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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/27/2020 Meeting 410 0 0 0 0 0 °0 Meeting Location: Municipal Center Apple 7100 147th Street West Valley Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124 Urban Affairs Advisory Committee meetings have resumed at the Municipal Center and are open to the public with physical distancing restrictions. Attendee procedures and access information are posted on the City's webs ite. October 27, 2020 URBAN AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TENTATIVE AGENDA 6:00 PM 1. Call to Order A. Urban Affairs Advisory Committee members will be attending either in- person or virtually. A Roll-call will be taken. 2. Approve Agenda 3. Approve Minutes A. Approve Minutes of September 22, 2020, Regular Meeting 4. Action Items 5. Other Business A. GreenStep Cities and Natural Resources Updates B. Tentative Schedule for Next UA Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 6. Adjourn " 9 ITEM: 0009 Is 00 ap66 Apple URBAN AFFAI RS ADVISORY MEETI NG DATE: October 27, 2020 Valley SECTION: Special Notification Description: Urban Affairs Advisory Committee meetings have resumed at the Municipal Center and are open to the public with physical distancing restrictions. Attendee procedures and access information are posted on the City's website. Staff Contact: Department/ Division: Tammy Bernatz, Planning Department Assistant Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: Please let us know you have joined us by either signing in at the door or requesting to be an attendee on-line. SUMMARY: Note: Urban Affairs Advisory Committee meetings have resumed at the Municipal Center and are open to the public with physical distancing restrictions. BACKGROUND: Attendees who wish to ask questions and/or voice concerns will be able to register on-line via the City of Apple Valley website a couple of days prior to the scheduled meeting. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A 40 �9W ITEM: 1.A. 0 00 ap66 Apple URBAN AFFAI RS ADVISORY MEETI NG DATE: October 27, 2020 Valley SECTION: Call to Order Description: Urban Affairs Advisory Committee members will be attending either in-person or virtually.A Roll- call will be taken. Staff Contact: Department/ Division: Tammy Bernatz, Planning Department Assistant Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: SUMMARY: During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Conference Rooms in the Apple Valley Municipal Building have been set up to allow for the Committee members to attend meetings either in- person(observing social distancing in accordance with Emergency Executive Order 20-81) or virtually (via GoToMeeting). A Roll-call will be taken. BACKGROUND: N/A BUDGET IMPACT: N/A 40 �9W ITEM: 3.A. 0 00 ap66 Apple URBAN AFFAI RS ADVISORY MEETI NG DATE: October 27, 2020 Valley SECTION: Approve Minutes Description: Approve Minutes of September 22, 2020, Regular Meeting Staff Contact: Department/ Division: Tammy Bernatz, Planning Department Assistant Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes of regular meeting of September 22, 2020. SUMMARY: The minutes of the Urban Affairs Advisory Committee meeting are attached for your review and approval. BACKGROUND: State statute requires the creation and preservation of meeting minutes which document the official actions and proceedings of public governing bodies. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A ATTACHMENTS: Mlhnutes CITY OF APPLE VALLEY URBAN AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Urban Affairs Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by Chair Sharon Schwartz at 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Linda Blake, Sandy Breuer*, Walton Mahlum, Sharon Schwartz and John Vegter. Members Absent: Ann Arens. Staff Present: Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist and Planner/Economic Development Specialist Alex Sharpe*. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Sandy Breuer joined via GoToWebinar at 6:04pm Chair Schwartz asked if there were any changes to the agenda. MOTION: Vegter moved, seconded by Blake, approving the agenda. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Schwartz asked if there were any changes to the minutes. Mahlum asked who would be taking minutes for this meeting. Nordquist advised that the meeting was being recorded. MOTION: Mahlum moved, seconded by Vegter, approving the minutes of the meeting of February 20, 2019, as amended. Ayes - 5 -Nays - 0. Pamela Sohlberg arrived at 6:30pm. 4. ACTION ITEMS —NONE— 5. OTHER BUSINESS Let it be known that Sandy Breuer has been present(via GoToWebinar) since the start of the meeting, but due to technical issues, she was not heard. Her vote to approve the minutes has been recorded. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County,Minnesota Urban Affairs Advisory Committee Minutes September 22,2020 Page 2 of 5 This meeting is being recorded. It is noted that (the UA meeting) has never been televised (nor recorded) and therefore some technical adjustments and accommodations are being made [due to the pandemic emergency, in order to accommodate the committee members, either in-person or via a GoToWebinar(audio and/or video)]. A.Urban Affairs Update on Census,Animal Ordinance, and Sustainability Updates to this year's Census, the Animal Ordinance (and in particular chickens), and an explanation on the Minnesota Green Step program in response to Sustainability are the topics of presentation and discussion. Planner/Economic Development Specialist Alex Sharpe provided a PowerPoint Update on the Census Census Update: Enumerators to remain until the end of October. This does not necessarily pertain directly to the City of Apple Valley, but they want to ensure they hit those tracts with response rates in the lower 60s percentile, which could include the northern part of the community. This year's response rate (for AV)is at 83.6% as compared to 2010's 80.9% (which put AV in the top 10 at that time). The Census is very important for MN as there are congressional seats available, which could cost the state in the Electoral College if seats are lost due to a decline in population. The(enumerators) will not concentrate on any "low response" tracts if the response rates for those tracts exceeds 70%. Congratulations on a work well-done. Committee Member Vegter—Will the Census enumerators continue to the end of October? Response Yes, they will be out, but it is not sure if they will be in Apple Valley at any time. CD Director Nordquist — Is there a possibility that the response rate (for certain tracts in AV) get to/exceed 70%? Response Yes, but due to MN's 74.601o, there are other communities with response rates of 40%, 50%, and 6001o, which the enumerators will make a priority. The enumerators are from the local Twin Cities areas. The 74.6% MN rate could improve. To date, the rate is up to 74.8% Committee Member Malhum — With the response rate at 83.6%, does this mean that 16.4% Apple citizens will not be counted in this census? Response The rest of the count will be done by data analysis, trending, and what is already known about the population. This is the purpose for breaking down (areas into) a census tract. Tracts are broken down in what is believed to be similar household size and demographics, therefore data can be extrapolated(with some accuracy) with a 70%+ response rate. Mahlum—Do we know how many states have exceeded 70%? Response Staff concentrated on MN census information only. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County,Minnesota Urban Affairs Advisory Committee Minutes September 22,2020 Page 3 of 5 Chair Schwartz—In reference to the tract(in AV) that has the lowest response rate, is that still the same one? Response Yes, the northern part ofAV, east of Cedar, north of McAndrews. Schwartz —is there a difference (in response)by multi-family residences that are rentals, compared to those that are owned? Response That will be looked into prior to next meeting. Materials were delivered to over 30 apartment buildings, which also included seniors, owners, and townhome associations. There are other sources that may be able to provide more information (ie W demographers). Pam Sohlberg arrived @ 6:17pm Materials Shared with Urban Affairs about Animal Control—PowerPoint presented by Bruce Nordquist Especially due to COVID (i.e. egg shortage in May),petitions continue to be signed for desire to raise chickens in the City, including Pahl's Market and the Farmers' Market. It is likely that a petition will be presented to the City. UAC and City Council Action: The City Council put it to the UAC to update the Animal Control Ordinance. There was a review of the ordinance in 2013. Action was taken by the City Council in 2014. Residents' request for review and change of the ordinance is happening almost annually, but the UAC has had other priorities assigned to them by the CC; including Sustainability (ie: a Solar Master Plan, electric vehicles-to note new vehicle charger installed in front of the Municipal Center, Nuvelos has charging stations in their underground garage); the City's successful 50th Anniversary planning, the Census, Bagsters, and others. But, the issue of chickens remains,probably into 2021, as there doesn't look to be any resolution in the near future. Vegter—At this point in time, has the City Council asked us to do anything with chickens? Response the petitions to the City will trigger (delegation by) the CC to continue review, as they have had the UAC take care of other issues. (This meeting) is a "heads up" that the chicken issue will be coming up again,possibly even this year. Animal Ordinance: In place as of 2014 Ordinance. Household pets are identified as well as how they are to be handled. Right now, what is being asked is not being allowed by the ordinance in place. Chickens are identified as livestock/farm poultry and therefore, NOT house pets. Chickens in SF Residential Zones, Dakota County: AV prohibits chickens, Farmington requires a special permit, all other counties allow chickens other than West St. Paul,where its ordinance is under review. Select Cities Not in Dakota County: Chickens are prohibited in Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Woodbury. A review of the MN Office of the State Auditor 2018 Total Expenditure per Capita shows that those cities (out of 108)that do not allow chickens fare much better (in top CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County,Minnesota Urban Affairs Advisory Committee Minutes September 22,2020 Page 4 of 5 15)than those that do allow chickens in money spent per resident. Of note these are larger, 3rd ring suburbs (in population size). Vegter—Is it possible to get data as to the cost of allowing chickens the selected cities? Response Yes. Information has been provided to staff by a petitioner. Focus on Sustainability—PowerPoint presented by Bruce Nordquist Apple Valley started as a Green Step Level 3 city. In the last year, the Natural Resources Staff worked towards and achieved Green Step