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2021-06-28 EC Agenda Packet7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, WIN 55427 763-593-8027 � TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov Environmental Commission REGULAR MEETING AGENDA city of goldvall� Y June 28, 2021— 6:30 pm 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 177 393 4642. 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. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of May 24, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min) 5. Old Business A. EC/HRC Climate Justice Collaboration (15 min) B. Student Outreach & Engagement (10 min) C. Partners In Energy Update (5 min) D. GreenStep Cities Update (5 min) E. Environmental Resources Needs (15 min) F. Update on Zero Waste/Organics Recycling events (5 min) 6. New Business A. Stormwater Program - Rain Barrels (10 min) Action requested B. Update on Pollinator progress (5 min) C. Program/Project Updates (5 min) D. Council Updates (5 min) E. Other Business 7. Adjournment This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427 763-593-8027 � TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov Environmental Commission REGULAR MEETING MINUTES city of go ldvall Y May 24, 2021— 6:30 pm 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 177 393 4642. 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 6:30. 2. Roll Call Commissioners present: Scott Seys, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Shannon Hansen, Wendy Weirich, Felix Fettig Commissioners absent: Jim Stremel Council Members present: Larry Fonnest Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor; Story Schwantes, Green Corp Member; Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant. 3. Approval of Agenda MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the agenda for May 24, 2021 and the motion carried. 4. Approval of April 26, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Weirich, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve the minutes of April 26, 2021 as submitted and the motion carried. S. Old Business A. Partners in Energy— Plan Implementation i. On May 4, 2021 the City Council approved the Energy Action Plan and authorized the memorandum of understanding with Xcel Energy to continue the City's participation in the Partners In Energy program. The next phase of the program is the implementation phase which extends over the next 18 months. ii. Staff has begun its biweekly meetings with the PIE team. This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 6 City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting April 26, 2020 — 6:30 pm iii. Implementation of the energy action plan will require the assistance of citizen volunteers and champions and community connectors. 1. Opportunities will be made available for members of the energy action planning team, the Environmental Commission, and others in the community. iv. Staff met with Residential Home Energy Squad program representatives on May 21. 1. Staff will recommend to City Council to participate in the program. They will also request the City partially fund (50%) the $70 Energy Saver visit for homes built after the year 2000 or the $100 Energy Planner visit for homes built prior to the year 2000, with a cap of (possibly) $5,000 over the 18-month implementation of the Energy Action Plan. 1. Could the buy down be increased for the energy cost burdened residents? If so, try to work it into program. MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Hill for the recommendation to the City Council to participate in the Residential Home Energy Squad Program with 50% buy down of site visits at a level of approximately $5,000.00 over the next two budget years and the motion carried. 6. New Business A. Commission Re -Orientation i. Commissioners reviewed the following: 1. Boards and Commissions Guiding Principles 2. City of Golden Valley Equity Plan 3. Boards and Commissions Orientation 4. Environmental Commission By -Laws B. Election of Officers MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve Commissioner Weirich as Chair and Commissioner Hansen as Vice -Chair and the motion carried. C. School Outreach & Engagement i. The Commission's 2021 work plan includes an action involving community outreach with local schools. 1. Use some of the Commission's $3,500 budget to develop a partnership with local schools to deliver a student project, product, or service in the City. Some ideas include: i. Student environmental project contest where a project idea with an action plan is submitted. The winner would receive a predetermined amount of funds from the EC's small budget & a partnership with the City (department to be determined depending on project) to complete the project as well as the project being documented thru GV's media channels ii. School or Student Challenge iii. Work with Hopkins Schools Environthon group or Earth Club City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting April 26, 2020 — 6:30 pm iv. Host an annual art show @ Brookview &/or City Hall with an environmental theme. If a contest the winner could receive a small prize from the EC small budget & an "article" communicated thru GV's media channels. The Commission needs to decide which direction they would like to go to determine the next step. iii. D. GreenStep Cities — Step 5, Metric 11 Wastewater MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the GreenStep Cities Step 5, Metric 11 Wastewater as submitted and the motion carried. E. Zero Waste Events i. The Farmer's Market is a zero waste priority event, but that may not be possible this year for various reasons. The vendors are not required to provide compostable products to their customers. In order to make the leap toward zero waste right now the City or GV Foundation or other group may need to budget for and provide the compostable goods to the vendors. Commissioners would like to see this set up as a requirement in the coming years so vendors can plan for it. ii. The Organics Collection has been initiated at the farmer's market and will happen this summer. A team of volunteers will be created to help guide people and cut down on contamination. iii. Promote bringing your own bags. Campaign started by City to sell totes? iv. The new goals might be "Toward Zero Waste" V. F. Environmental Resources Needs Looking into the resources needed to carry out the City's Environmental efforts. 