2018-04-23 EC Agenda Packet (2)AGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
April 23, 2018, Monday @ 6:30pm
Council Conference Room (across from Council Chambers)
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd
1.Call to Order
2.Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2018 (5 min)
3.Annual Report and Work Plan (15 min)
4.GreenStep Cities Step 4 – Wastewater (10 min)
5.Solid Waste Baseline Information (25 min)
6.Program/Project Updates (10 min)
7.Council Updates (5 min)
8.Other Business
9.Adjourn
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G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes\2018\3-March\03-26-18 EC Minutes.doc
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
March 26, 2018
Commissioners Present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Larry Johnson,
Joseph Ramlet, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Coordinator; Claire Huisman,
Administrative Assistant
Absent: Commissioner Lynn Gitelis
Call to Order
Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes
MOVED by Yahle, SECONDED by Galonska, and the motion carried unanimously
to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2018 regular meeting.
Solid Waste Discussion
Marc Nevinski shared with the Commission the presentation he gave to the City Council
regarding the process for the City to begin discussion on solid waste collection,
including possibly some form of organized collection for Golden Valley residents.
Council and staff are looking to the Commission to provide input and feedback during
the community discussions. By fall 2018, after hearing from haulers and the public, the
Council will make a decision on the best way to proceed to meet the City’s goals and
objectives.
2018 Work Plan Priorities
Eckman presented and discussed with the Commission the following draft work plan
priorities:
1. Continue working on GreenStep Cities Step 4
2. Become involved in discussion on solid waste collection
3. Assist with the curbside recycling contract for 2019
4. Utilize its $3,500 budget to host educational workshops
5. Create pollinator policy for the City
6. Remove barriers for producing local food (Vertical Greenhouses/Urban Farming)
7. Assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan
2040 Comprehensive Plan-Water Resources Chapter
The Commission went through the Water Resources Chapter and provided feedback on
the content and layout of the chapter. In addition to grammatical changes, the
Commission pointed out ways to make the Chapter more reader friendly. Comments
included:
• On the “Outline” page, the bullet points listed under “existing conditions…..”
doesn’t match its titles exactly within the following pages.
• Page 2, under “Key Points”, change words in second bullet “including the
addition of” to “adding” and in the 5th bullet, change the words “Protection of” to
“Protecting”.
• Change the words “Key Points” to something less confusing such as: key
themes, key issues, etc.
• Black bullets on page 5 don’t match up with their subcategories.
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Minutes of the Environmental Commission
March 26, 2018
Page 2 of 2
G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes\2018\3-March\03-26-18 EC Minutes.doc
• Need to reference the appendix somewhere in text
• Pictures within the chapter should have more descriptive captions.
• Figure 5.3 should have a better title such as “1% Floodplain”.
• Third paragraph on page 11 of the chapter has confusing math regarding the
number of elevated storage and underground reservoirs. Needs to be reworded.
• Figure 5.4 should reference that the one dot represents two JWC reservoirs.
• First paragraph on page 17 is confusing with references to residential and
commercial peak water demands.
• Last paragraph on page 19 needs rewording regarding the cities I/I program and
recorded wastewater flow rates.
• First paragraph titled “Future Demands” on page 22 should be moved to the end
on page 23.
• Page 31, Summary of Implementation Actions, last action under “sustain and
improve water quality”, should include reducing chlorides as well as phosphorus.
• The Water Resources Chapter should have a glossary of terms.
Program/Project Updates
The complete Program/Project Update is on file.
Other Business
Eckman reviewed the letter from BCWMC regarding their support of a proposed bill on
chloride management which aims to reduce winter salt use by private applicators by
establishing a salt applicator certification program.
Adjourn
MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried to adjourn
the meeting at 8:40 pm.
Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant
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CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
ANNUAL REPORT &
2018 WORK PLAN
May 8, 2018
In accordance with Section 2.50, Subd. 4 of the Golden Valley City Code, and the bylaws of the
Environmental Commission, the Golden Valley Environmental Commission submits the following
summary of its 2017 activities and accomplishments, and the proposed work plan priorities for 2018.
Major accomplishments in 2017 include:
GreenStep Cities
• Inventory
Golden Valley entered the GreenStep Cities program in April 2016 as a Step 1 city and began to
inventory and build upon its current practices. After one year, the City had completed and
uploaded documentation for 25 actions and met the requirements to reach Step 2 in the
program. The best practice actions describe the City’s sustainable practices and policies and
serve as a benchmark for future progress.
• Step 3 recognition
Since April 2017, the City has completed an additional 42 actions for a total of 67. The 67 actions
completed in 26 best practice areas is enough to allow the City to move to Step 3. The City will
be recognized for its sustainability efforts at the LMC Annual Conference in St. Cloud on June 21.
New Step 3 actions completed by the City and Commission include:
o Creating sustainable purchasing guidelines
o Helping facilitate the development of green business (through Midy Tidy Day with Tech
Dump, Shred-n-Go, Better Futures; through operations with Shakopee Mdewakanton
Sioux Community, through various contracts and development approvals (such as soil
cleanup, flood storage, green space, and solar development at Liberty Crossing).
o Constructing a new public building to meet LEED silver certification requirements with
major sustainable design elements (Brookview)
See the attached document summarizing Golden Valley’s GreenStep Cities inventory progress
for more information.
• Step 4 progress
In late 2017, City Council agreed with the approach that the City will continue working and
advancing within the GreenStep Cities program to improve the environment and local economy,
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reduce energy and emissions, reduce cost, and strengthen community resilience. With this
direction, the Commission began working on Step 4 inventory and actions. Step 4 includes seven
required core topic areas and five optional areas. The Commission helped guide the selection of
the optional topic areas (city fleets; infrastructure for biking and walking; car, transit and bike
options; surface water; green buildings)
Step 4 actions completed by the Commission to date include:
o Open Space, Parks, and Trees
o Stormwater (using the Blue Star Award Program assessment)
Resilience and Sustainability Plan
Identified as its top priority for 2016-17, the Commission began developing the City’s first Resilience and
Sustainability Plan in late 2016 and continued into 2017. After a robust community engagement effort,
the Commission completed the plan which includes goals, objectives, and implementation actions that
will help improve the environment, reduce energy use and costs, and allow the City to adapt to and
mitigate climate impacts. The plan is being included as a full chapter in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive
Plan update.
Comprehensive Plan
In addition to the Resilience and Sustainability chapter, the Commission contributed to the following:
• Reviewed and provided input on the Water Resources chapter
• Reviewed the Parks and Natural Resources chapter (and provided a comprehensive review of
the City’s Natural Resources Management Plan and updated as necessary)
Annual Budget for Events and Workshops
Council authorized a budget for the Commission to host environmental events and workshops in the
community. The Commission discussed the criteria and process for choosing such events and then
selected a topic for 2018. The topic for this year is Sustainable Yards and Gardens, with an emphasis on
reducing chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chlorides).
Program and Project Updates
The Commission receives monthly program and project updates from staff on a variety of topics such as
energy, water resources, natural resources, recycling, and development. These updates provide an
opportunity for the Commission to review and comment on the City’s current environmental projects
and programs and to identify topics that the Commission may want to explore in the future.
2018 Work Plan
Based on the Resilience and Sustainability Plan and Natural Resources Management Plan, and within the
framework of the GreenStep Cities program, the Commission proposes the following work plan priorities
for 2018:
1. Continue working on GreenStep Cities Step 4 metrics to address climate-related impacts,
improve the environment and local economy, and reduce energy use and costs.
a. If the City is successful in its application for a MN GreenCorps Member for 2018-2019,
work with this member to complete GreenStep Cities actions related to Waste
Reduction, Recycling, and Composting/Organics management.