Level 4. There are 5 levels. NR Staff will present how they did this and what they continue to do [in a future UAC Meeting]. The history of the Green Step initiative starts with the Paris Accord and the commitment to conserve energy, and became the MN Green Step City in 2009 in response to the Pollution Control Agency; designed to target areas where cities can improve: building and lighting, land use, transportation (we were credited for the MVTA Red-line), environmental management, resilience in economic and community development —resilience does not just mean reacting to disasters, but how to use materials like storm water ponding to reduce neighborhood flooding. Bruce asked if there were any questions or comments. Bruce explained that the Natural Resources Staff is a division of Public Works. The new charging station (partnership with Dakota Electric) at the Municipal Center is for use by the public with a compatible vehicle. The City is also considering switching over some of the smaller vehicles to electric. Prior to the present(COVID situation), the turnover of vehicles would have been 10 years. But, there will be a fundamental shift. Breuer— congratulates the City for making it to Green Step Level 4. 1) Will the NR Staff provide what will be needed to get to Level 5? It looks like there are only 20 cities in MN that are already there. Response Community Development staff, working with White Plains Institute, was responsible for creating the base line for measuring data available about AV properties'energy use and miles traveled( 18 months ago). The NR staff updated the data. Step 4 requires that the data be monitored and show improvement after a year. To get to Step 5, improvements must be added and continue to reduce energy usage towards the baseline. The NR staffwill explain this in more detail. 2) Are you expecting a petition (on a change to the animal ordinance)? Response Staff has received reports that petitions are already in place at the Farmers'Market and Pahl's Market to support urban chickens. Committee Member Blake—Referring back to chickens, it is noted that 35 people attended the initial meeting in 2013, 22 opposed and 4 support chickens; what kind of opposition are you expecting at this time? Response That is difficult to answer. Petitioners show support, but those who oppose may or may not speak up. It will be a policy decision based on what the residents have to say. Opinions are CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County,Minnesota Urban Affairs Advisory Committee Minutes September 22,2020 Page 5 of 5 being posted in the City's social media and emails have been received both in support of and against chickens in the City. B.Next tentatively scheduled Urban Affairs Meeting is October 27, 2020. 6. Adjourn Hearing no further comments from the Urban Affairs Advisory Committee, Chair Schwartz asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Vegter moved, seconded by Sohlberg to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m. Ayes - 6 - Nays - 0. Respectfully Submitted, Mari Salamanca, Department Assistant Approved by the Urban Affairs Advisory Committee on 10/27/2020 Sharon Schwartz, Chair 40 �9W ITEM: 5.A. 0 00 ap66 Apple URBAN AFFAI RS ADVISORY MEETI NG DATE: October 27, 2020 Valley SECTION: Other Business Description: GreenStep Cities and Natural Resources Updates Staff Contact: Department/ Division: Jessica Schaum, Natural Resources Coordinator Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: N/A SUMMARY: The City has undertaken a variety of initiatives in the realm of sustainability and resilience for the past decade. The City's Natural Resources Coordinator will provide an update in three areas: the recent advancement in the GreenStep Cities program, the Rainwater Rewards program, and a brief orientation to city natural resources programs. 1. GreenStep Cities The GreenStep Cities Program is a voluntary commitment to assist, and recognize programs to help cities achieve their sustainability and environmental quality-of-life goals. Launched in 2010, the program has five levels of recognition for city action. Over the years, Apple Valley has reached new levels in the program, showing our commitment to improving sustainability. Apple Valley achieved Step 1 in 2011, Step 2 in 2012, Step 3 in 2015, and now Step 4 in 2020. To achieve Step 4, our City divisions and departments shared information regarding our current vehicle fleet details, biking and walking infrastructure, parkland quantity and access, stormwater management, land use, and efficient LED lighting for our buildings and stoplights, among other categories. These metrics were submitted and recorded as our "Baseline" to achieve GreenStep Cities Step 4. To achieve Step 5 in the future the City could make goals to further reduce impacts to improve our metrics and then report annually for future recognition. 2. Rainwater Rewards The City of Apple Valley offers financial assistance to landowners interested in installing water quality project improvement projects on private property such as raingardens, shoreline buffers, and native gardens. The goal of the program is to empower landowners to make positive impacts to the quality and quantity of water resources—lakes, ponds, and wetlands—in the community. As an added benefit, native plants utilized in water quality improvement help our local pollinators and improve habitat biodiversity. The City has offered a water quality grant program since 2009; offering residents up to 50% of their cost, not to exceed $500 per project. 