1. There have been more programs, initiatives, plans, and projects added to the workload of the Engineering/Environmental staff. No additional staff have been added. 2. What kind of information do you need to understand the resources needed to implement the EC's work plan and also all of the City's other environmental efforts? 1. Question from commissioners - Is the EC on par with the Planning Commission in terms of importance and recommendations to Council? 2. Would the EC be out of line asking for another Full Time Employee? 3. EC work plan has big goals - what is realistic to achieve with the current staff? 4. How does Forestry fit in to the Commission's work? 5. How does Hennepin County fit in to the City's work? City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 4 April 26, 2020 — 6:30 pm G. Program/Project Updates i. None ii. H. Council Updates Article by Grant Smith w/ Bloomberg News https://www.bloombergquint.com/markets/averting-climate-crisis-means-no- new-oil-or-gas-fields-iea-says I. Other Business i. None 7. Adjournment MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Hansen to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm and the motion carried. ATTEST: Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: June 25, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Environmental Justice Collaboration The Environmental Commission's 2021 work plan includes working collaboratively with the Human Rights Commission to address the issue of environmental justice and more specifically climate justice in our community. Data show that people most impacted by climate change may contribute the least to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. More information about our existing disparities and climate vulnerabilities can be found at: The Minnesota Equity Blueprint Hennepin County Climate Action Plan City's Resilience and Sustainability Plan City's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage The following maps and resources highlight the existing disparities and climate vulnerabilities and provide visual aid. Just Deeds Project Mapping Prejudice (U of MN layer showing racial covenants and deed restrictions by parcel) Emergency Expense Risk Index (This layer shows the risk that households within an area would not be able to afford a $400 emergency expense. This is EERI 2017 data shown by census block group.) Senior Well -Being (Percent of Population that is 65 Years and Over by census tract 2014-2018) Limited Ability to Speak English (2011-2015 data by census tract. Type zip code into search box) The 2021 work plan includes the following action item: Climate Justice and Environmental Justice Continue to partner with the Human Rights Commission on a joint project, event, or speaker/conversation. Collaboration may include: GAEnvi ron mental Commission\Memos • sponsoring one "green" infrastructure project in an area of the City with inequities of trees, green space, and natural amenities • enhancing one existing community or neighborhood event by planting trees, vegetation, or a garden in an area of the City with inequities of trees, green space, and natural amenities • hosting at least one speaker or community conversation on climate justice and environmental justice focusing on disparate impacts, adaptation, and resilience with respect to vulnerable populations, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color As a reminder, the high-level plan developed by the EC/HRC subcommittee in 2020 includes a three -pronged approach with lead and support roles outlined for each commission: 1. Community Education and Outreach — project, event, or speaker/conversation on climate justice on or near September 11 National Day of Service. The HRC is taking the lead and the EC will help plan, sponsor/host, and contribute resources. 2. Mapping and Data Analysis — understand and visualize disparities and inequities with respect to green amenities and environmental resources, and show where partnership, investment, and service events could occur. The EC is taking the lead with input from HRC. 3. Community Service Event — Plant trees and other vegetation, install rain garden, community garden, pollinator habitat/food plot. This could occur in 2020, but due to limitations surrounding COVID, and to allow time to build relationships and partnerships, this may occur in 2021 or 2022. The HRC is taking the lead and the EC will help plan, sponsor/host, and contribute resources. Based on the subcommittee's plan, the EC developed maps identifying social and environmental factors that may contribute to people in Golden Valley experiencing inequities with respect to trees, green space, and natural amenities in their neighborhoods. Those original factors included average home value, age of home, renter occupied, NOAH properties, percent 65 and older, non- white population, percent impervious cover, percent tree canopy, presence of public (street) trees, distance from pedestrian facility, and presence of floodplain. These factors were prioritized and weighted by the subcommittee and are reflected in the