2019-08-26 EC Agenda Packet
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of July 22, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
5. Old Business
6. New Business
A. Discuss Model Waste Hauling Ordinance (45 min)
B. GreenStep Cities Step 5, Transportation Modes and Miles 6.1 (10 min)
C. Potential Pollinator Habitat (15 min)
D. Program/Project Updates (10 min)
E. Council Updates (5 min)
F. Other Business
7. Adjournment
August 26, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Hill.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Tracy Anderson, Dawn Hill, Joseph Ramlet, Scott Seys, Jim Stremel and Debra
Yahle
Commissioners absent: Tonia Galonska and Lynn Gitelis
Staff present: Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director; Eric Eckman, Development
and Assets Supervisor; and Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Stremel to approve the agenda of July 22,
2019 with the following change: move item 6A discussion to just after item 4, and the motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Ramlet to approve the minutes of May
20, 2019 as submitted and the motion carried.
6A. Solid Waste Licensing Requirements & Waste Hauling Matrix
Marc Nevinski presented the solid waste licensing update along with the waste hauling matrix. The
discussion for ordinance modifications included the following items.
1. To ensure that residents have options for the type and level of waste disposal services they desire,
the following items were presented for Commission feedback on hauler licensing requirements.
• What is the right number of licenses for Golden Valley? (The Commission requested more
data on how many haulers are licensed in other cities similar in size to Golden Valley to
determine the ideal number of haulers for our City which might be 3-5. If the City puts a
limit on the number of haulers, then that may prevent the City from getting a hauler that
provides organic pick-up if the City is at its limit of haulers.)
• Hauler should provide and offer basic standards and services.
• Provide service for residents with mobility limitations.
• Provide yard waste option, Christmas tree pick up, bulk item pick-up and organics. (Organics
discussion will be put on hold for a few months to allow staff to research best options for
the City and its residents.)
• Offer bi-weekly or weekly services.
July 22, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
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2. To establish waste disposal practices that improve environmental outcomes, options to consider
included:
• To minimize fossil fuel emissions, City may require use of only CNG/LP fueled trucks and or
have a minimum fuel efficiency standard for trucks. (It was suggested to use broader
language as to not limit the type of trucks to just CNG/LP since something more efficient
may come along. This requirement may also drive out smaller haulers.)
• To promote route planning efficiency, City may require haulers to map address and route
information.
• To prioritize drop off and tipping facilities for haulers, City may require receipts for tipping.
• To increase knowledge of operations, City may require reporting of collection data, etc.
3. Items considered to establish standards for waste collection included:
• Licensing requirements would include: increase licensing fee and insurance standards;
provide route information and mapping; require vehicle standards, cameras & DOT inspection
records.
• Limit collection days or assign haulers to specific days
• Require rear loading trucks (This was not seen as feasible by the Commission due to labor
costs and safety issues.)
• Require minimum number of axels per truck
4. To avoid significant operational or capital cost increases to the city and residents, the city may
require the following:
• Hauler would provide detailed rates and fees along with their tipping and disposal fees.
(These should be kept up to date on the City website. Hauler could not charge more to a
resident without providing the cost increase to the City beforehand.)
• City would provide minimum standard requirements and enforce penalties for actions that
pose a threat to infrastructure, human safety and environmental health through
administrative citations.
5. To increase understanding of the waste disposal process, the City would require the following:
• Reporting of issues log from the hauler and request timeline for responding to their
customers.
• Set quarterly to annual meetings with the licensed haulers.
• Provide data on the participation rate of the haulers customers.
• Haulers should provide customer education by: offering facility tours; providing do’s and
don’ts labels on containers; provide information on why loads may be rejected by facilities.
(Commissioners agreed with requiring reference stickers on containers, including more
information on the bills regarding the fee structure and to receive from hauler what is
problem trash.)
A draft ordinance will be presented to the Commission at their August meeting.
Marc Nevinski left the meeting at 7:40p.
5A. GreenStep Cities – Step 5 – 5.1 Transportation Modes and Miles
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the Performance Metrics
entry for Step 5 – 5.1 Transportation Modes and Miles into the GreenStep Cities website at the time
when all core topic areas and optional topic areas are completed and the motion carried.
