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2021-11-22 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 November 22, 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 1773 93 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 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min) 5. Old Business A. Partners In Energy Update (5 min) B. Environmental Justice Collaboration (5 min) C. Draft Climate Resolution (30 min) Action Requested 6. New Business A. GreenStep Cities Metrics (10 min) i. Action 12.5 Transportation Mobility Options ii. Action 22.7 Sustainable Consumption and Waste iii. Action 24.6 Resilient Economic and Community Development Action Requested B. Program/Project Updates (10 min) C. Council Updates (5 min) D. 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 CZtJ 0J 763-593-8027 I TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov golden!-- valley Environmental Commission October 25, 2021— 6:30 pm REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-415-655- 0001 and entering access code 1773 93 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 6:30. 2. Roll Call Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Council Members present Staff present: 3. Approval of Agenda 4 Scott Seys, Wendy Weirich, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Shannon Hansen, Jim Stremel Dawn Hill, Felix Fettig None Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor; Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member; Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant. MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the agenda for October 25, 2021 and the motion carried with the following addition: • Add Environmental Justice Collaboration as 5C to Old Business. Approval of September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Hansen to approve the minutes of September 27, 2021 as submitted and the motion carried. 5. Old Business A. Partners In Energy The City received 200 LED lighting kits from Xcel Energy through the PIE Program. They have a variety of different LED lightbulbs, night lights, information on how to improve energy efficiency in your home. They're available to all residents to pick up for free at City Hall. We will give them out at community events going forward. We also gave PRISM a bunch of kits to give out. ii. There is a business mailer that will be going out in November that will talk about the action plan, programs available to businesses, and goals. It will emphasize that we need businesses 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. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Sept 27, 2020 — 6:30 pm to help the community achieve its goals. It will be signed by the City Manager and/or Mayor and to have Xcel Energy look it over before it's sent out. iii. We're working on an award or recognition program to recognize businesses that are taking steps to improve energy efficiency and help us make progress on our Energy Action Plan. iv. The next GV business council meeting is scheduled for Dec 9. There will be a presentation by Xcel Energy and maybe a business partner from the Energy Action Team. v. Also working on creating a window cling for businesses to display. vi. Other things Ethan is working on: 1. He's gotten Smart Salting Certified through MPCA to help with education and outreach related to salt use. 2. He's been working with Golden Valley Housing & Economic Development Manager, Cherie Shoquist, on Energy and Recycling Outreach to multi -family buildings. 3. Reached out to school teachers and social workers about collaborating with students and getting educational materials out to them. 4. Finished a survey of City Employees about energy efficiency practices and attitudes in the office. Waiting to see results. 5. Working on getting GreenStep Cities road signs to be put up around the City advertising our participation in the program. B. MN Cities Climate Caucus i. They are working to influence state policy and regulations to help cities reach their goals related to climate and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to spread city level best practices and policy ideas. ii. Our City Council has not officially said we're a part of this group, but Council Member Fonnest has been part of the meetings and staff has been following along. iii. The group has been discussing an interest in coordinating a multi-city/entity declaration of a climate emergency to bring awareness to the situation. 1. A number of cities have already declared a climate emergency and a number of other cities that have mentioned considering it. Golden Valley is considering looking into and exploring this. 1. A resolution is customizable for every city. 2. They are looking to get a lot of cities to adopt a resolution January 241" or 25t' to call for immediate action at all levels of government to address the climate crisis. They're wanting to get that critical mass and attention so the state and federal government will recognize and see that and want to invest in planning and infrastructure or help to free up funds to invest in local communities. Any questions/comments from the EC on the draft Climate Emergency Declarations/Resolutions? Is it something you're interested in exploring? Potentially our City Manager or Council might be interested and could ask staff to bring it forward. EC comments included: 1. Should we have a formal climate action plan in place before we declare emergency? City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Sept 27, 2020 — 6:30 pm 2. Only a few communities along with Hennepin County actually have a climate action plan in place. This could be a starting point to creating one. We could add certain items to our declaration that are specific to our City and Work Plan such as: i. Follow our energy action plan. ii. Assist Hennepin County with implementing their climate action plan. iii. Continue with GreenStep Cities. iv. Carry out our resilience and sustainability plan, and natural resource management plan. v. Develop a commission work plan that addresses climate impacts. 