2018-09-24 EC Minutes GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
, September 24, 2018
Commissioners Present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Lynn Gitelis, Dawn Hill, Joseph Ramlet,
Scott Seys, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor; Marc Nevinski, Physical
Development Director; Tim Teynor, Assistant City Forester; Drew Chirpich,
Environmental Specialist and Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
Absent: None
Call to Order
Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Reqular Meetins� Minutes
MOVED by Galonska, SECONDED by Seys, and the motion carried unanimously to approve
the minutes of the August 27, 2018 regular meeting.
Solid Waste and Recvclina Discussion
Marc Nevinski, gave a brief presentation on the City's renewed recycling contract with Republic
Services. The new three year contract reflects the recent drop in recyclable commodity values and
will now include a processing fee along with the collection fee. It includes a 50/50 revenue share
should commodity values rebound along with the option to negotiate curbside organics at any time
within the contract period. Total rates will go from the present monthly per household fee of$2.84 to
$3.87 by 2021.
The Waste Collection Forum will be at City Hall on October 29, 2018. The panel will include a
facilitator; representatives from Waste Management and Ace Solid Waste; representatives from the
Cities of St. Anthony, Big Lake, and St Louis Park. After hearing presentations, residents will be able
to ask questions and voice their concerns. This event will be recorded.
Concerning Lime Bikes, Nevinski stated that the pilot program hasn't been a huge success but still
not a failure either. The City has approximately 50 bikes which Lime Bike is planning on leaving out
all winter. Lime Bike follows state statute on bike operation and placement.
Emerald Ash Borer Manaqement
Tim Teynor, discussed the recent finding of the Emerald Ash Borer in an ash tree in Golden Valley's
Stockman Park. He talked about the City's EAB Management Plan and the variety of trees to be
planted after the ash trees are removed over the span of the next two decades.
GreenStep Cities — Step 4— Land Use
After a brief discussion of Step 4 core topic Land Use led by Drew Chirpich, the Commission made
the following motion.
MOVED by Gitelis, SECONDED by Stremel and the motion carried unanimously to approve the
Performance Metrics entry for Step 4 Land Use with the amended entry for 7.1 into the
GreenSteps Cities website at the time when all core topic areas and optional topic areas are
completed.
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Minutes of the Environmental Commission
September 24, 2018
Page 2 of 2
Commission Sponsored Workshop
Chirpich told of the upcoming workshop, which is the first one sponsored by the Environmental
Commission and addresses the topic "sustainable yards and gardens" chosen as part of the
Commission's 2018 work plan. This workshop on Low Maintenance Lawn/Turf Alternatives will be
held at Brookview Community Center on October 16, 2018 and will be hosted by Metro Blooms.
They will discuss alternative lawn species that require less input and maintenance than traditional
Kentucky bluegrass and are more drought tolerant.
Participation in Closed Social Media Groups
Memo from the City's Attorney, Maria Cisneros, was briefly discussed regarding the "Open Meeting
Law" and how it pertains to Commission members engaging in social media. In summary, the "Open
Meeting Law" states that as long as social media groups are open to the general public, council
members and commissioners may participate in the groups without violating the Law. The full memo
is on file.
Proaram/Pro�ect Updates
Highlighted points: City's development of Goose and Turkey Management Plans; City's installation of
a dual-charging station for electric vehicles; Three Rivers Park District creating a 2040 System Plan
and asking the public to participate in an online survey; Republic Services Facility Tour for EC
members. The complete Program/Project Update is on file.
Other Business
MOVED by Ramlet, SECONDED by Galonska and the motion carried unanimously to cancel
the October 22, 2018 Environmental Commission meeting and replace it with a tour of
Republic Services Recycling Facility to be finalized by city staff.
Ad�ourn
MOVED by Anderson, SECONDED by Yahle, and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at
8:09 pm.
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Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant
G:\Environmental Commission\Minutes�2018\9-September�09-24-18 EC Minutes.doc