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5B. Review Commission Bylaws
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the changes to the
Bylaws as presented along with additional typographical corrections and the motion carried. Corrections
included: removing capitalization of the words at the beginning of bullet points five and six under Article
I and adding the word “be” under Article II, item “A”, third sentence….” Youth members shall live or
attend school within Golden Valley and be enrolled in school grades 9 through 12.”
It was requested for the Commission to receive a red lined version of the Bylaws from the old form to
the new form.
6B. Program/Projects Update
The complete Program/Project Update is on file.
Topics briefly discussed included:
• Reaching out and resolving issues with property owners who have encroachments into the City
nature areas as part of the Bassett Creek Nature Area Restoration Project.
• Downtown Study along with a demonstration project near City Hall that would connect the Luce
Line Regional Trail with the downtown. This is still under discussion with Hennepin County.
• DeCola Ponds Project. Question was asked if the City was creating too much flood storage since
the reservoirs now don’t seem to contain water even after a large quantity of rain. It was stated
that the flood storage is in preparation of the 100-year flood which will require a large flood
storage area.
6C. Council Updates - None
6D. Other Business
Commissioner Anderson presented pictures of large amounts of grass clippings in the street as well as
clogged storm drains from yard waste. This was mainly due to the new sod from the PMP area. She
suggested sending out information to remind residents on how to take care of their new sod and not to
blow the clippings into the street. Eckman said to also let City staff know as soon as possible when
problem areas arise and letters can be sent to the resident.
Chair Seys reminded everyone of the Tobacco Sales Forum being held at Brookview on August 5th from
6p-8p.
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm and
the motion carried.
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
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Date: August 23, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director
Subject: Discussion of Waste Collection Ordinance Modifications
Using the five goals Council identified for waste collection in 2018, at its July meeting the
Environmental Commission reviewed a matrix to identify potential modifications to the City’s
waste collection ordinance. Based on the Commission’s comments and feedback, staff has
prepared a draft ordinance for the Commission to review. Key points include:
• Updates to definitions
• Categorize licenses into Commercial and Residential
• Limit number of Residential licenses to four
• Requirement to obtain a minimum percentage of market share over three year period
• Licensing requirements to be determined by the City Manager
• Various requirements for trucks – minimum axels, safety cameras, fuel type
• Limit collection to Fridays only
• Reporting requirement
• Enforcement process
• Licensing fees to include a base amount plus a fee per licensed vehicle. The fees will be
established in the City’s annual fee ordinance.
The commission raised a number of other questions at its July meeting regarding waste hauling.
Those are addressed below.
Organics
As discussed at the July meeting, Organics Collection will be considered separately this fall.
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Fees
Below is a sample of fees charged by other communities to license haulers.
Ratio of Licenses to Residents
At the July meeting, the Commission asked about the ratio of licenses to population. Staff
surveyed the following cities:
City Population # of Licensed Haulers (residential)
Ratio (1 license per X
population)
Anoka* 17,400 8 2175
Eden Prairie 63,914 6 10652
Plymouth 77,216 8 9652
Minnetonka 52,369 6 8728
New Hope 20,877 6 3480
Crystal 23,028 6 3838
Brooklyn Park 79,707 7 11387
Brooklyn Center 30,870 6 5145
St. Michael 17,295 6 2883
Golden Valley 21,367 8 2672
Average 6438
*Anoka’s ordinance calls for three licenses for residential hauling.
Schedule
The schedule for the ordinance modification continues to be as follows:
June EC reviews concepts for ordinance modifications and provides comments.
July EC reviews refined concepts and provides additional comments.
August EC reviews concept ordinance.
September Stakeholder engagement and update to EC.
October Council discusses draft ordinance and stakeholder feedback
November Council considers adoption of ordinance modifications.
April 1 2020 Licenses issued under modified ordinance.
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ARTICLE VII. SOLID WASTE AND RECYLABLES COLLECTION
Sec. 16-XXX - Intent.
It is the intent of the City Council to establish a system for the orderly and regular collection of MSW,
Recyclables, Bulky Waste, SSOM and Yard Wastes in the City; to ensure that the disposal of the material
shall be accomplished in a sanitary manner; that the health of the residents of the City shall be properly
safeguarded, and to further ensure that the City shall be in compliance with all laws relating to the
disposal of Recyclables and other wastes. It is the goal of the City to encourage universal participation of
residents in the City’s recycling programs, and to reduce to the maximum extent practicable, the
production and disposal of non-recyclable waste.