4. Build in some Golden Valley and environmental specific wording into the resolution. 5. Where does all of the data come from in the template? Make it more local. 6. Include more local storm water information. 7. Use positive not negative language. 8. Protect life and property, and also health and equity. Talk about the health impacts. 9. Support it but say the City needs another FTE. 10. Tie this into local metrics. 11. There seems to be some interest in pursuing this as a commission. 12. If we do this we would want to make it more specific to Golden Valley; be cognizant of polarizing language; use as much local data as we can find. C. Environmental Justice Commission Collaboration i. Staff will update the maps we're using based on new 2020 census data. 6. New Business A. Transportation Option i. 2021 Work Plan — Explore ways to minimize vehicle usage and expand alternate transportation options in the City. Also, to support and contribute to the City's bus rapid transit efforts along Hwy 55. ii. Transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions affecting climate change in urban areas. iii. Try to make better, more efficient use of the resources we have and identify gaps. iv. Other ideas to consider: 1. Local & affordable ride sharing program. Perhaps a local shuttle. Maybe do this along with the DEI Commission. 2. Add more bus routes in GV. 3. Add bussing for Loppet and MPRB With Park events. v. Ways to reduce vehicle usage and expand transportation options: 1. Bike & Pedestrian System 1. Bike lanes, signed bike routes, sidewalks, trails, ped bridges/tunnels/underpasses, ped crossings, etc... 2. We have over 50 miles of trails and sidewalks in GV. 3. A task force was developed to put together a bike and pedestrian plan and build out a bike network. The plan was adopted as part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Currently being implemented. 2. Micromobility or Shared Mobility City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Sept 27, 2020 — 6:30 pm 4 1. Short term use — scooter or bike rental. Can use these for the last mile from the bus to the store. 2. We currently have Byrd Scooters. 3. Transit: 1. Highway 55 Bus Rapid Transit i. Regular, frequent service with limited stops. ii. Area has been studied and was determined to be a corridor that scored high for bus rapid transit. Funding has been allocated for all day bus service on Hwy 55 and is expected to begin in 2025. 1. Elected officials and staff are starting to meet and take step to advance this and the planning/designing. Funding will be available for this. 2. Meetings will be held by Metro Transit. 3. How do we connect residents with the bus/LRT without having to drive to the stop? 2. Metro Mobility i. Shared public transportation service for people with a disability or health condition that keeps them from riding the regular bus. ii. 24hrs, 7 days a week availability. 3. MnPass and HOV 2+ i. MnPass is now E-ZPass. ii. Trying to incentivize EV usage — If you purchase or lease an EV between 2019 and Oct 31, 2022 there may be lower fees for the E-Z Pass lane. 4. Rideshare i. Uber, Lyft, Taxis, Limos, other 5. Car -Sharing Service i. Cars available for short term, by the hour rental. ii. New HOURCAR service. Might coincide well with our equity goals and initiatives. 6. Land Use i. Areas of change planned near high -frequency transit route that could support high density housing. 7. Connected & Automated Vehicles i. "Driverless" vehicle technology. ii. Automated — You can take your hands off the wheel for a period of time, the car can make corrections, the car can parallel park itself. iii. Connected —The care is in constant communication with the vehicles around it, trucks, signals that signalize intersections, with buildings, cell towers. 8. Electric Vehicles part of the clean and renewable energy focus in our energy action plan. 9. GreenStep Cities Actions i. Efficiently use existing fleet of City vehicles. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Sept 27, 2020 — 6:30 pm ii. Retrofit City diesel engines or install auxiliary power units and/or electrified parking spaces utilizing Project GreenFleet. 