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EC Agenda-6-27-20227800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, WIN 55427 763-593-8027 1 TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov Environmental Commission REGULAR MEETING AGENDA city of goldvall� Y June 27, 2022 — 6:30 pm City Hall Lower Level Conference Room Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1- 415-655-0001 and entering access code 1773 93 4642. Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison — Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084. 1. Call to Order 2. Land Acknowledgement 3. Roll Call 4. Approval of Agenda 5. Approval of May 23, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min) 6. Old Business A. Energy— EV Showcase Event (10 min) B. Annual Work Plan (10 min) C. Environmental Justice Collaboration (10 min) 7. New Business A. Land Acknowledgement resolution and actions (10 min) B. GreenStep Cities Actions 17.2, 18.4, 18.5 (10 min) C. Organics Recycling Tour (5 min) i. During business hours Mon-Thurs, end by 3 pm ii. Week of July 25, in place of regular EC meeting D. Program/Project Updates (10 min) E. Council Updates (5 min) F. Other Business (5 min) 8. Adjournment This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, RUIN 55427 CZJ 0J 763-593-8027 I TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov golden1l...7. Environmental Commission va May 23, 2022 — 6:30 pm REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend th3is 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, Dawn Hill, Debra Yahle, Jim Stremel, Rachel Zuraff Commissioners absent: Shannon Hansen Council Members present: Kimberly Sanberg Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor; Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant; Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member. 3. Approval of Agenda MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Stremel to approve the agenda for May 23, 2022 and the motion carried. 4. Approval of April 25, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the minutes of April 25, 2022 as submitted and the motion carried with the following change: • Remove 'following joint meeting with OSRC' from the Call to Order section. S. Old Business A. Energy Summer EV Event i. June 16, 2022, 4:00-7:00 ii. Will have EV and Hybrid owners on site to talk to people and answer questions. iii. Representatives from local auto dealerships are also expected to be on site to answer more technical questions about EVs and hybrids. B. Environmental Justice Collaboration i. People responded to the pre -forum questionnaire. Most people know about climate change, but not environmental justice. This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 6 City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting May 23, 2022 — 6:30 pm ii. The goal of the maps is to identify where we have inequities in Golden Valley and where to prioritize projects and invest resources in the near future. We could possibly apply for grant money. iii. Could we have different colors for the different inequities? Make social factors a different color than environmental factors? Could each factor have a different color to make it easier to see where they overlap? Possibly change the gradient of the air quality factor so it is not as pronounced? iv. Could too much information have a negative effect and show people where not to buy or rent? Could it be sensitive like flood information? Could it affect property values? Could it cause people to not want to move into certain areas of the City? Maybe the City could have a different weighted map that's just used internally. v. Staff will take these ideas and work with the subcommittee to develop some mapping options for the EC and DEIC. 6. New Business A. Commission Re -Orientation Commissioners viewed a Power Point presentation about the City of Golden Valley and Golden Valley Commissions. B. Election of Officers MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to Re -Elect Chair Weirich and Co -Chair Hansen and the motion carried. C. Review Bylaws MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the Commission By -Laws and the motion carried with the following request of staff: ■ To review the Purpose, Mission, and Duties language of other Commissions to see if the EC's is consistent with others. D. BCWMC 10-year Watershed Management Plan i. 9 cities make up the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission. ii. This 10-year Management Plan will cover years 2025-2035. iii. Commissioners are being asked to fill out the Stakeholder Input Form to help the BCWMC gather information and determine goals and priorities for the watershed. E. Program/Project Updates i. There was question about the number of trees being removed in the Decola Ponds SEA School-Wildwood Park Flood Reduction Project. The flood storage areas being created have to be excavated and some trees will be removed in order to accomplish the goals of lowering flood levels and keeping water out of homes and businesses. The restoration plan will include replacement of significant trees at a rate of 1:1. The project team will explore increasing the number of trees being planted and the locations of planting. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting May 23, 2022 — 6:30 pm 3 F. Council Updates i. The Council did not come to an agreement at the last Council Work Session on Commission Term Limits. There are a lot of people applying for Commissions. Term limits would give people opportunities to serve and be involved. Current commissioners can apply for and serve on other commissions if term limits are enacted. G. Other Business i. Environmental Resources Staffing Updates 1. We are currently is the process of hiring a full time Sustainability Specialist who will focus on Recycling/Organics as well as Energy Efficiency and implementing the Energy Action Plan. 2. We currently have a Water Resources Intern helping with stormwater management tasks and construction site inspections. 3. The City was awarded another GreenCorps member that will start this fall. 4. Golden Valley will also be hosting a BCWMC Intern for three months this summer. We will provide job shadowing and mentoring opportunities and possibly a variety of tasks. ii. Visit Commercial Compost Facility this summer? 1. Staff will look into coordinating a visit to the facility the City's organics go to. 2. Will most likely be in place of a meeting. iii. Haha Wakpadan / Bassett Creek Community Event 1. June 4, 2022 —11:00 — 2:00 2. Valley Community Presbyterian Church — 3100 Lilac Dr N. iv. Free compost drop site worked well. The EC hopes that next time there will be more advance and widespread notice using a variety of media. 7. Adjournment MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Zuraff to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 pm and the motion carried. ATTEST: Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: June 24, 2022 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Ethan Kehrberg, Minnesota GreenCorps Member Subject: Electric Vehicle Showcase Recap Last Thursday, June 16, the City of Golden Valley hosted an Electric Vehicle Showcase organized by the Minnesota GreenCorps member serving with the City. It was a successful event that drew a lot of interest, bringing in over 110 attendees. Twelve households from the Golden Valley community brought their electric vehicles (EVs) to display at the event and engaged in conversations with attendees. Xcel Energy, Drive Electric Minnesota, Minnesota GreenCorps, and Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission also had representatives at the event to answer questions and share information. A wide variety of vehicles were displayed at the event. Electric vehicle car models included a Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID.4, BMW i3, Tesla Models X, Y, and S, Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), Lincoln Corsair PHEV, Toyota RAV4 PHEV, and even a Zero DSR electric motorcycle! The feedback from volunteers and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees were impressed that the EV owners were so well informed and friendly. Volunteers said they had a great time, appreciated how well organized it was, and enjoyed meeting other EV owners in the community. Multiple people also said they would be happy to help out again if the City organizes another EV event in the future. Golden Valley continues to be at the forefront of EV adoption in Minnesota. Among the 30 most populous cities in Hennepin County, Golden Valley ranks 2nd in electric vehicle (EV) ownership per capita. This is due to a large increase in EV ownership which has increased 106% since 2019. Golden Valley is pleased to share the benefits of EVs with the community and to continue making progress on our Energy Action Plan. Commissioners are encouraged to come to the June meeting with their questions and feedback as they can help staff plan for another such event in 2023. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos ImErsi—il 111 y13 •�,�,^ `b YA try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: June 24, 2022 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: 2022 Work Plan In May, the City Council approved the EC's 2022 work plan, included below for reference. At the June meeting, staff will help lead a brief discussion on priorities and next steps. Commissioners should come to the meeting prepared to discuss their interests and priorities for the upcoming year. 2022 Proposed Work Plan Proposed work plan priorities for 2022 are based on goals in the City's 2022 Pyramid of Success, 2040 Comprehensive Plan (including Resilience & Sustainability, Natural Resources, Water Resources, Transportation), Equity Plan, Energy Action Plan, Pollinator Protection Resolution, Climate Emergency Declaration, GreenStep Cities Program, and City Council's 2022 Legislative Priorities. Recycling and Organics o Help develop a plan to increase participation rates for organics recycling, and opportunities for multi- family recycling, including organics and onsite composting. o Seek opportunities to partner with non -profits and others to reduce Styrofoam and single use plastics, bags, and containers (restaurants, stores, etc) within Hennepin County. Energy Action Help guide and participate in implementation of the City's Energy Action Plan, including: o Monitoring and reporting on the progress of Xcel Energy's Partners In Energy community collaboration program. o Reducing the number of households experiencing energy cost burden by 15 households through identifying, communicating, and connecting people with programs offered by utility companies and others. o Increasing participation in energy efficiency programs for residents and businesses, including: • Implementing and monitoring the new energy saver recognition program for businesses. • Extending the Residential Home Energy Squad program for another budget cycle. • Exploring incentivizing businesses to participate in energy assessments and audits. o Exploring options for promoting, supporting, and developing renewable energy (solar) and electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, including: • Hosting an EV show -and -tell event at City Hall in June 2022. • Increasing EVs and expanding charging infrastructure in the community. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos o Supporting state and local efforts to update building codes or standards that advance energy performance in buildings. o Explore drafting a sustainable building policy for developments that receive city funding and resources. GreenStep Cities/Climate Action Continue working on actions and metrics to address climate -related impacts, improve the environment, and reduce energy consumption and costs. o If awarded a MN GreenCorps Member in 2022-2023, work to complete GreenStep Cities actions related to Climate Action, Energy Action, and Environmental Justice. o Look for ways to partner with Hennepin County to implement its Climate Action Plan, with a focus on planting trees and reducing urban heat island effect. Environmental Justice Continue to partner with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) on joint projects, events, and forums through a subcommittee formed in 2020. Collaboration to include: o Co -hosting the Building an Equitable Golden Valley environmental justice forum set for May 19, 2022. o Updating the source maps and data for the green infrastructure prioritization maps to address existing inequities in the community. o Discussion on drafting an environmental justice resolution. o Seeking and identifying a partner and sponsor one green infrastructure project in a priority area. o Helping implement the land acknowledgement action plan by co -hosting a community event for Indigenous community members and inviting families through the school districts. Community Outreach Review the new City website for environmental content and clarity, better promotion of volunteer programs, and best practices for yards and gardens. o Explore ways to promote Earth Day and Arbor Day, including staff videos and webinars. o Use the Commission's $3,500 budget toward one or more of the following efforts: 0 Funding a joint project, event, or forum with the DEIC. 0 Sponsoring and supporting the new energy saver recognition program. Water and Natural Resources o Support habitat restoration in the Briarwood Nature Area in 2022 with DNR Grant funds; help identify the next nature area for enhancement or restoration. o Continue promoting educational opportunities in cooperation with the Golden Valley Garden Club. o Study ways to mitigate the loss of infested ash trees due to the emerald ash borer pest, especially in areas experiencing inequities in green infrastructure. o Explore ways to promote, improve, expand, and preserve remnant natural areas and open spaces in the City, especially with pollinator habitat. o Address the issue of human encroachment into nature areas. o Explore and understand water use in the community; look into conservation measures like a lawn watering ordinance. o Consider exploring participation in the No Mow May Campaign. Transportation o Review Luce Line Trail connection under Highway 169 to Plymouth and other substandard trail sections. o Provide input and feedback on the Hwy 55/Douglas Dr pedestrian underpass project. o Support and contribute to the City's Bus Rapid Transit efforts along Hwy 55. try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: June 24, 2022 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Environmental Justice Collaboration The Environmental Commission's work plan includes working collaboratively with the DEIC (formerly Human Rights Commission) to address the issues of environmental justice and climate justice in our community. Staff and subcommittee members will give a brief update on progress and inquire about the Commission's interest in drafting an environmental justice resolution (with the inequities prioritization map serving as a guide/attachment) in the near future. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: June 24, 2022 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Environmental Justice - Land Acknowledgement Actions The Environmental Commission's work plan includes working collaboratively with the DEIC to address the issues of environmental justice in our community. Environmental Justice Continue to partner with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) on joint projects, events, and forums through a subcommittee formed in 2020. Collaboration to include: • helping implement the land acknowledgement action plan by co -hosting a community event for Indigenous community members and inviting families through the school districts Attached to this memorandum are the Land Acknowledgement resolution and action plan, and the press release for the recently held Haha Wakpadag Community Celebration. Commissioners should review the attachments and come to the meeting prepared to discuss which action plan ideas they would like the EC/DEIC subcommittee to explore further, if they would like to hear a presentation about the Haha Wakpadaq/Bassett Creek Oral History Project at an upcoming EC meeting, and if they would like to partner with the DEIC to host a speaker or community event with the DEIC. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN OFFICIAL CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement to recognize the original inhabitants of land currently occupied by profiters of colonial action; WHEREAS, Minnesota, originally Mni Sota Makoce, is home to eleven federally recognized tribes including four Dakota tribal nations: Shakopee Mdewakanton, Sissetonwan (Prairie Island Indian Community), Wahpetonwan (Upper Sioux Community), Wahpekute (Lower Sioux Community) and seven Anishniaabe tribal nations: Zagaakwaandagowininiwag (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa), Nagaajiwanaang (Fond du Lac), Gichi-Onigaming (Grand Portage), Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), Misi-zaaga'iganing (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Miskwaagemiiwi-zaaga'igan (Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians) and Gaa-waabaabiganikaag (White Earth) WHEREAS, the Dakota people were subject to forced exile and codified dispossession of the land known as Golden Valley due to actions of the government, traders and land speculators including the Land Cession 289 and 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux; and WHEREAS, the Native community in the City of Golden Valley continues to provide positive impacts in the region through culturally sustaining and rejuvenating activities; and WHEREAS, the Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission developed an action plan to educate its community about and show appreciation for Minnesota Indigenous Peoples through their work plan to support Golden Valley's Native Community; and WHEREAS, reading a Land Acknowledgement after the Pledge of Allegiance is one active practice of acknowledging our nation's foundational history of colonial harm and re -centers indigenous perspectives BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Golden Valley that: 1. The City of Golden Valley establishes a Land Acknowledgement for the beginning of every Golden Valley City Council, Board and/or Commission meeting, 2. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission is directed to integrate action plan items into its work plan annually 3. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission is directed to research the adoption of Indigenous Peoples' Day the second Monday of October. Adopted by the City Council of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 17th day of May 2022. ATTEST: Theresa J. Schyma, City Clerk Shepard M. Harris, Mayor City of Golden Valley, Human Resource Commission Possible activities to accompany the Land Acknowledgment Statement.: 1. monument /stone — with statement. Can be acknowledgment plus some history a. Possible locations: i. outside city hall, ii. park area in new downtown area — by Bassett Creek is appropriate since the area the indigenous people used was in the Bassett Creek wetlands. 2. Creating relationships with indigenous peoples — Possibilities. a. Follow the example of the Minneapolis public School district: http://pieducators.com/sites/default/files/moa muid and mps with si gnatures.pdf An Agreement between the Minneapolis Public School District and the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) and it's member organizations. b. Phillip's Indian Educators. Their website can give a lot of insight into how to proceed. c. Possible activity associated with indigenous peoples week. Could be a Forum, or some type of outreach/social activity. d. Meet with school social studies teachers to hear about their current curriculum. We should come prepared with suggestions and materials. 3. Other future actions: a. Educational publicity. G.V. newsletter, sun Post, signs in Library, Brookview, City Hall. "Poles". b. Outreach. Work with affinity groups. Broaden cultural recognition of different groups living in G.V. to increase inclusion. Can be part of our greater outreach plans. 4. Current status, discussion issues of Native American Indians and life in Indian country. Possible topics for outreach activities and social studies curriculum. • sovereignty, • nation building, • inter -tribal relationships, • land/mineral rights, • relationship to U.S. congress, • economy, education, • health, • housing, • reservations, • tribal membership, • land ownership on reservations, allotments, 2010 census[edit] As of the census�2] of 2010, there were 20,371 people, 8,816 households, and 5,417 families living in the city. The population density was 1,997.2 inhabitants per square mile (771.1/km2). There were 9,349 housing units at an average density of 916.6 per square mile (353.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.4% White, 7.1 % African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.5% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population. 5. Historical and current materials a. Uses. i. Resources to be used for educational purposes. 1. Forums, ii. Education of Council members, staff, members of other commissions. iii. Historical comment could be used on: 1. monument/stone 2. placard on wall at entrance to City Hall, Brookview, other public City buildings. b. Content: Historical. Example: (Also, see end of this document for additional historical information. See also attached file with photos from the G. V. Historical society. ) We would like to acknowledge that we are holding this meeting on the traditional ancestral lands of the Wahpekute and the Ochethi Sakowin. .We pay our respect to the elders both past and present, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We recognize and honor them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land. This land came under the control of the current settler state, known as the U.S.A., through genocidal military campaigns and an ongoing occupation. Land Cession 289, the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, codified