The City Manager or their designee shall have the authority to develop Solid Waste Management
Standards concerning days of collection, type and location of waste containers and other matters as they
deem necessary to provide for the safe, orderly and cost-efficient preparation, storage, collection and
disposal of all waste materials covered in this ordinance. These standards shall not be contrary to this
ordinance.
Sec. 16-XXX- Definitions.
As used in this Article, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the following meanings, except
where the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Bulky Waste. Bulky Waste shall have the meaning set forth in State Statute and is a subset of
Municipal Solid Waste. In this Ordinance Bulky Wastes includes household items and other discarded
materials that, due to their dimensions and weight, are typically not collected as part of the regular
trash and Recycling or for which there may be a separate fee, such as furniture, carpeting, and
mattresses, and appliances including electronic devices.
Commercial Establishment. "Commercial Establishment" shall mean any premises upon which a
commercial or industrial enterprise of any kind is carried on, including restaurants, clubs, and churches
and, for purposes of Solid Waste licensing, Multiple Unit Residential Dwellings.
County. "County" shall mean County of Hennepin, Minnesota.
Hazardous Wastes. Hazardous Wastes are defined in State Statute. Wastes are hazardous in
Minnesota when they display one or more by all Collectors of these characteristics: Ignitable, Oxidizer,
Corrosive, Reactive, Toxic, or Lethal.
Mixed Municipal Solid Waste. (MSW) "Mixed Municipal Solid Waste" has the meaning set forth in
Minnesota Statutes and means garbage, refuse, rubbish, trash, and other Solid Waste from
Residential, commercial, industrial, and community activities, that the generator of the waste
aggregates for collection. MSW does not include auto hulks, street sweepings, ash, construction
debris, mining waste, sludges, tree and agricultural wastes, tires, lead acid batteries, motor and vehicle
fluids and filters, and other materials collected, processed, and disposed of as separate waste streams.
Multiple Unit Residential Dwelling. "Multiple Unit Residential Dwelling" shall mean any building
consisting of more than four Residential Dwelling units, each with individual kitchen facilities.
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Recycling. Recycling shall have the definition in Minnesota Statutes, and shall mean the process of
collecting and preparing Recyclable materials and reusing the materials in their original form or using
them in manufacturing processes that do not cause the destruction of Recyclable materials in a
manner that precludes further use.
Recyclables. "Recyclables" shall have the meaning set forth in Minnesota Statutes and means materials
that are separated from Mixed municipal Solid Waste for the purpose of Recycling or composting,
including paper, glass, plastics, metals, automobile oil, batteries, and source-separated compostable
materials and all material hereafter designated as Recyclable by the City’s Solid Waste Standards..
Residential Dwelling. "Residential Dwelling" shall mean any single building consisting of up to four (4)
Residential Dwelling units, having individual kitchen facilities for each unit.
Solid Waste. “Solid Waste” has the meaning set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 116.06, but is
further defined for purposes of this ordinance to include MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Waste, Yard Waste,
SSOM and litter.
Source Separated Organic Materials (SSOM). Source Separated Organic Materials shall have the
meaning set forth in State Statute, and shall include food waste and other compostable organic
materials that are source separated for recovery. The term
“Organics” does not include Yard Waste for purposes of this Ordinance. (Also referred to as “food
waste/organics” and “source separated organics.”)
Yard Waste. "Yard Waste" shall mean garden wastes, leaves, lawn cuttings, weeds, shrubs, and tree
waste and pruning.
Sec. 16-XXX - Disposal Regulations.
a) Collection Required.
(1) Residential Dwelling Collection. Every Residential Dwelling, either directly or through the
owner of a multifamily dwelling unit, shall:
a) have a contract for at least bi-weekly collection of MSW with a hauler licensed by the City;
or
b) apply for and receive a waiver of the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(a) of this section by
showing evidence of the use of an environmentally sound alternative for garbage or refuse
collection.
(2) Commercial Collection. Each owner or manager of a Commercial Establishment shall:
a) Have a contract for at least weekly, and as often as once each business day if necessary to
protect the public health, safety, and general welfare, for collection of garbage and refuse
with a hauler licensed by the City; or
b) Apply for and receive a waiver of the requirement in subsection (a)(2)(a) of this section by
showing evidence of the use of an environmentally sound alternative for garbage or refuse
collection.
b) Disposal. Solid Wastes shall be handled and disposed in accordance with the following provisions:
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(1) Solid Waste may be disposed of by contracting with a licensed private collector to haul the
Solid Waste to a State licensed and/or County-approved processing or disposal site.
(2) Solid Waste may be disposed of by transporting Solid Waste to a County-approved processing
or disposal site in person.
(3) No person shall permit MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Waste, SSOM or Yard Wastes to be moved
from property owned or occupied by the person by any unauthorized or unlicensed collector.
(4) No licensed collector shall dispose of MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Wastes, SSOM or Yard Wastes
in any manner except as provided in this Section.
c) Unlawful Accumulation Prohibited. No person shall allow MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Waste, SSOM
or Yard Wastes to accumulate upon property owned or occupied by any such person; or fail to
dispose thereof in a manner meeting the provisions of this Section.
d) Burning or burying prohibited. No person shall burn or bury any MSW, Recyclables or other waste
materials within the City, unless expressly licensed for that activity.
e) Littering Prohibited. No person shall discharge or dispose of MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Waste,
SSOM, Yard Wastes, or Hazardous Wastes in any street, alley, drive, park, playground or other
public place, or upon privately owned property.
f) Scattering Prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to, and no licensed collector shall, permit or
allow any of the employees of such collector to cast, spill, place, sweep, or deposit anywhere
within the City any MSW, Recyclabes, Bulky Wastes, SSOM, Waste and Yard Wastes in such a
manner that it may be carried or deposited by the elements upon any street, sidewalk, alley,
sewer, parkway or other public place, or into any other premises within the City.
g) Scavenging Prohibited. No person shall scavenge or otherwise collect MSW, Recyclables, Bulky
Waste, SSOM or Yard Wastes from containers or from public or private property unless licensed
therefore by the City or unless permission of the owner of any such materials has been given.
Sec. 16-XXX. - Waste Hauling.
(a) License Required. No person, firm or corporation, except City employees, shall collect MSW,
Recyclables, Bulky Waste, SSOM or Yard Waste belonging to another person in the City without a
license from the City.
(b) Classification and Number of Licenses. The following classes of licenses shall be issued by the City
Council:
(1) Residential License. A Residential license shall allow collection of all MSW, Recyclables, Bulky
Wastes, SSOM, Waste and Yard Wastes from any Residential Dwelling within the City.
(a) The number of Residential licenses under this section shall be capped at the number in
place on January 1, 2020; any decrease in the number of licenses that occurs after January
1, 2020 due to attrition will decrease the number of available licenses to that extent until
the number of available Residential licenses reaches 4.
(b) In order to renew a Residential license, the licensee must.
i. Demonstrate no lapse in the license period, including suspension or revocation
during the last 12-month period.
ii. Submit to the City a list of all active accounts.
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iii. Demonstrate that the licensee has not increased the number of trucks over the
amount listed in the previous year’s license.
iv. Meet all City, county, state and federal laws related to Solid Waste disposal.
v. Submit a complete annual application renewal form, along with all required
attachments, documents, information and payment, on or before the due date.
Incomplete applications will be returned to the Licensee but may be resubmitted
with the missing information, provided they are resubmitted by the due date.
Failure to submit a complete renewal application package by the due date shall be
cause to deny the renewal.
vi. Demonstrate that the licensee has at least fifteen percent (15%) of the total active
Residential accounts in the City to renew in 2020, at least twenty percent (20%) of
the active Residential accounts to renew in 2021, and at least 25 percent (25%) of
the total active Residential accounts to renew in 2022.
(2) Commercial License. A Commercial license shall allow collection of MSW, Recyclabes, Bulky
Wastes, SSOM, Waste and Yard Wastes from any Commercial Establishment within the City.
(c) Required Services.
(1) Residential licensees shall furnish a full class of residential services for pickup of:
(a) 30 / 60 / 90 Gallon Service rates for MSW
(b) Valet Service
(c) Yard waste
(d) Weekly or Biweekly Pick up
(e) Bulk items
(f) Christmas Tree pick up
(g) Cart fees – Drop off/Pick up
(2) Commercial licensees shall furnish collection of MSW, Recyclabes, Bulky Wastes, SSOM, Waste
or Yard Wastes.
