Council meeting this evening, June 2nd, 2026. Members of the public may attend this meeting in person by watching on cable channel 16, or by streaming on media. The public can make in-person statements during public comment sections, including the public forum, beginning at 6:20 p.m.. I would like to call this meeting to order, and if you are able to do so, please remain standing for two things the Pledge of Allegiance as well as the land acknowledgement. I pledge allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral land the city of Golden Valley is built, and whose land resources we use. We commit to counteracting the erasure of the cultural practices and presence of the Dakota people through education, and by amplifying a wide range of indigenous voices. You may be seated. This evening is very exciting. We have a proclamation supporting the annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant and celebration. This is the third annual Miss Juneteenth. Uh, Minnesota State pageant and celebration, which will be taking place this Saturday, June 6th. And miss Angel Jones, who is the founder, CEO and director of the pageant, will come up and talk about the event in this year’s theme of rediscovering our Culture and Redefining our Freedom. Welcome, miss. Yes, yes. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Harmon, and the rest of you as well. Um, yes. I’m the founder and CEO and the director for the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota state pageant. Uh, the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota state pageant is a 501 C3 non-profit community organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring. Inspiring the next generation of black leaders through education, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Our mission is to create a pipeline of opportunity that equips youth and adults with confidence, life skills, networking opportunities, and career resources needed to reach their full potential through the celebration of Juneteenth heritage scholarships opportunities, mental health awareness, community service and leadership development, we provide a safe and inclusive environment where participants can grow personally and professionally and overcome their barriers and build self-esteem. Our organization continues to grow as we expanded our programs divisions to First Lady, Miss Juneteenth Minnesota, which is the ages of 40 and up, and our Mr. Juneteenth, Minnesota, with ages from 10 to 24, creating additional pathways for leadership, mentorship and community involvement across generations. With the support of our community, sponsors, volunteers, families and respected civic community leaders, we are proud to host our our third annual Pageant and Leadership program. Each year celebrating the Black Excellence while developing future leaders who will make a lasting impact in Minnesota and beyond. This past year, Miss Juneteenth Minnesota was impacted by the unrest and Ice related situations. Affected families in our community. Two of our contestants experienced the detention of their fathers and one of our contestants father was actually ultimately detained and deported. I’m sorry. Deported. Despite these challenges, our contestants remain resilient, focused and committed to all of their goals. These experiences remind us why our work is so important. Miss Juneteenth Minnesota is more than just a pageant. It is our work and we we are here to provide resources, opportunities, mentorship and services that will help individuals and families navigate challenges while can, while continuing to grow, succeed, and thrive. And as I am here today, I’m honored to actually host or bring up here our six queens, which all of them are not here today. I apologize. Um, we do have three of them here. Um, to choose. Um, they are actually the ones that were chosen to represent our state of Minnesota with leadership in all the development of all the girls, um, the ages of six and up as, um, this coming Saturday, June 6th, will host our third annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota state pageant. And underneath the umbrella of Miss Juneteenth, we will have a ceremony also for the Mister Juneteenth. If I can have the current queens of 2025 come up. And, um, also say a few words. Good evening. My name is Jalen Newton. I am Miss Juneteenth, Minnesota 2025 and I represent Division five, which is ages 25 to 30. I’m sorry. Uh, why? I joined miss the Juneteenth parties. Because I wanted to not only encourage women that look like me, but also be, um, a role model in this community. I am not originally from Minnesota, but when I moved here, I didn’t see a lot of African-American women that, uh, could step, step up, or show me how to walk or navigate this city. So I wanted to represent that and show them that there are women out here that look like us and can hold our heads up high and be who we need to be in the community. Hi. I’m Kimani Washington, I am Division three, I am Teen Miss Juneteenth. Um, age 14 to 18. Sorry. Um, the reason why I joined the pageant. Honestly, my mom brought it to my attention. But now that I have won the pageant, I’m setting an example for younger girls that look like me. And to tell them that we can be a part of something bigger and better, and that we can also be just as important as people that aren’t of color, and that we are more than just like to be. What’s the word? I’m sorry. Disposable. Thank you. Yes. Hello everyone. My name is Sonia Elza. I am your madam. Juneteenth, Minnesota 2025. I represent Division six. So that’s ladies 31 to 39. Um, I joined the pageant because the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota state pageant, um, really covered two things that I care deeply about. And that’s my community, the black community and uplifting black women. And so I really