2020-05-18 EC Agenda Packet
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
This meeting will be held via Cisco Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration made
by the City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. The public may monitor this meeting by calling 1-415-655-
0001 and entering the meeting code 287 136 762. For technical assistance, please contact support
staff at 763-593-8007 or webexsupport@goldenvalleymn.gov. If you incur costs to call into the
meeting, you may submit the costs to the City for reimbursement consideration. Additional
information about for monitoring electronic meetings is available on the City website.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Resignation of Commission Member Susan Phelps
4. New Member Shannon Hansen (5 min)
5. New Member Wendy Weirich (5 min)
6. Approval of Agenda
7. Approval of April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
8. Old Business
A. Partners in Energy Update (5 min)
B. 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan (5 min)
C. Curbside Organics Collection - Commission Summary Report (15 min)
(Action requested)
D. Curbside Organics Collection - Update on Public Input (20 min)
9. New Business
A. Election of Officers (5 min)
(Action requested)
B. Hennepin County Climate Action Plan (10 min)
C. Program/Project Updates (5 min)
D. Council Updates (5 min)
E. Other Business (5 min)
10. Adjournment
May 18, 2020 – 6:30 pm
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was held via Cisco Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration made by
the City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. The public may monitor this meeting by calling 1-415-655-0001
and entering the meeting code 803 278 120. For technical assistance, please contact support staff
at 763-593-8007 or webexsupport@goldenvalleymn.gov. If you incur costs to call into the meeting,
you may submit the costs to the City for reimbursement consideration. Additional information
about for monitoring electronic meetings is available on the City website.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Seys at 6:33
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill,
Joseph Ramlet, Scott Seys, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Commissioners absent: Susan Phelps
Council Members present: Larry Fonnest
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist;
Emma Pierson, MN GreenCorps Member;
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Stremmel to approve the agenda of
April 27, 2020 and the motion carried with the following change by Chair Seys:
- Add announcements in between items 4 and 5.
4. Approval of February 24, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Ramlet to approve the minutes of
February 24, 2020 as submitted and the motion carried with the following changes:
- Correct the spelling of Commissioner Galonska’s name in items 3 and 4.
Announcement:
Chair Seys wanted to thank outgoing Commissioners Tracy Anderson and Youth Commissioner
Joe Ramlet for their participation on the Commission.
April 27, 2020 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
April 27, 2019 – 6:30 pm
2
5. Old Business
A. Partners in Energy update
Eric Eckman gave an update on the Partners in Energy Program:
- Early April – Internal kick-off meeting with staff and members of the Partners in
Energy Team to figure out what everyone’s role will be.
o What will success look like?
Quantifiable Metrics
Having actionable and measurable work tasks
Building relationships and support within the community
How to support and expand the usage of electric vehicles
Increase renewable and clean energy – solar
- Start recruitment process for the Partners in Energy Team in 4-6 weeks
- Covid-19 shouldn’t affect the timeline of the program
- Important to reach out to traditionally under-represented communities to be on the
action team.
o Engage with Human Rights Commission
o Working with multi-family property owners/tenants
o Engage with representatives who work with vulnerable populations or
economically disadvantaged and elderly populations.
B. 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to
approve the 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan and the motion carried
with the following changes as presented by staff in an updated report from the
Communications Department:
- New Pollinator themed picture on front page of the 2019 Annual Report
- A new picture of the DeCola Ponds on page 5 of the 2019 Annual Report
- Added and bolded the titles where needed on the 2020 Proposed Work
Plan
- Picture of butterfly added on 2020 Proposed Work Plan
C. Update on Solid Waste Licensing
Drew Chirpich gave an update on solid waste licensing:
- All 10 haulers renewed their licenses for 2020-2021 (7 residential, 3
commercial). There was no change in license numbers from the previous year
despite new license requirements being adopted by Council in late 2019.