3. Natural Resources Natural Resources is a division of the Public Works Department and focuses on protecting, managing, and enhancing the city's urban forest, landscapes, and over 300 lakes and ponds. This division coordinates permitting for construction sites and worl6ng with other city divisions to ensure environmental guidelines and requirements are met. This division has two certified arborists busy combating new invasive pests like emerald ash borer and older invasive species like buckthorn. Staff also works closely with state agencies, lake associations, and other entities such as watershed districts to ensure our surface waters are protected and pollution is minimized BACKGROUND: N/A BUDGET IMPACT: N/A ATTACHMENTS: 0 0000 w000 oe ' ,Apple Kai nwatet C&ewatdsto tarn Valley The City of Apple Valley will offer financial assistance to landowners interested in installing water quality project improvement projects: raingardens, shoreline buffers, and native gardens. The goal of the program is to empower landowners to make � positive impacts to the quality and quantity of water resources—lakes, ponds, and wetlands—in their community. .. W °)III'''''....III''' III'''''if IIL III. . Projects may receive 50%the cost of the water quality improvement component of w , their project, not to exceed $500 per lot or project. All funding is distributed on a first-come,first serve basis. Preference will be given to projects with a high impact to water quality(such as raingardens) and for complete applications from first-time applicants. This is a reimbursement grant; paid receipts and project photos are required before final payment. w. l iA""III"" Ills""III""Ilh°°illll IIII'° C °:`IIII 55' w. W 1. Attend a Dakota County Landscaping for Clean Water (LCW) Introductory Workshop. We highly encourage applicants to attend the LCW Design Workshops to complete your project design. 2. Submit application with your selected design. 3. Complete required maintenance agreement upon staff approval. 4. Install your project per approved plan, take photos, & inform staff when your project is complete. 5. Submit paid receipts (outlining eligible items) & photos for reimbursement. 6. Maintain and enjoy the project for a minimum of 5 years. 7. Celebrate your project! Let the City feature your project in City communications. '1III IIIM I'i3CIIII6I:1111 IIII III • Maintenance agreement must be approved by the City of Apple Valley prior to the start of construction to be eligible for reimbursement. • Projects must be completed and installed no later than October 1st in the year M ` approved. ° • Prior to reimbursement, City staff must perform a final inspection that confirms LAN,N,,,,,, :AP"ft FOR all conditions of the grant agreement have been met and receive a copy of all CLEAN WA TER paid receipts to verify expenses. 4 wk ak a Cowiifiky Sod and • Paid receipts must be itemized and received by November 15th in the year of watm,cogservaUjo,"M,tdct grant approval. • If the project is receiving assistance from any other organizations the sum of all monies received from all organizations must not exceed the total cost of the o, , project or reimbursement under this program will be adjusted accordingly. • Project locations shall not impede existing easements, right-of-way, or utility i locations. • Funding caps for materials may be implemented—contact City staff with questions. • Staff may inform you of any required permitting. �i '� ��%/6iiia�frt/J/%%%%%% ainwatet C&Iwatcls C'to t Lication APPLICANT INFORMATION APPLICANT NAME/ORGANIZATION: APPLICANT ADDRESS: PROJECT LOCATION (IF DIFFERENT THAN ABOVE): EMAIL: PHONE: PROJECT INFORMATION' PROJECT TYPE:E]RAINGARDENSHORELINE BUFFER ❑ NATIVE GARDEN ❑ OTHER: BENEFITTED WATER BODY: APPROXIMATE PROJECT SIZE (Square Feet): TOTAL PROJECT COST(ATTACH ESTIMATE): FUNDS REQUESTED (MAX. $500): PROJECT PURPOSE: PLEASE ATTACH A SKETCH PLAN OF THE PROJECT ADDITIONAL REWREMENTS Are you willing to commit to the following grant requirements: • Attend a Dakota County Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop? YES NO • Maintain the project for at least 5 years after its implementation? YES NO • Participate in the City's outreach and project sharing efforts? YES NO • Complete your project by October 1? YES NO Have you applied for additional funding (ex. Landscaping for Clean Water$250 grant)? YES NO 1 certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief that the information contained in this application is true, complete, and accurate. Signature: Date: Signature: Date: Please email or mail application to: Or drop'off application in person: Samantha Berger City of Apple Valley City of Apple Valley "A Central Maintenance Facility 7104 147 St.W to / 6442140 St;W Apple Valley, MN 55124 Apple Valley, MN 55124 95 2-95 3,,246 21 sberger@ ctyofapplevaIley,org � Hours:'Mo`nday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:30pm H O N O 3 N70 o 70 m � o O L m ®® ® Qm R ® ® C v N aL > Q. � o � m z o CO � � J -21 of z e �o s e ,1,0111�11 0 ag � . 41 m 40 �9W ITEM: 5.B. 0 Apple URBAN AFFAI RS ADVISORY MEETI NG DATE: October 27, 2020 Valley SECTION: Other Business Description: Tentative Schedule for Next UA Committee Meeting Staff Contact: Department/ Division: Tammy Bernatz, Planning Department Assistant Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: The Urban Affairs Advisory Committee will meet the fourth Tuesday of each month on an as-needed basis. SUMMARY: The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, November 24th. BACKGROUND: N/A BUDGET IMPACT: N/A