wanted to be a part of that within the pageant and within the journey itself. I really found sisters not only in my Queen sisters here, but with other contestants along the way. Um, I’ve been able to go to different events and find out what’s going on in Minnesota. All the good and fun things that’s happening, because we do have a lot of good and fun things that happen here. Um, and so I, I’ve just realized that there’s so much community, we just need to be connected. And so, um, that’s kind of been my mission within the pageant. Uh, within being Queen. And I’m so happy to be a part of it. So thank you so much. We actually have three other queens, which is, um, Division one 6 to 9, Division two, 10 to 13 are two other queens. Oh, and no, we have, uh, Division four, which is, um, 19 to 24 as well. So they’re not here with us today, but we are appreciative that, you know, you actually accepting us again, you know, Mayor Haman, to go through this journey with you. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Now, I’m not going to read the whole proclamation here because I’ll be doing it Saturday. Uh, but now therefore, be it proclaimed that the city of Golden Valley proudly recognizes and celebrates the significance of Juneteenth and commends the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota state pageant organization for its dedication to empowering youth, honoring black excellence, fostering leadership and cultural pride, and strengthening communities through education, mentorship, and service while encouraging all residents to reflect on our shared history and work toward a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for all. Before we take a photo, I don’t know if my colleagues would like to say anything. When you guys walked up there, just the second you stood up, I was like, that is an amount of poise. I will never have. You can tell immediately that these ladies know what they’re doing. And the grace was incredible. I love the purpose of the pageant. Um, I love what each of you guys said is the reason that you’re doing it. And. Yeah, let’s. Absolutely. I love anything that’s going to empower black women. Let’s go. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Oh, yes. Thank you for for coming as well. We really appreciate having the community building not just in our city but for the whole state. I’m also not from your originally. And having people who are willing to help to step up and show and, and guide the community and raise up all the voices is amazing. And so really appreciate you all coming forward and and doing all this. Thank you. Ditto. Um, no, um, this is my third time as well. Um, seeing and just the impact that this event has every year, um, especially as you know, I don’t want to repeat what we have been sex. I think it said very, very poetically. But to uplift and especially in these times were, um, people want to shift away from D-I, quote unquote, where that means. But it’s really about uplifting and it’s about encouraging, empowering. And that’s what this does every year. So I thank you all for the work you do. Thank you for the, um, participants who, you know, it’s a lot of time and effort. Again, I, I don’t have that. Um, you have a tons. Um, as well. But but really that this is empowering at the end of the day and those leadership skills, um, where we desperately need those in our communities this time. So, again, thank you for your work. Thank you for your participation, um, of your time as, as queens are coming to an end, but you’re always speaking Queens. So, so thank you so much for for your work. And thank you for that for you into this. And I will just finally say, you know, I was in pageants to growing up. And so to see all of this happening and where you started and now where you’re going with a mister Juneteenth, like, that’s incredible. That’s absolutely incredible. And you made history last year with your Juneteenth because you had siblings that were both queens. Wow. Incredible. So I’m excited. Just to kind of let you know, this year we actually have a three generation. We have. A mother and daughter and granddaughter also participating this year. So it’s. That’s that’s that’s the pipeline, right? Yes. Yes, yes. All right. Well we’re gonna come down and take a photo with you all. Yeah. I see is white and say that. Thank you. So. Thank you. All right. Next on our agenda is additions and corrections. But before we consider approval of the agenda, I would like to note for the record that two public hearings were originally anticipated for tonight’s meeting. However, one of those hearings was canceled last night and therefore does not appear on tonight’s agenda. The public hearing regarding the creation of economic development, district number one has been rescheduled to July 7th. New public notices will be published in accordance with legal requirements, and members of the public will have the opportunity to attend and provide comment at that time. I will now ask my colleagues if there are any additions or corrections to the agenda. Do you all have anything? No. Oh, okay. All right. Uh, then I will ask for a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. So moved. I’ll second. All right. Thank you. Are there any additional comments? All right. This is a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye. None opposed. And, uh, the additions and corrections have been approved. Now, to the approval of the consent agenda, all items listed under this heading are considered to be routine by the City Council, and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no discussion of these items unless a council member. So request in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Also, we have a donation on the consent agenda tonight and on behalf of the Council, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Hagan family for generously donating their time and financially supporting important programs and initiatives in Golden Valley. We have also been notified that there was a slight spelling error on the donation report, so please know that the Parks and Recreation staff are aware of and will correct the error before the bench is complete. Counsel. Are there any items you wish to be removed from the consent agenda? Okay, well then I will, um, entertain a motion for approval of the consent agenda as submitted. So moved. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Any further discussion? My first. Second. Note that I really know that. This is a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Oppose. The consent agenda has been approved. And I just realized that I didn’t wait. 10s before the meeting. Okay. All right. All right. We now have a public hearing. This is a public hearing on establishing an economic development authority, which is also an EDA, and approved first reading of ordinance number 819 and adopt resolution number 2626043, approving and enabling resolution for the EDA in our Housing and Economic Development Manager, Miss Costello is here to discuss the staff report. Welcome. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh, so as you stated tonight, we’re going to discuss the consideration of establishing an EDA. Um, and some background for you, the Golden Valley Housing and Redevelopment Authority was established around 1978 to address housing and redevelopment needs of the community. At that time. HRA have a legal authority to direct redevelopment projects in the city to help remove blight, clean up environmental contamination, provide new housing development and enhance the community, and increase the city’s taxable valuation. And in April, HRA work session this year, it was discussed about transitioning from an HRA to an EDA. As part of this city’s strategic planning process, transitioning to an EDA would align with the city’s development tools, all under one body, that will provide broader statutory that will encompass HRA powers. So kind of in the diagram that shows you economic development includes employment opportunities, increasing income spending within the community and improving the quality of life and standard of living. So affordable housing and housing will continue to be essential to economic development. It’s vital they play in tandem with each other, um, with a job, you need housing. We want people to be able to live and work here in Golden Valley. And if you’re working, say, at the grocery store, we want you to be able to live here. If you’re working at General Mills, we want you to live here. So they’re vital that they have to coordinate and play together. Some differences between HRA and Ada’s. Statutorily, HRA is primarily focused on, again combating the blight, improving housing, undertaking redevelopment activities and designated areas. Idas promote broader economic redevelopment projects, including commercial, industrial, mixed use developments which can include housing as well as those activities behind. Beyond that, traditional housing development. EDA can incorporate HRA powers, so we’re not looking for those powers to go away. Often. Then the powers are utilized, um, for property acquisition. Again, stimulating economic growth. Commercial revitalization and increasing our tax base. Both the HRA and EDA work towards housing and economic development goals. The EDA will combine the functions of both authorities, providing that unified approach for economic and community development. Continue to focus. Sounds like a broken record, but continue to focus on housing and economic development priorities. Ensure both economic and housing development incentives are prioritized and funded without duplicating efforts. Provide flexibility and addressing broader range of issues from economic development projects to affordable housing solutions. So again, we can look at down the line, um, economic development projects such as facade improvement programs. We can continue to look at first time homebuyer programs. Um, all of that is still being considered and looked at through an EDA. We’re going to continue to position the city to attract investment, foster business growth, support innovative housing and redevelopment projects which are essential for the city’s long term success, creating a more sustainable model for tackling urban growth and redevelopment. As we continue through the years to meet changes in economic conditions and adapt to new opportunities, as well. Creation of the EDA body, it is recommended that the EDA members of Golden Valley be the same as the HRA members to ensure that the decision making between the governing bodies is continuous. It’s in alignment with the city’s 2030 Strategic directives. It doesn’t mean that the composition of the EDA can’t be visited in their future. Um. There are several ongoing projects, such as hope, that could be disruptive to changing the composition of the decision making body. While those projects continue. Um. Additionally, onboarding efficiency, um, the city has experienced some difficulties, uh, filling board and commissions with volunteers as well, and the focus on affordable housing, again, will not shift with the creation of the EDA. Timeline. There are a number of steps that we have to take in terms of establishing the EDA and transferring the HRA obligations. Um, I’ve listed the steps they will take place here at this meeting. In the next meeting in June, um, staff has begun the process of cataloging all of the HRA obligations and assets. This takes some time. Looking back to 78, make sure we’ve got everything. Um, so this will take several months to a year. Um, there’ll be some overlap between having an HRA and an EDA for a period of time, and then also to end with