2018-11-26 EC Minutes GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Minutes
November 26, 2018
Commissioners Present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Lynn Gitelis (arrived 6:50p), Dawn Hill,
Joseph Ramlet, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Staff Present: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor; Drew Chirpich, Environmental
Specialist and Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
Absent: Commissioner Scott Seys
Call to Order
Chair Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Reqular Meetinq Minutes
MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Galonska, and the motion carried unanimously to approve
the minutes of the September 24, 2018 regular meeting.
Recvclin� Tour Summarv
Eckman outlined the main highlights learned from the tour of the Republic Recycling Facility. Some
of these interesting facts included:
• The facility handles 225,000 to 250,000 tons per day and of this amount 150,000 to 175,000
tons are from Golden Valley residents and businesses.
• Plastic bags remain the number one contaminate to the facility.
• Shredded paper is also a hazard to the conveyor belt system. The facility recommends
placing shredded paper in a paper bag and securing the top with one staple.
• 5% of the material that enters the facility cannot be recycled.
• The facility accepts plastics numbered 1-7 but there is no market at this time for numbers 3, 4,
6 & 7.
Solid Waste Panel Discussion
The Solid Waste Forum drew a large crowd filling the Council Chambers to maximum capacity as well
as a large number of people (94) viewed the event online. Feedback from the Commissioners on the
solid waste hauling forum included:
• Requested a color coded map of Golden Valley to show the areas that the various haulers
service.
• Requested metrics on what the community produces for solid waste and also hauler licensing
reports. �
• The City should have a Zero Waste Goal and hold Zero Waste Events.
• They would like to stay informed on how other cities handle their organics.
• It was noted that the community could learn from Sweden's non-toxic emissions incinerator.
GreenStep Cities — Step 4 Metrics —Transportation and Fleet
After a brief discussion of Step 4 core topics: Transportation Modes and Miles along with City Fleets
and optional topics: Infrastructure for Biking and Walking plus Car, Transit, and Bike Options led by
Drew Chirpich, the Commission made the following motion.
MOVED by Gitelis, SECONDED by Yahle and the motion carried unanimously to approve the
Performance Metrics entry for Step 4 Transportation and Fleet along with the optional topics
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
November 26, 2018
Page 2 of 2
Commission Sponsored Workshop
Chirpich discussed the outcome of the recent Turf Alternatives Workshop which was sponsored by
the Commission and held at Brookview. It was offered to the public free of charge. 50 people
registered to attend but they did not all show up. It was suggested that maybe next time a fee of$15
- $25 should be charged to ensure that those who sign up will attend. Commission members who did
attend felt it was a good workshop with lots of valuable information. Metro Blooms has workshops
that cover "Healthy Soils" and "Resilient Yards" which would be suitable for next year's workshop if
the Commission chose to host another one. The cost of$2,250 for the workshop also covered the
2018 Blue Thumb Partner fee of$750. Staff was asked to look into getting a copy of the presentation
to either be shown on the City website or just for Commission member viewing.
Review 2018 Work Plan
1. GreenStep Cities Step 4 metrics
2. Guide and give feedback on solid waste collection discussion
3. Assist in the preparation of the curbside recycling contract for 2019
4. Utilize Commission's budget of$3,500
5. Create a City-wide pollinator policy
6. Rem�'ove zoning and land use barriers for producing local food
7. Assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan
The Commission has completed items 2, 3, 4 and 7. They will continue work on GreenStep Cities
Step 4 as well as begin work on items 5 & 6. The goal is to have most items completed by May 1,
2019.
Proqram/Proiect Updates
DeCola Ponds B and C Project was briefly discussed. Regarding the topic of tree removal, Eckman
stated the plans include removal of trees and vegetation in the Dover Hill easement area and the
north portion of Pennsylvania Woods in order to create more flood storage and reduce flooding of
homes and businesses in the surrounding area. The concept plan selected by the watershed
balances flood storage creation with tree preservation to best meet the needs of all stakeholders in
the area.
Other Business
The League of Women Voters will be drafting a report on Solid Waste. It was suggested that the
Commission get of copy of the report upon its completion.
MOVED by Stremel, SECONDED by Anderson and the motion carried with one abstain to
cancel the Commissions regular scheduled meeting on December 17, 2018 due to lack of
sufficient material and preparation time.
Adiourn
MOVED by Gitelis, SECONDED by Yahle, and the motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:28
pm.
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Claire Huisman
Administrative Assistant
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