engagement with socially and economically
disadvantaged businesses.
ü Started facilities study and established community task force.
ü Continue "continuous improvement" efforts around process and engagement.
ü Expand use of Project Dox to residential builders and residents.
ü Expand City’s environmental initiatives, including work in GreenStep Cities,
Partners In Energy, and other related efforts.
ü Increase economic development efforts, specifically around promotion,
resources, and policies.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSPOLICE
ü Continued to develop and increase use of the Community Health officer, who
was part of more than 100 reports. Position helped Hennepin County Dispatch
choose the City to be in a pilot program for an embedded social worker
ü Started the mental health “Check Up from the Neck Up” program.
Collaborated with Patrol union on policy, finding a provider and funding it in
2020 with forfeiture monies.
ü Implemented Police Commission Task Force to study options to replace Civil
Service Commission in an effort to increase diverse candidate pool by
analyzing recruitment practices and eliminating barriers in current hiring
process in an ultra-competitive market.
ü Integrated drone program into Department culture so its use becomes
commonplace.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSPUBLIC WORKS
ü Upgraded lighting systems at Wesley Park to LED lighting.
ü Installed HVAC ionization air purification systems in 15 city buildings.
ü Installed ADA power doors inside City Hall public bathrooms.
ü Repaired 28 watermain breaks, six large-diameter storm sewer structures, and 20
manhole structures .
ü Replaced 27 watermain valves and 12 hydrants.
ü Completed South Tyrol Park storm sewer project, which covered and insulated exposed
piping and eliminated localized flooding.
ü Installed on-street bike route signs in Maintenance Zone 4.
ü Reconstructed a portion of the Western Corridor Trail.
ü Increased our liquid deicing chemical usage by 30 percent, which decreased our
previous winter’s salt usage by 280 tons, a $20,000 savings in salt.
Proceed with Downtown Study/Facility Needs Study.
Improve communication with residents and businesses through both
existing and new channels.
Improve traffic safety.
Build strategic alliances to promote a reduction in the Minnesota Fiscal
Disparities Tax formula to 30 percent.
Pursue conversion therapy ban.
2020 CITY COUNCIL
ACTION STEPS
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSMAYOR HARRIS
ü Maintained services and adjusted to COVID.
ü Developed statements and implemented work on equity (eg, apology, Floyd
statement, equity recommendations, hiring equity manager, etc).
ü Implemented HRA levy and hired housing czar.
ü Continued work on Downtown Study.
ü Maintained good Council dynamics.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSCOUNCIL MEMBER FONNEST
ü Enhanced the credibility and functionality of the HRA by incorporating decorum,
enacting an HRA tax levy, and approving the hire of a Housing and Economic
Development Director.
ü Joined the Municipal Legislative Commission to collaborate with like-minded
metro municipalities in addressing pressing local issues including but, not limited
to, modifying the obsolete State of Minnesota Fiscal Disparities formula.
ü Hired an Equity and Inclusion Manager to address Rising Tides Task Force
recommendations and help position Golden Valley as a welcoming and inclusive
city.
ü Established the Police Commission Task Force to help define the authority and
function of a new police commission. The commission will be more nimble in
recruiting diverse police candidates and more responsive to citizen -policing
concerns.
ü Managed Golden Valley’s response to the Covid-19 Pandemic visa vis the Recovery
and Readiness Plan, maintaining critical city services while safe-guarding citizens
and employees.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSCOUNCIL MEMBER HARRIS
ü Secured the HRA Levy to fund an Affordable Housing and Economic
Development Coordinator.
ü Hired City Equity and Inclusion Manager.
ü Started the process to replace the Civil Service Commission with a proposed
Police Commission.
ü Obtained funding for Hwy 55/Douglas Dr improvements.
ü Implemented policies and procedures to navigate City operations through
COVID.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSCOUNCIL MEMBER ROSENQUIST
ü Provided active and substantive responses to the pandemic, violence, and the
urgency to address systemic racism as a team and doing so with new Council
Members and a new D&I Manager.
ü Addressed the challenges of community renters with initiatives such as the
CARES allocation to PRISM, eliminating “crime-free” ordinance, and HRA levy
for staff.
ü Established Police Community Task Force to explore replacing CSC.
ü Developed and strengthened partnerships such as the MLC, MPRB, school
districts, state legislators, and Hennepin County to achieve City and regional
goals.
ü Modeled good government by addressing tough issues with civil discussion
and disagreement and the ability to come together on the next issue,
facilitating public comment and input in a virtual setting, and using video and
other media to communicate, especially when in-person events have not been
possible.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTSCOUNCIL MEMBER SANBERG
ü Continued to provide City services during COVID-19.
ü Launched Police Commission Task Force.
ü Continued to reduce debt.
ü Voted to fund HRA.
ü Hired Equity & Inclusion Manager.
AFFIRMATION
STATEMENTS & VALUES
The City of Golden Valley believes in and stands for the values of social equity,
inclusion, and justice.
We embrace diversity and recognize the rights of individuals to live their lives with
dignity, free of discrimination, fear, violence, and hate.
We welcome individuals to Golden Valley regardless of race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, immigration status, gender, gender identity, marital status, age,
disability, economic status, sexual orientation, familial status, or cultural
background.
We strive to provide fair and unbiased services and programs, giving opportunities
for all.
We are dedicated to being a supportive and united community, strengthened by
the diversity of our residents and visitors.
WELCOME STATEMENT
Communication
Community
Inclusion
Integrity
Respect
Innovation
Courage
Accountability
VALUES
Golden Valley strives to creatively connect people and places,
preserve and enhance community resources, and nurture
opportunities for all.
VISION STATEMENT
The City of Golden Valley delivers high-quality, responsive
services to ensure the community remains a vibrant and
welcoming environment in which to live, work, and play.
MISSION STATEMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Strategic
Development
& Redevelopment
Effective
Governance
Infrastructure
Maintenance
& Enhancement
Financial
Wellness
Community
Affairs
Strategic Development & Redevelopment
Focusing redevelopment on four planning districts: Golden Valley’s downtown
area, LRT station area, Douglas Drive corridor, and I-394 corridor
Governing with a focus on good communication and teamwork, respecting
values and process, heeding meeting decorum and timely decision-making,
and building citizen engagement and understanding
Effective Governance
Maintaining and improving infrastructure at highest quality for the
investment by prioritizing areas of need, identifying costs, and planning for
future growth
Infrastructure Maintenance &
Enhancement
Balancing spending with emphasis on maintaining current service levels,
accommodating future needs, expanding tax base, growing reserves,
improving bond rating, and improving efficiencies and effectiveness
Financial Wellness
Considering policies that benefit society at large
Community Affairs
Brookview Amenities
City Administration
Communications
Economic Development
Elections
Emergency Management
Engineering
Finance
Fire Protection
Human Resources
Information Technology (IT)
Inspections
Legal Services
Motor Vehicle Licensing
Natural Resources Management
Park Maintenance
Parks and Recreation
Permits and Licensing
Planning
Police
Street Maintenance
Utilities Maintenance
Utility Billing
Vehicle Maintenance
CORE SERVICES
Affordable Housing Plan
Bike and Pedestrian Plan
Building A Better Golden Valley
Equity Forums
Debt Reduction Plan
DeCola Ponds Stormwater Project
Downtown Study
Facilities Study Task Force
GreenStep Cities
Hwy 55/Douglas Dr Underpass
Infrastructure Renewal Plan
Land Acknowledgment
Leash Law
Legislative Priorities
Just Deeds
Metro Blue Line LRT
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board JPA
Partners In Energy Task Force
Pavement Management Program (PMP)
Police Commission Task Force
Rising TIDES
School Resource Officer (SRO) Review
Socially Just Banking
Speed Limit Reduction
STAR program
Website Redesign
INITIATIVES & PROJECTS
2021 ACTION STEPS
DEPARTMENT
ACTION STEPS
Each department was asked to identify one action step
that advances equity, diversity, and inclusion in 2021.