we are finalizing our five year economic development strategic strategy plan for July, which we’ll bring back before you, um, that will provide short, long and mid term goals for economic development activities to move forward as well. So with that, I can take questions. Uh, recommended actions are in front of you. Um. Council. Counsel, do you have any questions for Miss Costello? Yes, Councilman. Um, a good question. I think I have like to kind of give the audience people watching idea. So can you give me an example of that one thing that we cannot currently do as an HRA, but we could do under EDA. Another one that you mentioned is mixed use. Um, or that’s kind of a tricky border where if when a mixed use project or try to help, is that something that we couldn’t do as an HRA, but we could do as an FDA? I will look to legal two if I misspeak, but one of the things that I. One of the things for me that we can’t do under an HRA is some of the marketing of the city for job creation. Um, we’re very limited under HRA. We can’t do that with an EDA. We have the ability to go out and market the community at events, uh, to host events where we can do that marketing to bring people in, to bring those jobs in. Um, again, it’s secular. It creates the housing, it creates the jobs. It all works together. Um, so that’s one thing that for me is very important to keep both of these programs going. Housing and business is having that ability to market. Okay. Gotcha. Um. Just. Uh, piggybacking on, uh, what Councilmember Harris said, wasn’t there another issue to where, um, having an EDA lets you use kind of the resources across the whole city rather than a particular project at a time, wasn’t there? Didn’t you say something about that? I can speak. To this a little and partially. This is probably due to a little confusion with the public hearing that was moved to July. So there’s another concept that we’ll be talking about in July called TIF pooling. Pardon me. And that’s I think what you’re thinking. That I was thinking. But it is definitely it does definitely contribute to being able to do things a little bit more broadly, because you can do, um, more activities that are specifically focused on economic development activity, like helping businesses with issues that they’re experiencing or doing certain things to attract different kinds of businesses, and supporting other local business stuff that an HRA just simply can’t do. And what’s interesting is that, um, even though an HRA can’t do what an EDA can do, an EDA, the statutes were specifically written so that EDA can do everything that an HRA can do, in addition to doing the economics, it’s much more flexible. And I think the idea is to have that flexibility and do the same amount of work as we’re doing currently for the HRA. All right. Any other questions? I’ll get one more. Sure. Um, you mentioned membership. I know we had a we had some people reach out about that composition. Um, did we look at other HRA or EDA? Sorry, in the in the region, in seeing how they make up their composition. Um, of members. Those are just all again, council meeting EDA um, or did we order mix of, you know, residents, people along with council members, um, as well. Um, mayor and council member Harris, um, fellow council members. It’s a variety. Um, every city is a little different. Um, my experience where the city is still continuing with an HRA and EDA, it is made up of the mayor and council members as that same body. Due to I mentioned, you know, there are some programs that are still working under HRA. Um, so it makes it easier in that regard. Um, but each city is a little bit different in terms of how they operate. But again, it’s important to note, you know, if we begin using the same body as we did for the HRA, it doesn’t mean as things go along that eventually down the line that the council and so forth, you could consider looking at changing the composition of how you want the EDA to be. It’s anywhere from all of council being EDA to, um, mayor and vice chair, being part of EDA, and the rest made up of volunteer commissioners who are business owners, are part of the business community. So it’s really a variety in my experience. Okay, thanks. Okay. One last time. Any other questions? Okay. Thank you, Miss Costello. I will now open it. Uh, the public hearing in person comments will be received first. Um, Miss Shima, I don’t know, do we have anyone remotely. Okay? And, uh, the timer is here. You have three minutes, and anyone who would like to come forward, you may do so. Yeah. So, um, I had an opportunity to meet with, uh, Council Member Keech this week, and, um, it gave me a lot of things to think about. And one of the things is the issue of there is no commission that specifically deals with economic development. Um, commissions have to be people who can think long term, strategically, etc., but we would like them to have or we need them to have some kind of expertise in what’s happening. So and this is just I’m trying to think and obviously you’re thinking about it. I was thinking of and think out of the box committee. It wouldn’t have regular meeting times. It would be called when a new project comes up. So for example, the housing advocacy group that I belong to, when new projects come up, we asked Christine if we could meet with her and give her our ideas on it. And that is very helpful. And if you could use that same kind of model, whether it wouldn’t be housing advocates, but maybe even housing advocates and business people with experience, we’re meeting together, thinking out of the box, how can we do it? ET cetera. And you only call those meetings when there’s something new. It’s informal. No decision is making. You’re just free to float your ideas. And I think that could be something that would be, you know, pretty exciting for the city and