final maps (shared at the October 2020 EC meeting). Staff recently became aware of an additional environmental factor (air quality) that could be considered as the subcommittee explores priority areas for partnership, investment, and service projects in 2021 and beyond. At its May 2021 meeting, the EC recommended that these updated maps be shared with the subcommittee. Since the May 2021 meeting, Commissioner Seys shared information from the subcommittee that focuses the efforts in the Highway 55 Redevelopment area (west of Boone Ave, north of 55, south of 101" Ave). Staff completed a field review of this area and agreed there may be opportunities to collaborate on a community event or project. Commissioner Seys and staff will share an update on these efforts and look for additional guidance and input from the Commission and the subcommittee. try of�,� golden alley l`� y Date: June 25, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301753-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: School Outreach & Engagement The Commission's 2021 work plan includes an action involving community outreach with local students and schools. Community Outreach Use the Commission's $3,500 budget toward one or more of the following efforts: o explore and develop a partnership with local schools to deliver a student project, product, or service in the City GreenCorps member Story Schwantes and Chair Seys will share what they've learned so far in their efforts to contact school representatives and peer cities. One of the ideas that surfaced since the last meeting is to potentially add a second youth member to the Environmental Commission, similar to the City's HRC and other cities' environmental commissions (like Edina and St. Louis Park). Commissioners should come to the meeting prepared to discuss this idea and whether to make a recommendation to Council to change the bylaws to allow a second youth member. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City 7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427 city Of 763-593-3991 I TTY 763-593-3968 1763-593-8109 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov golden,,, e BYLAWS va Environmental Commission Article I: Purpose, Mission, and Duties The Environmental Commission shall be an advisory commission to the City Council on matters relating to the environment and human health. The Commission shall: • develop and make recommendations to educate the public on environmental regulations, policies, practices and tools • develop and make recommendations as an advisory review body for amendments to or revisions of the City's Surface Water Management Plan and provide advice as requested by the Council on other city programs and initiatives • review and make recommendations regarding the city's existing environmental ordinances, policies, and guidelines • develop and make recommendations on management practices for the City's nature areas, public and private ponding areas, and other such city -owned properties as directed by the City Council • develop and make recommendations regarding waste reduction, recycling, and organics/composting • review and make recommendations on the City's resilience and sustainability policies and actions to adress climate variations • participate, as directed by the City Council, in local activities initiated by other public and quasi -public agencies regarding environmental issues • advise and recommend such other functions or procedures as may be assigned to them by the City Code or the Council Article II: Membership, Appointments, Terms, and Officers A. Membership The Commission shall consist of seven regular members, and one voting youth member. Regular members shall be residents of the City. Youth members shall live or attend school within Golden Valley, the Robbinsdale Area District or Hopkins School District and be enrolled in school grades 9 through 12. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist if a member ceases to meet the residency requirements. B. Appointments and Terms Appointments are made effective May 1 of each year. The Council shall appoint regular members of the Commission for three-year staggering terms. Youth members shall be appointed for a one-year term. The terms of Commission members shall be fixed and determined at the time of appointment by the governing ordinance. Emphasis in appointments will be made based on knowledge of environmental issues and their relationships to the natural environment and the quality of life in the City. The City Council shall appoint the members of the Commission and to fill vacancies for unexpired terms. C. Officers The Commission shall elect officers of Chair and Vice -Chair from the Commission membership by its voting members at its regular annual meeting, (no later than the second meeting after May 1 in each year). The Chair and Vice Chair positions rotate, and members may only serve two consecutive years as the Chair or Vice -Chair. Should the office of Chair or Vice -Chair become vacant, the Commission shall elect a successor from its membership at the next regular meeting and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said office. Officers may also delegate the duties of their position to other Commissioners as deemed appropriate by the Commission. Amended and approved June 2, 2020 BYLAWS — Environmental Commission Chair responsibilities include: • work with staff liaison to develop meeting agendas • conduct and preside at all meetings in a productive and time -efficient manner • ensure the Commission conducts its activities within the stated mission and bylaws of the Commission • appoint Commissioners to subcommittees • monitor and ensure the progress of the Commission • report to the City Council Vice -Chair responsibilities: • perform the duties of the Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair • perform all other duties as prescribed by the Commission Article III: Meetings and Attendance A. Meetings All meetings of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law and City Code. This means all business and discussion occurs at a meeting which has been posted and is open to the public. The presence of a majority of all regular members currently appointed to the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. In the event a quorum is not reached, a smaller number of members may meet to have informal discussion, however, formal action shall not be taken and must be reserved for such time as when a quorum of the Commission is reached. A quorum of the members should not discuss Commission business by email, forms of social media, telephone, or informal meetings. Commission meetings may be cancelled by the staff liaison if there are no items on the agenda for discussion. The proceedings of meeting should be conducted using standard parliamentary procedure. Regular Meeting The regular meeting of the Commission shall be held on the fourth Monday of the month at City Hall at 6:30 pm. The Commission may, by a majority vote, change its regular meeting dates for any reason provided proper public notice of the changed meeting is provided. Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the commission shall be a regular meeting, typically the first meeting after May 1 of each year, at which time elections will be held. iii. Special Meetings A special meeting may be called by the Chair or whenever three members request the same in writing. Staff shall give notice to each commissioner, at least three days prior to any special meeting, of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting. Amended and approved June 2, 2020 BYLAWS — Environmental Commission B. Attendance Members are expected to attend all meetings. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they should contact the staff liaison, who will inform the chair. If a quorum cannot be attained, the meeting will be canceled. Staff liaisons will track attendance at each meeting. Each April, the City Manager's office will review attendance records for the preceding calendar year (April -March) and send a standardized letter of warning to any member that has missed: • two consecutive or three total meetings for groups that meet once a month; or • two consecutive or five total meetings for groups that meet twice a month. Because attendance is so important to the work of the City's boards and commissions, the City Manager may ask the member to explain the reasons for their absences. If circumstances (other than health circumstances) prevent the member from committing to consistently attend future meetings, the member may be asked to step down. If the member's attendance does not improve after receiving a warning, the Council may take action to remove the member. Article IV: Rules A. Recordkeeping All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be kept in accordance with City procedures, Minnesota Statute and Rules regarding preservation of public records and the Minnesota Data Privacy Act. B. Work Plan The Commission will draft an annual work plan that details activities and projected timelines for the upcoming year. • The Chair may appoint Commissioners to be primarily responsible for each work plan activity. • The Commission may establish subcommittees to oversee work plan activities. The subcommittees will be chaired by Commissioners appointed by the Chair. • The Commission's work plan will be submitted to the City Council, typically during the first quarter of the calendar year. The Chair and/or Commissioners will attend a Council/Manager meeting to discuss the annual work plan with the City Council. • The Commission's work plan must be agreed upon by the City Council. C. Annual Report The Commission shall submit an annual report to the City Council summarizing the past year's activities. The report may highlight information the Commission feels appropriate to convey to the City Council. D. Performance of Duties Commissioners are expected to adequately prepare for meetings. Commissioners unable to complete an assigned task should notify the commission chair or subcommittee chair as soon as possible. The Commission staff liaison may ask the City Council to review a Commissioner's appointment based upon its assessment of significant non-performance of duties. Article V: Amendments and Revisions The Commission will review these bylaws no later than the second meeting after May 1 every three years. Members may present recommendations for changes and amendments. These bylaws can be altered or amended at any regular monthly Commission meeting with a majority of members present, provided that notice of the proposed changes and amendments is provided to each member at least 10 business days before the meeting. The Council must review and approve any changes to, and has final authority regarding, these bylaws. Amended and approved June 2, 2020 try of�,� golden alley l`� y Date: June 25, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, Mn Greencorps Member Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Partners In Energy— Implementation Plan Staff has been working with the Environmental Commission and the Partners In Energy team on the energy action plan and will share information on the following items. Energy Cost Burden and Residential Energy Efficiency: Low -Income program flyer and partner organization outreach in the works • Making updated flyers about Energy Assistance Program and the Low -Income Home Energy Squad visits to distribute to community organizations like PRISM Prepared website and social media posts for low-income programs — coming out soon Finalizing Residential Home Energy Squad agreement for Council consideration • There is an established low-income home energy squad program already in place (those below 60% area median income (AMI) receive the service for free paid for by Xcel) • To address energy cost burden in Golden Valley, the City proposes to fully fund site visits to households at 60-80% AMI. Households above 80% AMI will receive the service at half the cost. This model is consistent with other cities in the metro area. Renewable (Solar) Energy: Aiming for summer informational push PiE to create checklist for solar process to put on GV website • GV to provide permitting process piece PiE to create social media posts about solar and renewable options Possibly room for a small piece about solar in newsletter. GV to look into federal tax credits and possible payback period for solar installations and subscriptions. Business Energy Efficiency: Starting outreach to business community connectors GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City PiE to create talking points/questions to ask city staff and energy action planning team to act as community connectors to businesses • How are businesses getting info? How do they want to be engaged? Do they know programs that are available? • GV decide if it's a phone call, meeting, or even sending out a survey • Hope is to establish a call to action for business engagement Other: City staff have CCX interview in July to line up with summer issue of CityNews, and webpage update. Focus will be on achieving Step 5 in GreenStep Cities and implementing the new Energy Action Plan. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: June 25, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, Mn Greencorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities: Step 5 Achievement The City has officially advanced to Step 5 in the GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations program. Golden Valley is one of 143 participating cities and tribal nations in the 11-year-old challenge, assistance, and recognition program. To achieve this the City has tracked over 85 metrics and was required to show improvement in at least three key metrics from one data year to 2020. The City will be recognized in a virtual award ceremony/gathering later this summer to celebrate this achievement and will receive the final award block! More information can be found at: https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/city-detail/12069 GAEnvi ron mental Commission\Memos try of�,� golden alley l`� y Date: June 25, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Environmental Resources Needs The Commission's 2021 work plan includes an action involving the resources needed to carry out the City's environmental efforts. • Resources Explore and understand the resources available and needed to implement the City's environmental goals, initiatives, plans, programs, and projects. The goal of the May meeting was to begin a conversation, ask questions, and identify information the Commission would like to explore in order to understand and assess the resources needed to implement the City's environmental efforts. Below are questions asked at the May meeting. No additional questions or comments were received by staff. • Is the EC on par with the Planning Commission in terms of "importance" and recommendations to Council? • Would the EC be out of line asking for another full-time employee? • The EC work plan has big goals - what is realistic to achieve with the current staff? • How does Forestry fit into the Commission's work? • How does Hennepin County fit in to the City's work? In order to answer these questions, and possibly help shape the development of future EC work plans, it might be helpful to understand the duties and responsibilities of the Environmental Staff within the Physical Development -Engineering Division. Below is a list of general duties and responsibilities. More specifics can be provided at the meeting and at future meetings, if requested. • Environmental Commission support GAEnvironmental Commission\ • Water Resources (Stormwater Management, Floodplain and Shoreland Management, Wetlands, Permit administration, supporting the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission) • Natural Resources (including Pollinator efforts) • Resilience and Sustainability (GreenStep Cities, Climate -related efforts) • Energy Action • Waste & Recycling • Project Management (including leading and collaborating on BCWMC funded projects) • Development Review • Grant Administration (for environmental projects) • Assist with Budget and Capital Improvement Program planning and oversight • Respond to citizen and/or neighborhood concerns related to drainage, flooding, and sump pump discharge, and coordinate activities to resolve complaints and issues. • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping and Asset Management While most City staff perform their work with some degree of environmental awareness in mind, it is not their primary focus or function. Staff currently working to implement the City's environmental goals, initiatives, plans, programs, and projects include: • Environmental Resources Supervisor • Environmental Specialist • GIS Mapping Specialist (this position supports the mapping and asset management needs of the entire organization) Temporary and seasonal employees and service members that contribute significantly to the City's environmental efforts include: • MnGreenCorps Member • Water Resources Intern • Hennepin County Sentencing to Service Crews • Citizen Volunteers There is some coordination with Park Maintenance -Forestry staff and Park and Recreation staff with respect to the implementation of