4. Possibly coordinate shuttles through the community to sporting events downtown. B. Program/Project Updates i. The pollinator garden in front of City Hall was cut back. It's better for the pollinators to leave it. The City does leave the native buffer habitat areas around the area for the pollinators over the winter. We clean up those areas in the spring. We also encourage residents in the community to do the same. With City Hall we partner with the Golden Valley Foundation and they hired the company to do the work before the City could communicate possibly leaving it. Staff will reach out. ii. Yard Waste collection would be a separate truck coming from recycling, organics, and trash for pick up. It would be 4 different trucks, and 4 different carts. iii. A City campus, facility, or park that already has recycling carts will also have organics carts. C. Council Updates i. None D. Other Business Could we ask staff if it may be worth looking into changing the best practices of the water restrictions. Draft a policy that says possibly always having the odd/even watering days, or always having set hours of watering. 7. Adjournment MOTION by Commissioner Yahle, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 pm and the motion carried. ATTEST: Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair try of�,� golden alley l`� y Date: November 19, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Partners In Energy— Implementation Update With guidance from the Environmental Commission, staff has been working with the Partners In Energy team and the City's MN GreenCorps member to implement the energy action plan. Staff has the following updates to share at the November meeting. Energy Cost Burden and Residential Energy Efficiency: • Multifamily - GreenCorps member to follow-up with information for owners, managers, and tenants • Home Energy Squad (HES) Postcard 0 4,000 postcards sent to oldest homes in the city o Social media posts to support mailing o HES in next newsletter article • PiE shared social media posts for Energy Month (Oct) o GV posted once a week about energy • Low -Income program flyers in English and Spanish, working on Russian translation (Energy Assistance Program and the Low -Income Home Energy Squad). Distributing flyers through various means and methods. o Distributed flyers (including Spanish) and LED kits to PRISM, will check back in one month • City posted that we have energy -efficiency LED kits to give away at city hall, first come first served. • Ethan tabling at winter farmer's market Business Energy Efficiency: Business outreach- mailer, flyer, business group presentations, energy info in inspections, tours o PiE created business flyer to share at business presentations, mailings, door to door. o Mailer done and going out soon targeting small-med sized businesses. Xcel to send directly, letter signed by GV city manager, Xcel, and Centerpoint. • City has energy action plan, vision, goals, we need your help to achieve • Check out the programs and rebates right for you ■ Participate in the plan ■ Get an energy audit Staff and Xcel to present energy action plan and programs at upcoming business organization meetings o Planning to present at GV Business Council on Dec 9 at 830-930 at Brookview. The business rep from Mortenson (and member of City's PIE energy action team) is participating. • Award/Recognition Program, examples for Businesses (based on Environmental Commission idea) o Something catchy and fun - Energy Action Hero with Giant "E"; or Energy Efficiency Expert o Recognition on city website o Develop a window cling - Ethan can support design, marketing, branding o Interested in a program for residents as well o Received toolkit and examples from other cities — will bring to EC soon Renewable (Solar) Energy and EVs: • PiE team created 'electrify your ride' flyer for in person events, etc. • PiE created social media promo material • EV charging station at Brookview is installed. • Future ride and drive event, webinar Community Energy Action Planning Team: • Staff emailed community planning team providing update, asking for help and support, and suggesting an early 2022 meeting for a progress update at the half way point of the 18- month implementation phase of PIE. o At least two members willing to help, especially with business outreach o Ethan work to find more volunteers o Ethan tabling, handing out energy kits, multi -family outreach, PRISM, schools, etc city of gOldvn�l� Y Date: November 19, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Draft Climate Resolution The MN Cities Climate Caucus (MNCCC) was formed in 2021 to influence state policy and regulations to help cities meet their climate goals and to accelerate the learning and spread of city -level best practices and policy ideas. The group is made up of elected and appointed local officials around the state and meets about monthly. Recently, the group has been working to coordinate a multi-city/entity declaration of a climate emergency or climate concern. The group has a small team that put together a resolution template and a one -pager describing the benefits of adopting a climate emergency declaration, including creating more visibility and impact to leverage state and federal support and funding for climate mitigation and adaptation at the local level. The resolution was presented for review at the MNCCC meetings in October and November. The Environmental Commission discussed the resolution and its potential benefits to the City and in October decided to move forward with a modified version of the resolution more specific to Golden Valley. Attached is a draft resolution for the Commission's review and comment. Also attached for reference and discussion is a resolution from