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2. Help guide and give feedback on the City’s community conversation on solid waste collection
3. Assist in the preparation of the curbside recycling contract for 2019
4. Utilize its $3,500 budget to host an educational workshop on Sustainable Yards and Gardens,
with an emphasis on reducing chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chlorides) and other
inputs
5. Create a City-wide pollinator policy
6. Removing barriers for producing local food (Vertical Greenhouses/Urban Farming)
7. Continue to assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan
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GreenStep Cities Inventory Progress
2017
Total completed actions: 67 1-star actions: 9 2-star actions: 29 3-star actions: 29
Building and Lighting
- Efficient Existing Public Buildings
o Utilizing B3 Benchmarking database (3 star)
o Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned buildings (2 star)
o Construct new public buildings under green building or energy framework (2 star)
o Improve operations & maintenance of city-owned/school buildings by using a
customized online energy efficiency tool, asset management tool or a green building
framework (1 star)
- Efficient Existing Private Buildings
o Participate in a marketing/outreach program to promote residential energy/water use
reduction and energy efficiency (3 star)
- New Green Buildings
o Customize a model sustainable building policy that includes the SB 2030 energy
standard (2 star)
- Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals
o Coordinate traffic signals to minimize car idling (3 star)
o Use LED lighting for parking lot lighting (2 star)
o Replace the City’s existing signals with LEDs (2 star)
Land Use
- Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans
o Adopt a comprehensive plan or land use plan that was adopted by the county or
regional entity (3 star)
o Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan (3 star)
o Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental
coordination addressing regional land use and watershed/wellhead impacts,
infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services (3 star)
o Include ecologic provisions in the comprehensive plan that aims to minimize open space
fragmentation and/or establish a growth area (3 star)
- Resilient City Growth
o Limit barriers to higher density housing (2 star)
o Achieve higher density housing (2 star)
- Mixed Uses
o Organize a community planning/design process for a mixed use district (2 star)
o School or City building has mixed use attributes to promote multi-modal transportation
(3 star)
o Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations (2 star)
- Design for Natural Resource Conservation
o Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory and assessment, incorporate protection of
priority natural systems or resources through development process (3 star)
o Develop/fund a conservation easement program (3 star)
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Transportation
- Living Streets
o Adopt a streets policy that addresses trees and stormwater (2 star)
o Modify a street in compliance with the city’s streets policy (3 star)
o Prioritize complete streets gaps by adding a bike route/lane, truck route, sidewalk or
mid-block alley (2 star)
o Identify street-trail gaps to better facilitate walking and biking (3 star)
o Implement traffic calming policy/measures in at least one street redevelopment project
(2 star)
- Mobility Options
o Promote walking, biking and transit (3 star)
o Promote carpooling or ridesharing among community members, City employees,
businesses, high schools and institutions of higher education (3 star)
- Efficient City Fleets
o Provide city fleet with fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size for their
intended functions (1 star)
o Phase-in no-idling practices, operational and fuel changes, and equipment changes for
city or local transit fleets (2 star)
o Phase-in bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and city staff (3 star)
- Demand-Side Travel Planning
o Adopt a travel demand management policy for city employees (2 star)
Environmental Management
- Sustainable Purchasing
o Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy directing the city to purchase energy star certified
equipment/appliances and paper containing at least 30% recycled content (1 star)
o Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense-certified products (1 star)
- Urban Forests & Soils
o Certify as a Tree City USA (3 star)
o Adopt best practices for urban tree planting and quality (3 star)
o Budget for and achieve urban canopy/tree planting goals (3 star)
o Build community capacity to protect existing trees/plant resilient species (3 star)
- Stormwater Management
o Adopt and use Minnesota’s Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) (3 star)
o Adopt by ordinance appropriate stormwater infiltration/management strategies (3 star)
o Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for appropriate
stormwater infiltration/reuse practices (3 star)
- Parks and Trails
o Achieve minimum levels of City green space (3 star)
o Create park/city land management practices that maximize pollinator friendly
environments, recycling collection, and/or sources of non-potable water (2 star)
o Develop program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration (2 star)
- Surface Water
o Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas (3 star)
o Adopt goals to revegetate shoreland (2 star)
o Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan (2 star)
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G:\Environmental Commission\Annual Report\2017 GSC Inventory Progress.docx
- Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems
o Compare the energy use and financial performance of city facilities with other peer
plants (2 star)
o Establish program for decreasing inflow and infiltration in sewer lines and losses in
drinking water systems (3 star)
o Optimize energy and chemicals use at water/wastewater facilities (2 star)
- Solid Waste Prevention and Reduction
o Address concerns over consumer products and packaging (PENDING)
o Promote the collection and marketing of used consumer goods (2 star)
o Improve recycling services and expand to multi-unit housing and commercial businesses
(2 star)
- Local Air Quality
o Regulate outdoor residential wood burning (3 star)
o Conduct policy or education/behavior change campaigns on appropriate air quality
topics (2 star)
Economic and Community Development
- Benchmarks and Community Engagement
o Use a committee to engage community members on implementation of sustainability
best practices (2 star)
o Measure goals from all city plans and report progress to community members (1 star)
o Measure and report progress on sustainability indicators (1 star)
- Green Business Development
o Strengthen businesses utilizing local “waste” products and renting products/services (2
star)
o Lower the health risk footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project (3
star)
- Renewable Energy
o Adopt renewable energy ordinance that allows or encourages appropriate renewable
energy installation (2 star)
o Promote means for increasing renewable generation (3 star)
o Install municipally owned renewable energy technology (1 star)
- Local Food
o Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping and food
growing areas in multifamily residential developments (2 star)
o Promote local food production/distribution within the city (3 star)
- Business Synergies
o Implement appropriations in a business/industrial park project (PENDING)
- Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience
o Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-
related events (2 star)
o Integrate climate resilience into city planning (1 star)
o Increase social connectedness and improve economic prosperity for vulnerable
residents (1 star)
o Protect public buildings and infrastructure to reduce physical damage and sustain their
function during extreme weather events (2 star)
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: April 19, 2018
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Coordinator
Subject: GreenStep Cities Step 4 - Wastewater
The City is working toward Step 4 in the GreenStep Cities Program which involves the
documentation of metric measurements in seven core topic areas and five optional topic areas.
Measuring for Step 4 is important as the City must show improvements in each topic area to
advance to Step 5. Improving within these topic areas will help the community reduce energy
use, save money, and increase resilience to short and long term shocks and stressors.
Core topic areas
Open Space, Parks, and Trees
Stormwater
• Wastewater
• City Buildings and Lighting
• Transportation Modes and Miles
• Renewable Energy
• Land Use
Optional topic areas (in priority order)
• City Fleets
• Infrastructure for Biking and Walking
• Car, Transit, and Bike Options
• Surface Water
• Green Buildings
• Local Food (only if green buildings
does not prove to be workable)
The next core topic area that the City is completing is Wastewater. The metrics and a recent
Metropolitan Council Inflow and Infiltration report are attached to this memorandum. After
discussion, staff requests the Commission to consider making a motion to approve the entry for
Step 4 Wastewater into the GreenSteps Cities website.
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Executive Summary – 2016 Meter Review and Analysis
Page 1 of 4
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) prepared this Executive Summary for the public
works community as a supplement to the Brown and Caldwell (B&C) Meter Review and Analysis
technical memorandum (Report) received on December 8, 2016 (attached). The B&C Report used
measured rainfall data, measured wastewater flows, and a computational model to determine the
amount of flow reduction that can be attributed to inflow and infiltration (I/I) mitigation. Rainfall data
were collected from 2004 through 2015 and wastewater flow data were collected during two
monitoring periods: pre-rehabilitation from 2004 to 2007, and post-rehabilitation from 2013 to 2015.
The monitoring periods occurred before and after I/I mitigation activities were completed in many
communities in the region, including those chosen for this analysis.
The results of the analysis indicate that I/I flows were reduced at rates from 11% to 75% in the
communities selected. The rate of reduction appears to have a positive correlation with the amount of
I/I mitigation reported. A summary of the key points of the Report is included below.
Section 1: Introduction
The section describes the approach used by B&C for the meter review and analysis. Given that
wastewater flows have reduced in the region in recent years, this evaluation was completed to
determine if the reduced flows could be attributed to I/I mitigation projects. The evaluation used a
hydrological modelling software to compare wastewater flow data for the two monitoring periods. The
modeling approach used wastewater flow rates that occurred during a wide-range of rainfall events,
and therefore, increased the reliability of the model. With this modeling approach, the results could be
processed to determine a statistical once in 10-year recurrence interval of a peak flow event. The
recurrence interval is the likelihood of a given wastewater flow amount, regardless of whether the flow
was influenced by a single rainfall or the combination of many smaller rainfall events. This approach
was used to account for the effects of antecedent conditions (soil moisture, surface water elevations,
etc.) that can affect the base and peak flow associated with I/I.
Section 2: Data Evaluation
This section describes the process and data used to determine which wastewater areas (metersheds)
were used for the analysis. The data sets included hourly wastewater flow measurements recorded by
MCES for twenty communities within the metropolitan region and rainfall measurements from the
National Weather Service and the Minneapolis-St Paul (MSP) airport rain gauge. The twenty sites
were evaluated to determine which had the most complete and useful data sets for this evaluation.
These locations were also evaluated for criteria such as relative amount of I/I mitigation efforts,
presence of MCES facilities in the metershed, and completeness of data for upstream tributaries.
Using these criteria, three metersheds were chosen for analysis and one metershed was selected as
a control. The communities selected for evaluation were Shoreview, Golden Valley, Minneapolis, and
Burnsville (control). For each metershed used in the analysis, the Report identifies the I/I mitigation
activities documented, rainfall and wastewater flow data sets used, and a map of the contributing
area(s).
Section 3: Flow reduction Analysis
This section describes the technical aspects of the analysis and includes the modeling tools, inputs to
the model, calibration techniques, outputs, and the flow reduction results. The Report includes
descriptions of the calibration approach used including model output hydrographs and flow
comparison charts, as well as data gaps and the percent error of results.
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Executive Summary – 2016 Meter Review and Analysis
Page 2 of 4
The measured and predicted wastewater flows were statistically compared to determine the
differences in total flow and I/I flow between the two monitoring periods. If the measured wastewater
flow was less than the model-predicted wastewater flow in the post-rehabilitation period, then there
was a reduction in flow. The I/I flow rate is the difference between the total peak flow and the base
flow. Flow reductions are presented for a 10-year recurrence interval in the table below and in chart
form on the following pages.
Section 4: Summary
This section includes a description of the results which show that there has been a decrease in I/I flow
for each community evaluated – except for the control site – as expected. The flow reductions and
contributing factors are described below;
‐ The most significant reductions occurred at M101 in Minneapolis. The flow reductions were
69% for peak flow and 75% for I/I flow. The measured flow data also indicate the sharp peaks
in flow previously exhibited during rainfall events were not as notable in the post-rehab period.
Minneapolis completed extensive private and public rehabilitation efforts between the
monitoring periods, with emphasis on disconnection of storm water inflow sources.
‐ The flow reductions for M117 in Golden Valley were 24% for peak flow and 28% for I/I flow.
Golden Valley completed private and public rehabilitation efforts between the monitoring
periods, with emphasis on sewer main and service lateral infiltration sources.
‐ The results for M048 in Shoreview indicate that the base flow was reduced by greater
percentages than the peak flow or I/I flow. The flow reductions in were Shoreview were 17%
for peak flow and 11% for I/I flow. Shoreview reported rehabilitation of public infrastructure
between the monitoring periods, with emphasis on sewer main rehabilitation.
‐ The 4% reduction in peak flows at site M501A in Burnsville is likely due to the 6% reduction in
base flow, which is consistent with the regional base flow reduction of roughly 8%. The flows
through M501A included contributions from upstream metersheds in portions of Apple Valley,
Lakeville, and Savage.
This section also includes notes on limitations of data inputs, calibration, and use of results. The
approach used assumed that changes within each community- including mitigation work during the
flow monitoring periods, growth, water conservation, and system degradation- were not considered
and are not expected to have material influence on the results.
Base
Flow
Peak
Flow I/I Flow Base
Flow
Peak
Flow I/I Flow Base
Flow
Peak
Flow I/I Flow
Shoreview
M048 1.5 3.7 2.1 1.2 3.1 1.9 24% 17%11%
Minneapolis
SW M101 13.9 155 140 12.3 47 35 11% 69%75%
Golden Valley
M117 2.3 12.9 10.9 2.2 9.8 7.8 5% 24%28%
Burnsville
M501A 7.8 17.8 9.3 7.4 17.1 9.3 6% 4%0%
Pre-Rehab (mgd) Post-Rehab (mgd) Reduction
Metershed
Results Summary
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Executive Summary – 2016 Meter Review and Analysis
Page 3 of 4
Figure 1: Shoreview (M048) peak hourly flow recurrence intervals
Figure 2: Minneapolis (M101) peak hourly flow recurrence intervals
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Executive Summary – 2016 Meter Review and Analysis
Page 4 of 4
Figure 3: Golden Valley (M117) peak hourly flow recurrence intervals
Figure 4: Burnsville (M501A) peak hourly flow recurrence intervals
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G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: April 20, 2018
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Coordinator
Subject: Solid Waste Baseline Information
In preparation for a community discussion on residential solid waste collection, staff would like to
present information on the City’s current solid waste and recycling programs and engage in a
brief discussion with the Commission.
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PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – April 2018
MN GREENCORPS PROGRAM
Council provided direction to staff to apply for a GreenCorps member in 2018-19. If successful, the focus of this member
would be waste reduction, recycling, and composting/organics management. As in previous years, this member would
present and exchange information with the Commission. The member’s work plan would include the following:
• Establish waste reduction goals for internal City operations.
• Assist the City with research and implementation of potential changes to its garbage and recycling collection and
hauling system that includes a residential source-separated organics collection component
• Plan and host zero-waste City events
• Help City develop its first community garden
• Create a construction and demolition guide (for private projects) and contract specifications (for public projects)
that encourage certain standards or levels of recycling and reuse of building materials and soil/land clearing
debris
WATER RESOURCES
MLRWA Long Term Flood Mitigation Plan -
DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project feasibility study
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission authorized a feasibility study for the DeCola Ponds B and C
Improvement Project. The areas around DeCola Ponds B and C are being considered for expansion of flood storage to
help alleviate a flooding problem within the watershed. The primary benefits of the project include reducing flood
damages to homes and businesses, and improving public safety by reducing flooding on Medicine Lake Road. Additional
benefits include improving water quality, restoring and enhancing vegetation and wildlife habitat, and improving
recreation and park user experience.
A second open house was held on April 11 to present concept plans that were developed with input from partner
agencies and comments received at the fall 2017 open house. Meeting attendees at the second open house were
generally supportive of the project and appreciated the opportunity to comment on the concept plans.
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
Apr 18, 2018
Amy Morgan was hired as the City’s Planning Intern for the spring and summer of 2018. Amy is a Crystal
native and currently a graduate student in planning at the University of Cincinnati.
Meadowbrook School (Major PUD Amendment)—Proposal to add eight classrooms to the north end of the
existing building in order to help relieve existing crowded conditions. Challenges include managing already
heavy traffic at drop-off and pick-up times during the school year. A neighborhood meeting will be held in
the Council Chambers on April 19 at 6:30 pm. Scheduled for the April 9 Planning Commission meeting.
7210 Harold Avenue—Variance from the height and minimum garage width requirements in order to
construct a new home in a Moderate Density Residential (R-2) Zoning District. The applicant originally
requested 5 feet over the maximum height of 28 feet and a garage width of 10% more than the 65%
maximum width of the front façade. The plans were revised after discussion with the BZA at its March 27
meeting and the applicant is now requesting 3.5 feet over the maximum height of 28 feet. Consideration of
the revised request was postponed to the April 24 meeting.
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400 Ardmore Drive—Variance from the rear yard setback in order to construct a screened porch addition.
The applicant requested a reduction of 9 feet in the 25 foot rear yard setback. Approved by the BZA (5-0) at
its March 27 meeting.
8806 Olson Memorial Highway (Conditional Use Permit/Variance)—Conditional Use Permit to establish a
Class III restaurant which would allow stand-up bar service in place of the existing Perkins. The applicants
would renovate the interior to create new seating and bar areas and would construct an outdoor patio
space to the east of the building. A variance of 20 parking spaces off the required 94 spaces was approved
by the Board of Zoning Appeals (4-0-1) at its meeting on March 27. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the CUP (5-1) at its meeting on February 26. The City Council approved the CUP
(5-0) at its meeting on April 17.
7040 Glenwood Avenue (Minor Subdivision/Variances)—Subdivision request to split one lot into three.
The applicant’s proposal would require variances to the lot width and to the side yard setback in order to
preserve the existing home. Staff has been in conversation with Hennepin County about concerns regarding
access onto Glenwood Avenue. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the lot width variance (5-
1) and denial of the subdivision (6-0) at its March 26 meeting. At the City Council meeting on April 17, the
applicant’s representative asked that the proposal be postponed to the May 1 meeting and indicated it will
likely be withdrawn prior to that date.
Douglas Drive Redevelopment Area—Expansion of the Douglas Drive Redevelopment Area taking into
account the withdrawal of the Tennant Campus project. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal at
its March 26 meeting. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority reviewed the proposal at its April 17
meeting. Approved by the City Council (5-0) at its April 17 meeting.
750 Florida Ave (Conditional Use Permit)—Reuse of the former PRISM space for used motor vehicle sales
and auto repair. The Planning Commission recommended approval (4-0) at the April 9 meeting. Scheduled
for the May 1 City Council meeting.
701 Lilac Drive (Major PUD Amendment)—The proposal from Tennant Company would adjust the current
PUD boundary in order to provide space for a relocated Damascus Way outside of the existing PUD. The
Planning Commission recommended approval (4-0) at the April 9 meeting. Scheduled for the May 1 City
Council meeting.
Damascus Way Relocation—The Planning Commission recommended approval (4-0) of a Comprehensive
Plan amendment, a rezoning, and a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the relocation of the Damascus Way
treatment center which is currently located at 5630 Olson Memorial Highway. Scheduled for the May 1 City
Council meeting.
Affordable Housing Update—On May 8, staff will update the City Council on any progress regarding the
City’s efforts to protect Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) and will share information about
housing actions taken by other local communities.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan—At the May 8 meeting, staff will preview the full draft of the Comprehensive
Plan update with the City Council in advance of releasing it to the public and adjacent communities for
review and comment.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Task Force—At the conclusion of the Task Force’s work to develop a
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the City Council approved a request for
the group to continue meeting annually to receive updates on bicycle- and pedestrian-related policies and
improvements. The 2018 meeting of the Task Force has been scheduled for April 18 at 6 pm in the Council
Conference Room.
Global Pointe Senior Living—With construction on this project beginning soon, a neighborhood meeting
will be held in the Council Chambers on April 18 at 6 pm.
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