2005 Report of EC2005 Report of the Golden Valley Environmental Commission
Prepared by Rich Baker, Chair
March 21, 2006
In accordance with Section 2.50, Subd. 4 of the Golden Valley City Code, the Golden Valley
Environmental Commission submits the following report of its 2005 Activities and 2006 Proposed
Activities, organized by the Commission's Duties and Responsibilities.
2005 Activities
Recommendations regarding public environmental education
• (See Buckthorn Control initiative, below)
Recommendations regarding city programs and initiatives
• Received briefing on, and monitored renewal of City's recycling contract
• Received briefing on City's NPDES Annual Report
• Received briefing on, and subsequently assigned membership on City's Deer Management Task Force
• Received briefing on, and subsequently assigned membership on City's Sidewalk Committee
Recommendations regarding city ordinances, policies, and guidelines
• Saw completion of initiative focused on encouraging Buckthorn Control on City properties. This lead to a
revision of city code and a change to city insurance coverage that will facilitate a wide range of volunteer
activities on City properties. This also lead to development of buckthorn kits, purchase of weed wrenches
for use by citizens, and development of an application form for citizen -initiated projects on City properties.
• Expressed interest in development of City Lighting Plan/Ordinance, and presently assisting Planning
Commission in guiding its development.
Recommendations regarding management of nature areas and other properties
• (See Buckthorn Control initiative, above)
Recommendations regarding environmental activities of other agencies
• Recommended City Council communicate with Metropolitan Council Transit Operations regarding City's
desire that the existing transit service levels be maintained for the City. Council subsequently passed
resolution.
Tasks assigned by City Code or Council
• Reviewed Envision Guide. Investigated four supporting themes, identified action item/s for each, and
submitted a report to the City Council:
o Waste and Pollution — light pollution reduction; fine-tuning recycling program
o Green and Open Spaces — reducing litter and dog waste
o Surface Water — educating public regarding reducing run-off contaminants
o Urban Design and Beauty — increasing use of native vegetation; creation of buffer zones
• Assisted City Council in updating city code and council guidelines on Boards and Commissions
• Elected new Vice Chair — JP Pawluk
Miscellaneous Activities
• Received presentation on environmental sustainability by Mr. Greg Klave
• Received presentation on design standards by Mr. Barry Petit
• Received monthly updates, and monitored relevant city programs and projects including:
o Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminant Cleanup
o TH55/Boone Ave/General Mills Blvd Project
o Wirth Lake Berm Repair
o Golden Ridge Development Planning
o Allianz Expansion
o Luther Expansion
o 2005 Pavement Management Project
o Medley Park Bank Stabilization Project
o 1/I Study
o 5222 Minnaqua Drive Project
o Three Rivers Park District Trail
o Douglas Drive Pedestrian Improvements
o Mighty Tidy Day
• Assigned members to attend City Council sessions as necessary
2006 Proposed Activities
Recommendations regarding public environmental education
• Develop plan for educating public regarding reducing run-off contaminants (follow-up to Envision)
• Discuss strategies for green building and other energy conservation awareness efforts
Recommendations regarding city programs and initiatives
• Identify ways to improve recycling program (follow-up to Envision)
• Continue participation in Deer Task Force
• Continue participation in Sidewalk Task Force
Recommendations regarding city ordinances, policies, and guidelines
• Work with Planning Commission to develop lighting plan/ordinance (follow-up to Envision)
• Assist staff with evaluating 1/I study outcomes
Recommendations regarding management of nature areas and other properties
• Develop strategies for improving use of native vegetation (follow-up to Envision)
• Develop strategies for creation of buffer zones (follow-up to Envision)
Recommendations regarding environmental activities of other agencies
• No activities planned
Recommendations assigned by City Council
• Review CIP and other City programs and projects
• Participate in issues as assigned by City Council or as requested by City staff
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