01-11-22 Council Work Session and Special Meeting Agenda
WORK SESSION AGENDA
City Council Work Sessions are being conducted in a hybrid format with in-person and remote
options for attending.
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting by streaming via Webex
(Click here) or by calling 1-415-655-0001 and entering access code 2468 545 1037. Additional
information about attending electronic meetings is available on the City website.
Pages
1. Annual Legislative Check-In with Senator Latz and Representative Winkler
2. Review Proposed 2022 State and Federal Legislative Priorities 2-60
3. Discuss 2022 Council Appointments, Assignments, and Reimbursements 61-64
4. Vaccine Mandate Policy Update 65-74
5. Council Review of Future Draft Agendas
75-76
Council Work Session meetings have an informal, discussion-style format and are
designed for the Council to obtain background information, consider policy alternatives,
and provide general directions to staff. No formal actions are taken at these meetings.
The public is invited to attend Council Work Session meetings and listen to the discussion;
public participation is allowed by invitation of the City Council.
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Discussion and Consideration of COVID-19 Emergency Declaration 77-86
4. Adjournment
January 11, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Council Chambers
Hybrid Meeting
Immediately following work session
Council Chambers
Hybrid Meeting
Golden Valley Council Work Session
January 11, 2022
Agenda Item
2. Review Proposed 2022 State and Federal Legislative Priorities
Prepared By
Tim Cruikshank, City Manager
Summary
Annually, the Council reviews the City’s Legislative Priorities prior to the upcoming Legislative Session.
The 2022 Legislative Session is scheduled to start in late January. Staff will be asking the Council to
approve the 2022 Legislative Priorities at an upcoming City Council Meeting. In addition, each year the
approved priorities are shared with neighboring communities and area legislators at the annual
Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC) Legislative Breakfast Meeting that will be held on January 27
and the annual Crystal Legislative Breakfast that will be held on February 12.
Financial Or Budget Considerations
Not applicable
Supporting Documents
• 2022 State Legislative Priorities (46 pages)
• 2022 Federal Legislative Priorities (12 pages)
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006Adopted by the City Council_______________
2022 GOLDEN VALLEY
STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative Priorities
These priorities are supported by the Golden Valley City Council, along with Metro Cities,
League of Minnesota Cities, Municipal Legislative Commission, and Regional Council of
Mayors policies, and may be used by local officials and staff to advocate for during the
Legislative session.
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 1
Table Of Contents
TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES
T1. Support Full Funding For Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) And Multimodal
Infrastructure Or Transportation ..................................................................4
The City of Golden Valley supports investment in Bus Rapid Transit
and multimodal infrastructure on the Highway 55 corridor from Wright
County to Minneapolis due to a high concentration of jobs, strong re-
verse-commute patterns, and increased residential development along
the corridor. This includes improving safety and mobility at key intersec-
tions, like Winnetka Avenue, to better accommodate vehicles, pedestri-
ans, transit, etc.
T2. Support Comprehensive Transportation Funding ....................................5
The City of Golden Valley supports dedicating more resources to all
components of the state’s transportation system and ensuring local
units of government have access to resources and funding tools to meet
growing needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES
E1. Continue To Adequately Fund The DNR Flood Damage Reduction
Program For Local Projects ...........................................................................6
The City of Golden Valley is requesting legislative approval of funds through
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Flood Damage Reduction
Program to implement public improvements within the DeCola Ponds and
Medicine Lake Road watershed. These projects include improvements
within the Cities of Crystal, New Hope and Golden Valley (eg, flood storage,
subwatershed diversion, and runoff rate control projects).
E2. Climate Emergency Declaration: Support Policies And Investments
Mitigating The Impact Of Climate Change ...............................................7
The Golden Valley City Council declared by resolution a Climate Emergency
Dec 21, 2021. The City joins more than 2,000 jurisdictions in 34 countries to
focus attention on the need for rapid action to address climate change.
E3. Support Funding For Metropolitan Council Inflow/Infiltration
Grants—Public And Private Improvements .................................................8
Because I/I reduction efforts benefit the entire metropolitan area, the City of
Golden Valley supports the state providing continued capital assistance for
grants to cities as well as financial assistance for private property through
future Clean Water Legacy Act appropriations.
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 2
E4. Advance Building Performance .....................................................................9
The City of Golden Valley’s supports statewide energy efficiency improve-
ments in buildings, lighting, and infrastructure and includes these as local
goals in the Resilience and Sustainability Chapter of its 2040 Comprehensive
Plan.
FINANCIAL PRIORITIES
F1. Support Local-Option Sales Tax ...................................................................10
Golden Valley supports a local-option sales tax at .05 percent to generate an
estimated potential revenue of $2.85 million per year to help fund building
improvements.
F2. Support Bond Allocation For Remote Fire Station ..................................11
The City of Golden Valley requests support for $6.3 million in state funding
for design and construction of a new remote fire station in the 2022 and 2024
bonding bills.
F3. Support Sales Tax Exemption On Local Purchases .................................12
Golden Valley supports the tax exemption of motor vehicle tax of 6.5 percent
on all municipal vehicles.
F4. Modify Obsolete Fiscal Disparities Formula To Assist
Local Units Of Government With Basic Needs ..........................................13
The City of Golden Valley supports reviewing and amending the 50-year-old
Fiscal Disparities formula to ensure all metro area local governments have ac-
cess to resources and funding tools to meet growing needs. By amending the
Fiscal Disparities formula, all metro area cities can use the additional amount
of property taxes received to help fund needed improvements.
F5. Support Funding For Local Government Aid .............................................14
The City of Golden Valley supports funding of the Local Government Aid
(LGA) component to help ensure needs for public services can be met by
equalizing the tax base for all cities.
F6. Support Funding For Affordable And Workforce Housing ......................15
The City of Golden Valley supports additional tools for local communities to
develop and preserve affordable and workforce housing.
F7. Support Tax Incentives For Community Reinvestment ............................16
Golden Valley supports state programs and incentives for reinvestment in old-
er residential and commercial/industrial buildings, such as, but not limited to,
tax credits and/or property tax deferrals.
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 3
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
C1. Support For Racial Equity In Minnesota And
House Select Committee On Racial Justice ...............................................17
Recognizing cities cannot work in isolation on racial equity issues, the City of
Golden Valley supports efforts by the League of Minnesota Cities and the State
Legislature’s House Select Committee on Racial Justice to optimize success for
all Minnesotans regardless of race.
C2. Support Equitable And Inclusive Elections ...............................................18
The City of Golden Valley supports expansive and accessible voting rights with
consistent statewide standards to allow local decision-making control of cer-
tain aspects in city elections.
C3. Police Arbitration Reform...............................................................................19
The City of Golden Valley strongly urges the Minnesota State Legislature to
consider changes to the current Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations
Act (MPELRA) arbitration system in any further discussions or proposals that
address police reform measures.
C4. Support For Ban On Conversion Therapy Practices .................................20
The City of Golden Valley supports the State Legislature banning the practice
of conversion therapy for minors in the State of Minnesota.
APPENDIX
Appendix T1. ............................................................................................................23
Appendix E1. ............................................................................................................27
Appendix E2 .............................................................................................................30
Appendix E3 .............................................................................................................36
Appendix F4 .............................................................................................................38
Appendix F5 .............................................................................................................39
Appendix F6 .............................................................................................................40
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 4
TRANSPORTATION
T1. Support Full Funding For Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
And Multimodal Infrastructure Or Transportation
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports investment in Bus Rapid Transit and multimodal
infrastructure on the Highway 55 corridor from Wright County to Minneapolis due
to a high concentration of jobs, strong reverse-commute patterns, and increased
residential development along the corridor. This includes improving safety and mo-
bility at key intersections, like Winnetka Avenue, to better accommodate vehicles,
pedestrians, transit, etc.
Issue
Trunk Highway 55 is a major transportation route serving the west metro area and
beyond. The corridor contains a high concentration of jobs, has a strong reverse-
commute pattern, and is experiencing increased residential development. Bus
Rapid Transit is a practical and affordable component of a comprehensive regional
transportation system.
Because Highway 55 also creates a barrier between the northern and southern
portions of communities, infrastructure to support BRT ridership and promote
multi-modal transportation must be planned for and funded as part of the
Highway 55 BRT corridor.
Actions
• Advocate for full funding for Bus Rapid Transit on Highway 55, which im-
pacts all communities along the corridor (Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Plym-
outh, Medina, and beyond).
• Leverage federal dollars to the extent possible to fund infrastructure im-
provements that support BRT, including a pedestrian overpass at Highway
55 and Winnetka Avenue.
• Aggressively pursue Federal infrastructure funding to advance these initia-
tives.
Additional Documents (See Appendix T1)
• Resolution: Supporting Future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Service On Highway 55
And Participation In Additional Study Of The Corridor (2 pages)
• Highway 55 & Winnetka Avenue Concept (1 page)
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006
TRANSPORTATION
T2. Support Comprehensive Transportation Funding
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports dedicating more resources to all compo-
nents of the state’s transportation system and ensuring local units of govern-
ment have access to resources and funding tools to meet growing needs.
Issue
A comprehensive regional transportation system that meets the physical,
social, and economic needs of Golden Valley and the state requires adequate
funding. This transportation system includes streets, bridges, highways,
transit, and multi-modal solutions. Collaborative efforts and initiatives are
already in progress.
Actions
• Establish a sustainable formula to increase transit and transportation fund-
ing.
• Advocate for including improvements to US Highway 169 between I-394 and
Medicine Lake Road in the MnDOT Capital Improvement Plan.
Page 5
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 6
ENVIRONMENTAL
E1. Continue To Adequately Fund The DNR Flood
Damage Reduction Program For Local Projects
City Position
The City of Golden Valley is requesting legislative approval of funds through the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Flood Damage Reduction Program to
continue to implement public improvements within the DeCola Ponds and Medi-
cine Lake Road watershed. These projects include improvements within the Cities
of Crystal, New Hope and Golden Valley (eg, flood storage, subwatershed diver-
sion, and runoff rate control projects).
Issue
The City of Golden Valley experiences localized flooding in the Medicine Lake Road
and Winnetka Avenue area and flooding from Bassett Creek in numerous locations
throughout the community. This flooding causes damages to homes and business-
es, and impacts infrastructure and emergency services. The City is currently pursu-
ing Phase III of a multi-phase project.
Action
Advocate for continued full funding of the Minnesota DNR Flood Damage Reduc-
tion Program, including funding of the Medicine Lake Road and Winnetka Avenue
Area Long Term Flood Mitigation Project.
Additional Documents (See Appendix E1)
• Map: DeCola Ponds Flood Mitigation Area (1 page)
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 7
E2. Climate Emergency Declaration: Support Policies
And Investments Mitigating The Impact Of Climate
Change
City Position
The Golden Valley City Council declared by resolution a Climate Emergency Dec
21, 2021. On Jan 18, 2022, the City passed an additional resolution to join more than
2,000 jurisdictions in 34 countries to focus attention on the need for rapid action
to address climate change.