(d) Additional License Requirements. All Residential and Commercial licensees must meet the
following requirements:
(1) Licensees shall offer separate durable yard waste containers.
(2) Licensees shall offer solid waste and yard waste containers that are not easily corrodible or
combustible and which are made from at least 50% post-consumer recycled material.
(3) Licensees must haul yard waste from at least April 1 to November 15, and as otherwise
designated by the City Manager or their designee.
(4) To accommodate the needs of the physically disabled and challenged, and to promote the
health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City, licensees shall provide valet
service among their contract options.
(5) Licensees shall be available for at least one composition analysis/sort per year.
(6) When a licensee deems any material unacceptable for pickup, the licensee shall tag the
rejected material and provide, in writing, the date rejected and a specific reason for refusal).
(7) Licensees shall comply with all local, state and federal rules, laws and ordinances related to
solid waste disposal. All MSW, Recyclabes, Bulky Wastes, SSOM, Waste and Yard Wastes shall
be disposed of only at places specifically authorized by the State Pollution Control Agency and
the County Board and in compliance with section 16.XXX(b) of this Article.
(e) Days and Hours of Collection. Collection of MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Wastes, SSOM, Waste and
Yard Wastes shall be limited to the following days and hours:
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(a) Residential and Multiple Dwelling Districts. Collection of MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Wastes,
SSOM, Waste and Yard Wastes in a residential or multiple dwelling zone shall occur only on
Fridays between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
(b) All Other Zoning Districts. Collection of MSW, Recyclables, Bulky Wastes, SSOM, Waste and
Yard Wastes in all zoning districts other than residential or multiple dwelling zones shall be
occur only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(c) Special Collection Permit. In the event of an emergency, the licensee may apply to the City
Manager for a special permit to collect materials at a time or times other than those specified
in this section. No such special permit shall extend for a period of more than 14 days from
date of its issuance.
(f) Vehicles.
(1) Vehicles used to collect and transport garbage over the streets and alleys of the City shall have
a fully enclosed metal body which is tightly sealed and properly maintained, and operated to
prevent offensive odors escaping therefrom, and solids or liquids from leaking, spilling,
dropping, or blowing from the vehicle.
(2) Vehicles used to collect and transport refuse over the streets and alleys of the City shall
completely contain said refuse in a tightly sealed unit, to prevent the refuse, solid or liquid,
from leaking, spilling, dropping, or blowing from the vehicle.
(3) Vehicles must be kept in good repair and in clean and sanitary condition and are subject to
periodic inspection by the City. Vehicles shall be equipped with brooms and shovels for use in
sweeping up all garbage, recyclables, yard wastes and refuse spilled during collection or
hauling thereof.
(4) Vehicles shall contain spill kits capable of absorbing and containing any fuel or hydraulic fluid
spills. All spill incidents shall be reported to the City the day of the incident, with location and
time of spill, type of spill, and measures used to clean up the spill.
(5) No hauler shall operate a truck on any residential street when the weight of the truck exceeds
7 tons per axel.
(6) All trucks licensed in the City must include dual rear axles and plus a drop axel to disperse
additional loads.
(7) Each truck operated within the City must be fueled by compressed natural gas or another
quiet and low emissions fuel source.
(8) A current DOT inspections sticker must be affixed to each truck licensed and operated within
the City.
(9) Vehicles must be outfitted with backup cameras and outward facing and driver facing cameras
to ensure safe operation of the truck.
Sec. 16.XXX - Applications and Licenses; Procedure and Administration
(a) Application. Any person desiring a Residential collector license from the City shall file an
application on forms provided by the City at least 60 days prior to the projected effective date. The
applicant shall pay to the City Clerk a license fee established by the City Council, which fee shall
accompany the application.
(1) Form. Every application for a license issued under this Article shall be on a form provided by
the City. The application shall state at a minimum:
(a) The name of the business
(b) The owner's name
(c) The number of vehicles to be used in the City
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(d) A description of the vehicles as to physical characteristics, year and name of manufacturer,
and acknowledgement that vehicles contains the requirements set forth in Sec 16-____.