Evanston, Illinois focusing on equity and environmental justice. Hennepin County's climate action plan (pages 15-26) includes additional information on racism, inequities, and vulnerabilities as well. The Commission is being asked to review this information, provide input and feedback, and consider making a recommendation to Council to adopt the climate resolution at an upcoming meeting. RESOLUTION DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY IN GOLDEN VALLEY, MINNESOTA (Alternate Title: A RESOLUTION JOINING CITIES AND COUNTIES ACROSS MINNESOTA DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND ASKING THE STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS TO HELP ADDRESS IT AND PROVIDE VALUABLE RESOURCES) WHEREAS Golden Valley has just this past year experienced numerous climate change -related impacts including a record June heat wave, poor air quality from drought -fueled forest fires encouraging people to remain inside, and water restrictions from the same drought, making it clear that the climate crisis is not only a future issue — it is affecting us here and now; WHEREAS hundreds of Golden Valley properties are at risk of flooding during heavy or intense precipitation events which can cause significant hardship and economic loss; WHEREAS Golden Valley residents have increasingly reported experiencing drainage and flooding issues, groundwater issues, and historically high surface water levels in water bodies throughout the community; WHEREAS, the frequency of daily rainfalls greater than 3 inches has increased 66% in the past century and annual precipitation in the Twin Cities increased from an average of 26.18 inches between 1940-1979 to an average of 30.92 inches between 1980-2018, increasing the frequency of flooding, landslides, freeze/thaw cycles, ice storms, rain on frozen ground events, and heavy snowstorms which put increased strain on city operations, residents, businesses, and the natural environment; WHEREAS, winter temperatures are warming nearly ten times faster than summer temperatures, increasing by approximately 2.2°F per decade since 1969, based on data collected at MSP airport; WHEREAS, the urban heat island effect causes nighttime temperatures in the first ring suburbs of Hennepin County to be 2°F higher on average compared to surrounding areas and spikes to as much as 9°F higher than surrounding areas during a heat wave, and is expected to increase due to climate change, affecting the health and well-being of residents; WHEREAS, the high risk climate hazards for Golden Valley include invasive species and pests, more freeze/thaw cycles, more frequent and intense heavy rainfalls, and extreme heat, and the moderate risk climate hazards include extreme wind events and tornadoes, diminished air quality, and vector -borne diseases as outlined in the Vulnerability Assessment in the Resilience and Sustainability chapter of Golden Valley's 2040 Comprehensive Plan; WHEREAS extreme weather will create new challenges for Golden Valley's infrastructure and finances and will pose a threat to the health, safety, and economic vitality of our residents and businesses; WHEREAS the greatest burden from an inadequate response to the climate crisis will be felt by historically marginalized and underserved communities, the youngest generation including the children and grandchildren of Golden Valley, and future generations; WHEREAS the impacts of climate change will affect all residents, but the impacts will not be felt equally, and like other environmental justice issues Hennepin County data show that our communities of color, low-income families, and residents with disabilities contribute least to the problem of climate pollution but are the most at risk from negative climate impacts, especially during flooding events, heat waves, and poor air quality days, and we acknowledge that those who have the least capacity to respond to climate change will be most affected; WHEREAS in Minnesota, the ten warmest and wettest years ever recorded have all occurred since 1998, warming surface waters are leading to a significant loss of fish habitat for many prominent species as well as increasing the risk of harmful algae blooms, forests are changing as native northern species are strained by warming temperatures, crops are stressed by cycles of drought and floods, home insurance rates are rising far faster than the national average and faster warming winters are leading to new pests as well as shorter winter recreation seasons; WHEREAS, the bi-partisan Next Generation Energy Act, passed by the Minnesota State Legislature and signed by then Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2007, committed our State to achieving an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and with interim goals of 15% and 30% below 2005 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2015 and 2025, respectively, with cities being key drivers of achieving these goals; WHEREAS, our State did not meet its 2015 goal, and is not yet on track to reach our future targets; WHEREAS, in April 2016 world leaders from 175 countries, including the United States, recognized the threat of climate change and the urgent need to combat it by signing the Paris Agreement, agreeing to "pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit)"; WHEREAS, we have already