Issue
Golden Valley residents, businesses, and property owners are experiencing the im-
pacts of climate change through increased flooding and flood risk, excessive heat,
drought, invasive species, diminished air quality, and extreme weather events. Not
only do these events affect the health, safety, well-being, and economic vitality of
Golden Valley residents and businesses, these climate-related impacts affect the
City’s operations, infrastructure, and finances.
Additionally, climate change disproportionately impacts historically excluded, mar-
ginalized, and underserved communities, low-income families, and residents with
disabilities who are most at risk from the negative impacts of climate change.
Actions
The City of Golden Valley calls on the Minnesota Legislature and executive branch
to immediately and aggressively support mitigation and adaption efforts by pro-
viding funding and resources to develop and implement climate actions plans.
Additional Documents (See Appendix E2)
• City Council Resolution No. 21-100 Declaring a Climate Emergency in Gold-
en Valley (5 pages)
• City Council Resolution No. 22-____ Joining with Cities and Counties Ac-
cross Minnesota/US/World Declaring a Climate Emergency (will be added
after City Council approves it Jan 18)
ENVIRONMENTAL
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 8
ENVIRONMENTAL
E3. Support Funding For Metropolitan Council Inflow/
Infiltration Grants—Public And Private Improvements
City Position
Because I/I reduction efforts benefit the entire metropolitan area, the City of
Golden Valley supports the state providing continued capital assistance for
grants to cities as well as financial assistance for private property through
future Clean Water Legacy Act appropriations.
Issue
Many metro communities are contributing excess inflow and infiltration
of clear water into the regional wastewater system. Excess I/I results in
wastewater flows that exceed the capacity of conveyance and treatment
systems, resulting in significant environmental and public health issues and
excessive costs to upgrade these systems.
Action
Advocate for financial assistance through future Clean Water Legacy appro-
priations to metro area cities with excess I/I. These resources should include
assistance for cities to address I/I contributions from private property.
Additional Documents (See Appendix E3)
• Memo: MCES I&I Grant Benefits - City of Golden Valley (1 page)
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 9
ENVIRONMENTAL
E4. Advance Building Performance
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports statewide energy efficiency improvements in
buildings, lighting, and infrastructure and includes these as local goals in the Resil-
ience and Sustainability Chapter of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Issue
The State of Minnesota has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80
percent by 2050 but is not on track to do so. Buildings are a top greenhouse gas
emitter, and a different approach is needed to building design and construction.
Building codes, which are established by the State, are not advancing fast enough
to reach carbon reduction goals.
Action
The City of Golden Valley supports policy changes and other solutions that lead to
increased building efficiency, including:
• clear standards for developers and designers
• financial support and incentives for energy efficient improvements
• educational support and training
• advancing code requirements at a rate faster than the typical building code up-
date cycle
• statewide adoption of building codes that advance energy performance in new
and remodeled buildings
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 10
F1. Support Local-Option Sales Tax
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports a local-option sales tax at .05 percent. The esti-
mated potential revenue of $2.85 million per year would help fund critical infrastruc-
ture and building improvements.
Issues
City Buildings: Current City facilities do not accommodate contemporary fire protec-
tion, policing, administrative, or public works operations. To better serve the commu-
nity, improve operational efficiencies, and expand economic development opportuni-
ties, the City developed a long-term, phased plan to address its building needs. The
plan includes relocating public works operations out of the downtown area, con-
structing a modern public safety building and firefighting facilities that accommodate
24/7 duty crews, and a new City Hall. These improvements are scheduled to occur
over the next 30 years at an estimated cost of $160 million. Additional resources are
needed to fund debt and keep property taxes in check.
Action
To fund the above described capital improvements, the City of Golden Valley requests
authorization to enact a local-option sales tax in accordance with Department of Rev-
enue steps, which include:
• passing a resolution that includes a proposed tax rate; detailed description of up to
five capital projects funded with the tax; documentation of how each project will
provide economic benefits to residents, businesses, and visitors from the jurisdic-
tion; amount of revenue to be raised for each project and estimated time needed
to raise funds; total amount of revenue to be raised for all projects; and estimated
length of time the tax will be in effect if all proposed projects are approved
• submitting the resolution and supporting documents to the Senate and House Tax
Committee chairs by Jan 31, then passing a resolution with approved language for a
local ballot once legislative approval is received
• passing the resolution at least 90 days before a general election for voters to ap-
prove by a majority vote, and if a project is not approved, adjusting the revenue and
expiration date
FINANCIAL
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 11
FINANCIAL
F2. Support Bond Allocation For Remote Fire Station
City Position
The City of Golden Valley is requesting State funding in the amount of $17 million
to acquire land, complete predesign and design work, and construct a new re-
mote fire station for the Golden Valley Fire Department
Issues
The City of Golden Valley is in need of constructing a new remote fire station.
Currently the City operates a paid on-call fire department out of three stations. To
continue delivering effective service, the fire department needs to move to a du-
ty-crew staffing model. However, the current three stations lack the facilities need-
ed to accommodate a duty-crew model, and the two existing remote stations are
not geographically located to provide optimal response time within the communi-
ty, as well as within the western metro for mutual aid requests.
The City proposes to construct an approximately 20,000-square-foot remote fire
station on the east side of Highway 100. This general location, combined with the
current headquarters location at Winnetka Avenue and Golden Valley Road, pro-
vides quick access to major thoroughfares and improves response times through-
out Golden Valley. The current department staffing model does not result in 13 to
15 personnel arriving on scene at a structure fire within eight minutes, as recom-
mended by the National Fire Protection Association.
The City’s bonding request includes funding for land acquisition, pre-design and
design work, followed by station construction. The station is proposed to include
an apparatus bay of approximately 7,500 square feet and support space (office,
sleeping quarters, meeting area, etc) of approximately 7,700 square feet. The sta-
tion will serve as a polling location for the City and provide community meeting
and training space.
Action
• Advocate to include the City’s funding request of $17 million for design and con-
struction of a new remote fire station in the 2022 bonding bill.
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 12
FINANCIAL
F3. Support Sales Tax Exemption On Local Purchases
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports the tax exemption of motor vehicle tax of 6.5 percent on
all municipal vehicles.
Issues
Currently only police and fire emergency vehicles are exempt. The City has many other ve-
hicles, such as sweepers and large trucks, that respond to snow emergencies, flooding, road
repair, etc.
Action
Support language regarding the exemption of Motor Vehicle Sales Tax on all municipal vehi-
cles purchased by governmental agencies.
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 13
F4. Modify Obsolete Fiscal Disparities Formula
To Assist Local Units Of Government With Basic Needs
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports reviewing and amending the 50-year-old Fiscal Dispari-
ties formula to ensure all metro area local governments have access to resources and fund-
ing tools to meet growing needs. By amending the Fiscal Disparities formula, all metro area
cities can use the additional amount of property taxes received to help fund needed im-
provements.
For nearly 50 years, the Fiscal Disparities program has reapportioned 40 percent of tax ca-
pacity from metro area cities with higher commercial/industrial tax bases to those with less
market value per capita. This is to help equalize funding for the betterment of the Twin Cities
metropolitan area.
While all cities have needs, those that historically have been net Fiscal Disparities contribu-
tors have aged and are experiencing greater infrastructure needs than 50 years ago. Much
of this infrastructure was built before the early 1960s and is due for replacement. It is time to
recalculate the Fiscal Disparities formula to reflect today’s realities. Since just 2001, Golden
Valley has contributed almost $40 million to help other communities meet their needs. With
the proposed change, over the next 20 years Golden Valley would keep an estimated $18
million help meet its needs.
Issue
Golden Valley, like most cities in Minnesota and the nation at large, is facing a looming in-
frastructure crisis. All across the US, aging systems for water supply, sanitary sewer man-
agement, storm water and flood control, transportation, etc, are in need of repair and/or
replacement. Not only is much of Golden Valley’s infrastructure a half century or more old,
but as populations grow, it’s taking on service demands it was not built to handle. The Fiscal
Disparities program has been in existence for almost 50 years and in need of an overhaul.
Action
Advocate for modifying the obsolete Fiscal Disparities formula so all metro area cities can
fund needed infrastructure improvements while keeping taxes and utility expenses lower
than they inevitably would be if this infrastructure problem is allowed to grow into a full-
blown crisis.
Additional Documents (See Appendix F4)
• Table: 20-Year History Of Golden Valley’s Fiscal Disparities Contributions With 40 Per-
cent Program And 20-Year Projection Of Golden Valley’s Fiscal Disparities Gains With
30 Percent Program (1 page)
FINANCIAL
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative Priorities
FINANCIAL
F5. Support Funding For Local Government Aid
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports funding of the Local Government Aid (LGA)
component to help ensure needs for public services can be met by equalizing the
tax base for all cities.
Issue
Golden Valley is one of the few cities statewide that does not receive LGA but
has many basic public service needs that are underfunded.
Action
Advocate for the state to keep pace with inflationary pressures and support
increased funding for LGA. Golden Valley supports an increase in the LGA
appropriation and a review in its entirety of the formula that would at least
provide a minimum distribution to help fund public services. Golden Valley
supports HF 2031 authored by Representative Hertaus in 2019.
Additional Documents (See Appendix F5)
• Table: 10-Year History Of Local Government Aid Distribution And Its Impact
On Golden Valley (1 page)
Page 14
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 15
FINANCIAL
F6. Support Funding For Affordable And Workforce Housing
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports additional tools for local communities to develop
and preserve affordable and workforce housing and to advance diverse, inclusionary,
and equitable housing opportunities.
Issue
Cities must ensure they provide a full range of housing choices in the community. As
cities, businesses, and the overall economy in the Minneapolis–St Paul region continues
to grow, the need for housing available to those with low and moderate incomes also
grows. Failure to expand housing options will impact the region’s ability to attract
talent, grow its economy, and reinvest in itself.
If resources and policies needed to advance affordable housing opportunities for
BIPOC homeowners and renters across the state are specifically identified, housing
opportunity would be more effective from a diversity, equity and inclusion perspective.
Actions
Advocate for policy and financial tools that support both the preservation of naturally occur-
ring affordable housing, construction of new affordable housing, as well as additional re-
sources needed for cities to address the unequal distribution of housing resources, including:
• policies, programs and resources for affordable rental housing eligibility based on
income and social vulnerability indicators
• policies, programs and resources for affordable homeownership eligibility based on
income, social vulnerability indicators, and first generation homebuyers
• increasing funding for the state’s rental rehab loan fund for naturally occurring afford-
able housing and including use of the fund in the metro region
• enhancing state programs, policies, and funding allocations to promote and finance
the preservation and construction of affordable housing, particularly for assisted, se-
nior, and supportive housing
• modifying Tax Increment Financing (TIF) statutes to clearly enable pooling of TIF rev-
enue for affordable housing
• establishing a statewide notification requirement for rental properties prior to owner-
ship transfer
• creating incentives for property owners to participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher Program to increase housing options for low and moderate income earners
• preserving and expanding the state’s 4d low-income property tax program that pro-
vides a property tax benefit to qualifying low-income rental properties
Additional Documents (See Appendix F6)
• Memo: Golden Valley Affordable Housing Work Plan (2 pages)
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 16
FINANCIAL
F7. Support Tax Incentives For Community
Reinvestment
City Position
Golden Valley supports state programs and incentives for reinvestment in older
residential and commercial/industrial buildings, such as, but not limited to, tax
credits and/or property tax deferrals.