(e) A statement that the person making application has paid all license fees and taxes
required therefor
(f) The number and address of customers served as of Jan 1 of the current year,
(g) A map of collection routes, including the number of accounts in each route, and when
each address is serviced
(h) A schedule of charges for the following required services:
i. 30 / 60 / 90 Gallon Service rates for MSW
ii. Valet Service
iii. Yard waste
iv. Weekly or Biweekly Pick up
v. Bulk items
vi. Christmas Tree pick up
vii. Cart fees – Drop off/Pick up
viii. Taxes and fees
(i) The location of proposed dumping area
(j) Submission of most current DOT inspections records for each vehicle to be licensed
within the City.
(k) The telephone number, email, and addresses where the applicant can be conveniently
reached
(2) Financial Responsibility. Applicants shall submit at the time of license application proof that
the applicant has public liability insurance in the amount of at least $2,000,000.00 for injuries,
including accidental death, to any one person and in an amount not less than $500,000.00 on
account of one accident, and property damage insurance in an amount of not less than
$500,000.00. In addition, the applicant shall provide proof that applicant has obtained
worker's compensation insurance in compliance with the laws of the State.
(3) Reporting. Applicants shall submit at the time of license application the following information
from the prior calendar year:
(a) Tonnage of MSW collected
(b) Drop off locations
(c) Tipping and disposal costs
(d) Special collections made
(e) Customer incident or complaint log
(f) Safety and Environmental incidents
(g) Route collection map
(h) Number of accounts in GV by route
(i) Number and type of service levels provided
(j) And other information as the City may require from time to time
(b) Action. Upon receipt of a completed application, the City Clerk shall forward the application to the
City Council for action at its next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. If the City Clerk
determines that an application is incomplete, they shall return the application to the applicant
with notice of the information necessary to make the application complete. The City Council may
either approve or deny the application for a license, or it may delay action for a reasonable period
of time as necessary to complete any investigation of the application or the applicant it deems
necessary. If the City Council approves the license, the City Clerk shall issue the license to the
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applicant. If the City Council denies the license, notice of the denial shall be given to the applicant
along with notice of the applicant's right to appeal the City Council's decision.
(c) Renewals. The renewal of a license issued under this article shall be handled in the same manner
as the original application. The request for a renewal shall be made at least 30 days but no more
than 60 days before the expiration of the current license.
(d) Transfer. Licenses are non-transferable, except where an existing licensee undergoes
incorporation, or a sale or merger with another existing licensed collector operating within the
City, so long as the interest in the incorporating or acquiring licensee remains unchanged.
(e) Issuance as Privilege and Not a Right. The issuance of a license issued under this article is a privilege
and does not entitle the license holder to automatic renewal of the license. Licensing of haulers by
the City shall not preclude the City from contracting with a hauler for the exclusive pickup of
residential garbage, recyclables, yard waste, and refuse for the City.
(f) False Statements. It is unlawful for any applicant to intentionally make a false statement or
omission upon any application form. Any false statement in such application, or any willful
omission of any information called for on such application form, shall work an automatic refusal
of license, or if already issued, shall render any license issued pursuant thereto void and of no
effect to protect the applicant from prosecution for violation of this chapter, or any part
thereof.
(g) Term of License. No license issued hereunder shall be for a longer period than one year, and all
licenses shall expire on April 1 of each year.
(h) Revocation and Suspension of License. Any license issued hereunder may be revoked or
suspended by the Council if false statements have been made in the application and may be
revoked upon failure of a licensee to comply with the requirements of the provisions of the City
Code.
Sec. 16-XXX. - Recycling Program.
The City shall maintain a recycling program designed to reduce the amount of solid waste generated
within the City for disposal. Reports providing information on generation, collection and disposal MSW,
Recyclables, Bulky Wastes, SSOM, Waste and Yard Wastes within the City shall be submitted to the County
as prescribed by its Department of Environment and Energy. The City Manager or their designee shall
establish administrative program guidelines for each program and fees shall be established by resolution
of the Council. Elements of the recycling program shall consist of:
(a) Curbside Recycling. The City shall contract for curbside recycling to all single- and multiple-family
residences of four units or less. Cost of said program will be billed on a quarterly basis to all such
property owners, based on the cost of providing the service less any subsidy provided by the
County.
