2021-08-23 EC Agenda Packet7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, WIN 55427
763-593-8027 1 TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov
Environmental Commission
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
city of
goldvall�
Y
August 23, 2021— 6:30 pm
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-
415-655-0001 and entering access code 1770 64 6192.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or
any items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison — Eric Eckman,
Environmental Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of July 26, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
5. Old Business
A. Climate Justice Collaboration Update (5 min)
B. Partners In Energy Update (5 min)
6. New Business
A. Hennepin County Climate Action Plan — Guest Presenter: Diana Chaman Salas, Director of
Climate and Resiliency (30 min)
B. City Energy Consumption Update (20 min)
C. Program/Project Updates (15 min)
D. Council Updates (5 min)
E. Other Business
7. Adjournment
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc.
7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427
763-593-8027 � TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov
Environmental Commission
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
city of
go ldvall
Y
July 26, 2021— 6:30 pm
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-415-655-
0001 and entering access code 177 393 4642.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any
items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison — Eric Eckman, Environmental
Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Weirich at 6:34.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Scott Seys, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Shannon Hansen, Wendy Weirich,
Jim Stemel, Debra Yahle
Commissioners absent: Felix Fettig
Council Members present: Larry Fonnest
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Story Schwantes, Green Corp Member;
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant.
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Stremel to approve the agenda for July 26,
2021 and the motion carried.
4. Approval of June 28, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the minutes of June
28, 2021 as submitted and the motion carried.
S. Old Business
A. EC/HRC Climate Justice Collaboration
i. The HRC is merging with the Rising TIDES Task Force to create the Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Commission (DEIC). The first meeting of the DEIC was July 27.
ii. We are looking at the Hwy 55 West Redevelopment Area corridor near Golden Valley Rd,
West of Decatur Ave. for a collaborative planting project.
Staff reached out to the ownership of the Trentwood Apartments to see if they
are interested in partnering. They have at least 5 ash trees marked for EAB
removal. They are interested. Staff will continue to work on this.
Staff will reach out to more owners in the area for interest in partnering with us.
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 6
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 2
June 28, 2020 — 6:30 pm
3. Narrow right-of-way in this area so we will have to partner with owners and
residents.
B. Partners in Energy Update
i. Staff has been working with the Environmental Commission and the Partners in Energy
Team on the following items:
1. Energy Cost Burden and Residential Energy Efficiency
1. Low income flyers to be distributed through various means & methods to
advertise energy assistance programs.
2. Staff will reach out to PRISM, Cooling Centers, Library, Health Centers,
and Brookview Community Center.
3. The website has been updated and postings have been made on social
media.
4. City Council approved the Home Energy Squad visits.
2. Renewable (solar) Energy
1. Checklist for renewable energy resources added to website and
information has been included in social media posts.
2. Staff looking into rebates, tax credits, and possible payback period for
solar install.
3. A flyer was created for in person events.
3. Business Energy Efficiency.
1. Staff and Xcel will present the Energy Action Plan and programs at
business organization meetings, STAR programs meeting and more.
C. GreenStep Cities Update
i. Areas currently being tracked by the City:
Core topic areas
• Transportation Modes and Miles
• Open Space, Parks, and Trees
• Stormwater
• Wastewater
• City Buildings and Lighting
• Renewable Energy
• Land Use
ii. Potential new topic areas to consider.
Optional topic areas
• City Fleets
• Infrastructure for Biking and
Walking
• Car, Transit, and Bike Options
• Surface Water
• Green Buildings
1. Solid Waste — Recycling and Organics would also be included. We do have
data we are already tracking for Hennepin County SCORE Grant, but not
reporting to GreenStep Cities. Can look at including some of this information.
2. Local Food — Farmers Market, CSA's, Community Gardens, etc
3. Jobs & Employment — Green businesses and green jobs
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
June 28, 2020 — 6:30 pm
4. Drinking Water
5. Additional metrics the City would like to track (Social Vulnerability, Civic
Participation, Livability Score, etc.)
The Commission discussed and agreed to include solid waste, local food, and
addition metrics (i.e. Partners in Energy and Home Energy Squad data) as part
of the new topic areas to report on.
The Commission also wondered if we could measure the difference the planting
project at the Hwy 55 West Corridor makes. Staff mentioned this could be done with
future tree equity mapping analyses.
D. Stormwater Program — Rain Barrels
Need to pre -order at least 60 barrels to participate. Barrels typically sell out fast.
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the Rain Barrel
Program with 25% of the fee paid by the City and a limit of $2,000 in the 2022 budget and the
motion carried.
