2019-03-25 EC Minutes
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, Tonia Galonska, Lynn Gitelis (arrived 6:40pm), Dawn Hill,
Scott Seys, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Commissioners absent: Joseph Ramlet
Council Liaison: Larry Fonnest (arrived 6:40pm)
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor and Claire Huisman,
Administrative Assistant
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to approve the agenda of
March 25, 2019 as submitted and the motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Says, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the minutes of
February 25, 2019 as submitted with one spelling correction for the name “Seys” and the motion carried.
5A. Draft Pollinator Protection Resolution
Eckman reviewed the draft Pollinator Resolution with the Commission. The following remarks and edits
were suggested:
#2c – omit the word “forthcoming”
#2d – change the number 32 to read 30
#3a – add the word “City” before the word “campuses”
Add as “3i” language to include: “Coordinating pollinator efforts with county, state and federal
agencies as appropriate.”
#4 – it was agreed that no group shall be named in the resolution but a MOU will be drafted to
work with a specific organization.
#6 – add at the end for those receiving copies of the resolution to include: “MPCA, DNR and other
appropriate agencies.”
It was suggested that the City put a notice of the Pollinator Resolution on the website and in the
city newsletter to alert residents of this new policy once it is approved by Council.
March 25, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Mar 25, 2019 – 6:30 pm
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5B. Draft Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
Eckman reviewed the draft annual report and 2019 Work Plan with the Commission requesting appr oval
of the content. Suggested edits included:
Define the dates as “term expires” on pg. 2 which follow the Commissioners names.
Make note that the Commission’s year runs from May 1st to April 30th.
Rearrange bullets on pg. 4 “2018 Accomplishments” in order of importance. GreenStep Cities
accomplishments should be moved to the top of the list as bullets 1 & 2 with the Comprehensive
Plan listed after that as bullet 3. Solid Waste Collection, Recycling and Curbside Textile Recycling
will fall in line after the Comprehensive Plan as bullets 4 thru 8. The draft pollinator resolution
will come in next as bullet 9.
Add the words “and scooter” to the bullet referring to LimeBike bike and scooter share program .
Name the chapters of the Comprehensive Plan that the Environmental Commission helped to
develop in the bullet referring to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Pg. 6 2019 Proposed Work Plan – replace the word “host” with a more appropriate word such as
“endorse or sponsor” or “assist the City with hosting” under bullet 2.
Pg. 6 – move bullet 7 regarding Natural Resources Management Plan to become bullet 5.
Cover page should include picture of solar array from Resilience and Sustainability Plan. Also,
include pictures of Bassett Creek Restoration Project and other pictures of water areas.
MOTION by Commissioner Gitelis, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve draft Annual Report and
2019 Work Plan with the suggested amendments and the motion carried.
6A. Removing Barriers to Local Food Production
Eckman presented the report which identified the different classifications of local food production. The
Commission was asked to provide feedback on the various types of farms and gardens and recommend
which type of operations should be allowed in the City. Classifications included Home Garden,
Community Garden, and Urban Farm (including outdoor, rooftop, indoor, aquaponics, and aeroponics
facilities). The Commission provide the following feedback:
Home gardening
Backyard gardening on single-family properties was seen as acceptable, but there was no consensus on
whether or not front yard gardening was okay.
Community gardens
Would need considerations for location (zoning district), size of garden and property, parking, storage of
tools, smell, noise, aesthetics, screening from other uses, site conditions like topography, soils, and
availability of water and sunlight, and public demand for garden, among other things. Also, need to
clarify whether or not food from community gardens can be sold.
Multi-family residential - The Commission supports community gardens on these properties.
Employee gardens at businesses – The Commission cited examples of employee gardens in
the community. The Commission generally support s these types of gardens if there are
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Mar 25, 2019 – 6:30 pm
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rules like setbacks and screening. There was a question about whether a restaurant can
grow food on site for use in its business.
Institutional properties (like schools, religious facilities) – The Commission supports gardens
in these locations “by right” but with some rules. An example cited was Valley Presbyterian
Church community garden.
City-owned properties like parks and campuses – The Commission did not feel that
community gardens should be allowed “by right” on City properties. The City should first
consider location, site conditions, and demand before allowing a garden.
Urban Farming
The Commission liked the idea of urban farming, as it can feed thousands, while home gardens and
community gardens feed hundreds. The Commission preferred indoor farming and rooftop farming
operations to larger outdoor farms which use valuable land for a short growing season. The Commission
did not support outdoor operations over 1 acre in size. The Commission thought it was appropriate that
indoor and rooftop farming operations be located in business zones such as industrial, light industrial,
commercial. The City would also have to consider impacts on the community and other properties such
as lighting, smell, and retail sales. For example, should retail sales be allowed only by CUP.
Other comments provided by the Commission:
Consult the Community Garden Resource Guide (online, but website may no longer be supported)
6B. Program/Projects Update
The complete Program/Project Update is on file.
6C. Council Updates
Council member Fonnest stated that the League of Women Voters will be presenting their Solid Waste
Report to the Council. The Council may wait for the Commissions review of the report before any final
decisions are made.
6D. Other Business
Chair Hill reminded the Commissioners that letters were due for those who wished to continue as a
Commissioner for another term. Also, election of officers will be during the May meeting.
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to adjourn the meeting at
8:35pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
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Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant