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04-25-2022 HOPKINS PARK BOARD AGENDA Monday, April 25, 2022 6:30 pm THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE START OF THE PARK BOARD MEETING The public may attend this meeting via zoom. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ADOPT AGENDA III. COMMUNITY COMMENT 1. At this time, any interested resident may come to speak on an item not on the evening’s agenda. IV. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of the March 28, 2022, Special Park Board Meeting V. GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Presentation on Sustainability / Environmental Commissions + Discussion 2. Discussion on Park Partners VI. GENERAL PARK UPDATE 1. Minnetonka Recreation Update 2. Master Park System Plan Update VII. PARK AREA ASSIGNMENT REPORTS 1. Megan Slindee (Chair): Harley Hopkins Park, Maetzold Field 2. Kimberly Stiele (Vice Chair): Elmo Park, Downtown Park 3. Emma Figgins: Buffer Park, Central Park 4. Anna Pohmer: Hilltop Park, Burns Park 5. Dre Jefferson: Cottageville Park, Park Valley Park 6. Emily Waitz: Minnehaha Creek Preserve, Valley Park 7. Matthew Miller: Oakes Park, Hiawatha Oaks Preserve 8. Annika Burman & Misheel Battur: Shady Oak Beach, Interlachen Park VIII. ADJOURN 1. May 23, 2022 – at Hopkins City Hall, 1010 1st St S. HOPKINS PARK BOARD REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 28, 2022 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins Park Bo ard was held on Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010 1st Street South. Chair Meg Slindee called the meeting to order with Commissioners Miller, Stiele, Waitz and Figgins and youth members Battur and Burman. Staff present included Management Analyst Imihy. ADOPT AGENDA Motion by Stiele. Second by Waitz. Motion to Adopt the Agenda. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. No public comment. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Waitz. Second by Steile. Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda. 1. Minutes of the February 28, 2022 Park Board Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. GENERAL PARK UPDATE Chair Slindee made opening remarks and thanked the board for her new position as chair. Minnetonka Parks and Recreation Update Minnetonka is in a push for summer hiring and staff is attending job fairs. Summer registration on March 9 saw 3,000+ registrations. Popular programs are park adventures, day camp and theater camps. The department gave an update on adult sports and they are currently working on spring programs for bike month. The department will also be applying for a Department of Education grant for swimming lesson scholarships. The board asked questions regarding park program locations and program and scholarship demographics. PARK AREA ASSIGNMENT REPORTS The park assignments are as follows: HOPKINS PARK BOARD REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 28, 2022 Emma Figgins: Buffer, Central: Central Park playground has some good potentia l and hopefully can be a priority item with the consultants. There is a waterfall coming from the field to the street at Central. Meg Slindee: Harley Hopkins, Maetzold Field: Nothing to report (NTR) Anna Pohmer: Burnes, Hilltop: N/A Dre Jefferson: Cottageville, Park Valley: N/A Emily Waitz: Minnehaha Creek Preserve, Valley: NTR Matthew Miller: Oakes, Hiawatha Oakes Preserve: Oakes Park flooded- ducks and geese were floating around. Kimberly Stiele: Elmo, Downtown: NTR Annika Burman: Interlachen, Shady Oak Beach: Interlachen Park was wet. Misheel Battur: Interlachen, Shady Oak Beach: NTR GENERAL BUSINESS Review and Recommend a Consultant for the Master Park System Plan Imihy gave the board an overview of the master parks plan process, which includes consultant interviews and proposal summaries. At this meeting, Imihy was looking for the board to make a recommendation to the city council to be considered at their April 5 meeting. Members Jefferson and Pohmer were not present at this meeting but both chose the consulting firm Confluence. Imihy gave the board an overview of how the budget and payment works with the firms. Slindee stated the board will want to start talking about amendments to proposals if needed and which parks the board would like to see prioritized. After a preliminary vote, the board members discussed who they would like to hire and their reasons why, including community engagement and sustainability. All present members noted they would like to choose Confluence. It was noted the board would like see the consultant put sustainability in the forefront of their planning and know that it is a priority for them. Motion by Stiele. Second by Miller. Motion to Recommend Confluence as Consulting Team to the City Council Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. Imihy asked the board to see if there are any areas of the proposal that need more detail. The board discussed assigning a dollar amount for potential proposal amendments that might be needed. Motion by Waitz. Second by Stiele. Motion to Increase Number Park Master Plans to Five and an Additional $20,000. HOPKINS PARK BOARD REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 28, 2022 Member Miller voiced concern about the amount of money being spent for planning and not leaving enough in the budget for action. Imihy noted it would likely be less than $20,000, closer to $10,000 that would be needed. The board discussed and Imihy answered questions. She let them know the proposal can be amended at any time and the board discussed what parks need a master plan in the proposal. Imihy let the board know an ADA consultant has been hired to assess the parks. Member Waitz moved to Amend Motion to add three park master plans to the proposal and increase the budget up to but not to exceed $12,000. Members discussed issues with specific parks that may need a master plan and debated which would be most deserving. The board voted on six total park master plans in the proposal. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. The board continued to discuss the future process of the proposals, including community engagement. Motion by Figgins. Second by Waitz. Motion to increase engagement budget by $6,000. Members discussed possible issues with the budget and moved forward with a vote. Ayes: All present members with the exception of Miller. Nays: Miller. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Park Board and upon a motion by Waitz, second by Miller, the meeting was unanimously adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Lizzie Miller, Administrative Assistant ATTEST: _______________________________ Meg Slindee, Park Board Chair ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION 2020 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2021 WORK PLAN Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report 2 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 3 Table of Contents 2020 Accomplishments page 4 2021 Proposed Work Plan page 6 Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report 4 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/ cityInfo.cfm?ctu_code=2394924 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 Org anics • 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. Solar panels on the roof of Fire Station 1 Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report 5 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 • Host ed an educational workshop on sustainable yards and pollinator habitat. • Supported the Pennsylvania Woods Habitat Restoration Project, made possible by a grant from the Minnesota DNR. • 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 6 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 with programs of fered 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 budg et toward one or more of the following efforts: 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 EV charging station on the City Hall campus Golden Valley Environmental Commission 2020 Annual Report 7 • 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 f unds 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 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. Photo by Susan Ramlet, Views Of The Valley 2020 Minnetonka is well-known as a beautiful community set among lakes, streams, wetlands, known for its stunning natural areas. Lesser known, however, is the City’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Minnetonka believes that all community members, residents and businesses alike, can engage in opportunities to increase energy efficiency, save money, and stay comfortable. Achieving this plan will help our community to sustain its sought-after resources and remain resilient as the community grows and changes. Minnetonka Energy Action Plan Minnetonka will be the community of choice for people who care about responsible energy stewardship. We will lead the metro in efficient energy management. Reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in Minnetonka by 160,000 metric tons of CO2 before the end of 2030—equivalent to removing over 35,000 passenger vehicles from the road for one year. Between initiation of this plan and the end of 2030, the cumulative impact of achieving our goal will result in a 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the three-year baseline. About this Plan Residents, business leaders, City of Minnetonka staff, and utility representatives—leaders from all over our city—have worked together to create this Energy Action Plan with the help of Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy. Partners in Energy supports communities like Minnetonka in developing and implementing their energy goals. Working together, the plan is unique to Minnetonka and charts the course toward an exciting energy future for our community. Vision Summer 2020 Goal Short-Term Focus Areas Three focus areas were chosen by the team that will help us hit the ground running to achieve our goal: Multi-Family Buildings We will target multi-family properties in Minnetonka with more than five units, accounting for nearly 7,300 residences who will benefit from energy-efficiency upgrades and renewable energy support. Residential Energy Efficiency Single-family homes make up 66% of Minnetonka’s housing stock. These homes will benefit from energy-efficiency improvements, particularly our many older homes, most 30+ years old. Renewable Energy Only 5% of electric premises support renewable energy, leaving a lot of opportunity to increase use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Medium- and Long-Term Focus Areas Two longer-term focus areas will also help to achieve Minnetonka’s energy vision. Business Outreach Commercial and industrial premises represent only 8% of premises but in 2018, consumed almost 50% of all energy used in Minnetonka. We will focus our efforts on small and medium-sized businesses who have historically not participated in energy-saving programs. Electric Vehicle Adoption According to industry journal, Automotive News, electric vehicle sales are expected to overtake internal combustion vehicle sales by 2030. This evolution in transportation offers great opportunities for cities like Minnetonka. These opportunities extend to fleet electrification of municipal vehicles as well as the those associated with increasing adoption of electric vehicles in the private sector. Focus Areas The impact of making renewable energy easy, familiar, and affordable will result in an estimated 105,500 metric tons of CO2e avoided cumulatively by 2030. This is the equivalent of the greenhouse gas emissions from one year of driving from 22,685 cars. In 2018, Minnetonka residents and businesses participated in energy efficiency programs over 3,800 times, saving nearly 1% of community energy use, or about $1.2 million. Minnetonka’s homes are aging. 80% are over 30 years old, which makes them great candidates for energy efficiency upgrades. To learn more, visit: minnetonkamn.gov/our-city/sustainable-minnetonka 1 2020 Annual Report | Energy & Environment Committee 2020 Energy & Environment Sustainability was identified as an area of opportunity in the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan and in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Energy & Environment Committee researches and recommends ways to advance sustainability goals in the City to the City Council, City Manager, and other City boards and commissions. At the start of the process the Energy and Environment Committee, Xcel Energy and the Center for the Energy and Environment (CEE) worked to create a new Energy Action Team (EAT) to work on the Energy Action plan, which represented many different stakeholders within Wayzata. The EAT created an energy vision statement, "Wayzata is a forward- thinking community on the forefront of sustainability. We will lead by example to reduce our energy use through conservation and increase access to renewable energy sources for all residents, businesses, and institutions. Our community and its members will thrive and become more resilient through promoting values of energy stewardship and supporting everyone in our community in our work". Members Staff Liaisons Kathleen Jones Nick Kieser Amy Steiner Stielow Emily Goellner KC Chermak Polly Anderson Chrissie Olson Alessandra Bajetti (Student) Jeff Buchanan – Council Member 2 2020 Annual Report | Energy & Environment Committee 2020 Overview 2020 Focus Items: Focus Item Status Start Tracking Energy and Water Consumption City is doing B3 benchmarking of City Hall and starting process for benchmarking Public Works building. Water tracking is not yet done. Propose Partners in Energy Program to Council Done Research/Propose GreenStep Cities Program Done. Program steps were researched and Diana McKeown from the Great Plains Institute gave presentation to the committee in August 2020. Decided to look into it after Energy Action plan implemented. Create Website Page with Information about the Committee Done Research programs/Initiatives/Grants for City Implementation Hennepin County Opportunity Grant was pursued for stormwater pond by the Section Foreman House next to Lake Minnetonka. Had conversations and site visit with Hennepin County. Decided to apply again in 2021. Research Renewable Energy Options for City Facilities Being completed through the Energy Action Plan Create Annual Report and Future Work Plan Done 3 2020 Annual Report | Energy & Environment Committee Other Key Accomplishments Partners in Energy program o Application to apply approved by City Council on 2/4/2020 o Kick-off event held 3/9/2020 at City Hall o 13 members of the Energy Action team were recruited, selected, and put forward to City Council to work on developing an energy action plan for the city o Energy Action team met 4 times throughout the spring and summer o Xcel Energy presented energy action plan to the Committee on 10/27/2020 with expected 18 month implementation. Energy benchmarking o Have data for City Hall o Toured public works facility on 10/8/2020 to see how building works in terms of energy operations. EV Event o Event originally planned for 6/11/2020 in partnership with Fresh Energy, was postponed until 2021 due to COVID. o Video on electric vehicles was put on Energy and Environment Committee website. City Council Referrals o Plastic Bag Ban. Item was brought to Energy and Environment committee by City Council for committee to research ordinance to limit plastic bag and straw use and bring forward recommendation. Had been brought up by resident in a public forum. Committee decided to hold off for now, given other priorities. o Community garden. Item was brought to the committee by a City Council member. Committee decided to hold off on project and focus on energy action plan. There didn’t seem to be a lot of community need for the community garden. The city has one community garden site run by St. Bart’s School. o Zoning Task Force - Committee member KC Chermak joined the zoning task force to represent the committee Hennepin County Opportunity Grant o Several sites were researched, including erosion project on the runoff pond east of the Hotel Landing. Decided on storm water pond by the Section Foreman House next to Lake Minnetonka with focus on pollutant removal and incorporation of native grasses. o Site visit with Hennepin County project manager, and Chair of Park and Trails Board to determine which project to apply for and discuss the application, on 8/12/2020 o Committee Chair Polly Andersen and member Amy Stielow working on application. Decided to wait until 2021 4 2020 Annual Report | Energy & Environment Committee Hennepin County Residential Recycling Grant o Council and Committee member Jeff Buchanan researching the grant. Green Step Cities o Diana McKeown from Great Plains Institute gave presentation to committee on the program, 8/25/2020 o Committee decided to research further after implementation of energy action plan 5 2020 Annual Report | Energy & Environment Committee 2021 Committee Work Plan January • Welcome new committee member • Designate tasks for each member to work towards on the Partners in Energy Plan • Start to develop a contact list of faith organizations and identify organizations to create relationships with for the EAP February • Start to conduct a residential energy savings campaign • Support city with website: Work with PiE to determine what to add to E & E city website and how to promote it; Create resources webpage for building owners and developers on city website • Continue with contact lists March • Launch renewable energy campaign and distribute communications and materials • Continue work on website and contact lists April • Start planning Electric Vehicle (EV) event • Research recognition programs for the accomplishments of Wayzata’s energy initiatives, such as: o GreenSteps o Cities LEED for Cities and Communities o SolSmart • Determine best way to communicate City successes • Start multi-family building outreach May • Continue EV event planning 6 2020 Annual Report | Energy & Environment Committee • Review ways to recognize City successes • Identify and recruit volunteers, Chamber of Commerce staff, and energy action team members to distribute materials to business owners. • Continue multi-family building outreach for energy saving opportunities June • Continue EV event planning • Continue multi-family building outreach for energy saving opportunities • Determine any participation on any City success programs July • Promote renewable energy opportunities and free assessments for businesses • Conduct outreach to under-resourced households • Conduct a renewable energy outreach campaign • Create an annual recognition process that aligns or collaborates with other Wayzata building recognitions through the City or Chamber of Commerce; Specify requirements, partners, other city departments to be involved, and how businesses benefit from recognition. • Recognize city successes • Develop and launch a Home Energy Squad sign-up campaign by offering city- sponsored visits for half the cost of normal visit. (Anytime, but target 100 visits by January 2022) August • Promote renewable energy opportunities and free assessments for businesses • Conduct outreach to under-resourced households • Conduct a renewable energy outreach campaign • Help support PiE to create and deliver utility bill inserts and social media outreach targeting residents to sign up for online billing and learn how to navigate energy information in the platform. • Chosen volunteers begins multi-family one-on-one outreach 7 2020 Annual Report | Energy & Environment Committee September • Promote renewable energy opportunities and free assessments for businesses • Conduct outreach to under-resourced households • Conduct a renewable energy outreach campaign • Support PiE on administering home energy surveys to collect questions, topics of interest and timing preferences for virtual or in-person 30-minute energy workshops. October • Expand electric vehicle access and education • Create a green recognition program • Conduct outreach to faith organizations • Identify social service organizations, under-resourced areas of the community, and other partnerships that can help distribute information on free energy resources for energy burdened households. November • Expand electric vehicle access and education • Create a green recognition program • Conduct outreach to faith organizations • Help PiE plan energy workshops for Q1 2022 • Work on plan for 2022. December • Expand electric vehicle access and education • Create a green recognition program • Conduct outreach to faith organizations • Support PiE in creation of communications language and outreach plan to faith organizations who own buildings, asking them to consider an energy audit and explore money-saving and sustainable energy opportunities.