6. New Business
Commission members discussed the current name as well as potential new names like
St. Louis Park's Environment and Sustainability Commission. While they generally like
the current name and St. Louis Park's name, they decided to let this item rest until the
next time the changing of the by-laws comes around. This would be in the spring of
2022.
B. Program/Project Updates
i. The City approved a quote for a contractor to install anew EV Charger at Brookview
Community Center. Install set for later this summer or early fall.
ii. Hennepin County is proposing to build an Anaerobic Digestion facility by the Brooklyn
Park Transfer Station.
iii. Standard signage that talks about the establishment of native vegetation buffers will be
put up at Georgia Pond Open Space. Maybe add a QR Code that links to more
information for residents.
C. Council Updates
i. July 20 the Council had the first consideration of ordinances 718 and 719. These abolish
the current Civil Service Commission and establish the Police Employment,
Accountability, and Community Engagement Commission (PEACE). Will be before the
council for the second consideration on August 4.
D. Other Business
i. Sprinkling restrictions are currently in place — Odd/Even Watering days.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 4
June 28, 2020 — 6:30 pm
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to adjourn the meeting at
8:27 pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair
try of
goldeno-gleir
valley
Date: August 19, 2021
MEMORANDUM
Physical Development Department
763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax)
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Hennepin County Climate Action Plan
Hennepin County adopted its first Climate Action Plan this summer with aggressive goals and
strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to our changing climate, and ensure a more
equitable and resilient community. The latest plan can be viewed here.
This spring, the Environmental Commission passed a resolution of support approving the
Hennepin County Climate Action Plan and recommended that City Council work with Hennepin
County to help implement the plan and look for areas of alignment and partnership. This is
perhaps even more important and timely given the latest United Nations Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change report released this month.
Staff from Hennepin County's new Climate and Resiliency Department will be on hand to discuss
the plan, next steps, and how the City can partner with the County to accomplish shared climate
action goals and values. Commissioners are asked to review the plan ahead of the meeting and
think about any questions they may have for County staff.
GAEnvi ron mental Commission\Memos
city of
go ldn�
valley
Date: August 3, 2021
MEMORANDUM
Physical Development Department
763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax)
To: Golden Valley Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: City Energy Consumption Update
As part of the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement that was adopted by Council on
January 22, 2008, staff began collecting energy consumption data on Golden Valley's buildings
and facilities. The data is tracked using the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking program
https://mn.b3benchmarking.com/. In addition to collecting consumption data, the City has been
actively implementing energy -saving projects to help reduce the City's costs and carbon
emissions. These projects have been accomplished by using a combination of City funds, state
and federal grant money, and public and private partnerships. As a result, the City began seeing
a reduction in the amount of energy, specifically electricity, it was consuming.
City buildings
Below is a year -over -year analysis of the amount of electricity consumed at 23 City buildings since
2018. This information is derived from utility bills and the B3 Benchmarking program. 2018 was
chosen as the baseline in our latest reporting because 2018 is the baseline year used in the City's
Energy Action Plan and was the first full year of reporting on the new Brookview Community
Center.
Electricity Consumption at City Buildings (normalized for weather)
Year Electricity Consumed (kWh) Change From Baseline
2018 (baseline) 1,983,742.74 N/A
2019 2,014,354.06 + 1.5
2020 1,948,742.76 - 1.8
Since 2008, when the City began tracking its energy use, there were notable drops in
consumption that might be explained by improvements to the City Hall campus. In 2013, the City
Hall parking lot lighting was replaced with LEDs. In 2015, two 40-kWh solar arrays became
operational, dropping consumption by 11%.
In 2016, the City Hall lower level remodeling project was completed and two more solar arrays
were added to City buildings in late 2016.
G:\Environmental Commission\Agendas\2021\8 - August\6B - City Energy Update_0821.docx
2018 and 2019 are interesting in that consumption was higher than previous years. This could be
explained by the new Brookview Community Center coming online, hotter summers and colder
winters, and the addition of more electronic technology and equipment for employees and the
public. Staff will continue to monitor these figures for patterns and trends.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
In looking at total CO2 emissions at City buildings, it is apparent that CO2 emissions due to
electricity consumption follow the overall electricity consumption trend and have been reducing
slightly over time. CO2 emissions from natural gas consumption fluctuates more than electricity
due to seasonal conditions. As a result, the 133 Benchmarking model normalizes the emissions
from natural gas consumption.