reached a temperature increase of nearly 1.1 degrees Celsius (nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit) as compared to pre -industrial times and the widespread impacts already realized by this level of global warming demonstrate that the Earth is already too hot for safety and justice, as attested by increased and intensifying wildfires, floods, rising seas, diseases, droughts, and extreme weather; WHEREAS, in 2019, the United Nations Intergovernmental Science -Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services found that human -induced climate change has pushed the planet toward the sixth mass species extinction, which threatens the food security, water supply, and well-being of billions of people; WHEREAS, in August 2021 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change, released a report that stated "It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere and land," and that "Human influence has warmed the climate at a rate that is unprecedented in at least the last 2000 years," and "with every additional increment of global warming, changes in extremes continue to become larger," and "leaders at all levels must take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent catastrophic impacts"; WHEREAS, the National Climate and Health Assessment of the United State Global Change Research Program identified climate change as a significant threat to the health of the people of the United States, leading to increased temperature -related deaths and illnesses; air quality impacts; extreme weather events; numbers of vector -borne diseases; waterborne illnesses; food safety, nutrition, and distribution complications; mental health and well-being concerns; WHEREAS, the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the intelligence community have identified climate change as a threat to national security, and the Department of Homeland Security views climate change as a top homeland security risk; WHEREAS, recent scientific research indicates that to achieve the goal of limiting temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), carbon emissions must be halved by 2030 and reach net zero global emissions by 2050; WHEREAS, a transition to a clean energy economy, if not carefully planned, would have a disruptive effect and impact on the livelihoods of many in our community while a well -planned transition may provide expanded job opportunities and affordable and reliable energy for local residents; WHEREAS, the massive scope and scale of action necessary to stabilize the climate will require unprecedented levels of public awareness, engagement, and deliberation to develop and implement effective, just, and equitable policies to address climate change; WHEREAS, 2,012 jurisdictions in 34 countries including Minnesota leaders Duluth, Minneapolis, and Crystal Bay Township, have already declared climate emergencies in order to focus attention on the need for rapid action to address climate change; WHEREAS, acting together with other communities now will magnify our impact, and increase our visibility and leverage for state and federal funding and support; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Golden Valley declares that a climate emergency threatens our city, region, state, nation, humanity and the natural world. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Golden Valley commits to working for a just transition and climate emergency mobilization effort and will: • Continue to implement its Resilience and Sustainability Plan, Energy Action Plan, Natural Resources Management Plan, and Surface Water Management Plan, all of which contain goals, objectives, policies and actions to help address climate impacts • Continue to implement its Equity Plan including actions and practices that promote economic prosperity for all • Continue to implement GreenStep Cities best practices related to energy, climate actions, climate adaptation and community resilience • Work with the City's Environmental Commission to address climate impacts and improve the environment, economy, and human health through the development and implementation of its annual work plan • Update and implement its 10-year capital improvement program with a focus on sustainability, equity, and climate adaptation • Position City with shovel -ready projects to take advantage of state and federal infrastructure funding and climate action funding opportunities • Strategically partner with Hennepin County to implement its Climate Action Plan and help the County achieve its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. • Consider advancing the development of a City climate action plan sooner than 2030 as scheduled in the City's Resilience and Sustainability Plan • Continue to explore and secure the resources needed to fulfill its environmental goals and commitments BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Golden Valley calls on the Minnesota legislature and executive branch to immediately and aggressively support cities of all sizes around Minnesota to both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change including providing funding and resources for the development and implementation of climate action plans. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Golden Valley calls on the federal government to immediately commit resources to support the climate mitigation and adaptation efforts of cities large and small, to invest in the infrastructure needed for a resilient, sustainable and equitable future, to ensure that investment is at the scale needed, and to provide the necessary global leadership to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Sources: Minnesota DNR Climatology https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/climate change info/index.html Hennepin County Climate Action Plan https://www.hennepin.us/climate-action/climate-action-plan Hennepin County Climate Vulnerability Assessment https://www.hennepin.us/climate-action/-/media/climate-action/hennepin-county- climate-vulnerability-assessment.pdf "What climate change means for Hennepin County" https://www.hennepin.us/climate-action/local-impacts Golden Valley 2040 Comprehensive Plan - Resilience and Sustainability Chapter and Vulnerability Assessment https://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/planning/comprehensiveplanupdate/pdf/compplanch apters/7-Resilience-and-Sustainability.pdf 72-R-20 8/17/20 9/1 /20 72-R-20 A RESOLUTION To Support Environmental Justice WHEREAS, generations of Black Evanstonians, along with Latinx and other communities of color in the City of Evanston have disproportionately experienced environmental injustice in the past, and need an environmental justice policy implemented in the City to address such issues that currently exist and may arise in the future; and WHEREAS, in order for the City of Evanston to fully embrace the change necessary to move our community forward, it is necessary to recognize, and acknowledge its own history of discrimination and racial injustice; to recognize the disproportionate and negative impacts of redlining and past city policies, institutional racism, social inequities which created an unequal distribution of environmental assets, environmental hazards and health risk; and WHEREAS, the City of Evanston recognizes that Environmental Justice (EJ) is concerned with the equity and empowerment of all community members such that every resident experiences equitable access to environmental assets, protection from environmental hazards and health risks; and WHEREAS, the City of Evanston aspires to mitigate negative environmental consequences and health risks resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations in all of its neighborhoods; and Page 3 of 7 P2. Page 326 of 438 72-R-20 WHEREAS, the City of Evanston seeks to support the delivery of an equitable share of environmental benefits and community assets in all neighborhoods and wards that enhance the quality of life, such as parks and open spaces, trees, natural areas, community gardens, and the lakefront as well as equal access to the City's environmental and infrastructure investments that support health, well-being and a sense of community; and WHEREAS, The City of Evanston seeks to foster equity, community engagement, environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and transparent decision -making. The City of Evanston aspires to engage all Evanston residents regardless of race, ethnicity, or language, age, ability, immigration status, and address for equal access to information about, and opportunities for meaningful involvement in, local decision -making that affects their quality of life; and WHEREAS, the City of Evanston recognizes that addressing racial equity within the climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations will result in a more climate resilient Evanston. NOW BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT: apply: SECTION 1: For purposes of this Resolution, the following definitions Environmental Justice (Evanston): Environmental Justice (EJ) is when every resident experiences the same degree of access to environmental assets, protection from environmental hazards and health risks, and an opportunity to play an effective role in making decisions that affect the quality of life in this community. —2— Page 4 of 7 P2. Page 327 of 438 72-R-20 Public Engagement: Public engagement is any process that meaningfully and inclusively engages residents and stakeholders in taking an action or making a decision and gives full consideration to public input in making that decision. SECTION 2: This Resolution establishes the City of Evanston's policy for environmental justice and puts in motion the development of ordinances to ensure active consideration of environmental justice and meaningful public participation in City policies, practices, procedures, and other decision -making. SECTION 3: The City of Evanston is committed to meaningful and inclusive public engagement that provides the foundation for making better decisions around environmental justice issues. Decision -makers will have more complete information to understand any potential impact a project or program may have on an underserved community, decisions are more implementable and sustainable, decisions are perceived as more legitimate, and decision -makers become better communicators particularly in regard to residents and communities whose voices are underrepresented in public processes. SECTION 4: The City of Evanston will incorporate environmental justice into City of Evanston ordinances, codes, policies, and processes, which could include review of existing