- New license information provided to the City from the haulers for each
truck include:
- Vehicle Number
- Fuel Type Used
- Number of Axles each truck has
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
April 27, 2019 – 6:30 pm
3
- What it’s used for
- Collection Type
- Inspection Records
- No minimum number of customers or market share is needed to retain
a license
D. Curbside Organics Collection
Emma Pierson presented a summary of all information reviewed and work products
produced by the Commission as part of its study of Curbside Organics Recycling options
in Golden Valley. Staff requested feedback from the Commission to gauge whether it
had enough information to determine its preferences or to make a recommendation to
the City Council. The Commission discussed the matter and voted to recommend the
“All-In – Everyone Pays” option and requested that staff prepare a brief report for the
May meeting that includes the recommendation with added language about the
uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, and that staff present the results to date of the
citizen survey and virtual open house for informational purposes.
MOTION by Commissioner Yahle, seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the
recommendation to City Council of an “All-In – Everyone Pays” Curbside Organics
Collection option and the motion carried.
The Commission recommendation and all other community engagement and
stakeholder feedback will be presented to City Council at the Council/Manager Meeting
in June.
6. New Business
A. GreenStep Cities Step 4 & 5 - New Stormwater Assessment Tool
Our score in the New Stormwater Assessment Tool went down slightly because the new
tool is more comprehensive than the old tool that was retired. Also, the heavy, wet, clay
soils in Golden Valley are very limiting in terms of what we can do with Volume
Reduction Practices like infiltration. However, there is room for improvement and this
will be addressed as part of the City’s Step 5 actions in 2020-21.
On the positive side, the City is doing a lot with floodplain management. Its participation
in FEMA’s Community Rating System has made it possible for eligible residents to
participate in the City’s flood mitigation cost share program and to receive discounts on
flood insurance.
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the
New Stormwater Assessment for GreenStep Cities and the motion carried.
B. Program/Project Updates
- There are 4 ponds currently being inspected by the City. We look at:
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
April 27, 2019 – 6:30 pm
4
- Condition of Stormwater Pipes and Structures
- The extent of erosion and sediment deposition
- Pond depths and treatment capacity
- Waste Zero Simple Textile Curbside Recycling Program temporarily stopped pick-up
due to Covid-19 but did resume as of April 27, 2020.
C. Council Updates
Council Member Fonnest gave some Council Updates:
- Due to Covid-19, in the interest of conserving funds and resources, the Council voted
to postpone the 2020 PMP and the 2020 Bike Lane Project.
- The City recently furloughed 65 employees, mainly from the Parks & Rec Department
due to Covid-19.
- The Council has been working with Governor Walz’s office and our Representatives to
learn of any upcoming resources being made available to the City in upcoming months.
- The main goal of the Council is to safeguard the residents from any unnecessary
burdens in the future.
D. Other Business
None
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Ramlet, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to adjourn the
meeting at 8:14 pm and the motion carried.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 15, 2020
To: Environmental Commission
From: Emma Pierson, GreenCorps Member
Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Curbside Organics Recycling Summary Report
As part of the Environmental Commission’s 2019 work plan and the City’s 2020 organizational
priorities, the Commission explored options for curbside organics recycling collection in Golden
Valley.
Following is a brief timeline:
• November 2019 Discuss program options, considerations, goals, questions
• December 2019 Staff engagement with haulers and other cities
• January 2020 Finalize prioritization of considerations and goals, discuss state
and county plans and goals, begin pro-con matrix
• February 2020 Receive summary of hauler engagement, discuss and finalize
pro-con matrix
• March 2020 Meeting cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
• April 2020 Commission reviews all information to date, discusses options
and preferences, makes recommendation for City Contract
All-In, Everyone Pays option.
• May 2020 Commission reviews summary report and forwards report
and recommendation to City Council for consideration
• June 2020 Present Environmental Commission report and recommendation,
community input report (citizen survey, virtual open house, social
media feedback), and hauler feedback to City Council
• Summer 2020 City Council provides direction to staff on its preferred option
In November 2019 the Commission began reviewing curbside organics recycling options that
would meet the City’s Resilience & Sustainability goals, the state’s Metropolitan Solid Waste
Management Policy Plan, the Hennepin County Solid Waste Management Master Plan,
and Hennepin County Ordinance 13.