CO2 Emissions at City Buildings (normalized for weather)
Year
CO2 Emissions
Electricity (Ibs)
CO2 Emissions
Nat. Gas (Ibs)
Total
CO2 Emissions
Change From
Baseline
N/A
2018 (Baseline)
2,477,367
1,554,012
4,031,380
2019
2,515,596
1,621,446
4,137,042
+ 2.6
2020
2,433,658
1,494,533
3,928,191
- 2.6 %
Traffic Signals
The City has been tracking electricity consumption for all traffic signals. In 2010, a widespread
LED retrofit project was initiated to convert the signals to LED bulbs. The results of this retrofit
project are shown below and have made a significant difference.
Traffic Signal Electricity Consumption
Year
Electricity Consumed (kWh)
Change From Baseline
2008 (Baseline)
344,117
- 0%
2009
329,695
- 4.2%
2010
300,340
- 12.7%
2011
171,331
- 50.2%
2012
135,304
- 60.7%
2013
134,897
- 60.8%
2014
119,098
- 65.4%
2015
121,155
- 64.8%
2016
-
-
2017 119,316*
2018 106,283
2019 100,790
2020 104,060
- 65.3%*
- 69.1%
- 70.7%
- 69.8%
*Estimated value based upon 8 months of data.
2016 data not available.
Street Lighting
In 2018, Xcel Energy worked with the City to change out more than 500 standard street light
bulbs with new energy efficient LEDs. In 2019, many of the traditional decorative street lights
were changed out with LED. The LED bulbs are as bright as the old lights but use far less energy,
saving the City more than $3,800 per year and preventing roughly 221,000 pounds of CO2 from
entering the atmosphere each year. Based on the data we have, it appears the changeout is
making a difference. The City is exploring ways to change out the remaining traditional decorative
street lights in the near future.
Street Lighting Electricity Cons
Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
Electricity Consumed (kWh) Change From Previous Year
886,780* - NA
767,605 - 13%
597,928 - 33%
588,670 - 34%
* Estimated value based upon 8 months of data.
Solar Production Data
In addition to reducing the amount of energy that the City uses, the City has also looked for ways
to produce renewable energy. Over the past few years the City has installed four, 40-Kilowatt
solar arrays on top of buildings at the City Hall campus. Arrays on top of the Public Safety and
Park Maintenance Building were installed in 2015, and arrays on top of the Utility Maintenance
and Streets Maintenance buildings were installed in 2016. Each array produces an average of
42,272 kWh annually for a total of 169,090 kWh coming from City solar. This is equal to about 8%
of the electricity consumed by the City each year.
The lifetime energy production of the panels is 773,007 kWh, which is equivalent to 430,163
kilograms of CO2 emissions abated compared to energy produced from fossil fuels.
This is equivalent to the amount of carbon that 474 acres of trees would sequester over the
course of one year.
Solar permit data
Based on City permit records the number of residential and commercial solar installations has
been increasing in recent years, for a total of approximately 108 in 10 years.
Community Energy Consumption and Renewable Energy Production
Attached is the GreenStep Cities Step 4/5 metrics for Renewable Energy. Data is based on Xcel
Energy's annual community reports and the City's solar diagnostics website. Staff will share more
information about the metrics at the August Commission meeting.
M4 Renewable Energy CORE
I
Units
21MG
21M7
2013
Change
14 y Number of city -owned and private renewable
Number of
24
85
118
127
energy generation sites
sites
14-2
Generation capacity of city -owned and private
kV
273
839
1133
1402
renewable energy sites
Storage and off -grid capacity of renewable
14-2a
energy, generated bq city -owned and private
kV
0
renewable energy sites
Annual production at city -owned renewable energy
MWhrlyear
$$
155
155
155
generation sites
14 4
Annual renewable energy Purchases for city
MVhr1gear
0
0
0
0
operations
14 5
Number of non-oity entities participating in renewable energy
Number of
Ogg
701
895
1028
purchasingigreen power programs
entities
14 6
Percent of total city operations energy use that is generated
2 70/
4 40/
5 10/
0 70/
and purchased renewable energy
14 7
Percent of total city operations energy use that is
0 00/
0 001/
0 00/
0 00/
0
purchased from a community solar garden
Enter any justification or explanation for Variation of metrics:
14.1- 24 priUate from 2016 Xcel Community Report plus 2 public sites (City Hall 2016) = 26 sites. In 2017, 61 priUate . 4 public = 65.