codes which will be conducted with appropriate revisions to bolster and improve environmental justice outcomes. This work will be done in consultation with Environmental Justice Evanston, Evanston Environment Board, the Equity and Empowerment Commission, relevant City departments and other community organizations. —3— Page 5 of 7 P2. Page 328 of 438 72-R-20 SECTION 5: The City of Evanston is committed to developing a policy that specifies clear goals for meaningful public engagement, policies and decision - making processes. These engagements are intended to ensure that all decisions with the potential to affect the quality of life for residents and entire neighborhoods in Evanston are supported by public engagement that is pursuant to the City's policy on meaningful, timely, inclusive, accessible and compliant public comment as well as responsiveness to public comment. The public engagement policy shall be developed in consultation with the Equity and Empowerment Commission and with the input and concurrence of community stakeholders. SECTION 6: The City will develop and maintain an active GIS-based inventory of environmental justice areas in Evanston. Environmental justice areas are geographic regions in which there are likely to be disparities in access to environmental assets or exposure to hazards. That inventory will be made public through online mapping platforms. Once completed, this tool will help identify existing burdens, needed infrastructure improvements, and investments that can be considered by City Departments through their planning process. SECTION 7: This Resolution 72-R-20 will be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law. —4— Page 6 of 7 P2. Page 329 of 438 Attest: Stephen H. Hagerty, Mayor Approved as to form: 72-R-20 Devon Reid, City Clerk Kelley A. Gandurski, Corporation Counsel Adopted: 2020 —5— Page 7 of 7 P2. Page 330 of 438 try of goldenlo-111ir valley Date: November 16, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 12.5 Golden Valley entered the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 and was recognized as a "Step 5" city on May 20, 2021. Each best practice encompasses a variety of actions a city may take in order to complete it. The City is completing the GreenStep Cities Best Practice 12, Transportation - Mobility Options Action 5: "Implement workplace multi -modal transportation best management practices — including telework/flexwork — in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider." As of June 2021, the City of Golden Valley established a formal telework, flexwork, and job - sharing policy for employees. A number of other businesses in the city also adopted similar agreements or had remote work options available previously, including large employers like General Mills and Allianz. (see City policy below) After brief discussion staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the City's Transportation Best Practice 12.5 for submission to the GreenStep program. Flexible Work Arrangement Policy The purpose of the City's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy (FWA) is to foster a positive, adaptable work environment that meets unique employee needs while continuing to provide quality services to customers, residents, and visitors. FWAs encourage strong communication and working relationships between employees and supervisors and empower employees to manage their work and personal responsibilities effectively through alternative work arrangements. A flexible work arrangement is a business strategy and not a benefit or right. Participation in this program does not change the basic terms and conditions of employment with the City. All flexible GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos work arrangements are subject to the City's Employment Rules, the Fair labor Standards Act, and other relevant laws. FWAs are not appropriate for every position or employee at the City. Based on position requirements and employee performance and conduct, some employees may not be eligible for the flexible work arrangements under this policy. This policy established guidelines for the City's FWA, including types of FWAs, employee eligibility, policy conditions, and request process. Types of Flexible Work Arrangements Flexible work arrangement requests are not the same as ad hoc arrangements or the occasional need for flexibility. FWAs generally last longer than two months and are a regular and predictable part of the employee's work schedule. The City offers three standard FWAs: Telework — working from a location other than the employee's designated on -site work location (working from home). Flexible Work Schedule — Working hours are outside of core business hours of 8 am to 4:30 pm. Flexible work schedules do not reduce the total number of hours worked in a given workweek. Schedule options may include fixed starting or ending times that change periodically, starting and ending times that vary daily, and variations in the length of days. A flexible work schedule may also include a traditional 40-hour workweek condensed into fewer than five workdays. Job Sharing — Sharing workload and obligations of a full-time position by two individuals. All FWAs are made on a case -by -case basis. try of goldenlo-I'vir valley Date: November 16, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 