Issue
Golden Valley has aging residential and commercial structures that are in need of
repair and reinvestment. Reinvestment prevents neighborhoods from falling into
disrepair, revitalizes community, and protects the tax base.
Action
Advocate for state-funded programs that promote reinvestment in communities
for residential and commercial/Industrial property owners who make improve-
ments that increase the property’s market value.
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Page 17
C1. Support For Racial Equity In Minnesota And
House Select Committee On Racial Justice
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports efforts by the League of Minnesota Cities and
the State Legislature’s House Select Committee on Racial Justice to optimize suc-
cess for all Minnesotans regardless of race. This includes recognizing cities can-
not work in isolation on racial equity issues, declaring and addressing racism as a
public health crisis, and ensuring House legislative efforts are analyzed through an
intersectional racial equity lens.
Issue
Established in 2020, the House Select Committee on Racial Justice received
recommendations designed to address intentional and unintentional systemic
disparities and inequities in economic development, housing, education, public
safety, health and human services, and environmental justice. In recognition, cities
are invested in building a more equitable future where every resident can thrive
regardless of race.
Action
The City encourages the Select Committee’s efforts to provide definitions, a his-
torical framework, and current data related to the impact of systemic racism and
race-related disparities. The City also supports the State taking a leadership role to
serve all Minnesotans by prioritizing addressing racial equity through:
• partnering with local government and communities of color to identify and ad-
dress racial equity issues and build/rebuild relationships and trust
• proactively assessing past racial harms and developing actions to address them
• collecting and providing data disaggregated by race necessary for cities and the
state to make informed decisions about how to address racial disparities
• developing a state system for the proactive and innovative development and de-
livery of resources to local government to address racial equity, including policy
and service options, local engagement tools, policy expertise, and financial re-
sources
• actively reviewing and amending existing statutory language to identify laws that
contribute to racial inequities and considering racial equity impacts when crafting
proposed legislation and policies
• working to improve access to procurement opportunities for veteran-, woman-,
and minority-owned businesses
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 18
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
C2 Support Equitable And Inclusive Elections
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports expansive and accessible voting rights. Pro-
viding consistent statewide standards, allowing local decision-making control of
certain aspects in city elections, and expanding voting rights are vital to improving
access to voting and the efficiency of election administration.
Issue
Current law limits the ability for some residents of Golden Valley to use voting as
their voice. Many Golden Valley residents are unable to vote due to:
• burdensome rules and inconsistent information about when voting rights are
restored to those convicted of a felony
• restrictions prohibiting taxpaying, lawful, noncitizens from participating in
selecting their local representatives
• state laws that do not allow online absentee ballot requests for local elections
Furthermore, local decision-making control to adopt Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)
in city elections is currently only available to charter cities. RCV allows voters to
rank candidates by preference, which leads to a more representative government
because the winning candidate in an RCV election has the broadest support of all
voters in the community.
Actions
The City of Golden Valley supports:
• restoring voting rights for those convicted of a felony who have served the en-
tirety of their sentence and are not incarcerated
• giving cities the authority to consider and adopt regulations that would allow all
lawful residents over age 18 to vote in city elections, regardless of US citizenship
status
• creating consistency in absentee voter outreach opportunities, including legisla-
tion to allow online absentee ballot requests for local elections
• allowing statutory cities to consider and adopt RCV
• enacting state-level standards and equipment for RCV
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
C3. Police Arbitration Reform
City Position
The City of Golden Valley strongly urges the Minnesota State Legislature to con-
sider changes to the current Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations Act
(MPELRA) arbitration system in any further discussions or proposals that address
police reform measures.
Issue
As it now stands, the arbitration system undermines the ability of elected and
appointed officials, including police chiefs and city managers, to make lasting
departmental disciplinary or termination decisions that protect residents and help
to ensure a responsible public safety environment in their communities. Without
systemic changes, arbitrator opinions are allowed to override the professional
judgment of police supervisors when it comes to deciding what constitutes
just cause and who ultimately is permitted to return to the streets as an officer.
Consequently, rigorous police department accountability standards continue to be
compromised at a time when they are needed more than ever.
Actions
• The City supports a new reasonable standard of review in police misconduct
cases. This is necessary to uphold discipline decisions that are entrusted to the
local officials ultimately responsible for protecting their communities. Including a
new, reduced standard of review in police discipline matters is important to foster
cultural change as well as to enhance and support effective police officer ac-
countability and transparency measures that are included in the Police Account-
ability Act of 2020. The new standard should focus the arbitrator’s role on simply
determining whether the facts presented show that the employer’s actions were
reasonable and consistent with city and departmental policies.
• The City supports using administrative law judges (ALJs) for grievances involv-
ing terminations and discipline related to police misconduct. The ALJ process
would involve robust fact-finding and technical legal parameters that would help
ensure a thorough review of the officer’s and employer’s actions. This model also
provides an appeals process, which the arbitration process does not. The City
believes the severity and importance of police cases involving terminations and
discipline related to police misconduct warrant them being elevated into the ALJ
system.
Page 19
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative Priorities
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Page 20
C4. Support For Ban On Conversion Therapy Practices
City Position
The City of Golden Valley supports the State Legislature banning the practice of con-
version therapy for minors in the State of Minnesota.
Issue
Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a practice or treatment that
seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts
to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic
attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender.
Conversion therapy is based on the discredited premise that being lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) is a mental disorder that can be cured or
corrected. Medical, mental health, and child welfare experts, including the American
Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, have denounced
conversion therapy as ineffective, unreliable, unethical, and unsafe for the people who
undergo such treatment, including LGBTQ+ people.
Furthermore, conversion therapy has been shown to cause serious and dangerous harm
to those who are subjected to such treatments, including depression, anxiety, increased
suicidal behaviors, lowered self-esteem, internalized homophobia, self-blame, intrusive
imagery, sexual dysfunction, and interpersonal harm, such as alienation, loneliness,
social isolation, interference with intimate relationships, and loss of social supports. The
State of Minnesota regulates and licenses behavioral and mental health professionals
but has so far not addressed the serious issue of conversion therapy.
Action
The City of Golden Valley supports the State Legislature banning the practice of con-
version therapy for minors in the State of Minnesota. The City supports a ban that
applies to any and all forms of conversion therapy, but that excludes a prohibition on
practices or treatments that provide acceptance, support, and understanding for the
facilitation of an individual’s coping, social support, and identity exploration and devel-
opment, or treatment to support gender identity transition.
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 21
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 22
APPENDIX
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006
Appendix T1. Support Full Funding For Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
And Multimodal Infrastructure Or Transportation
• Resolution: Supporting Future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Service On
Highway 55 And Participation In Additional Study Of The Corridor
(2 pages)
• Map: Highway 55 & Winnetka Avenue Concepts (1 page)
Page 23
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 24
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 25
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 26
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 27
Appendix E1. Continue To Adequately Fund The
DNR Flood Damage Reduction
Program For Local Projects
• Map: DeCola Ponds Flood Mitigation Area (2 pages)
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 28
Go lde n Val le y
New H op e
Decola
Pond B Decola
Pond C
Explore Potential
for Flood Storage
Proposed
Flood Storage
Area
Comp leted,
Liberty Crossing
Infrastructure
Improvement Project
Under Construction,
DeCola Ponds B & C
Improvement Project
Crys tal
0 450 900225
Feet
Floodplain
Flood Prone Properties
Flood Storage Area
Sub-Watershed
Boundary
Project Location
DeC ola
Pon ds
New Hope Crystal
Medicine Lake RdMedicine Lake Rd Douglas Dr NDouglas Dr NWinnetka Ave NWinnetka Ave N32nd Ave N32nd Ave N
Olympia StOlympia StBBoooonneeAAvveeDuluth StDuluth St Hampshire AveHampshire AveBrunswick AveBrunswick AveSandburg RdSandburg RdLouisiana AveLouisiana AveNevada AveNevada AveNevada Ave NNevada Ave NGolden Valley
DeCola P onds,
Medicine Lake Road
and Winnetka Avenue
Long-Term Flood
Mitigation Plan
I
Print Date: 1/8/2020
Sources:
-Hennepin County Surveyors Office for
aerial p hotography (2018).
-MnDNR for city boundary lines & road
data (2014).
-Barr for 100-year inundatio n area &
wa tershed boundary of proje ct area (2017).
-Cit y of Golden Valley for all other laye rs.
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 29
Golden Valley
New Hope
Decola
Pond BDecola
Pond C
Explore Potential
for Flood Storage
Proposed
Flood Storage
Area
Completed,
Liberty Crossing
Infrastructure
Improvement Project
Under Construction,
DeCola Ponds B & C
Improvement Project
Crys tal
0 450 900225
Feet
Floodplain
Flood Prone Properties
Flood Storage Area
Sub-Watershed
Boundary
Project Location
DeCola
Ponds
New HopeCrystal
Medicine Lake RdMedicine Lake RdDouglas Dr NDouglas Dr NWinnetka Ave NWinnetka Ave N32nd Ave N32nd Ave N
Olympia StOlympia StBBoooonneeAAvveeDuluth StDuluth StHampshire AveHampshire AveBrunswick AveBrunswick AveSandburg RdSandburg RdLouisiana AveLouisiana AveNevada AveNevada AveNevada Ave NNevada Ave NGolden Valley
DeCola P onds,
Medicine Lake Road
and Winnetka Avenue
Long-Term Flood
Mitigation Plan
I
Print Date: 1/8/2020
Sources:
-Hennepin County Surveyors Office for
aerial p hotography (2018).
-MnDNR for city boundary lines & road
data (2014).
-Barr for 100-year inundatio n area &
wa tershed boundary of proje ct area (2017).
-Cit y of Golden Valley for all other laye rs.
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 30
Appendix E2. Climate Emergency Declaration: Support
Policies And Investments Mitigating The
Impact Of Climate Change
• City Council Resolution No. 21-100 Declaring a Climate
Emergency in Golden Valley (5 pages)
• City Council Resolution No. 22-____ Joining with Cities and
Counties Accross Minnesota/US/World Declaring a Climate
Emergency (will be added after City Council approves it
Jan 18)
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 1DA87CA8-E46B-4731-B50B-9A559F37E283
RESOLUTION NO. 21-100
RESOLUTION DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY
IMPACTING THE ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY, AND HUMAN HEAL TH
WHEREAS, in 2021 Golden Valley experienced numerous climate change
related impacts including a record June heat wave, drought conditions, water use
restrictions, and poor air quality from drought-fueled forest fires prompting residents to
restrict outdoor activity and remain indoors for periods, 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 and
flood damage 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, high 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, ice cover on Minnesota lakes has declined an average of 10-14
days over the past 50 years and winter temperatures are warming nearly ten times
faster than summer temperatures, increasing by approximately 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit
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 degrees Fahrenheit higher on average
compared to surrounding areas and spikes to as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit 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
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 32
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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, historic and present policies and decisions created disparate
impacts for Black, Indigenous, People of Color and people of lower socioeconomic
status;
WHEREAS, the greatest burden from an inadequate response to the climate
crisis will be felt by historically excluded, marginalized and underserved communities,
the youngest generation including the children and grandchildren of Golden Valley
community members, and future generations;
WHEREAS, the impacts of climate change are affecting 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 and 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 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;
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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,
threatening 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 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;
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 33
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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).