*Equity action steps are noted in purple.*
•Develop Request for Proposal for Municipal Advisor Services.
•Develop Request for Proposal for Audit Services.
•Update the Infrastructure Renewal Plan from 2017
•Develop procedures and training for Information Technology cyber attack ransomware
event.
•Roll out Microsoft 365 mid-2021.
•Implement software conversion for reading meters.
•Research and evaluate language conversion software, including reviewing current
software packages. Train employees on use and procedures. (COVID-19 added a
challenge with Plexiglas and counter change.)
2021 ACTION STEPSADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
•Edit, redesign, and implement upgraded City website and develop City intranet tool.
•Increase community awareness of City government and services. Strategically assess
information needs and develop tools to meet those needs. Continue to tighten City’s
branding standards across the board by further consolidating and streamlining all City
communications materials and developing a brand standards guide.
•Shift Brookview businesses to more digital marketing methods, and develop marketing
strategies for potential recession behaviors.
•Find and implement a cloud-based online project management system.
•Improve comprehensive community engagement process to measure diversity ad
participation by underrepresented groups.
2021 ACTION STEPSCOMMUNICATIONS
•Have 40 percent (3,840) of both residential households and businesses registered with
GV Emergency by the end of 2021.
•Develop a policy and written program for combating the three targeted health issues,
as identified by MNFIRE (mnfireinitiative.com), which impact the fire service today
(cardiac, cancer, mental health).
•Develop an implementation plan for the scheduled part-time duty crew model that
details shifts, duties, and projected costs over the next four years
•Study residential fire loss trends and history in Golden Valley over the past five years.
Develop public messaging designed to educate residents on precautions they can
implement leading to reduced fire losses in the City.
•Review paid on-call firefighter hiring process and work to eliminate barriers/challenges,
make meaningful changes to the process, and increase the number of applicants by 10
percent.
2021 ACTION STEPSFIRE
•Ensure the City has a solid infrastructure to drive equity work including a system of
accountability and use of equity tool.
•Create system of demographic data collection to support equity goals across the City.
•Optimize recruitment processes, including employment (career website, onsite
recruitment, etc) and boards, commissions, and task force applications.
•Develop comprehensive supervisor training program, including internal and external
training resources and complete implicit bias training by end of 2021.
•Transition Rising TIDES Task Force to existing Human Rights Commission.
2021 ACTION STEPSHUMAN RESOURCES
•Draft amendments to provisions of City Code dealing with zoning of religious
institutions.
•Draft proposed amendments to City sign code.
•Work with the City Clerk to modernize the City’s document retention system by creating
a data plan and recommending software solutions and policies required to implement
the plan.
•Work with City Prosecutor to Implement Driver’s License Reinstatement Program to
help individuals reinstate their drivers’ licenses while they pay outstanding citations.
•Work with City Prosecutor to prepare and present annual prosecution report to Council
and City Manager.
•Inventory Joint Powers Agreements, MOUs and City policies and create manual of City-
wide policies that is accessible to the public.
•Incorporate equity and inclusion principles into the City’s RFQ, RFP, and bidding
processes.
2021 ACTION STEPSLEGAL
•Develop proposed plans, timeline, and budget for the 2022 Community Garden at
Medley Park.
•Shift goose removal program at Brookview from an annual removal process to limiting
flock growth and stabilizing the goose population through keeping eggs from hatching.
Nests will be located and documented through GPS, and an egg “addling ” (treating eggs
with corn oil) process will be implemented.
•Initiate park shelter update process with first park shelter building by implementing all
needed ADA improvements, adding energy efficient light fixtures, replacing furnace,
adding windows, replacing doors where needed, replacing flooring, and expanding
physical accessibility to restrooms.
•Implement The Noah Joynes Youth Recreation Fund to eliminate fiscal barriers for
Golden Valley youth to participate in recreation and athletic activities.
