2022-02-22 EC Minutes7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427 city C?
763-593-8027 1 TTY 763-593-39681763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov goldbi��
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Environmental Commission Y
February 28, 2022 — 6:30 pm
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1-415-655-
0001 and entering access code 1773 93 4642.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any
items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison — Eric Eckman, Environmental
Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Weirich at 6:30 pm.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Scott Seys, Wendy Weirich, Tonia Galonska, Shannon Hansen, Jim Stremel,
Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle, Felix Fettig
Commissioners absent: None
Council Members present: Kimberly Sanberg
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist;
Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member;
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant.
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Stremel to approve the agenda for February
28, 2022 and the motion carried.
4. Approval of January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Fettig to approve the minutes of January
24, 2022 as submitted and the motion carried with the following change:
A. Add Council Member Sanberg as being present at the meeting.
S. Old Business
A. Recycling and Organics Update
i. We are at about 30% participation rate. Aiming for about 40%. based on households
putting their carts out at least once between Jan 7 and Feb 11. 7,098 total households
[staff checked after meeting and there is actually about 6,976 households]. There is a
communications plan to spread the word about the program and Ethan has been
promoting it at the Farmers Market. We plan to add organics carts to all the City parks
with recycling bins and garbage carts.
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1ty olden Valley Enviromnental Commission Regular Meet `
ii. We've also seen an increase in participation in the Regular Recycling from 92% to 95%.
iii. Contamination has been found in the organics loads. It hasn't hit the 5% rejection level
yet. If contamination continues, it is possible to pinpoint what areas have the most. It's
mostly things that should go in the regular recycling.
B. Environmental Justice Collaboration
L The Building An Equitable Golden Valley Forum is scheduled for May 19, 6:00-7:30. It
will be a hybrid format with the in -person portion being at Brookview. There will be a 1
hr presentation on Environmental Justice and Climate Change with time at the end for
questions.
6. New Business
A. Energy Recognition Program
i. The program recognizes businesses (anything non-residential) in GV who are taking
steps to improve energy efficiency.
ii. Businesses will apply to the program and the environmental staff, and possibly the
commission, will review and approve applications.
iii. To begin, it will be a one and done recognition. Could include an annual award program
over time.
iv. Could potentially move to residential properties as well.
v. Name possibilities
1. Energy should be a part of the name
2. Golden Valley Energy Hero?
vi. Maybe have different levels? Silver, Gold, and Platinum level?
vii. We can reach out to both owners and tenants. Tenants may be doing energy efficient
things even though they don't own the building.
B. 2022 Work Plan
i. The draft will be based on the City's 2022 Pyramid of Success, 2040 Comprehensive Plan,
and City Council's 2022 Legislative Priorities
ii. Needs to be finalized before the April Council Work Session.
iii. Can we add short term goals into plan along with the long-term goals?
Some ideas generated:
1. Plan to increase recycling
2. Env Justice —forum, formal resolution, re-evaluate maps for prioritization
(flooding, air quality, highways corridors, etc)
3. Plant trees, or tree sale/give-away — more than just Plymouth tree sale
4. Sustainable building policy
5. Staff speakers on timely topics (EAB, etc)
6. Outreach to schools like SEA
7. Review new city website for content and clarity, better promote volunteer
programs
8. EAB outreach on Ash removals — explore Mpls contract pricing for residents
example
City of Golden Vailey Environmental Commi• ; .n Regular Meeting
February 28, 2022 - : _ :u tr
9. Transportation —Luce Line Trail connection to Plymouth and other trail sections
C. Program/Project Updates
i. Could the EC have a look at major projects earlier on?
D. Council Updates
i. State of the City on March 4, 3:00 PM at Under Pressure Brewing
E. Other Business
i. None
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Hill to adjourn the meeting at
8:46 pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
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Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weiric , Chair