Adopted by the City Council of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 21st day of December
2021.
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
ATTEST:
Theresa J. Schyma, City Clerk
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 36
Appendix E3. Support Funding For Metropolitan Council
Inflow/Infiltration Grants—Public And
Private Improvements
• Memo: MCES I&I Grant Benefits – City of Golden Valley (1 page)
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 37
G:\Communications\City Council\Legislative Policies\2016\Appendices\MCES Grant Benefit Memo.docx
Date: January 28, 2016
To: Tim Cruikshank, City Manager
From: Jeff Oliver, PE, City Engineer
R.J. Kakach, EIT, Engineer
Subject: MCES I&I Grant Benefits – City of Golden Valley
The City of Golden Valley has utilized funding from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
(MCES) Grant Programs to reduce Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) in both the public and private sewer
systems over the past several years. The public grants have provided additional funding to allow
expanded scopes on projects and decreased timelines on I&I reduction programs. For example, as part
of the annual street reconstruction projects, we have been able to increase sewer lining and manhole
sealing quantities with the extra grant money that was available. Also, we were able to expedite a five
to seven year sanitary sewer manhole cover replacement program into four years with additional
funding from MCES.
The 2013-2014 MCES private sewer grant allowed residents to repair their sanitary sewer lateral and
be reimbursed by MCES at 33% of the repair cost up to $2,000. The available funding through this
grant was so popular that City staff had to turn away applicants. Nearly 300 properties applied for the
grant over the two year period. This reimbursement opportunity from MCES led to an increase in I&I
compliance with the City Ordinance. The Ordinance requires all properties to become compliant prior
to the sale of a property. This allows the City to gradually reduce I&I in the private system. The grant
money attracted interest from properties all over the City, including people who were not selling their
home. This extra interest in becoming I&I compliant from the available MCES grant funding helped
propel the City forward in their I&I mitigation efforts.
The public and private grants provided by MCES have helped to lower Golden Valley’s annual sanitary
sewer flows over the past five years. The public grant has allowed for more thorough I&I reduction to
be done with street reconstruction projects and I&I mitigation programs whereas the private grant
increased interest in becoming compliant with the City’s I&I Ordinance. The additional funding from
MCES has pushed Golden Valley ahead in their goal to reduce I&I in the sanitary sewer system.
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 38
Appendix F4. Modify Obsolete Fiscal Disparities Formula
To Assist Local Units Of Government With
Basic Needs
20-Year History
Of Golden Valley’s
Fiscal Disparities Contributions
With 40 Percent Program
2001 $629,460
2002 $1,289,977
2003 $873,927
2004 $1,343,255
2005 $1,384,112
2006 $1,462,884
2007 $1,437,447
2008 $1,756,887
2009 $2,141,648
2010 $2,325,874
2011 $2,311,610
2012 $2,262,916
2013 $2,119,872
2014 $2,662,702
2015 $2,401,573
2016 $2,321,355
2017 $2,676,662
2018 $2,674,558
2019 $2,727,495
2020 $2,961,983
Total $39,766,196
20-Year Projection
Of Golden Valley’s
Fiscal Disparities Gains
With 30 Percent Program*
2021 $698,408
2022 $718,685
2023 $739,182
2024 $759,902
2025 $780,845
2026 $802,012
2027 $823,406
2028 $845,026
2029 $866,876
2030 $888,956
2031 $911,266
2032 $933,810
2033 $956,587
2034 $979,600
2035 $1,002,848
2036 $1,026,335
2037 $1,050,060
2038 $1,074,026
2039 $1,098,233
2040 $1,122,682
Total $18,078,744
* New commercial/industrial tax capacity value prospectively
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 39
Appendix F5. Support Funding For Local Government Aid
10-Year History Of Local Government Aid Distribution
And Its Impact On Golden Valley
Total LGA
Statewide Distribution
Golden Valley
Portion
2011 $425,345,348 0
2012 $425,238,384 0
2013 $427,494,640 0
2014 $507,598,012 $219,081
2015 $516,898,012 $240,503
2016 $519,398,012 $252,446
2017 $519,398,012 $252,895
2018 $534,398,012 $37,185
2019 $534,398,012 0
2020 $560,398,012 0
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 40
Appendix F6. Support Funding For Affordable And
Workforce Housing
• Golden Valley Affordable Housing Work Plan 2020 (2 pages)
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 41
Golden Valley Affordable Housing Work Plan - 2020
Last updated: January 2020
Prepared By
Emily Goellner, Senior Planner/Grant Writer
Summary
Based on direction from the Council and Manager, staff has developed a work plan on affordable
housing strategies and policies.
Key Points
• The role that the City plays in local housing policy and programming has expanded rapidly
since 2017.
• Staff will continue focusing on building relationshi ps with NOAH property owners, landlords,
and property managers in 2019.
• Since health and safety are central to the City’s housing interests, any new policies or
programs should not unintentionally discourage property improvements, rehabilitation, and
code compliance.
• The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies many goals and action steps for the City to take.
They are categorized into five goals: quality, variety, affordability, sustainability, and equity.
Staff will work with existing human and financial resources to implement the plan.
• Staffing and budgeting impacts associated with policy and program options must continue to
be examined to ensure that administration, enforcement, and education can be completed
properly.
• Some policies and program ideas will be most impactful if enacted on a regional or state level.
• The Housing Preservation Tools Workgroup meetings are attended by staff at Golden Valley
and ten other city governments (Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Edina, Eden Prairie,
Bloomington, Richfield, Hopkins, Brooklyn Center, and Brooklyn Park), Hennepin County,
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Metro HRA, Urban Land Institute, and Family Housing
Fund. The meetings are held to inform policy recommendations, share knowledge, and bring
important stakeholders to the conversations. This group will continue to meet regularly.
Staff has accomplished the following actions:
1. Adopted a Tenant Protection Ordinance (applicable to owners upon sale of NOAH property)
and notified property owners
2. Adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which includes an extensive list of actions to be taken
to meet affordable housing goals
3. Hosted a training on Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers by the Metro HRA at the February
STAR Program meeting for property managers
4. Received CDBG funding for a land trust home for West Hennepin Afforda ble Housing Land
Trust (WHAHLT) (dba Homes Within Reach)
5. Applied for CDBG, AHIF, and HOME funding for an additional land trust home with West
Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust (WHAHLT) (dba Homes Within Reach)
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 42
6. Researched opportunities for an HRA levy
a. Bonds or loans to rehabilitation or acquisition/resale of affordable properties
b. Establish a loan program for maintenance of NOAH and/or single-family homes
c. Other programs that further the Housing Policy Plan in the 2040 Comp Plan
7. Expanded the City’s legislative priority on affordable housing
8. Adopted changes to the Mixed Income Housing Policy to increase the number of housing
projects required to comply
9. Provided input at the regional housing forum hosted by Governor Dayton’s Task Force on
Affordable Housing
10. Planning, Fire, and Police department staff met to monitor condition of housing stock
11. Implemented a 4d property tax program to help preserve existing NOAH units within the City.
Staff is taking continuing action on the following strategies :
12. Host additional discussions with NOAH property owners/manager and staff from the
Minnesota Multi -Family Housing Association (MHA)
13. Create plan and timeline for selling and developing publicly owned vacant land for affordable
housing
14. Update the Housing page on the City website to include more home remodeling information
15. Continue monitoring condition of housing stock and rental rates
a. Request rental rate information with rental licensing program applications
b. Perform update to housing inventory every 5 years
c. Continue monitoring housing stock conditions with inspections
16. Actively follow the work of Prosperity’s Front Door, which is the next step after the Governor
Dayton’s Task Force on Affordable Housing
17. Perform an evaluation of the STAR progra m for rental properties and recommend
enhancements that help the City meet a variety of housing goals
18. Contact property owners to promote NOAH loan program with Greater MN Housing Fund
(GMHC), which provides equity for property improvements in exchange for maintained rents
19. Exploring the possibility of using vacant public lands as the basis for new affordable housing
via public land disposition.
Staff is continuing research in partnership with other suburban cities on the following strategies:
20. Research ordinance prohibiting landlords from excluding Section 8 voucher holders from a
building’s rental application process (pending MPLS lawsuit)
21. Continue monitoring lawsuit involving the City of Minneapolis policy that prohibits landlords
from excluding Section 8 voucher holders from a building’s rental application process (at least
4 cities are interested in adopting a policy if lawsuit decides in favor of City of Minneapolis)
22. Research the benefits and process for the adoption of a local Fair Housing Policy, which the
Metropolitan Council requires for participation in their grant programs for housing projects
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 43
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesCity of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative Priorities
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006
2022 GOLDEN VALLEY
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Adopted by the City Council_______________
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative Priorities
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 1
Table Of Contents
ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES
E1. Climate Emergency Declaration: Support Policies And Investments
Mitigating The Impact Of Climate Change ...............................................2
The Golden Valley City Council declared by resolution a Climate Emergency
Dec 21, 2021. The City joins more than 2,000 jurisdictions in 34 countries to
focus attention on the need for rapid action to address climate change.
APPENDIX
Appendix E1. ............................................................................................................3
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 2
ENVIRONMENTAL
E1. Climate Emergency Declaration: Support Policies
And Investments Mitigating The Impact Of Climate
Change
City Position
The Golden Valley City Council declared by resolution a Climate Emergency Dec
21, 2021. On Jan 18, 2022, the City passed an additional resolution to join more than
2,000 jurisdictions in 34 countries to focus attention on the need for rapid action
to address climate change.
Issue
Golden Valley residents, businesses, and property owners are experiencing the im-
pacts of climate change through increased flooding and flood risk, excessive heat,
drought, invasive species, diminished air quality, and extreme weather events. Not
only do these events affect the health, safety, well-being, and economic vitality of
Golden Valley residents and businesses, these climate-related impacts affect the
City’s operations, infrastructure, and finances.
Additionally, climate change disproportionately impacts historically excluded, mar-
ginalized, and underserved communities, low-income families, and residents with
disabilities who are most at risk from the negative impacts of climate change.