Hennepin County Ordinance 13, Section 2, Subsection 2A requires cities to provide the
opportunity to participate in Curbside Organics Collection to residential households that are
single family through fourplex and other residential households where each household has its
own collection container for mixed recyclables starting January 1, 2022. This can be accomplished
by contracting for citywide service or requiring haulers to provide the service. The three options
reviewed by the Commission are shown and listed below.
OPTION 1: CITY CONTRACT—ALL-IN, EVERYONE PAYS
• Similar to current Golden Valley recycling contract
• City-wide service
• Everyone pays same fee
• Everyone gets an organics cart
• Weekly pick-up
OPTION 2: CITY CONTRACT—OPT-IN
• Contract for city-wide service
• Resident opts in for service and payment
• Everyone who opts in pays the same fee
• Weekly pick-up in organics cart
OPTION 3: HAULER LICENSE REQUIREMENT—OPT-IN (ORGANICS CART OR DURABLE BAG PLACED
IN TRASH CART)
• Require all licensed trash haulers to provide organics service upon request of resident
• Fee determined by hauler
• Similar to current Golden Valley trash hauling
• Weekly pick-up in organics or trash cart
The Commission developed and prioritized a list of goals and considerations it felt was important
in order to effectively evaluate options and implement a successful citywide organics recycling
program. The considerations are outlined below. A more detailed matrix is attached to this report
(Attachment 1).
Program Considerations
Higher Priority Medium Priority Lower Priority
● Participation Rates
● Education/Outreach
Opportunities
● Number of Bins
● Cost
● Number of Trucks
● Implementation
● Contamination Rates
● Infrastructure Wear &
Tear
● City staff Time
● End Product/
Availability of
Compost
● Density/Efficiency of
Route
● Hauler Staff Time
● Tonnage Data/
Recovery Rate
● Collection Frequency
The Commission created a Pro-Con Matrix for each program option with the Commission’s
priorities and the state and county guidance documents serving as the basis for comparison. The
Pro-Con Matrix is attached to this report (Attachment 2). The City Contract All-In, Everyone Pays
option garnered the most Pros, the least Cons, and the greatest number of Commission “high”
priority considerations.
As part of this analysis and rationale, Commission members cited that the ultimate goal is to
divert recyclable material from landfills by achieving the highest citywide participation rates at
the lowest fees to residents. The Commission anticipates the participation rates will be
significantly higher and the monthly fee per household will be lower in the All-in, Everyone Pays
option ($2.96-5.50/month) when compared to the Opt-in option ($6.00-11.00/month), as
reported by peer cities.
Commission members also referenced the fact that St. Louis Park began with an opt-in model and
later moved to an all-in model. Participation rates increased significantly when they made this
change. Edina on the other hand chose to go with an all-in model right away. Some Commission
members thought that Golden Valley could learn from these experiences and skip passed the
opt-in phase to avoid years of lower participation and higher fees.
The Commission worked with staff to develop questions for licensed haulers in the City to gauge
their interest and response to providing organics recycling service in Golden Valley. Staff engaged
with haulers in December and January 2020 by reaching out to all licensed haulers and meeting
with four. A summary of hauler comments is attached to this report (Attachment 3).
At its April 2020 meeting, the Commission reviewed all research conducted to date and received
an update on the City’s community education and engagement efforts. These efforts include
newsletters, an organics webpage, website news feeds, social media posts, a citizen survey, and a
virtual open house with opportunity to comment. (All input and results will be quantified and
summarized for City Council at the June 2020 Council/Manager meeting.) In an effort to maintain
independence and neutrality, the Commission elected to delay receiving the results of the citizen
survey and open house comments until after it made its recommendation.
Based on its research, goals and priorities, pro-con matrix, and hauler comments, the
Commission felt comfortable moving forward with a recommendation at its April 2020
Commission meeting. A motion to approve the recommendation to City Council of a City Contract
All-In, Everyone Pays Curbside Organics Collection option passed with a 6-1 vote with one
member absent. One caveat to this recommendation is that, in light of the uncertainties
surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the City Council’s goal to safeguard residents from any
unnecessary burdens during this time, the Commission requests that the Council explore further
the timing and economic impacts of such a program, and potentially offer first-year assistance to
low and fixed-income residents.