the violent dispossession, and stands out as an especially egregious example of how a supreme injustice forms the basis of the state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities as we know them today. The systematic removal of Indigenous nations and societies has led to the current situation, in which the Dakhota people reside on about .01 % (about one -hundredth of one percent) of their original land base within the borders of what we know as the State of Minnesota. Land acknowledgment is only one small part of supporting Indigenous communities. We hope our land acknowledgment statement will inspire others to stand with us in solidarity with Native nations More Historical Information: (from: G.V. Historical Society) The people that came here had heard tales of Indians. Once, when William Varner was hunting in the winter he saw deer tracks. He followed them to the woods where he saw a deer. After he shot it, he decided it was too heavy to carry back to his log cabin but he needed the deer for his family. All of a sudden an Indian came out of the woods. The Indian helped him cut and carry the deer but the Indian marveled at how sharp his knife was. Varner brought the Indian to his house and showed him his sharpening wheel and let him sharpen his knife. After that, many Indians came to sharpen their knives and soon Varner and his family became good friends with the Indians. Source: Golden Valley: The History of a Minnesota City 1886-1986, By the Golden Valley Historical Society Tribes of Chippewa and Sioux had encampments on nearby Medicine Lake. The first white settlers arrived in the early 1850s.m Golden Valley was incorporated December 17, 1886. In the early twentieth century, it was mostly a farming community. The Dakota War of 1862, also known as the Sioux Uprising, the Dakota Uprising, the Sioux Outbreak of 1862, the Dakota Conflict, the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, or Little Crow's War, was an armed conflict between the United States and several bands of Dakota (also known as the eastern Sioux). It began on August 18, 1862, at the Lower Sioux Agency along the Minnesota River in southwest Minnesota, four years after its admission as a state.vafter the U.S. government failed to honor its part of a 1858 treaty, severe hunger and additional factors led to the Dakota War. It is a sad story — four years after Minnesota statehood — for all involved, with results that continue to reverberate today. Also look at file: HistoricalPhotos.docx Contact Information Valley Community Presbyterian Church Crystal Boyd, Project Manager 612-247-5283 crystalboydconsulting@gmail.com Release Date May 12, 2022 Valley Comm Presbyterian unikyv Church Open Hearts • Open Minds • Opening Lives to God CLEAN WATER LAND & LEGACY AMENDMENT Event Summary Native American Community Celebration in Golden Valley. Saturday, June 4, 2022. 11:OOam — 2:OOpm. Hosted at Valley Community Presbyterian Church, 3100 Lilac Drive North, Golden Valley, MN 55427. Rain or shine. Free. Family -friendly. Open to the public. Includes Native foods, dancers, drummers, storyteller, arts activities, speaker presentation, and more. Free snacks and blueberry tea. $5 suggested donation for wild rice wraps (cash or check). Or bring a picnic lunch from home! Event Webpage https://www.valleychurch.net/land-acknowledgement GOLDEN VALLEY CHURCH HOSTING NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CELEBRATION ON JUNE 4 This community event will celebrate the important stories of Native American people in the Haha Wakpadarj (Bassett Creek) watershed GOLDEN VALLEY, MN (May 12, 2022) — Valley Community Presbyterian Church (VCPC) is hosting a day of celebration and education about Native American heritage on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 11:OOam to 2:OOpm. Community members are invited to learn about the Haha Wakpadao (Bassett Creek) Oral History Project, and to celebrate the vibrant traditions of Native American people who have been connected to the creek for thousands of years. The community celebration will feature Native food, drumming, dancing, storytelling, and a presentation by Dr. Kasey Keeler. Arts activities will be provided by Speaking Out Collective. The event is free and open to the public. Free snacks and blueberry tea are provided. Wild rice wraps are available with a $5 suggested donation (cash or check). Or bring a picnic lunch from home! Haha Wakpadan is the Dakota -language name for Bassett Creek. It translates to "Falls Creek," a reference to the creek's confluence with the Mississippi River just above St. Anthony Falls (called Owamniyomni in Dakota). This community celebration is one component of a larger oral history project. In December 2021, VCPC received a Legacy Amendment grant of $9,900 to interview Native American people in the Haha Wakpadan (Bassett Creek) watershed. VCPC Reverend Richard Buller said, "This project provides an opportunity for the community to hear Native voices describing their lived experiences in suburbs like Golden Valley and St. Louis Park. We're honored to work with Dr. Kasey Keeler. She is one of the only scholars of suburban American Indian history in the United States." Dr. Keeler is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians and a direct descendant of the Citizen Band of Potawatomi. She grew up in the City of Coon Rapids and most recently lived in Crystal; she is now an assistant professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Wisconsin — Madison. In April 2022, Dr. Keeler began interviewing