Actions
The City of Golden Valley calls on the Federal Government to:
• immediately commit resources to support climate adaption and mitigation
• invest in the infrastructure needed for a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future
• provide the necessary global leadership to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees
Celsius
Additional Documents (See Appendix E1)
• City Council Resolution No. 21-100 Declaring a Climate Emergency in Golden
Valley (5 pages)
• City Council Resolution No. 22-____ Joining with Cities and Counties Ac-
cross Minnesota/US/World Declaring a Climate Emergency (will be added
after City Council approves it Jan 18)
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 3
APPENDIX
Appendix E1. Climate Emergency Declaration: Support
Policies And Investments Mitigating The
Impact Of Climate Change
• City Council Resolution No. 21-100 Declaring a Climate Emer-
gency in Golden Valley
• City Council Resolution No. 22-____ Joining with Cities and
Counties Accross Minnesota/US/World Declaring a Climate
Emergency (will be added after City Council approves it Jan 18)
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1DA87CA8-E46B-4731-B50B-9A559F37E283
RESOLUTION NO. 21-100
RESOLUTION DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY
IMPACTING THE ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY, AND HUMAN HEAL TH
WHEREAS, in 2021 Golden Valley experienced numerous climate change
related impacts including a record June heat wave, drought conditions, water use
restrictions, and poor air quality from drought-fueled forest fires prompting residents to
restrict outdoor activity and remain indoors for periods, 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 and
flood damage 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, high 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, ice cover on Minnesota lakes has declined an average of 10-14
days over the past 50 years and winter temperatures are warming nearly ten times
faster than summer temperatures, increasing by approximately 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit
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 degrees Fahrenheit higher on average
compared to surrounding areas and spikes to as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit 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
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1DA87CA8-E46B-4731-B50B-9A559F37E283
RESOLUTION NO. 21-100
RESOLUTION DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY
IMPACTING THE ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY, AND HUMAN HEAL TH
WHEREAS, in 2021 Golden Valley experienced numerous climate change
related impacts including a record June heat wave, drought conditions, water use
restrictions, and poor air quality from drought-fueled forest fires prompting residents to
restrict outdoor activity and remain indoors for periods, 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 and
flood damage 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, high 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, ice cover on Minnesota lakes has declined an average of 10-14
days over the past 50 years and winter temperatures are warming nearly ten times
faster than summer temperatures, increasing by approximately 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit
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 degrees Fahrenheit higher on average
compared to surrounding areas and spikes to as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit 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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1DA87CA8-E46B-4731-B50B-9A559F37E283
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, historic and present policies and decisions created disparate
impacts for Black, Indigenous, People of Color and people of lower socioeconomic
status;
WHEREAS, the greatest burden from an inadequate response to the climate
crisis will be felt by historically excluded, marginalized and underserved communities,
the youngest generation including the children and grandchildren of Golden Valley
community members, and future generations;
WHEREAS, the impacts of climate change are affecting 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 and 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 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;
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 6
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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,
threatening 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 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;
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 7
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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,
threatening 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 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;
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesPage 8
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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).
Adopted by the City Council of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 21st day of December
2021.
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
ATTEST:
Theresa J. Schyma, City Clerk
7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8006 Page 9
City of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative PrioritiesCity of Golden Valley 2022 Legislative Priorities
Golden Valley Council Work Session
January 11, 2022
Agenda Item
3. Discuss 2022 Appointments, Assignments, and Reimbursements
Prepared By
Tara Olmo, Assistant to the City Manager’s Office
Summary
Each year, the City Council appoints its members and staff to fill several roles required by statute.
Additionally, the Council appoints its members to serve as representatives on various assignments. The
proposed appointments are as follows:
1. Acting Mayor. Each year, the Council must appoint an Acting Mayor to fulfill the duties of
Mayor during the disability or absence of the Mayor. (Minn. Stat. § 412.121.) This duty has
historically been rotated.
Listed below is the history of Mayor Pro Tempore appointments:
• 2017 – Schmidgall
• 2018 – Fonnest
• 2019 – Clausen
• 2020 – Rosenquist
• 2021 – Sanberg
The proposed Acting Mayor for 2022 is Council Member Harris.
2. Board and Commission Liaisons. Each year, the Council appoints one Council Member to act
as a liaison to each Board and Commission.
The proposed 2022 Board and Commission Liaisons are as follows:
Appointed Council Liaisons
Board or Commission 2021 2022
Board of Zoning Appeals Fonnest Rosenquist
Environmental Commission Fonnest Sanberg
Human Services Commission Sanberg La Mere-Anderson
City Council Work Session Executive Summary
City of Golden Valley
January 11, 2022
2
Appointed Council Liaisons
Board or Commission 2021 2022
Open Space and Recreation Commission Sanberg Harris, M
Planning Commission Rosenquist La Mere-Anderson
Diversity Equity & Inclusion Commission Harris, M Harris, M
Police Employment, Accountability &
Community Engagement (PEACE)
Rosenquist Sanberg
3. Other Assignments. Each year, the Council assigns Council Members to serve as
representatives on various other assignments. These appointments are for a one-year term.
(Golden Valley City Code Section 2-43(b).)
The proposed 2022 Council appointments are as follows:
Appointed Officials
Assignment 2021 2022
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign Harris, S Harris, S
Golden Valley Business Council Harris, M (Delegate)
Harris, S (Alternate)
Harris, M (Delegate)
Harris, S (Alternate)
Golden Valley Historical Society Board Fonnest La Mere-Anderson
Highway 55 Bus Rapid Transit Rosenquist Rosenquist
Hopkins School District 270 Caring Youth
Committee
Sanberg Sanberg
Hopkins School District 270 Cities Joint
Meetings
Rosenquist (Delegate)
Harris, S (Alternate)
Sanberg
Legislative Liaison and Spokesperson Harris, S Harris, S
Blue Line Now! Coalition Harris, S (Delegate)
Rosenquist (Alternate)
Harris, S (Delegate)
Rosenquist (Alternate)
Bottineau Light Rail Community Works
Steering Committee
Rosenquist (Delegate)
Fonnest (Alternate)
Rosenquist
METRO Blue Line Extension Corridor
Management Committee
Harris, S (Delegate)
Rosenquist (Alternate)
Harris, S (Delegate)
Rosenquist (Alternate)
Metro Cities/LMC Fonnest Varies
Minneapolis Water Advisory Board Harris, S Harris, S
Northwest Suburbs Cable
Communications/ CCX
Sanberg Sanberg
Regional Council of Mayors Harris, S Harris, S
Robbinsdale School District 281
Government Advisory Committee
Rosenquist Sanberg
City Council Work Session Executive Summary
City of Golden Valley
January 11, 2022
3
Appointed Officials
Assignment 2021 2022
Sochacki Park Governance Policy Board Fonnest (Delegate)
Harris, S (Delegate)
Rosenquist (Delegate)
Harris, S (Alternate)
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Committee
Rosenquist (Delegate)
Harris, S (Alternate)
Rosenquist (Delegate)
Harris, S (Alternate)
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of
Commerce
Harris, M Harris, M
Municipal Legislative Commission Fonnest (Delegate)
Harris, S (Alternate)
Harris, S (Delegate)
Harris, M (Alternate)
169 Corridor Committee Rosenquist
Quarterly Police Department Committee 1 regular
1 rotation
4. Discover St. Louis Park. Periodically, the City Council appoints a representative to the
Discover St. Louis Park Board (the Saint Louis Park Visitors and Convention Bureau).
Historically, this role has been filled by the City Manager.
Appointed Official
Assignment 2021 2022
Discover St. Louis Park Board City Manager Cruikshank City Manager Cruikshank
Financial Or Budget Considerations
Under City Code, section 2-43, the Mayor and Council are paid $50 for each meeting they are directed
or designated to attend, up to a maximum of $150 per month. Where a delegate and alternate are
appointed, the delegate is eligible for payment for all meetings they attend. The alternate is eligible for
payment for all meetings they attend that the delegate does not attend. The Ordinance requires the
Council to outline the method for approval of meetings by resolution. The attached resolution meets
this requirement.
Supporting Documents
• Draft of Resolution No. 22-XXX for approval of additional assignments and meetings payment
attended by the Mayor and Council (1 page)
RESOLUTION NO. 22-XXX
RESOLUTION FOR APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS AND MEETINGS
PAYMENT ATTENDED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WHEREAS, each year the City Council assigns Council Members to serve as
representatives on various Committees and Subcommittees; and
WHEREAS, Golden Valley City Code Section 2-43(b) states "In addition to their salaries,
the Mayor and Council shall be paid $50 for each meeting they are directed or designated to
attend, up to a maximum of $150 per month. The method for approval of meetings shall be
outlined by resolution of the Council"; and
WHEREAS, at the January 18, 2022, City Council meeting, the Council approved
assignments to the following:
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign • Regional Council of Mayors
• Golden Valley Business Council • Metro Cities
• Golden Valley Historical Society Board • Minneapolis Water Advisory Board
• Highway 55 Bus Rapid Transit
• Regional Council of Mayors
• Northwest Suburbs Cable
Communications/ CCX
• Hopkins School District 270 Caring
Youth Committee
• Legislative Liaison and Spokesperson
• Municipal Legislative Commission
• Minneapolis Regional Chamber of
Commerce
• Hopkins School District 270 Cities Joint
Meetings
• Robbinsdale School District 281
Government Advisory Committee
• Blue Line Now! Coalition • Sochacki Park Governance Policy Board
• Bottineau Light Rail Community Works
Steering Committee
• League of Minnesota Cities
• 169 Corridor Committee
• Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Committee
• METRO Blue Line Extension Corridor
Management Committee
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Golden Valley
that it hereby approves payment to the Mayor and Council for attendance at the above listed
meetings pursuant to City Code Section 2-43(b) and that payment shall be made upon
submission of proof of attendance at the meeting to the City Manager. Where a delegate and
alternate are appointed, the delegate is eligible to be paid for all meetings they attend. The
alternate is eligible for payment for all meetings they attend that the delegate does not attend.
Adopted by the City Council of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 18th day of January 2022.
______________________
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Theresa Schyma, City Clerk
Golden Valley Council Work Session
January 11, 2022
Agenda Item
4. Vaccine Mandate Policy Update
Prepared By
Kirsten Santelices, Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director
Summary
On November 5, 2021 federal OSHA issued the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Standard
(ETS) to protect unvaccinated employees of large employers (100 or more employees) from the risk of
contracting COVID-19 by strongly encouraging vaccination. Though it was initially suspended, the
mandate was recently reinstated by the sixth circuit court of appeals. The City must comply with this
mandate, but will continue to monitor the court rulings and keep employees updated.
Accordingly, the City’s “Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace” policy is attached. This replaces all
previous COVID-19 workplace policies, and covers the following provisions:
1. Proof of vaccination
2. Testing and mask-wearing for unvaccinated employees*
3. Monitoring for symptoms
4. Quarantine and isolation guidance for exposed and confirmed cases of COVID-19
5. Additional mask-wearing provisions
All employees of the City are required by federal law to comply with this policy.
*The City is required to enforce weekly testing and mask-wearing for unvaccinated individuals no later
than February 9, 2022.