Attachment 1
Organics: Considerations, Goals, Priorities, Questions
Considerations Priority Goals/Desires Questions Answers/Staff Comment
Participation Rates High 100%, Everyone pays
model instead of opt-in
How will each option affect
SCORE Funds?
What could we use those
SCORE Funds for?
SCORE funds are affected by
number of participants
throughout the City. The higher
the participation, the more
funding you will receive.
SCORE funds can be used for
recycling education, events,
subsidizing curbside programs,
etc.
Education/Outreach
Opportunities
High Education to reduce/reuse
over recycle
Compostable Mailings
Could a County Staff Person
host workshops to educate
residents on organics?
Are there grants for education?
Education/booth at Farmer’s
Market?
Yes, the county does offer
speakers for recycling and
organics.
At this moment there are no
grants, however the County
provides materials like signage
and presentations. We are
required to use County
terminology on all materials for
outreach.
We can communicate with
Market in the Valley about any
booths we would like at the
market.
*If opting for a licensing
requirement, haulers would
have to adhere to the attached
Attachment 1
Organics: Considerations, Goals, Priorities, Questions
Hennepin County Ordinance
13 Education Requirements
Number of Bins High Concerned w/ Number of
Total bins
Educate residents about
options and implications
prior to sending out survey
question on # of bins
Bin storage ordinance
How will /does collection of
organics in a separate bin
affect size of trash
bin/collection frequency of
trash?
City Code Sec. 22-23 States:
“Containers shall be stored no
more than three feet from the
primary or accessory structure
and shall at all times be located
behind the front of the primary
structure.”
Participating in organics can
help you reduce the size of
your garbage container by
diverting waste to an organics
bin.
Cost High Everyone Pays, optional to
receive bin
What are neighboring cities
contamination rates?
Ask haulers what pricing would
be
How will each program be
affected by taxes?
Saint Louis Park: Curbside
Organized 1.76%
Contamination
Minneapolis: Curbside
Organized 0.47%-1.45%
Contamination (changes when
outreach is done)
Trash containers are taxed by
sales price, which is
determined by Haulers based
on the volume of containers.
County taxes 15.5% on trash
Attachment 1
Organics: Considerations, Goals, Priorities, Questions
and the State taxes 9.75% on
trash. There are no taxes on
recycling or organics recycling.
If adding a separate organics
bin to your property, there will
be no additional tax to your
hauling, and you may be able
to reduce the size of your trash
bin, in turn reducing taxes. If
you are co-collecting in a
durable bag system, there is no
tax on the price to participate
in the organics program,
however, the volume of your
trash bin will likely stay the
same, causing no reduction in
taxes, depending on the
program.
Number of Trucks High No specific comment
Implementation High What is the timing on
implementing each program?
Timing depends upon what
decision City Council makes
and when. Must have curbside
opportunity available by
January 1, 2022.
Contamination
Rates
High Compare contamination of
Durable Bag v Separate Bin
There is no specific data
showing contamination
differences between the
programs. While discussing
options with haulers, some
have mentioned a durable bag
program is a risk; others like
the program.
Attachment 1
Organics: Considerations, Goals, Priorities, Questions
Infrastructure Wear
& Tear
High Discuss infrastructure plan with
haulers
No specific comment
Staff Time Medium An organized system would
require more staff time than an
open system
End
Product/Availability
of Compost
Medium Coupon to participants,
annual/semi-annual pick up
site in Golden Valley
(Farmer’s Market, Mighty
Tidy Day) (do not want to
drive to SMSC)
Can there be an equitable
system w/ more compost going
to those participating at higher
rates?
Do haulers other than Randy’s
have the ability to provide
coupons?
There are no known methods
of accomplishing this.
Density/Efficiency
of Route
Low Least expensive route No specific comment
Hauler Staff Time Low Is Republic doing curbside bins
in other communities?
Discuss capability of organics
collection with trash haulers
lead to attrition?
Yes, Fridley and soon Richfield.