people who live, work, or play in the Haha Wakpadaq area. Dr. Keeler said, "This project is increasing public awareness of American Indian history across the western suburbs of the Twin Cities. It's helping to make visible today's dynamic and growing suburban Indian community." Dr. Keeler leveraged VCPC's grant to receive a $15,000 grant from the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies at the University of Wisconsin —Madison. This additional funding expanded the project to a total of 13 interviews. The interviews are being recorded and preserved at the Hennepin History Museum (HHM). Michele Pollard, the Archivist at HHM, said, "These interviews are exploring viewpoints that will enrich future education, research, and historic context studies." At the end of the project, HHM will make the interviews available to the public. Project manager Crystal Boyd said, "We hope this project inspires other churches and community groups to recognize, support, and advocate for Native American people. Oral history projects are one way to go beyond developing a land acknowledgement statement." The VCPC Land Acknowledgement Task Force credits the Native Governance Center for guiding its thinking about land acknowledgement statements and how to move beyond them (www.nativegov.org). About Valley Community Presbyterian Church Founded in 1951, Valley Community Presbyterian Church pursues its mission of opening hearts, opening minds, and opening lives to God. In 2021, VCPC established a Land Acknowledgement Statement to honor the important stories and lived experiences of its Native members and neighbors. Learn more at www. valleychurch.net. About University of Wisconsin —Madison The University of Wisconsin —Madison is a public, land-grant institution that offers a complete spectrum of studies through 13 schools and colleges. With more than 43,000 students from every U.S. state and 121 countries, UW—Madison is the flagship campus of Wisconsin's state university system. UW—Madison is a formidable research engine, ranking sixth among U.S. universities as measured by dollars spent on research. Faculty, staff, and students are motivated by a tradition known as the Wisconsin Idea that the boundaries of the university are the boundaries of the state and beyond. Learn more at www.wisc.edu. About Hennepin History Museum Hennepin History Museum brings the diverse history of people in Hennepin County to life. We help people understand their world through an exploration of local history with exhibits, public programs, a magazine, and a public research library. Learn more at www.hennepinhistory.org. About Speaking Out Collective Speaking Out Collective creates arts -based activities to nurture curiosity, creativity and critical thinking for all ages. We are a collective of actors, directors and teaching artists who believe that story is a vehicle for self-expression, questioning, and creating new narratives together. We dig into big ideas through storytelling, theatre, puppets, poetry, song, movement, and more. Learn more at www.speakingoutcollective.com. About Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants The Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota's past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state's stories and connects people with history. Visit us at www.mnhs.org. This publication was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Any views, findings, opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Historical Society, or the Minnesota Historic Resources Advisory Committee. Contact: Crystal Boyd, 612-247-5283, crystalboydconsultine@email.com try of goldenlo-111ir valley Date: June 21, 2022 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 17.2 The City is updating the GreenStep Cities Best Practice Action 17.2 — Environmental Management Stormwater Management: minimize the volume of and pollutants in rainwater runoff by maximizing green infrastructure. Core topic areas • City Buildings and Lighting • City Fleets • Transportation Modes and Miles • Open Space, Parks, and Trees • Stormwater • Wastewater • City Buildings and Lighting • Renewable Energy Optional topic areas • Green Buildings • Infrastructure for Biking and Walking • Car, Transit, and Bike Options • Land Use • Drinking Water • Surface Water • Solid Waste • Local Food • Jobs & Employment To reach Step 4 and Step 5 status, the City of Golden Valley needed to complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment. While it was required for reporting metrics, we did not previously report it as a best practice we were doing. Because the assessment is filled out annually, the City meets the qualifications for this best practice. Staff intends to complete the assessment with the Commission again later this year since there will be multiple stormwater actions completed in 2022, including rain barrel distribution, MS4 program updates, new code language, and advancement of stormwater projects and studies. After discussion, staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the update to the City's Environmental Management Best Practice 17.2 for submission to the GreenStep Cities program. try of goldenlo-I'vir valley Date: June 21, 2022 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Ethan Kehrberg, GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Metric 18.4 & 18.5 The City is completing the GreenStep Cities Metric 18.4 and 18.5: Additional Metrics — Mixed (traditional) recycling participation rate and organics recycling participation rate (% of single through