Financial or Budget Considerations
Discussions regarding the testing provisions of the policy, including any financial or budget
implications, are ongoing. The Council should discuss the budget impact of employer-provided testing.
Supporting Documents
• Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace Policy (9 pages)
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
19 in the Workplace Policy
1
I. Definitions
• Close Contact: Individuals are/were within six feet for a cumulative period of 15 minutes or
more over 24 hours
• Social Distancing: Individuals are minimally 6 feet apart.
• Quarantine Period: The duration of time for which a person who is exposed to COVID-19 must
remain away from the worksite.
• Isolation Period: The duration of time for which a person who tests positive for COVID-19 must
remain away from the worksite.
II. Purpose
Vaccination is a vital tool to reduce the presence and severity of COVID-19 cases in the workplace, in
communities, and in the nation as a whole. The City of Golden Valley has adopted this policy on
mandatory vaccination to safeguard the health of our employees from the hazard of COVID-19.
This policy complies with OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard on Vaccination and Testing 29 CFR
1910.501 (“Temporary Standard”) and with all applicable requirements from Minnesota OSHA.
While the Temporary Standard is in effect, this policy replaces the City’s COVID-19 Screening and
Symptoms Temporary Policy. The City will notify employees if this policy is suspended or repealed,
at which time the Screenings and Symptoms policy will recommence.
III. Scope
This Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace Policy applies to all employees of the City of Golden
Valley, including but not limited to full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and variable hour
employees. It does not apply to elected or Council- appointed officials who are not employed by the
City, although the City strongly encourages elected and appointed officials to take all precautions
against COVID-19, including those outlined in this policy.
As a term and condition of employment at the City of Golden Valley, all employees covered by this
policy are required to:
(1) Provide proof that they are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine; or
(2) Provide proof of regular testing for COVID-19 and wear a face covering in accordance with
section IV(D) of this policy.
This policy does not apply to employees who do not report to a workplace where other individuals,
such as coworkers, customers or the public are present, or to employees working exclusively
outdoors or exclusively from home. Your Department Head will notify you if you are exempt from
this policy under this paragraph.
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
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IV. Requirements and Procedures
Employees must submit proof of full vaccination against COVID—19 no later than January 4, 2022,
or comply with the testing and facial covering requirements of this policy by February 9, 2022.
A. Vaccination Requirements and Procedures
To be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022, an employee must:
o Obtain the first dose of a two dose vaccine no later than November 23, 2021 for a Moderna
vaccine or November 30, 2021 for a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; and the second dose no later than
December 21, 2021; or
o Obtain one dose of a single dose vaccine no later than December 21, 2021.
Employees will be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the requisite number of
doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. An employee will be considered partially vaccinated if they have
received only one dose of a two dose vaccine.
For help scheduling a vaccination appointment, employees may contact the Minnesota Department
of Health, the employee’s medical provider or the City’s health insurance provider, Health Partners.
B. Vaccination Status and Acceptable Forms of Proof of Vaccination
All vaccinated employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, regardless of
where they received vaccination. Proof of vaccination status can be submitted via the City’s
vaccination and testing compliance platform (“Compliance Platform”). The City will provide
employees with instructions for submitting their vaccination data.
Acceptable proof of vaccination status is:
1. The record of immunization from a healthcare provider or pharmacy;
2. A copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card;
3. A copy of medical records documenting the vaccination;
4. A copy of immunization records from a public health, state, or tribal immunization
information system; or
5. A copy of any other official documentation that contains the type of vaccine administered,
date(s) of administration, and the name of the healthcare professional(s) or clinic site(s)
administering the vaccine(s).
Proof of vaccination should include the employee’s name, the type of vaccine administered, the
date(s) of administration, and the name of the healthcare professional(s) or clinic site(s) that
administered the vaccine. In some cases, state immunization records may not include one or more
of these data fields, such as clinic site; in those circumstances the City will still accept the state
immunization record as acceptable proof of vaccination.
If an employee is unable to produce one of these acceptable forms of proof of vaccination, despite
attempts to do so, the employee can provide a signed and dated statement attesting to their
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
19 in the Workplace Policy
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vaccination status (fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated); attesting that they have lost and are
otherwise unable to produce one of the other forms of acceptable proof; and including the following
language:
“I declare (or certify, verify, or state) that this statement about my vaccination status is true and
accurate. I understand that knowingly providing false information regarding my vaccination status
on this form may subject me to criminal penalties and discipline up to and including termination.”
An employee who attests to their vaccination status in this way should, to the best of their
recollection, include in their attestation the type of vaccine administered, the date(s) of
administration, and the name of the healthcare professional(s) or clinic site(s) administering the
vaccine.
All employees must inform the City of their vaccination status by January 4, 2022; however, no
adverse action will be taken against employees who submit their vaccination status by January 10,
2022.
C. Supporting COVID-19 Vaccination
An employee may take up to four hours of duty time per dose to travel to the vaccination site,
receive a vaccination, and return to work. This could mean a maximum of eight hours of duty time
for employees receiving two doses. If an employee spends less time getting the vaccine, only the
necessary amount of duty time will be granted. Employees who take longer than four hours to get
the vaccine must send their supervisor an email documenting the reason for the additional time
(e.g., they may need to travel long distances to get the vaccine). Any additional time requested will
be granted, if reasonable, but will not be paid; in that situation, the employee must use accrued
leave, e.g., sick leave, to cover the additional time. If an employee is vaccinated outside of their
approved duty time they will not be compensated.
Employees may utilize sick leave or PTO immediately following each dose if they have side effects
from the COVID-19 vaccination that prevent them from working. Employees who have no sick leave
will be granted up to two days of additional sick leave or PTO immediately following each dose if
necessary.
The following procedures apply for requesting and granting duty time to obtain the COVID-19
vaccine or sick leave to recover from side effects:
1. Contact your supervisor to request leave
2. Use pay code provided by the Finance department.
D. Testing and Face Coverings Requirements and Procedures
If an employee covered by this policy is not fully vaccinated, the employee must comply with this
policy for testing and face coverings.
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
19 in the Workplace Policy
4
1. Testing
Employees who report to the workplace at least once every seven days:
(a) must be tested for COVID-19 at least once every seven days; and
(b) must provide documentation of the most recent COVID-19 test result via the City’s
Compliance Platform no later than the seventh day following the date on which the
employee last provided a test result.
Any employee who does not report to the workplace during a period of seven or more days:
(a) must be tested for COVID-19 within seven days prior to returning to the workplace; and
(b) must provide documentation of that test result using the City’s Compliance Platform
upon return to the workplace.
To comply with this policy, employees must submit either molecular (NAAT) or antigen (rapid)
test results. However, to be a valid COVID-19 test under this standard, a test may not be both
self-administered and self-read unless observed by the employer or an authorized telehealth
proctor.
The City will not accept antibody tests. If an employee does not provide documentation of a
COVID-19 test result as required by this policy, they will be removed from the workplace until
they provide a test result. Employees who are removed from the workplace under this
paragraph will be required to use their accrued, unused time-off.
Positive Test Results
Employees who have received a positive COVID-19 test, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19
by a licensed healthcare provider, are not required to undergo COVID-19 testing for 90 days
following the date of their positive test or diagnosis. Employees who test positive must follow
procedures under Section V(D).
Scheduling Testing
The City may provide on-site testing services and may cover the cost of weekly testing. This
policy will be updated as more details are available.
2. Face Coverings
If an employee is not fully vaccinated the employee must wear a face covering as required by
this policy. Face coverings must:
(a) completely cover the nose and mouth;
(b) be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics
that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source);
(c) be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If
gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers;
(d) fit snugly over the nose, mouth, and chin with no large gaps on the outside of the face;
and
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
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(e) be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, visible holes, punctures, or
other openings. Acceptable face coverings include clear face coverings or cloth face
coverings with a clear plastic panel that, despite the non-cloth material allowing light to
pass through, otherwise meet these criteria and which may be used to facilitate
communication with people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or others who need to see
a speaker’s mouth or facial expressions to understand speech or sign language
respectively.
Employees who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings over the nose and mouth
when indoors and when occupying a vehicle with another person for work purposes. Policies
and procedures for face coverings will be implemented, along with the other provisions required
by OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS, as part of a multi-layered infection control
approach for unvaccinated workers. The City will provide disposable face coverings for
employees to use during work. Employees may bring face coverings from home as long as
materials are consistent with the City’s Respectful Workplace and Appearance and Dress
policies.
Employees who are vaccinated may be required to wear masks under the conditions described
in Section V(C)(III).
The following are exceptions to City’s requirements for face coverings:
1. When an employee is alone in a room with floor to ceiling walls and a closed door.
2. For a limited time, while an employee is eating or drinking at the workplace or for
identification purposes in compliance with safety and security requirements.
3. When an employee is wearing a respirator or facemask.
4. Where the City has determined that the use of face coverings is infeasible or creates a
greater hazard. All such determinations will be made on a case by case basis by the City
Manager.
V. Employee Notification of COVID-19, Exposure, and Removal from the
Workplace
A. Screening and Symptoms
Employees must actively monitor their own health. Each day, employees shall use the CDC “Self-
Checker” prior to performing work on-site. The employee shall notify their supervisor if the CDC
Self-Checker recommends isolation or medical attention, or if they are experiencing any of the
following symptoms:
• Persistent cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fever (100.4 degrees oral)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
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• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea within the last 24 hours
• New loss of smell or taste
• Fatigue
• Headache
B. Household Suspected or Confirmed Illness
If an employee, a person in the employee’s household, someone under the care of the employee,
or someone with whom the employee has had close contact is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed
above, the employee should notify their supervisor as soon as practically possible. While employees
may not be required to stay away from work under these circumstances, supervisors shall, to the
greatest extent possible, work with employees to allow them to work from home or work onsite in
an isolated environment. If at any time the employee is notified of exposure to suspected or
confirmed case of COVID-19, the employee must follow the requirements under Section V(C).
C. Employee Exposure Policy
1. Employee Secondary Exposure
If a member of the employee’s household, or someone under the care of an employee is exposed to
a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, the employee should notify their supervisor, but may
continue to work on-site as long as the employee and members of the employee’s household
remain asymptomatic and have not tested positive for COVID-19. If at any time the employee or
member of the employee’s household starts to show symptoms, the employee shall notify their
supervisor immediately, and follow provisions under Section V(B).
2. Direct Exposure to Suspected Case of COVID-19
If at any time an employee has had close contact with someone who has a suspected case of COVID-
19 the employee should notify their supervisor and human resources immediately. Employees who
are vaccinated may continue to work as long as the employee remains asymptomatic or has tested
positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days. Employees who are unvaccinated and have not tested
positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days shall follow provisions under Section V(D).
3. Direct Exposure to Confirmed Case of COVID-19
If at any time an employee has had close contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19,
the employee must notify their supervisor and human resources immediately. If away from work,
the employee should not report to their worksite until they have heard from their supervisor. If at
work, the employee shall immediately isolate themselves, to the extent possible, until they are
provided further instructions by human resources or their supervisor. Using MDH guidance, Human
Resources will conduct workplace contact tracing looking back 48 hours before symptom onset or
exposure period.