Tonnage
Data/Recovery Rate
Low No specific comment
Collection
Frequency
Low Weekly preferred Would yard waste co-collection
be an option? How could we
compost in Nov-April if this
were the program?
Cities and haulers have been
moving from yard waste co-
collect to separate bin
collection.
Hauler Questions in red
Organized 'All-in, Everyone Pays' Program (Cart)
Pro Commission Priority Guiding Documents Con Commission Priority Guiding Documents
Increases
Participation i.e.
SLP High
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide contract
MSWPP 2016-2036 (pg 32)- Organized collection results in higher participation
Additional bin on
property High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 6)- Address barriers to cart storage
Lower cost w/
City wide
contract High
Additional city
staff, cost of city
staff (could be
supplemented by
program fees) Medium
Option for bin
tagging
w/education High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Resident must pay
regardless of
participation HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide contract
City can manage
education w/
help from
Hennepin County High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Resident must
provide bags
Can reduce trash
bin size and save
money as waste
is diverted from
trash High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg 32)- Cases show households can offset organics collection costs
by reducing trash bin sizes
Higher density
collection routes Low MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg30)- Higher density routes needed for affordable service
Everyone pays
same fee
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide availability MSWPP
2016-2036 (pg 32)- Organized collection results in higher participation
Resident can use
certified
compostable
bags or paper
grocery bags
Consistent color
bins throughout
city
No negotiation
required for
residents
Cities that do this:
St Louis Park, Minneapolis, Edina (May), Richfield (RFP in 2019)
Cost ranges:
$2.96- $5.50/month per household
Organized 'Opt-in' Program (Cart)
Pro
Commission
Priority Guiding Documents Con
Commission
Priority Guiding Documents
Optional - no
payment if
choosing not to
participate High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg32)- Communities with subscribe and pay
systems have lower participation
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide
contract
Less participation
possible High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg32)- Communities with subscribe and pay
systems have lower participation
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide
contract
Option for bin
tagging
w/education High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Additional bin to
property High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 6)- Address barriers to cart storage
Can reduce trash
bin size and save
money as waste
is diverted from
trash High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg 32)- Cases show households can offset
organics collection costs by reducing trash bin sizes
Higher cost
possible w/ lower
participation High
Resident can use
certified
compostable
bags or paper
grocery bags
Resident must
provide bags
Additional city
staff, cost of city
staff (could be
supplemented by
program fees)
Cities that do this:
Robbinsdale, Fridley
Cost ranges:
$6-$11/month per household (In Fridley, the City funds a portion of the cost)
License Requirement (Cart)
Pro Commission Priority Guiding Documents Con Commission Priority Guiding Documents
Optional - no
payment if choosing
not to participate High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg32)- Communities with subscribe and pay
systems have lower participation
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide
contract
Less participation
possible High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg32)- Communities with subscribe and pay
systems have lower participation
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide
contract
Option for bin
tagging w/
education High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
No regulation or
consistency of
costs between
haulers High
Hauler is
responsible for
education High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Additional bin to
property High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 6)- Address barriers to cart storage
Can reduce trash bin
size and save money
as waste is diverted
from trash High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg 32)- Cases show households can offset
organics collection costs by reducing trash bin sizes
Unknown amount
of added trucks to
each street High
Less city staff time
than organized
system Medium
City has less input
on education
provided High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Resident can use
certified
compostable bags or
paper grocery bags
Cities that do this:
N/A
Cost ranges:
Haulers estimated about $15-20/month per household
License Requirement (Durable Bag Program, Co-collect)
Pro
Commission
Priority Guiding Documents Con
Commission
Priority Guiding Documents
No additional
bin on property High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 6)- Address barriers to cart storage
Less participation
possible High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg32)- Communities with subscribe and pay
systems have lower participation
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide
contract
Optional - no
payment if
choosing not to
participate High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg32)- Communities with subscribe and pay
systems have lower participation
HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15) - Larger participation with citywide
contract
Bin is not organics
specific, limited/no
opportunity for bin
tagging/education High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Hauler is
responsible for
education High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Takes up room in
trash bin; would not
decrease trash bin
size High
MSWPP 2016-2036 (Pg 32)- Cases show households can offset
organics collection costs by reducing trash bin sizes
No additional
trucks on streets High
City has less input on
education provided High HC SWMMP 2018- 2023 (Pg 15)- Comprehensive outreach plan
Less city staff
time than
organized
system Medium Restricted bag size
Durable bags
included in
program fee
(limited amount)
Mandated
unorganized durable
bag hauling could
provide capacity
overload for facilities
that accept and sort
bags
Cities that do this:
No cities have this program as a license requirement
Cost ranges:
$5.83/month ($69.95/year) per household
Attachment 3
Hauler Engagement Summary
1) Would you be interested in providing a residential curbside organics service? Through License
requirement? Through City contract?
a. All would be interested in providing service in either model, though many haulers
reported that city contracts are more efficient and cost effective.
2) Do you already have curbside bins/do you service other communities with organics?
a. Most haulers provide organics service in other communities.
3) What would the average pricing be for each of the following programs?
a. Contract- ‘Everyone Pays’ model w/ cart
b. Contract- ‘Opt-in’ model w/ cart
c. License requirement- Durable Bag Program or cart
i. Pricing varies, depending on the hauler and community. Factors include density,
participation, location, route accessibility, etc. Haulers reported that a contract
‘Everyone Pays’ model would be least expensive per household. They also
reported that increased density and/or participation would also lower costs.
4) What is your capacity for organics hauling, and how will you be making updates to
accommodate the new county mandate? Do you have the capacity to comply with organics as a
licensing requirement?
All haulers reported that they have the capacity to offer curbside organics as either a city
organized program or as a licensing requirement.
a. If a license requirement, how would you plan to meet the requirement?
i. Co-collection (bag) or cart
1. Many haulers reported that they would use separate collection carts
because it reduces risk of contamination. Some haulers reported they
would use a co-collect model with trash for licensing requirements or
contracts.
b. If a contract, would you have the capacity for additional trucks/carts if needed?
Haulers that co-collect with a durable bag, would also have to provide a cart for the
durable organics bag to those that do not subscribe to their trash service. All durable
organics bags would be collected in the garbage truck and separated at their facility.
5) Would you be able to make compost available to residents? How? Pick up, drop off etc. Where?
How often? Separate contract? Coupon?
a. Some haulers have an established coupon system; others have the ability to backhaul
compost, but would need to look into specific contracts with vendors.
6) Would you be capable of providing service with a CNG or lower emissions vehicle?
a. Many haulers operate with primarily CNG trucks. Many are replacing old diesel trucks
with new CNG trucks.
7) What issues do you see for your business implementing a curbside organics service?
a. Some haulers reported that an issue could arise contracting for organics with an open
hauling trash system. Other concerns included disposal site capacity, and specific days of
operation within the city.
8) Do you have the ability to comply with Hennepin County education requirements? (see
handout)
a. All haulers stated they would be able to comply with the Hennepin County education
requirements.
9) What resources do you have available to increase resident participation, education, and prevent
contamination?
a. All haulers would work with the City, County, and Disposal sites to develop customer
educational materials. All have local or regional customer service hubs and capacity to
handle increased customer service calls.
10) What are your company’s sustainability or environmental goals?
a. Some haulers have written sustainability plans, and others have goals that are not
outlined in a sustainability specific plan.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 15, 2020
To: Environmental Commission
From: Emma Pierson, GreenCorps Member
Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Organics Recycling – Public Input
Staff will provide a summary of the City’s community education and engagement efforts and the
results to date of the citizen survey and virtual open house, both of which are accessible on the
City’s organics recycling webpage at
https://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/recycling/curbside/organics.php.
G:\Environmental Commission\Memos
Date: May 15, 2020
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor
Subject: Hennepin County Climate Action Plan
Staff will provide information on the County’s Climate Action Planning process and the results of
its initial engagement with public partners like the City of Golden Valley. More information can be
found at https://www.hennepin.us/your-government/projects-initiatives/reducing-greenhouse-
gas-emissions.
PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – May 2020
GREENCORPS
Member for 2020-2021 service term – The City has been informed that they have been selected to host a GreenCorps
member for the upcoming 2020-2021 service term. The member will be in the Air Pollution Reduction track and will
work on many of the City’s sustainability and energy reduction goals.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Pennsylvania Woods DNR Habitat Grant – The City recently received confirmation that it was selected to receive a
habitat grant for areas of the Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area that are outside of the DeCola Ponds B and C Flood
Mitigation project boundaries. The project will involve the removal of buckthorn and other invasive species, and the
planting and establishment of native vegetation. A request for quotes will be sent out in the coming months to select a
contractor to complete the work outlined in the project.
MetroBlooms Workshop- With the assistance and funding from the Environmental Commission, the City sponsored a
Resilient Yards workshop put on by MetroBlooms on Thursday, April 2nd. The workshop was originally planned to be
hosted in-person at Brookview Community Center, but was moved to an interactive webinar format due to COVID-19.
Early reports from the program staff and attendees indicate that the online format went well, and survey results show
that attendees found the workshop valuable in this new format. There were 29 virtual attendees, which means there
could have been additional viewers per computer.
Recycling and Solid Waste updates- Staff will give an update of recent changes to recycling and solid waste programs
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All recycling services have resumed as normal, with the exception of Republic only
accepting recyclables that fit inside a cart. Additional recycling carts can be ordered free of charge by calling Republic at
952-941-5174.
WATER RESOURCES
DeCola Ponds Flood Mitigation Projects - The DeCola Ponds B and C project is about 90% complete. The excavation and
utility work is complete, the trails will be paved in the next couple weeks, and the City’s native vegetation contractor is
seeding and planting trees, shrubs, and grasses in May, June, and September 2020.
The City and Bassett Creek Watershed are beginning to plan and study the next flood mitigation project areas. The
Wildwood Park/SEA School area has been identified as having potential for flood storage to benefit properties around
DeCola Ponds D, E, and F. A planning level study to understand opportunities and challenges and develop concepts is
programmed for this spring and will include engagement with the community, the school, and nearby stakeholders. The
Isaacson Park/Industrial Area is also being looked at for potential future flood storage. The DNR is supportive of the
projects in Golden Valley and has requested flood damage reduction funding in the 2020 state bonding bill this
legislative session. Look for more information and an invitation to a (virtual engagement) open house in the coming
months.
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
May 6, 2020
7345 Country Club Drive (Schuller’s Tavern)—Reguiding the property from Low Density Residential to Retail/Service and
rezoning the property from Single-Family Residential (R-1) to Commercial. The applicant would like to add an outdoor
patio, but because this is a non-conforming use it cannot expand without completing three key steps: reguide/rezone,
receive a Conditional Use Permit for a bar/restaurant use, and obtain variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals to bring
the building and patio into conformance. The same request was made in 2012 (recommended for denial by the Planning
Commission and no action taken by the City Council). Scheduled for a public hearing on May 11.
Narrow Lots—In early March, the Planning Commission continued its study of narrow lots in Golden Valley and possible
ways to mitigate impacts of development on neighboring properties. The study of these lots was temporarily put on hold
but will continue at the regular meeting on May 11 with a review of draft code language. After an extended public
comment period, an informal public hearing on this topic will be held on June 8 with formal consideration by the City
Council expected on July 7.
Tobacco Sales Restrictions—A Zoning Text Amendment to restrict the sale of tobacco products based on nearby uses was
discussed in January, February, and March. Following recent City Council action to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco, to
raise the age of sales to 21, and to cap the number of City tobacco licenses, the Planning Commission began looking at
additional locational restrictions around schools, parks, and other youth-oriented centers. A public hearing on new
restrictions is tentatively scheduled for May 27.
City Council
1421 Rhode Island Ave N—A Minor Subdivision to divide one lot into two. The existing home would remain but a new lot
would be created on which a new home would be constructed. This property is the result of a consolidation of three
narrower lots in 2008. The Planning Commission recommended approval (7-0) on April 12; the City Council approved the
preliminary plat (4-0) on May 5.