•Add a permanent shade structure to Brookview’s north patio for outside dining and
winter programming.
•Implement improvements at one park shelter building to expand physical accessibility
to the building and restroom facilities by December 2021.
2021 ACTION STEPSPARKS & RECREATION
•Complete facilities study and present recommendation to Council.
•Revisit Council Chambers Remodel project to address A/V system and consider project
scope modifications.
•Complete planning and design work for Douglas Dr and Hwy 55 Underpass.
•Onboard Housing and Economic Development Manager and begin developing housing
and economic development strategies.
•Complete Downtown Study Phase III and Comp Plan rezonings and update sign code.
•Increase the number of contracts awarded to minority owned businesses. Apply one of
the following three methods to at least four projects requiring bids, quotes, or
professional services to identify potential procurement barriers for minority owned
businesses:
•expand outreach to vendors beyond just using the MNUCP Directory
•modify project scopes to attract smaller firms
•adjust procedures or requirements that remove limitations or barriers for smaller
firms
2021 ACTION STEPSPHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
•Conduct racial profiling study on all traffic stops by the Golden Valley Police Dept.
•Establish the Dispatch Imbedded social worker program with Hennepin County
Dispatch.
•Hire and train 4-8 new officers in 2021. This is an unprecedented situation. We have
normally only trained two new officers and the same time.
•Explore and implement the Community Service Officer Program when staffing levels
allow.
•Expand the current Mental Health check in program started in 2020. Work with current
provider and EAP programs to explore new wellness options for officers in a more
deliberate and proactive way.
•Get the new police commission up and running.
2021 ACTION STEPSPOLICE
•Establish three new partnerships with community organization to promote Golden
Valley Public Works at local events.
•Replace one existing temporary hockey board system with permanent hockey boards.
•Install car charging station at the Brookview Community Center.
•Replace control panel at Woodstock lift station.
•Locate and raise manholes on Highway 100 by Glenwood Avenue.
•Install on-street bike route signs in Maintenance Zone 5.
•Mill and overlay three miles of road, in-house, including manhole and catch basin
repairs, curb repairs, and valve replacement.
2021 ACTION STEPSPUBLIC WORKS
CITY COUNCIL
ACTION STEPS
2021 ACTION STEPSMAYOR HARRIS
•Continue creative adjustments during COVID (especially in Council
communications).
•Keep pushing on equity work in addition to land acknowledgment and
restoration.
•Continue work on housing, Downtown Study, Police Commission Task Force.
•Increase City elections voter turnout (eg, switch to even-numbered years).
•Implement street naming policy.
2021 ACTION STEPSCOUNCIL MEMBER FONNEST
•Establish a City of Golden Valley Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) as a Certified
Local Government (CLG) program.
•Champion the action steps recommended by the Xcel Energy –City of Golden Valley
Partners In Energy Task Force launching a comprehensive, city-wide energy
conservation program.
•Enact an ordinance requiring Golden Valley property owners to participate in the
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program to increase housing options for low and
moderate income earners.
•Initiate a community-wide conversation regarding Ranked Choice Voting and its
implications for ensuring a more inclusive, representative and responsive democracy
potentially incorporating recommendations into Golden Valley’s 2021 Legislative
Priorities.
•Initiate a council conversation and study to determine the feasibility of establishing
Local Sales Tax Authority.
2021 ACTION STEPSCOUNCIL MEMBER HARRIS
•Install new Police Commission.
•Continue to implement Rising TIDES Task Force recommendations, specifically
on contracting City services with Women and Minority Businesses.
•Continue to move forward on Downtown Study work.
•Approve a land acknowledgment statement and surrounding work on the
topic.
•Begin work on creating an economic development strategy once the new
Housing and Economic Development Manager is hired.
2021 ACTION STEPSCOUNCIL MEMBER ROSENQUIST
•Form a Police Community Commission out of the work of the Task Force.
•Develop a vision, plan, and budget for our downtown area and our city facilities
to guide development for the next 20-50 years.