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
19 in the Workplace Policy
7
Using the Compliance Platform, Human Resources and the employee’s supervisor shall determine
whether or not the employee has proof of valid vaccination and whether or not the employee will
be required to quarantine.
Employees who are vaccinated or who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days may
continue to work as long as the employee is not currently positive and remains asymptomatic. The
CDC also recommends that vaccinated employees get tested 5-7 days after exposure. All employees
must wear a mask for a minimum of 10 days following the last exposure date.
Employees who are unvaccinated and have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days shall
follow requirements under Section V(D).
D. Quarantine Policy for Employee Exposure to COVID-19
If a period of quarantine is required, the duration of such time shall be determined by the Human
Resources Director according to the Minnesota Department of Health “Close Contacts and
Quarantine: COVID-19” guidance and the CDC’s “When to Quarantine” guidance.
An employee who has been quarantining may only return to work once the conditions under the
CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation Guidance” are met and their return has been approved by the
Human Resources Director.
E. Isolation Policy for Employee Confirmed Positive Case of COVID-19
If at any time an employee tests positive for COVID-19 or is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a licensed
healthcare provider, the employee shall immediately notify their supervisor. The employee’s
supervisor or designee shall serve as the point of contact with the employee. The following
procedures shall be followed.
1. Medical Removal From On-Site Work
If the employee is at work, they shall be sent home or to seek medical care, as appropriate,
immediately. If the employee is at home, they shall be instructed not to report to work on-site.
2. Period of Isolation
Employees with a confirmed case of COVID-19 may not report to work. Employees who are able may
work remotely (telework). Employees who are unable to work remotely, must use their accrued but
unused time off (including PTO, sick, vacation, and comp time). Employees may qualify for FMLA.
3. Return to Work Criteria
For any employee removed because they are COVID-19 positive, the City will keep them removed
from the workplace until the employee:
• receives a negative result on a COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) following
a positive result on a COVID-19 antigen test if the employee chooses to seek a NAAT test
for confirmatory testing; or
• meets the return to work criteria in CDC’s “Isolation Guidance”; or
• receives a recommendation to return to work from a licensed healthcare provider.
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
19 in the Workplace Policy
8
Under CDC’s “Isolation Guidance,” asymptomatic employees may return to work once 5 days have
passed since the positive test, and symptomatic employees may return to work after all the
following are true:
• At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared; and
• At least 24 hours have passed with no fever without fever-reducing medication; and
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving (loss of taste and smell may persist for
weeks or months and need not delay the end of isolation).
Following their return to work, employees with COVID-19 must wear a mask for 5 additional days.
If an employee has severe COVID-19 or an immune disease, the City will follow the guidance of a
licensed healthcare provider regarding return to work.
4. Reporting Exposure and Contact Tracing
The City shall compile information on persons who had contact with the ill employee during work
hours during the time the employee had symptoms and up to 48 hours prior to showing symptoms.
Any other individuals who have had close contact may be considered “exposed” and shall be subject
to provisions of Section V(E).
The City shall notify all individuals identified of the potential exposure. Pursuant to the MN Data
Practices Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will not share the name of the
individual with anyone.
F. Employee Pay during Period of Isolation or Quarantine
As of September 30, 2021 the City no longer offers paid time off for COVID-19 quarantine or
isolation. If an employee is required to quarantine or isolate under the conditions described in the
policies above and the employee is unable to work remotely, the employee must follow the City’s
paid leave policies, which includes vacation, sick, paid time-off (PTO), and comp time.
Nothing in this policy precludes an employee from possible leave benefits under the City’s FMLA
policy.
VI. New Hires
All new employees are required to comply with the vaccination or testing and masking requirements
outlined in this policy as soon as practicable and as a condition of employment. Potential candidates
for employment will be notified of the requirements of this policy prior to the start of employment.
VII. Confidentiality and Privacy
All medical information collected from individuals, including vaccination information, test results,
and any other information obtained as a result of testing, will be treated in accordance with
applicable laws and policies on confidentiality and privacy.
VIII. Reasonable Accommodations
City of Golden Valley’s Preventing COVID-
19 in the Workplace Policy
9
Employees may be legally entitled to a reasonable accommodation if they cannot wear a face
covering as required by this policy because of a disability, or if the provisions in this policy for testing
for COVID-19 or wearing a face covering conflict with a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or
observance. Requests for exceptions and reasonable accommodations must be initiated by the
Employee by submitting an exemption request using the City’s Compliance Platform. All such
requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and the City of Golden
Valley Employee Handbook.
IX. Questions
Please direct any questions regarding this policy to your Department Head.
Review of Future Draft Agendas
Meeting & Item Info
January 18, 2022 Special City Council Meeting (Commission Interviews) - 5:30 PM
Interview candidates for HSC (tentative)
January 18, 2022 City Council Meeting - 6:30 PM
Presentation
Adopt Resolution Joining Cities and Counties Across Minnesota Declaring A Climate Emergency
Consent - Licenses
Consent - Boards, Commissions, and Task Forces
Appointment(s) to the Human Services Commission
Consent - Bid, Quotes, and Contracts
Contract for Services with Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers for Open to Business Program
Approve Interfund Loan for Irrigation System at Brookview Golf Course
Award Bid & Approve Agreement for Irrigation System at Brookview Golf Course
Approve Irrigation Equipment Purchase
Contract with Vault for onsite COVID-19 testing for employees
Consent - Grants and Donations
Consent - Miscellaneous
Approval of 2022 Legislative Priorities
Approve Engagement Letter - Auditing Services for Fiscal Year
Receive and File Previous Quarter's Financial Reports
Approve 2022 Council Appointments, Assignments and Reimbursements (Including LMC and Joint Water Commission),
Resolution
Resolution - Update overall City Crisis Communications Plan to include pandemic messaging for future use
Resolution - Update CORR Plan - add pandemic info for future use
Public Hearing
Old Business
New Business
January 25, 2022 Annual City Council Goal Setting Session - 6:30 PM
February 2, 2022 City Council Meeting (Wednesday) - 6:30 PM
Presentation
Discover St. Louis Park Update
Police Department Annual Report
Consent - Licenses
Consent - Boards, Commissions, and Task Forces
Consent - Bid, Quotes, and Contracts
Authorize 2022 Native Vegetation Maintenance Contract
Consent - Grants and Donations
Resolutions Supporting Hennepin County Grant Funding Applications (multiple resolutions)
Consent - Miscellaneous
Approve 2022 Pyramid of Success
Authorize Approval of Annual FEMA CRS Program Report
Approve Right of Way Policy
Public Hearing
Public Hearing – Amendments to the Zoning Map – Rezoning Properties to Achieve Conformance with the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan
Formal Public Hearings - Artessa Senior Cooperative 7001 Golden Valley Road
a. Future Land Use Map Amendment
b. Zoning Map Amendment
c. Approval of Preliminary Plat
Meeting & Item Info
Old Business
New Business
February 8, 2022 HRA Work Session - 6:30 PM
February 8, 2022 City Council Work Session - 6:30 PM
Update from U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar
CP Rail Regional Trail Master Plan
Discuss 2022 Golden Valley Arts & Music Festival
Discuss Pohlad Grant Agreement
Council Review of Future Draft Agendas
February 15, 2022 City Council Meeting - 6:30 PM
Presentation
Consent - Licenses
Multi-Family Rental Property License Renewals
Consent - Boards, Commissions, and Task Forces
Consent - Bid, Quotes, and Contracts
TH 55 Lift Station Relocation RFP for professional services
Consent - Grants and Donations
Consent - Miscellaneous
Public Hearing
Old Business
New Business
February 22, 2022 Joint Meeting of City Council and Boards/Commissions - 6:30 PM
Review 2021/Action Steps for 2022
Council Review of Future Draft Agendas
Golden Valley City Council Special Meeting
January 11, 2022
Agenda Item
3. COVID-19 Emergency Protocols
Prepared By
Maria Cisneros, City Attorney
Summary
In light of the surging number of COVID-19 cases in the City of Golden Valley and surrounding area, the
City Council and City Manager asked me to research whether the City has the legal authority to enact a
City-wide mask mandate and whether it is permissible to conduct public meetings remotely. My
analysis is summarized below.
Mask Mandate
Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 12, the City may enact a mask mandate that would apply to all
places of public accommodation and would require all employers, including the City, to enact a mask
mandate for employees. The City does not currently have a mask mandate in place for employees.
The following steps are required to enact a mask mandate:
1. The Mayor must declare a local emergency (Attachment 1)
2. The City Council must pass a resolution extending the local emergency (Attachment 2)
3. The Mayor or Council must pass an emergency regulation under City Code Section 8-7
(Attachment 3)
Remote Meetings
Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.021 authorizes cities to meet by telephone or interactive technology
if it is determined that meeting in person is not practical or prudent because of a health pandemic. In
recent weeks, commissioners have shared that they are increasingly concerned about attending public
meetings in City buildings where many people are gathered and masks are not required. Several
commissions are experiencing attendance issues, and at least one commission has been unable to
conduct business since November due to a lack of quorum. Staff expects more commissions will have
difficulty conducting business as a result of attendance issues caused by the current surge in COVID-19
cases.
