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763-593-80271 TTY 763-593-39681763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.govgolden valle
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Environmental Commission
July 26, 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 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.
5. 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.
1. 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.
2. Staff will reach out to more owners in the area for interest in partnering with us.
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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 3
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
A. Commission Name Review
i. 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
L The City approved a quote for a contractor to install a new 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:
60�- c
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair