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2018-04-23 EC Minutes GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting, Minutes April 23, 2018 Commissioners Present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Larry Johnson, Joseph Ramlet, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle Staff Present: Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director; Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor; Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant Absent: Commissioner Lynn Gitelis Call to Order Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Approval of Reqular Meetina Minutes MOVED by Anderson, SECONDED by Galonska, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2018 regular meeting. A farewell was given to Commissioner Larry Johnson for his many years of service to the Environmental Commission. He will be resigning from the Commission after tonight's meeting. Solid Waste Baseline Information Marc Nevinski shared with the Commission the presentation he gave to the Council on April 10th regarding organized solid waste collection. The discussion looked at the current status of Golden Valley's solid waste and recycling programs, recent survey results, what other communities are doing, and goals for Council to consider. The goals and values suggested by Council include: options and flexibility; cost neutral; reduce number of trucks; retain choice; make services affordable; single day pick-up; environment. During the presentation Commissioners provided the following comments and questions: • Is there a cap on the number of haulers? • How do you know if a resident does not have trash service? • What is the recycling arrangement with Plymouth and Minnetonka? • Is organics considered recycling? • Is organics cheaper than solid waste? • Does any hauler besides Randy's provide organics collection? • Does Randy's partner with competitors to provide blue bag program? • Friday seems to be "pick-up day" in Golden Valley based on observations Nevinski asked the Commission to think about the following questions and provide feedback to staff: 1. What do you hear from Golden Valley residents about trash hauling? 2. How might residents be engaged in this conversation about trash hauling? 3. What data should be gathered or questions answered that have not been? G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2018\4-April\04-23-18 EC Minutes.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission April 23, 2018 Page 2 of 3 Annual Report and Work Plan Eckman presented and discussed with the Commission the 2017 Annual Report and the 2018 Work Plan which will be presented to the Council on May 8th. The annual report highlighted the Commissions major accomplishments which included: • GreenStep Cities Program progress and recognition; • Completion of the City's Resilience and Sustainability Plan by the Commission along with their contribution and input on other chapters in the City's Comprehensive Plan; • Budget approval from the Council to host a community event and/or workshop for this year's topic, Sustainable Yards and Gardens (using less chemicals); • Review and assist the City with its Environmental Projects through the Commissions monthly Program and Projects Updates from various city departments. The 2018 Work Plan included the following: • Continue to work on Step 4 of the GreenStep Cities Program; • Help guide and give feedback on the City's community conversation on solid waste collection; • Assist in the preparation of the curbside recycling contract for 2019; • Utilize its $3,500 budget to host an educational workshop; • Create a City-wide pollinator policy; • Remove barriers in the zoning code for producing local food (Vertical Greenhouses/Urban Farming); • Continue to assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan. MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Yahle and the motion carried unanimously to approve the 2018 Work Plan and its presentation to the City Council on May 8tn. GreenStep Cities Step 4 —Wastewater After discussion of Step 4 core topic Wastewater and review of the 2016 Metropolitan Council Inflow and Infiltration report, the Commission made the following motion. MOVED by Ramlet, SECONDED by Galonska and the motion carried unanimously to approve the entry for Step 4 Wastewater into the GreenSteps Cities website. Proqram/Proiect Updates The complete Program/Project Update is on file. Eckman discussed the city's application for a GreenCorps member whose main focus would be to assist the City in waste reduction, recycling and composting/organics management. He also gave an update on the DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project. Chair Hill gave a brief update on the Bike Ped Task Force. Other Business Joseph Ramlet spoke about attending a youth event at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 25th. He will not be at the June Commission meeting due to summer work with the MN G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes\2018\4-April\04-23-18 EC Minutes.doc Minutes of the Environmental Commission April 23, 2018 Page3of3 Conservation Corp. He also mentioned that he participated in a video promoting student involvement which can be accessed through the Hopkins School website. Eckman mentioned that a new Commission member will be appointed in May as well as the yearly election for Chair and Vice-Chair. The current Chair and Vice-Chair are eligible to serve another year. The Commission will go through a "new member" orientation with reminders on open meeting laws, etc. Chair Hill asked for guidelines on what the Commissioners can and can't do when involved in elections and campaigning. Adiourn MOVED by Galonska, SECONDED by Anderson, and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 pm. ���� ���� Claire Huisman Administrative Assistant G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2018\4-April\04-23-18 EC Minutes.doc