In 2018,114.4 = 118. In 2019,123.4 = 127
14.2 -183 kW from 2016 Xcel Community Report . 80 kW City Hall in 2016 = 273 kW. In 2017, 678 kW .160 kW = 838 kW. In 2018, 873kW .160kW = 1133kW. In 2018,
1242kW .160kW = 1402kW.
14.2a Spoke with city employees
14.3 - City's solar array diagnostics website
14.5 - Xcel Community Reports
14.6 -'UPDATED DATA IN 2020: Language change
metric M I [streetlight kWh . total city building use from B3 kWh]'100
2016: 880001[1370727.1818000]= 2.7%
2018:1550001[2338800.1182856]= 4.4%
2018:1550001[2014354.1002480]= 5.1%
14.7'UPDATED DATA IN 2020: Lan ua a than e
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES —August 2021
SUSTAINABILITY/ENERGY
EV Charger
The EV Charging Station is currently being installed at Brookview Community Center and should be operational this fall.
Energy Efficiency
3 Golden Valley companies were given energy efficiency awards by Xcel Energy - Midwest Mechanical Solutions, Golden
Valley Heating & Air, and Total Comfort.
https://www.hometownsource.com/sun post/community/newhope goldenvalley/3-golden-valley-companies-given-
energy-efficiency-awards/article 788aec2c-ea57-11eb-bf98-
87bc22f3555e.html?utm source=Energv+News+Network+daily+email+digests
RECYCLING
Hennepin County Draft Funding Policy 2022-2025
Hennepin County provides funding annually to cities for recycling and organics recycling programs and education. The
county receives funding from the State of Minnesota's Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE) and
distributes the entirety of that funding to cities through the Residential Recycling Funding Policy.
The County engaged with cities in 2020 and 2021 and recently updated its draft funding policy. Heading to the County
Board for approval in Sept/Oct.
What are the big changes compared to the previous funding policy?
1) Providing more up -front funding to help cities grow their organics programs
a. Previously, cities with the highest organics participation received the most money
b. Cities with lower organics participation told us they need more funding to increase participation
c. Set participation targets to allocate funds more equitably, while still being mindful of the need to get
results
2) Providing organics drop-off funding for small cities
a. These funds will help with implementation of Ordinance 13
3) Allocated more resources for multifamily waste reduction and recycling
a. Applied the county's racial equity impact tool to the funding policy and it's clear we need to do more for
multifamily
b. Shifted funding from single family to multifamily
c. Even with additional funding, many cities said they simply don't have the staffing capacity to do more
for multifamily
d. The county is committed to providing multifamily programs and resources in addition to SCORE
Formula changing from 50% recycling 50% organics, to 40% recycling 50% organics (with tiered target rates) 10% drop-
off facilities and multi -family recycling.
Golden Valley set to receive approx $75,000 in 2022. Increase of approx $35,000 over 2021.
Storage of Waste Carts
With the City expanding its residential curbside recycling service to include organics collection in 2022, residents will
receive a new container for organics recycling. This is in addition to containers they may already have for solid waste,
mixed recycling, and yard waste. Recognizing that storage of containers consistent with the existing code may be
challenging for residents, staff is requesting that the City modify its code to provide more flexibility and allow containers
to be stored within five feet of a structure and be visible from the street. The proposed changes are consistent with
other cities' codes (like Edina) and reflect the current storage practices observed by staff in many neighborhoods
throughout the City. The flexibility in storage options was supported by the community in a 2020 organics recycling
survey and was recommended by the Environmental Commission.
The July/August CityNews included a brief article about waste carts and let residents know they can email staff with any
comments or questions they may have about the potential code change. To date, 6 comments have been received, with
some opposed and some in favor of changing the code for various reasons.
WATER RESOURCES
Stormwater Management
Golden Valley's MS4 SWPPP Document is now open for public comment. The document will be available through August
27th 2021. Residents can view the document using this link MPCA Public Notices webpage and scrolling down to the
Golden Valley section.
Water Conservation
Staff continues to monitor the statewide drought situation and follow the DNR and the City of Minneapolis guidance on
water use and restrictions. More information can be found at:
https://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/newsarchive/index.php/2021/08/17/oust-because-you-can-water-your-lawn-doesnt-
mean-you-should/
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MN
NATURAL RESOURCES
Emerald Ash Borer
Since EAB was discovered in Golden Valley in 2018 staff has identified approximately 377 trees that are infested or
potentially infested. A newly available interactive map showing EAB in the City is located at https://arcg.is/9PbSv0
More information can be found at:
https://www.goIdenvaIleymn.gov/newsarchive/index.php/2020/12/14/city-continues-its-eab-management-efforts/