City Council Special Meeting Executive Summary
City of Golden Valley
January 11, 2022
2
The City may allow remote meetings during a health pandemic by taking the following action:
1. The City Manager or City Attorney declare it is impractical or imprudent to meet in person
(Attachment 4)
Financial Or Budget Considerations
Not Applicable
Supporting Documents
• Local Emergency Proclamation (Attachment 1)
• Resolution Extending Local Emergency (Attachment 2)
• Emergency Regulation 22-01 (Attachment 3)
• Determination Regarding Remote Meetings (Attachment 4)
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY PROCLAMATION
DECLARING A LOCAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, the virus named “SARS-CoV-2,” is a new strain of coronavirus that has not
previously been identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person and which
causes a disease named “coronavirus disease 2019,” commonly known as “COVID-19,” which
is a respiratory disease that can result in serious injury or death; and
WHEREAS, as of January 15, 2021, the level of community transmission of COVID-19 in
Minnesota is classified as high by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
Minnesota had 110.8 new cases per 10,000 people over the past seven days; and
WHEREAS, according to the Minnesota Department of health, as of January 6, 2022,
there have been 1,056,236 cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota resulting in 51,557 hospitalizations
and 10,810 deaths; and
WHEREAS, in Hennepin County, there have been 220,433 cases, 11,065
hospitalizations and 2,239 deaths; and
WHEREAS, as of December 30, 2021, there were 3,228 reported COVID-19 cases in
Golden Valley and 87 deaths; and
WHEREAS, since June 2021, the CDC identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus
which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these
variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a
“variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number
of new cases reported in Minnesota, thereby substantially increasing the potential risk of
infection and the spread of the virus through the community; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in Minnesota, has
been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern,” appears to be easily transmitted, and
accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota; furthermore, as of December 5, 2021, 4.8% of fully
vaccinated Minnesotans had experienced a breakthrough case of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the City of Golden Valley’s Emergency Management Team has been
working diligently with local, state, and federal partners to maintain situational awareness and
respond to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, additional local cases will trigger a more aggressive public health response
and are predicted to impact residents of Golden Valley and those who work in or travel through
the City, including City employees; and
WHEREAS, the need for social distancing, school closings, and quarantine methods to
stop the spread of COVID-19 continues to cause significant challenges; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager and Emergency Management Director find that this
situation threatens the health, safety, and welfare of the members of the Golden Valley
community and will cause a significant impact on the ability of public safety personnel to
address any immediate dangers to the public as a result of COVID-19; and
Attachment 1
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 12.29 authorizes the Mayor to declare the
existence of a local emergency, invoke necessary portions of the City’s Emergency Operations
Plans and authorize aid and services in accordance with interjurisdictional agreements, such as
mutual aid agreements; and
WHEREAS, under Minnesota Statutes, section 12.37 this emergency declaration
authorizes the City to enter into contracts and perform other duties without following many of the
time-consuming legal procedures normally required, including:
• Arranging for the performance of public work
• Contracting
• Incurring obligations
• Employing temporary workers
• Renting equipment
• Purchasing supplies and materials
• Complying with limitations on tax levies
• Appropriating and expending public funds, including publication of ordinances and
resolutions, advertisement for bids, provisions of civil service laws and rules, competitive
bidding, and budget requirements
NOW, THEREFORE, MAYOR SHEPARD HARRIS OF THE CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PROCLAIMS, DECLARES, REQUESTS, AND DIRECTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Under the authority given by Minnesota Statutes, Section 12.29, declares that a local
emergency exists within the City of Golden Valley, effective January ___, 2022, with all
the powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided by Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 12.
2. This emergency declaration shall continue for a period of three (3) days from its effective
date of January ___, 2022, unless further extended by or with the consent of the City
Council pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 12.29, subd. 1.
3. Orders that this declaration be given prompt and general publicity and that it be filed
promptly by the City Clerk.
Adopted by the Mayor of the City of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 11th day of January 2022.
__________________________________
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
RESOLUTION NO. 22-XX
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING AND CONTINUING LOCAL
EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, the Mayor of the City of Golden Valley declared
that the world health pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus and resulting COVID-19
disease threatens the health, safety, and welfare of the members of the Golden Valley
community, and will impact City operations; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has declared that the situation is a local emergency; and
WHEREAS, the City Council agrees with and incorporates herein the Mayor’s
findings and further finds that the situation will last for more than three days; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that immediate action to respond to the situation
is needed in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
NOW THEREFORE, CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
HEREBY RESOLVES, DECLARES, INVOKES AND DIRECTS AS FOLLOWS:
1.Declares that the local emergency is recognized as continuing until terminated by
Resolution of the City Council.
2.Invokes the City’s disaster plan and directs the City Manager and Emergency
Management Director to implement the portions of the disaster plan that are
necessary for response to and recovery from the emergency.
3.Directs that this Resolution be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed
promptly by the City Clerk.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 11th day of
January, 2022.
____________________________
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
Attested:
____________________
Theresa Schyma, City Clerk
Attachment 2
Emergency Regulation No. 22-01
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, I declared a local public health emergency related to
the COVID-19 pandemic in the City of Golden Valley and assumed executive responsibilities
attendant thereto; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted to me pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Ch.
12.29, and Golden Valley City Code, Section 8-7, I am authorized to promulgate emergency
regulations to protect the public health, safety, and welfare during this declared emergency; and
WHEREAS, the data shows that older individuals and those suffering from underlying
conditions are prone to more severe disease; and, in the Twin Cities metro area, Black,
Indigenous, people of color, and immigrant community members are testing at a higher rate,
and it is a priority that race and equity be of paramount consideration in enacting and carrying
out emergency regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, public health experts have determined that it is possible to transmit COVID-
19 even before a person shows symptoms; and
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
because COVID-19 is primarily transmitted by respiratory droplets, population density plays a
significant role in the acceleration of transmission; and
WHEREAS, during the public health emergency, state and local health authorities
strongly encouraged all Minnesotans to wear a face covering when they leave their homes and
travel to any indoor public setting where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g.
grocery stores and pharmacies) and to follow relevant face covering guidelines issued by
governmental health authorities; and
WHEREAS, since March 2020, the City has issued and rescinded numerous disease
control and prevention regulations and policies as needed to address the ebbs and flows of the
COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, since June 2021, the CDC identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus
which are present in the United States and medical experts determined that some of these
variants are significantly more contagious than previously known variants; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by the CDC to be a
“variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for a large number
of new cases reported in Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area, thereby substantially
increasing the potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has been identified in the Twin Cities
metro area, has been determined by the CDC to be a “variant of concern” and appears to be
easily transmitted; and
WHEREAS, the Omicron variant accounts for 68% of the cases in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, 4.8% of vaccinated Minnesotans have experienced a COVID-19
breakthrough case (individuals ages 12 and up as of the week beginning 12/5/21); and
Attachment 3
WHEREAS, COVID-19 cases in the City of Golden Valley have trended upward since
July 2021 with the community transmission rate in Golden Valley of 103.4 cases per 10,000
individuals for the most recent 14-day period, which puts the City in the CDC’s high-risk area
category with associated increased rates of positive test cases; and
WHEREAS, the City of Golden Valley and the CDC continue to reinforce that the
strongest defense against the Delta, Omicron, and other potentially dangerous variants is
through vaccination, proper use of a face mask, avoidance of crowded spaces, good hand
hygiene, and staying home when sick; and
WHEREAS, to aid in our efforts, under the emergency authorities vested in the Mayor
pursuant to the emergency declaration and City Code section 8-7 I have the authority to make
and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and
property as affected by such emergency and adopt additional protections for the preservation of
public health and safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Shephard M. Harris, Mayor of the City of Golden Valley, do hereby
order the following emergency regulation:
1. Effective January __, 2022, any individual who is over age two and able to medically
tolerate a face covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a medical-
grade mask or cloth face covering in accordance with CDC guidance when in indoor
spaces of public accommodation regardless of vaccination status, except for the
purposes of eating and/or drinking.
2. All employers of businesses that are spaces of public accommodation as defined by this
Order shall require their employees, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a medical-
grade mask or cloth face covering whenever such employees have face-to-face contact
with the public.
3. Athletes, performers, and supporting staff competing or performing at indoor spaces of
public accommodation are not subject to this regulation.
Definitions
1. A space of public accommodation means a business, or an educational, refreshment,
entertainment, or recreation facility, or an institution of any kind, whether licensed or not,
whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are
extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public. Examples include
retail stores, rental establishments, government buildings, stadiums, arenas, convention
centers, and service establishments as well as educational institutions, recreational
facilities, and service centers.
2. Cloth face covering means a covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth but is
not a Medical-Grade Mask.
3. Medical-grade mask means an N95, KN95, surgical, or other mask that would be
appropriate for a healthcare setting, or a setting in which direct patient care is provided.
Additional Terms
1. This Order is effective 5:00 p.m. (CST) January ___, 2022 and continuing until further
notice or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended.
2. A violation of this Emergency Regulation may be enforced by the issuance of warning
letter(s), administrative citation to City-licensed businesses, and/or misdemeanor
prosecution. Golden Valley City Code of Ordinances Sections 8-11 and 1-9.
3. The Emergency Manager is hereby authorized and directed to administer, interpret, and
monitor requirements set forth in this Emergency Regulation, and to take such further
actions as deemed necessary or advisable to protect the health and safety of the public.
January ___, 2022
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY [CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR, MAYOR, or CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL]
DETERMINATION REGARDING CONDUCTING
MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY
As the [Chief Administrator or Chief Legal Counsel] of the City of Golden Valley, Minnesota (the “City”), I
find as follows:
A.As of January 15, 2021, the level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Minnesota is
classified as high by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Minnesota had 110.8
new cases per 10,000 people over the past seven days and preliminary reports from the County
indicate this rate continues to rise. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, as of
January 6, 2022, there have been 1,056,236 cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota resulting in 51,557
hospitalizations and 10,810 deaths, with 23 deaths reported since January 1, 2022. In Hennepin
County, there have been 220,433 cases, 11,065 hospitalizations and 2,239 deaths. As of
December 30, 2021, there were 3,228 reported COVID-19 cases in Golden Valley and 87 deaths.
B.Since June 2021, the CDC identified new variants of the COVID-19 virus which are present in the
United States and medical experts determined that some of these variants are significantly more
contagious than previously known variants. The COVID-19 Delta variant has been determined by
the CDC to be a “variant of concern” due to its high transmissibility and continues to account for
a large number of new cases sequenced in Minnesota, thereby substantially increasing the
potential risk of infection and the spread of the virus through the community. The COVID-19
Omicron variant, which has been identified in Minnesota, has been determined by the CDC to be
a “variant of concern,” appears to be easily transmitted, and accounts for 68% of the cases in
Minnesota. Furthermore, as of December 5, 2021, 4.8% of fully vaccinated Minnesotans had
experienced a breakthrough case of COVID-19.
C.Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.021 authorizes cities to meet by telephone or interactive
technology if it is determined that meeting in person is not practical or prudent because of a
health pandemic.
D.I consulted with the City’s [Mayor, City Attorney/City Manager, Emergency Management
Director, and Hennepin County Public Health Authorities] regarding the current status of COVID-
19 in Minnesota and have found it is difficult or impossible for city officials, city staff, and the
public to comply with public health guidance following a possible exposure, infection, or related
matters and concerns while safely carrying out official duties and requirements.
Based on the above findings, I determine as follows:
1.Due to the current global health COVID-19 pandemic and the conditions in Minnesota,
complying with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D, threatens the health, safety,
and welfare of City officials, City staff, and the public.
2.Due to the current global health COVID-19 pandemic and the conditions in Minnesota, it is not
practical or prudent for the City Council, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Planning
Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, Open Space
and Recreation Commission, PEACE Commission, Environmental Commission, Human Services
Commission, and any other commission, task force, committee, or subgroup appointed by the
City Council or any of the aforementioned bodies (“City Commissions”) to conduct in-person
meetings.
Attachment 4
3. At least one member of the City Commissions, the chief administrative officer, or the chief legal
counsel will be present at the regular meeting location, unless unfeasible due to the global
health COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Members of the public may be present at the regular meeting location, unless unfeasible due to
the global health COVID-19 pandemic.
5. A member of the City Commissions that attends a meeting by telephone or interactive
technology shall be considered “present” for purposes of City Code section 2-125.
6. All meetings of City Commissions shall comply with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes,
section 13D.021
7. Until further notice, all meetings of the City Council and City Commissions governed by
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D shall be conducted by telephone or interactive technology.
________________________
Name, City Title, HRA Title
________________________
Theresa Schyma, City Clerk