(b) Commercial and Institutional Recycling. Commercial and institutional entities within the City shall
contract, through a licenses private hauler or the City, for recycling for a minimum of every other
week collection, the cost of which shall be paid by said commercial or institutional entity.
(c) Multifamily Recycling. Owners of multifamily dwellings containing more than four dwelling units
shall provide a recycling collection service, through a licensed private hauler or the City, for their
residents with a designated on-site collection area. Owners shall contract for a minimum of every
other week collection of the recyclables from the on-site collection area, the cost of which shall be
paid by the multifamily dwelling owner. Such collection shall include, at a minimum, all materials
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collected in the City's curbside recycling program maintained in accordance with this article and
shall meet applicable County requirements.
(d) Special Collection and Drop-Off Programs. Licensed residential haulers operating within the City
shall provide yard waste and woody yard waste pick-up in the spring and fall as part of their
collection service. The City may from time to time collect or provide drop-off sites for yard waste
or recyclables.
Sec. 16.XXX – Enforcement.
The City Manager or their designee shall enforce the provisions of this article. The City shall have the right
to enforce this ordinance through all means available under law, including administrative citations,
suspension or revocation of a license, or criminal prosecution. Any such enforcement action by the City
shall be grounds for the City to deny renewal of future license applications.
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Date: August 16, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: GreenStep Cities Step 5 Metrics 6.1
The City is working toward Step 5 in the GreenStep Cities Program, which involves improvement
upon metrics measurements in seven core topic areas and five optional topic areas.
Improvements within these topic areas will help the community reduce energy and carbon
emissions, save money, and increase resilience to short and long term shocks and stressors.
Core topic areas
• Transportation Modes and
Miles
• Open Space, Parks, and Trees
• Stormwater
• Wastewater
• City Buildings and Lighting
• Renewable Energy
• Land Use
Optional topic areas
• City Fleets
• Infrastructure for Biking and
Walking
• Car, Transit, and Bike Options
• Surface Water
• Green Buildings
The second Step 5 metric that the City is completing is Transportation - Car, Transit and Bike
Options; 6.1 Vehicle miles driven per person per day. The performance metrics are attached to
this memorandum for review. After discussion staff requests that the Commission consider
making a motion to approve the City’s Step 5 Transportation-related metrics.
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Date: August 23, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Potential Pollinator Habitat
Consistent with GreenStep Cities, and the City’s Parks and Natural Resources chapter of the
comprehensive plan, the City is proposing to allocate funding for increasing the amount of
pollinator habitat in the City.
Staff will be working with the Commission over the next couple months to identify and evaluate
properties owned or managed by the City for their potential to be enhanced as pollinator
habitat.
Potential properties include:
• Vacant remnant parcels adjacent to county and state highways
• Unimproved City right-of-way (platted for a street but no street is present)
• City open spaces (small park areas)
• Portions of City Hall, Brookview Park, Brookview Golf and Lawn Bowling campuses
• Non-programmed areas of City parks
• Other?
Considerations may include:
• High visibility/exposure to public (traffic volumes, trails, parks, retail, etc)
• Sunny vs. shady
• Benefits to water quality
• Is it currently mowed/maintained turf
• Is there mostly invasive species like buckthorn, garlic mustard, or reed canary grass
• Is the site in a “green corridor” as shown in the Natural Resources Management Plan
• Other?
Please review this information and come prepared to discuss and share your ideas.
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PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – August 2019
GREENSTEP CITIES
Step 5- The City is continuing to work towards showing improvement on the metrics compiled in Step 4 of the
GreenStep Cities program to advance to Step 5.
RECYCLING
GreenCorps Member- The City has been selected as a host site for a GreenCorps Member through the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency. The member will be focusing on improving the City’s recycling and waste hauling programs
with an emphasis on organics. The member is set to start on September 23rd.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Bassett Creek Nature Area- Site preparation work is set to begin in September, with the majority of the invasive species
removal to take place through the fall. Restoration efforts will begin spring of 2020.
BWSR Pollinator Habitat Program- The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has received funding from the
state legislature to implement a cost share program for landowners to install pollinator habitat on their properties.
Many of the details are still being worked out, but essentially the program will reimburse landowners up to 90% for the
cost of installing plots of native vegetation beneficial to pollinators. More details to come.