•Provide Golden Valley residents with better transit options, including bus rapid
transit on Hwy 55, connections to any proposed light rail route, bike lanes,
safer pedestrian crossings, and lower street speeds.
•Revise systems to guide strategic and important partnerships with the MPRB
and Hennepin County, including Library System.
•Use HRA levy to invigorate efforts to have a healthy housing and business
environment centered around targeted areas as identified in the downtown
study and 2040 Comprehensive Plan, including renter protections and
educational efforts.
2021 ACTION STEPSCOUNCIL MEMBER SANBERG
•Re -envision public safety.
•Think creatively about affordable housing options.
•Continue to improve external communication.
•Support expanded transit options (including bike and pedestrian).
•Deepen commitment to equity and inclusion work.
PRIORITIZATION OF
2021 ACTION STEPS
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Strategic Development & Redevelopment
Continue Downtown Study & Facilities Study
•Continue work on Downtown Study. SH
•Continue to move forward on Downtown Study work. MH
•Develop a vision, plan, and budget for our downtown area and our city
facilities to guide development for the next 20-50 years.GR
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Strategic Development & Redevelopment
Continue Housing Initiatives
•Continue work on housing. SH
•Enact an ordinance requiring Golden Valley property owners to
participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program to
increase housing options for low and moderate income earners. LF
•Think creatively about affordable housing options.KS
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Strategic Development & Redevelopment
Continue HRA Initiatives
•Begin work on creating an economic development strategy once the
new Housing and Economic Development Manager is hired. MH
•Use HRA levy to invigorate efforts to have a healthy housing and
business environment centered around targeted areas as identified in
the downtown study and 2040 Comprehensive Plan, including renter
protections and educational efforts.GR
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
•Continue creative adjustments during COVID (especially in
Council communications). SH
•Implement street naming policy. SH
•Increase City elections voter turnout (eg, switch to even-
numbered years). SH
•Establish a City of Golden Valley Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC) as a Certified Local Government (CLG)
program. LF
Effective Governance
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Effective Governance
•Initiate community-wide conversation regarding Ranked Choice
Voting and its implications for ensuring a more inclusive,
representative, and responsive democracy potentially
incorporating recommendations into Golden Valley’s 2021
Legislative Priorities. LF
•Revise systems to guide strategic and important partnerships
with the MPRB and Hennepin County, including Library System.
GR
•Continue to improve external communication. KS
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Continue Policing Initiatives
•Continue work on Police Commission Task Force. SH
•Install new Police Commission.MH
•Form a Police Community Commission out of the work of the
Task Force. GR
•Re -envision public safety.KS
Effective Governance
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Continue Transit Initiatives
•Provide Golden Valley residents with better transit options, including
bus rapid transit on Hwy 55, connections to any proposed light rail
route, bike lanes, safer pedestrian crossings, and lower street
speeds. GR
•Support expanded transit options (including bike and pedestrian). KS
Infrastructure Maintenance & Enhancement
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
•Initiate a Council conversation and study to determine the feasibility of
establishing Local Sales Tax Authority. LF
Financial Wellness
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Continue Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiatives
•Keep pushing on equity work in addition to land acknowledgment
and restoration.SH
•Continue to implement Rising TIDES Task Force recommendations,
specifically on contracting City services with Women and Minority
Businesses. MH
•Deepen commitment to equity and inclusion work. KS
•Approve a land acknowledgment statement and surrounding work on
the topic. MH
Community Affairs
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES
Continue Environmental Initiatives
•Champion the action steps recommended by the Xcel Energy –City
of Golden Valley Partners In Energy Task Force launching a
comprehensive, city-wide energy conservation program. LF
Community Affairs
FINAL
PYRAMID OF SUCCESS
2021 Pyramid Of Success
MOVING FORWARD
“Hey, taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse; if you’re
comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
~ Ted Lasso
Photo by Andy Snope, 2020 Views of the Valley Photo Contest