certain grants, projects and activities within parks, nature areas and open spaces, and the review of Tree and Landscape Plans for developments, but almost no sharing of resources such as staffing or funding to carry out the City's environmental duties and responsibilities outlined above. Hennepin County has an Environmental Services department with programs to manage waste, protect land and water, take action on climate change, and promote environmental stewardship. Check out https://www.hennepin.us/environment for more information. The City works collaboratively with the County to achieve common goals, interests, and complete public improvement projects. The County's policies and programs help influence and guide the City's work, and County grants help fund some of the efforts. With the County's new climate action plan, staff anticipate the creation of working groups that collaborate on data collection and GAEnvironmental Commission\ analysis, policy discussion, and identifying and clarifying roles and partnerships. The City expects to have an increased role in this collaboration and in future partnerships. Commissioners are encouraged to review the information in this memo and come to the meeting with any questions they may have. Staff will be on hand to help answer questions. The Commission's work plan is attached for reference. GAEnvironmental Commission\ 71- IP` „�Y. '� _ ' ��" ate'"" :. � .`� "a,�`��'a: �_ ' 1 �i .. ' *� � � r •' - ago— �_`Ln 'i -� +� ♦�� > � r a * "ice• ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION 2020 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2021 WORK PLAN Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report 2020 Environmental Commission Commissioners Scott Seys, Chair (2021) Debra Yahle, Vice -Chair (2022) Tonia Galonska (2022) Shannon Hansen (2023) Dawn Hill (2021) Jim Stremel (2023) Wendy Weirich (2023) Felix Fettig, Student (2021) Note: Terms run May 1-April 30 Council Liaison Larry Fonnest City Staff Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant Story Schwantes, MN GreenCorps Member Purpose and Mission The Environmental Commission has been established to advise and make recommendations to the City Council in matters relating to and affecting the environment and human health. Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report Table of Contents 2020 Accomplishments page 4 2021 Proposed Work Plan page 6 Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report 2020 Accomplishments GreenStep Cities • Made additional progress toward Step 5 of the GreenStep Cities Program, including metrics and measures in the following topic areas: o buildings and lighting o renewable energy o land use o transportation and fleet o surface water o green buildings A link to the summary of Golden Valley's GreenStep Cities progress is located at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/ citVInfo.cfm?ctu code=2394924 Solar panels on the roof of Fire Station 1 Energy Use • Helped guide and develop a Draft Energy Action Plan as part of Xcel Energy's Partners In Energy community collaboration program. • Received updates and provided feedback on Hennepin County's Climate Action Plan. • Summarized the City's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions reductions to date. Pollinators • Developed pollinator habitat on two remnant City parcels on Douglas Drive, based on the site prioritization matrix created by the Commission in 2019. • Completed a public inventory of maintenance practices and chemicals applied on City properties as part of the City's resolution endorsing pollinator protection and promoting pollinator habitat. • Promoted numerous educational opportunities in cooperation with the Golden Valley Garden Club. Solid Waste, Recycling, And Organics • Explored options for organics recycling, and provided a recommendation to the City Council to implement a City -contracted organics recycling collection service. • Helped develop the Request For Proposals for Residential Curbside Recycling and Organics Recycling Services set to begin in 2022. Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report Environmental Justice Formed a subcommittee with the Human Rights Commission members to work on community projects, events, and speakers. • Mapped and presented the inequities of trees, green space, and natural amenities in the City for Human Rights Commission review, analysis, and to identify opportunities for partnership and investment. • Co -hosted a speaker event on Climate Justice with the Human Rights Commission in January 2020. Natural Resources Management • Hosted an educational workshop on sustainable yards and pollinator habitat. • Supported the Pennsylvania Woods Habitat Restoration Project, made possible by a grant from the ILTAMI INT61nw]►1C14 Researched and made recommendation on the Temporary Use of Goats for Vegetation Management (proposed code change coming to Council in 2021). Resilience And Sustainability • Developed a list of environmental goals and considerations for inclusion in the Downtown Redevelopment Study. • Drafted an environmentally -focused density bonus policy for the medium density (R-3) zoning district. • Helped create a Green Building Guide to provide environmental education and resources to residents and builders proposing new construction and renovation projects in the City. • Continued to provide support and feedback on the City's flood reduction and mitigation efforts through its projects, programs, and participation in the FEMA Community Rating System. Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report 2021 Proposed Work Plan Proposed work plan priorities for 2021 are based on goals in 2040 Comprehensive Plan (Resilience & Sustainability, Water Resources, and Parks & Natural Resources chapters), the GreenStep Cities Program, Council legislative priorities, the City's organizational priorities (including its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives), and the Energy Action Plan, which is nearing completion. • Curbside Recycling and Organics Collection Help develop and implement the new recycling and organics program scheduled for launch in January 2022. • Xcel Energy's Partners In Energy Program Help guide and participate in implementation of the City's Energy Action Plan, including: o reducing the number of households experiencing energy cost burden by 20 households through identifying, communicating, and connecting people Xcel Energy® PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Enerov Communitv Collaboration with programs offered by utility companies and others o increasing participation in energy efficiency programs for residents and businesses o exploring options for promoting, supporting, and developing clean, renewable energy and electric vehicles and charging infrastructure o supporting state and local efforts to update building codes or standards that advance energy performance in buildings GreenStep Cities Step 5 Continue working on actions and metrics to address climate -related impacts, improve the environment, and reduce energy consumption and costs. o If awarded a MN GreenCorps Member in 2021-2022, work to complete GreenStep Cities actions related to Climate and Energy Action. Community Outreach Use the Commission's $3,500 budget toward one or more of the following efforts: EV charging station on the City Hall campus o host an educational workshop on planting for pollinators (approximately $1,400 for Metro Blooms Workshop) in May 2021 o explore and develop a partnership with local schools to deliver a student project, product, or service in the City o host an environmental art show/contest o sponsor a recognition program for native plantings or buckthorn removal o fund a joint project, event, or speaker/conversation with the Human Rights Commission Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report • Climate Justice and Environmental Justice Continue to partner with the Human Rights Commission on a joint project, event, or speaker/conversation. Collaboration may include: o sponsoring one "green" infrastructure project in an area of the City with inequities of trees, green space, and natural amenities o enhancing one existing community or neighborhood event by planting trees, vegetation, or a garden in an area of the City with inequities of trees, green space, and natural amenities o hosting at least one speaker or community conversation on climate justice and environmental justice focusing on disparate impacts, adaptation, and resilience with respect to vulnerable populations, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Zero -Waste Community Help the City host a zero -waste community event in 2021, potentially at the Golden Valley Farmer's Market. • Natural Resources Management Plan Continue to assist in implementation of the plan, including: o supporting habitat restoration in the Briarwood Nature Area in 2021-22 with DNR Grant funds o exploring ways to promote, improve, expand, and preserve remnant natural areas and open spaces in the City Downtown Redevelopment Study Continue to engage in environmental aspects of the study and plan. • Pollinators Complete actions listed in the City's Pollinator Protection resolution, such as: o developing more plots and habitat in the community, especially near underserved areas o increasing pollinator education and promotion of programs and grants (such as Lawns 2 Legumes) in cooperation with the Golden Valley Garden Club, using resources such as master gardeners and the University of Minnesota Bee Lab • Transportation: o support and contribute to the City's Bus Rapid Transit efforts along Hwy 55 o explore ways to reduce vehicle usage and expand transportation options in the City • Water Resources: o help update the City's Stormwater Management Photo by Susan Ramlet, Views Of The Valley 2020 Program and improve the City's stormwater assessment score in GreenStep Cities (as part of the City's permit requirements with MPCA) o look at long-range needs for stormwater storage, and consider how to use those needs to improve recreation and conservation • Resources Explore and understand the resources available and needed to implement the City's environmental goals, initiatives, plans, programs, and projects. city of go ldn� valley Date: June 25, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, Mn Greencorps Member Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist Subject: Stormwater Program — Rain Barrels Each spring the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) partners with local governments on a rain barrel sale. It has come to staff's attention that a number of residents are interested in the City participating in next year's sale. Rain barrels are an eco-friendly way to capture and reuse stormwater that flows from your roof and other elevated surfaces on your property. Rain barrels can help reduce the amount of runoff, improving water quality downstream. RAM will coordinate customer registration, as well as order and delivery of product to the City, with the City advertising the event and providing a pick-up space for residents. Barrels are $79 + tax and made from 100% recycled plastic, and in order to have the barrels delivered the City/residents must order 60 barrels. Cities are encouraged, but not required, to cover some percentage of the cost for residents, typically anywhere from 10-50%, potentially up to some maximum budget amount. For example, St. Louis Park covers 50% of the cost, and Brooklyn Center, Crystal and New Hope residents can get $20 off. Hosting a rain barrel sale would also be considered a required outreach event for the new municipal stormwater (MS4) permit with MPCA. More information on the sale can be found at: https://recycleminnesota.org/work/compost-bins- rain-barrels/ Staff asks that the Commission review and discuss the program and consider making a recommendation to Council to participate, if desired. GAEnvi ron mental Commission\Memos try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: June 25, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist Subject: Pollinator Progress Report In October of 2019, Golden Valley City Council adopted a Pollinator Resolution pledging to increase efforts to develop and foster pollinator habitat, as well as review its current practices to minimize negative effects on pollinators. With June being National Pollinator Month, staff thought it was appropriate to give an update on how these efforts have progressed. Below is a list of projects that have developed and installed pollinator habitat in recent years: - DeCola Ponds B and C Expansion and Restoration - Bassett Creek Nature Area Habitat Restoration - Pennsylvania Woods Habitat Restoration - Douglas Drive Pollinator Plots Project - Pond Dredging and Restoration near Kings Valley - Georgia Pond Maintenance and Restoration - Brookview Ponds F and G Vegetative Buffers - Briarwood Nature Area Habitat Restoration (fall 2021) In addition to the projects listed above, City staff have revised many recent contracts to reflect the City's increased efforts to support pollinators. These efforts include updated specifications for contracts to reduce the amount of chemical used, giving mechanical removal and treatment methods priority, and prohibiting the use of neonicotinoids. Golden Valley also continues to manage 35 Native Vegetative Buffer areas throughout the City to provide and enhance pollinator habitat, protect water quality, and provide aesthetic interest to patrons in these areas. GAEnvi ron mental Commission\Memos Education and outreach regarding pollinators have been other aspects that the City has continued to expand upon. Golden Valley has continued to install new signage near many of its native vegetation areas to educate the public on the importance of these areas, and has collaborated with the People for Pollinators group through a Memorandum of Understanding to host and promote various workshops and events regarding pollinators. The Golden Valley Environmental Commission also collaborated again with Metro Blooms to put on a Planting for Pollinators Webinar earlier this year. A list of the workshops and events put on by the GV Garden Club and People For Pollinators Group is below: - Simple Steps to Help Pollinators Webinar - Climate Resilient Gardens Webinar - Planting for Pollinators Webinar - Tips and Techniques for Safe Transfer and Sharing of Native Plants Webinar - Cleaning up the traffic circles at Winnetka and Golden Valley Road - Summer Garden Tours - Pollinator Day at Market in the Valley Golden Valley has made great strides in updating its policies and procedures to ensure that they align with the goal of its Pollinator Resolution, and will continue to evaluate its operations going forward to find new ways to work towards implementing these goals. PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES —June 2021 SUSTAINABILITY GreenCorps Program The City was recently notified that it will be hosting another GreenCorps member for the 2021-2022 service term. The member will mainly be working on implementing the City's Energy Action Plan, and will also help with roll out of the City's new Organics Recycling program. RECYCLING The City is looking at providing small compostable organics bags via informational mailer to all residents later this year to help kickoff the organics recycling program January 1, 2022. This is similar to what Minneapolis and other cities have done in their communities. Staff is also researching the possibility of purchasing small kitchen pails to hand out at events as an educational and promotional tool to increase participation. WATER RESOURCES DeCola Ponds: SEA School-Wildwood Park Flood Reduction Study The engineering feasibility study conducted by the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) in close partnership with the City of Golden Valley was approved by the BCWMC at its June meeting with Concept 3 Wet Meadow selected as the preferred option to move forward for project design this fall. Visit the project webpage for more information. A public hearing to consider ordering the project is anticipated for late summer. More public engagement would take place this fall and winter. Medley Park Stormwater Improvement Study The engineering feasibility study conducted by the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) in close partnership with the City of Golden Valley was approved by the BCWMC at its June meeting with Concept 3 selected as the preferred option to move forward for project design this fall. If approved, a public hearing to consider ordering the project is anticipated for late summer. More public engagement would take place this fall and winter. NATURAL RESOURCES Pennsylvania Woods Nature Area The Pennsylvania Woods Habitat Restoration Project has moved along, with the site prep burn and native seeding completed in May. The site will have three years of subsequent maintenance to ensure that invasive species are adequately managed. Briarwood Nature Area The project is set to commence this fall. It will be similar to the Bassett Creek Nature Area and Pennsylvania Woods Habitat Restoration projects, with invasive species removal and subsequent native seeding. Restoration efforts will also be accompanied by three years of vegetative management.