fourplex households) Core topic areas • City Buildings and Lighting • City Fleets • Transportation Modes and Miles • Open Space, Parks, and Trees • Stormwater • Wastewater • City Buildings and Lighting • Renewable Energy Optional topic areas • Green Buildings • Infrastructure for Biking and Walking • Car, Transit, and Bike Options • Land Use • Drinking Water • Surface Water • Solid Waste • Local Food • Jobs & Employment The City has two organized recycling programs through Republic Services now. Data can be reported to track annual participation rate in the traditional recycling and organics recycling programs. Formal participation studies will be completed in the fall and data from Republic Services will be reported for 2022 for both programs at the end of the year. Data for 2021 will be reported for traditional recycling (93% participation). After discussion staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the addition of optional metrics 18.4 and 18.5 to the reporting spreadsheet for submission to the GreenStep Cities program next year. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES —June 2022 GREENCORPS UPDATE The member organized and hosted the Electric Vehicle Showcase on the evening of June 16 at City Hall. He successfully brought in 11 EV owners from Golden Valley and partnered with Xcel Energy, Polestar, Drive Electric Minnesota, Minnesota GreenCorps, and Bassett Creek Watershed to engage residents and other attendees in conversations about EVs, chargers, and other environmental initiatives. Approximately 110 people attended the event, not including the owners and representatives. Recently, he has been putting together a comprehensive summary of the City's progress on the Energy Action Plan which will soon be published on the website. On the side, the member is working with staff and external partners to wrap up the final steps of B3 automation, schedule the RETAP efficiency assessment of City Hall, and attend meetings with local groups and agencies. Going forward, the member plans to continue working on mixed recycling and organics recycling projects at the City and with multifamily properties, do more energy engagement with businesses and promote the Energy Hero program he developed with the EC, revisit outreach to energy - burdened households, and begin preparing materials to hand off to the new Sustainability Specialist and next year's Minnesota GreenCorps member. Planning Commission — June 9. 2022 Off -Street Parking —As part of the 2022 Planning Commission work plan, staff will introduce topics related to off-street parking in order to prepare for updates to this section of the zoning chapter. Scheduled for the June 13 Planning Commission meeting with more detailed analysis and discussion to follow. Accessory Dwelling Units —Continued discussion as a new ADU ordinance is drafted for consideration, including a spatial analysis of possible detached ADU concepts. Next conversation scheduled for the June 27 Planning Commission meeting. City Council 7345 Country Club Drive (Schuller's)—Consideration of an Outdoor Service Area permit to allow Schuller's to operate an outdoor dining area on the lawn to the west of the existing building. Extensive landscaping and other site improvements, including a patio, would be allowed. The permit would need to be reviewed and renewed on a regular basis in order to continue operating. Approved by the City Council (5-0) at the June 7 meeting. 7324 Harold Avenue —A lot split to create two new lots from one existing lot north of Lions Park. The existing home would be demolished and two new homes would be constructed. Conversation focused on the need for the installation of a storm sewer pipe to handle potential overflow in the event of a large rain event as well as the need for property maintenance within the front yard until construction takes place. Approved by the City Council (5-0) at the June 7 meeting. Temporary Mobile Uses —A zoning text amendment to consider the expansion of allowed mobile uses which are currently limited to food trucks. The code change would allow for other types of mobile uses to operate in City parks as well as other zoning districts. At the June 7 City Council meeting, the Council requested staff examine the current fee schedule for mobile uses and recommend any changes for 2023 as part of the regular update. Approved (5-0). Water and Natural Resources DeCola Ponds B and C Restoration— All deciduous trees that declined and required replacement have been replaced as of 6/16/22. Remaining tamarack replacements are on schedule to be replaced the week of 6/22/22. Briarwood- First year Integrated Plant Management (IPM) has occurred as well as the installation of seed, plant plugs, and shrubs. Vegetation establishment and management will continue over the course of the next two years. Pennsylvania Woods- First round of second year IPM has been completed. Site will have a second round of IPM completed later this year and will be under contract for vegetation maintenance through 2023. Bassett Creek Nature Area — All contracted restoration work has been completed. Staff is exploring incorporating this area into its annual native vegetation maintenance contract going forward. Brookview Golf Course Bassett Creek Streambank Stabilization- The City has retained an engineer for professional services for the design component of an approximately 500 ft streambank stabilization within Brookview golf course. The City is currently working through design with anticipated construction beginning late fall of 2022.