22.7 The City is updating the GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 22.7 — Sustainable Consumption and Waste: improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume -based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling. The City of Golden Valley approved a new organized recycling contract and established an organized curbside organics recycling program starting in January 2022 for all 1-4 unit residences. One hauler, Republic Services, will pick up recycling and organics while trash hauling and yard waste collection remain in an open market system with multiple haulers. After brief discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the City's Sustainable Consumption and Waste Best Practice 22.7 for submission to the GreenStep Cities program. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos try of goldenlo-I'vir valley Date: November 16, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 24.6 The City is updating the GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 24.6 — Resilient Economic and Community Development, Engaging the Next Generation: engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions). Golden Valley has provided a variety of ways for youth and college students to participate in city government through internships and positions on city commissions, including Board of Zoning Appeals, Environmental Commission (1 youth position currently, request for 2nd position going to council in December 2021), Human Rights Commission (2 youth positions), Human Services Commission, Open Space and Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission. After brief discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the City's Resilient Economic and Community Development Best Practice 24.6 for submission to the GreenStep Cities program. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES — November 2021 GREENCORPS UPDATE Last Sunday, the member tabled at the Winter Market and engaged residents about the City's Energy Action Plan, residential energy efficiency, the new organics recycling program, and chloride reduction. Since receiving the LED lighting kits from the Partners in Energy program, the member has distributed 89 of the 200 kits to Golden Valley residents. Last week, the member collaborated with the communications team to produce an informative video about the organics recycling program that will be posted on the City's social media. Recently, results from the city employee energy efficiency survey were collected, which show progress in some behaviors and attitudes but room for improvement in other areas. Energy meter readings in the B3 Benchmarking software automatically update each month after the member worked with another GreenCorps member at the U of M Center for Sustainable Building Research to automate the process. Now, the member is beginning to assess city facilities and order bins and materials for the new organics recycling program. PLANNING COMMISSION — November S. 2021 Golden Valley Country Club Villas —A Final PUD Plan has been submitted to complete the process of gaining approval for a seven -unit single-family development with a short public street in the northwest corner of the Golden Valley Country Club. The site has already been guided and zoned for Single -Family use, and a Preliminary PUD Plan was approved by the City Council in September. Scheduled for the November 8 Planning Commission meeting. Capital Improvement Program (CIP)—At the November 8 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission will review the City's proposed 10-year CIP for consistency with the goals and objectives of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Updated Use Tables —Over the last year, staff has worked closely with the Planning Commission to draft updates and improvements to the use tables found in the Zoning Chapter of the City Code. The planned zoning text amendment will modernize language, address new uses, consider revisions to the Institutional Zoning Subdistricts, and ensure the City is compliant with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for November 22. CITY COUNCIL 6440 Wayzata Boulevard —Spire Credit Union is proposing to construct a new building with a drive -through on the southern 2/3 of this site, while the northern 1/3 would be retained by A's Clubhouse for overflow parking. The proposal requires a minor subdivision and a Conditional Use Permit. The Planning Commission recommended approval at its October 25 meeting. Scheduled for the November 16 City Council meeting. 6300 Olson Memorial Highway —United Properties is proposing to re -guide and rezone the vacant Optum site for Light Industrial use, and then to subdivide the lot into two lots (one north, one south) in order to redevelop the property as a business park with R&D, light industrial, warehouse, and office uses. The Planning Commission recommended approval at its October 25 meeting. Scheduled for the November 16 City Council meeting. COUNCIL WORK SESSION At the Council Work Session on November 9, staff will update the Council on the findings from the Municipal Facilities Study, the investigation that has been done to date around Accessory Dwelling Units, an outline of the planned update to the City's Sign Code, and a concept for Temporary Outdoor Service Areas.