Addressing Encroachment into City Nature Areas—As part of the Bassett Creek Nature Area Restoration Project, the
City reached out to property owners with minor encroachments (landscaping, fire pits, mowed turfgrass, fencing) to set
up site visits and discuss how to effectively address each encroachment. As of this date, all encroachments in the Bassett
Creek Nature Area have either been addressed or a removal plan has been established.
WATER RESOURCES
DeCola Ponds B&C Improvement Project- This flood mitigation project is set to begin in late August 2019 and continue
through winter with trail construction, site restoration and planting of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers in
2020. A letter went out to residents and is attached for more information.
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
Aug 9, 2019
Mixed Use Zoning District—A Zoning Text Amendment to consider revisions to the I-394 Mixed Use zoning district in
order simplify regulations and to allow its use in various locations throughout the city. A public hearing will be held on
August 13.
Zoning Study—Discussions around amendments to the Zoning Chapter in order to modernize sections of code and
address issues raised by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. August 13 topics will include examining the permitted,
restricted, and conditional uses allowed in each zoning district.
The Xenia Apartments—A Minor PUD Amendment to relocate a business center within the building and convert
space for one additional studio apartment unit. The City Council tabled the request at the July 16 meeting amid
concerns over the lack of progress of building construction. The applicant subsequently withdrew the proposal.
Hennepin County Walk Audit—On August 8, County and City staff were joined by Commissioners, Bicycle and
Pedestrian Task Force members, Three Rivers staff, Hennepin County Library staff and patrons, and residents of the
Calvary Coop Apartments in a Walk Audit of the City Hall Campus. Roughly 15 people were led by the Hennepin
County Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator on a tour of the sidewalks, amenities, and other facilities on campus.
Participants were asked to comment on various aspects of existing and desired pedestrian and bicycle
accommodations, and were involved in a mapping exercise that provided information about destinations in the
downtown. Feedback will be used to inform the larger Downtown Study. 18
August 20, 2019
Current Resident
Golden Valley MN 55427
Subject: DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project
Project Update
Dear Resident:
As you may be aware, the City of Golden Valley and the Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission approved the construction of a flood mitigation project in a
portion of the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area in Golden Valley. As shown on the
attached location map, the areas around DeCola Ponds B and C are being expanded to
create flood storage to help alleviate a chronic flooding problem in the area.
The primary benefits of the DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project include reducing
flood damage to nearby homes, businesses and infrastructure, protecting public health,
and improving public safety by reducing flooding on Medicine Lake Road and surrounding
local streets. Additional benefits include improving water quality, restoring vegetation and
wildlife habitat, and improving recreation and park user experience.
Please visit the City’s website to view project plans, schedule, and find out more.
http://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/stormwater/projects/upcoming-projects/index.php
What’s Next
The City awarded a contract to Dahn Construction for the first phase of the project, which
involves earthwork, utilities, and trail paving and extends through June 2020. Work is set to
begin this week with installation of a temporary dewatering (pumping) system in Ponds B
and C and construction of a new storm sewer pipe between Ponds C and D. This work will
occur between August 22 and September 13 and trucks will be hauling for about 5 days
within this timeframe. Please visit the City’s website listed above to view the anticipated
construction access and haul routes, and temporary dewatering plan.
Restoration and Landscape Plan
While the expansion of flood storage will involve the removal of trees within the project
limits shown on the attached map, the project area will be restored with high quality native
vegetation and wildlife habitat. The landscape plan includes a diverse mix of new trees,
shrubs, prairie grasses, and wildflowers planted throughout the restored wetland and
upland areas, as well as benches and viewing areas along the new and reconstructed trails.
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The landscape work will be bid under a separate contract and will begin with seeding and
planting in the spring of 2020. The contract will include monitoring and establishment of
native vegetation over three growing seasons to ensure proper growth.
Park and Trails closed during construction
During construction, a portion of the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area and surrounding
trails will be closed to ensure the safety of the public. Please adhere to the construction
signs and fencing and check the project webpage referenced above for more information.
The City would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation during
construction. If you have any questions about the project, please call me at 763-593-8084
or email at EEckman@goldenvalleymn.gov.
Sincerely,
Eric Eckman
Project Manager
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