could come up with things that we wouldn’t think of otherwise. So, um, good. You know, I think this is a very good progress. And thank you. For the record, I just want to state that that was Ruth Paradise that was speaking. Yes. Thank you. Yes. Okay. Well, then I will now close the public hearing and I will open it up for council deliberation and offer my colleagues another opportunity to ask Miss Costello any questions? Yes. All right. Good point. I. Don’t say a question, but I, having talked to Ruth this week and also, um, addressing the concerns from citizens about having an input as we transition away from a pure housing focus to this, the mixed housing. And it’s like, I think our big thing here and as Ruth also pointed out just now, very well, um, no standing commission. We currently have focuses on any of these topics as it sits. So in an effort to get more community involvement, I would like to propose, maybe we work with Miss Costello to expand the charter of some of our standing commissions, like planning and potentially Dick to say, add a language that might speak to, um, taking into account the the needs and requirements of the HRA of the business community, because all those meetings are public right now, they already have public input possibilities. We have seats on them. Run with this for a year or two and see how we do with it and how much public input we get back and feedback. I love those housing communities as well, and I met with them at the same time when things come up. So continuing that same input is also great for us on the council. Um, so but I would propose and we consider using repurposing we already have and doing a little bit more with them. Okay. Thank you. Um, I’ll talk general to that, but I think this is a needed step for Golden Valley. Um, so I wanted to come on council. I’ve been pushing us to this point in time, but really, this is another step of adding tools, toolbox. Um, and since, you know, we’ve done a lot of great work with staffing and getting our, getting programs and up and running, um, this is, I think the the culmination really, of all that work to really, um, look at the economic development side of it, as well as continue to focus on housing, which is very important at steering connected. Um, and so the work that we’ve done in the last couple of years of really getting our housing side to kind of ramp up the economic on the side because it helped need proving tax base, helps keep property tax lower. People keep seeing their homes. And as well as also open to a chance for mixed use development or what HRA would have been kind of we’re in a gray zone where can help commercial and housing, but this can open that door. For example, it’s kind of mentioned mixed use from the from the get go. And I think in regards to, you know, those ad hoc, you know, committee things like that, I know working on the helping with the economic strategy, really using our business community as that input process for small businesses. So having some kind of maybe, uh, you know, you know, small Business committee or ad hoc make to meet with city staff and ed staff for ideas and input. Um, because those sort of strengths that you understand community on that side of it too. So I really want to kind of really encourage that path forward of having, you know, those kind of, you know, either going to be a standing group of of, you know, business leaders in the community to meet with the city. Um, and give input, especially when you look at projects and things like that, or redevelopment as well. So I do like that path forward. Um, my community just have it to be a chamber of commerce, which will be in the sky. So was discussed many times about our current situation with the Chamber of Commerce. Um, but finding those ways to input, um, especially small, medium and even large sized businesses where we know that there is a they have they could connect with us and give their input as well. So I’m really supportive of that. Yes. I would agree. I’m supportive. And thank you, Council member, quite for meeting with, uh, Miss Ruth. I think it’s really important, just even as the young woman says, and that we said a lot. It’s all about connection. Right. And collaborating. And we can’t do that by ourselves. We represent a city, and it’s very important to have city input. And, um, the city are our residents as well as our, our businesses, our constituents. So, um, I’m all supportive of being able to hear that voice. Um, at the table. Okay. Well, let me find my spot here. So, uh, is there someone who would like to make a motion? Um, approving the public hearing on establishing an economic development authority? I would like to make the motion to approve the first reading ordinance number 819, adopt resolution number 26043. Can do both. Is that okay? Clerk. Second, approving an enabling resolution for the EDA. Okay. And there’s two motions. So that’s the first one. And it’s a roll call vote. If we can have a second. Oh thank you. Second. Yes. Any other comments questions concerns statements. All right. All right. Council member. Harris. Yes. Council member. Yes. Council member. Fuzzy. Yes. Mayor. Harmon. Yes. So there being four eyes and zero nays, the ayes have it, and the motion has been approved. Uh, would someone like to make a motion for the second piece to schedule the Economic Development Authority organizational meeting for June 16th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. or immediately following the City Council and HRA meetings, whichever is later, and to direct staff to take all actions necessary to organize and hold the meeting. Any actions taken by the EDA will be effective upon the ordinances effective date. So moved. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. All right. This is a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye, aye. None opposed. The motion has been approved. Next on our agenda. Our items for consideration, which is review of the council calendar. Uh, this Wednesday, June 3rd, is the Civic Campus open house from 5 to 7. And let me say, if you are interested at all and what we want to do in terms of redevelopment and the downtown come to this open house, we cannot hear your feedback if you do not show up. We have had four. This is 2 or 3. Number two of four. So it’s very important for you to show up, meet the staff, meet the developers, meet those the consultants who are all a part of this work. Meet us. Right. Um, because it’s very important that you’re there and that you’re engaged and that you’re a part of this. That is why we’re having these, and we are not making decisions in advance. I want to be very clear. We have these open houses intentionally for you as residents to come and give your input. And we are listening very intently to those concerns and ideas. So please, come Tuesday, June 9th is our HRA work session if necessary, as well as our council work session at 530 in the conference room. Saturday, June 13th. The Sweet Potato Comfort Pies six. And oh actually no, that’s been canceled, um, and rescheduled to July. Um, but there is the Golden Valley Pride Festival from 12 to 6 at Brook View Park. Tuesday, Tuesday, June 16th is the City Council meeting. Um, here in the chambers, as well as a special special HRA meeting immediately following our meeting and the Economic Development Authority organizational meeting immediately following the special HRA meeting. So lots of meetings. That day. Okay. Wednesday, June 17th, another public safety open house. So please come, come, come. If you are interested in what public safety is doing, be a part of that open house and get engaged. And that’s at 5 p.m. at the Public Safety Building. Friday, June 19th is our city offices are closed in observance of Juneteenth. And then Sunday, June 21st is the market in the valley. Opening day. Yay! Right here. Uh, in the civic campus. Yep. 9 to 1 and Thursday, June 25th. It’s the League of Women Voters candidate forum, 7 p.m. here in City Hall. And Friday, June 26th, Kumbaya. The Juneteenth Story 30th anniversary. The play is, uh, 2:00 to 4:00. And this is put on by the Minnesota Humanities Event Center. But the play will actually be at O’Shaughnessy Theater in Saint Paul on Saint Kate’s campus. And then Sunday, June 28th, market in the Valley once again. Is there anything on the calendar that we missed? Um, no, I have not. Anything on this. Okay. Pardon me. Perfect. So now I will move on to, um, committee updates or meeting updates. Yeah. One real quick. Um, the historical society had their rescheduled event on back on May 20th. So Wednesday after last, um, at the public cemetery. Um, and did a great job of programming of a nice tour of the cemetery, a great history and background of it. Um, really well attended. Um, had our state rep there in as well as a couple former city luminaries as well. Um, and then had a nice ceremony of taps, um, in honor of veterans who are buried there. And the gravesite, they we’ve, you know, some of the state founders were buried is buried there in the back corner of the cemetery. Veterans from the Civil War through, um, I think the early career, I think so, um, it was really, really great program. Um, great way to end the program year for the historic society. So they will be off until September, um, as well. So if you have some time to go, the cemetery over in Medicine Lake Road and Winnetka Avenue, um, stop by. It’s open during the day. So you could peruse. Uh, I think we actually probably sold a couple of grave plots. Apparently, people were interested. Um, so if you want to bury in the cemetery, I think the price was like. Only don’t say it was 250, 500 bucks. So what’s the deal? Oh, wow. So I got one. Yeah. I mean, if you want to be out the city, get a nice got a nice plot. Um, but but no, it was really a great program. And people really enjoyed it. Really. Our one of the old cemeteries West Mississippi is, is here. So, um, and I think one also fun fact was when they opened the cemetery, um, it was no matter race, creed of color, you could be buried there. There was no segregation. Hmm. I mean, you’re kind of dead, so. But, um, for at that time period, that was very rare. So, um, great program and, um. Yeah. Stopped by the cemetery and, and kind of peruse around. It’s really, um, it’s really interesting. So now the building at the top of the hill is that. Part of the cemetery. That is not so that is, that’s a church on the other side of that fence. So we’re the fences kind of fence line. That is the city city property. Okay. Um, I know they expanded back to some of these a little bit further south. Um, they added that kind of plot from the property next door. So, um, so yeah, it was it was really, really good program. And again, Historic Society has done a great job of programming this year. So, um, definitely stuff. I take a. Look. You know, when you talked about peruse through, um, it’s interesting when you go look at the, the gravestones and you see, like, so many, um, babies and young children who died before vaccines, like, it’s crazy. And then, you see, when that stops, right? Yeah. Yeah. It’s it’s yeah. I think one of the older, um, gravestones from like the founders of it is like in the, um, the Far west northwest corner. Um, so some of the nation may see, are some of the first residents of Golden Valley at the time. Um, I think another fun thing was it was actually the pylon was that was given to start the cemetery was actually across the street in new Hope, but because of how the the land was shaped were, I think German custom is it has to be on a hill facing towards the east. Interesting. Based on I guess, you know, basically religious beliefs of you’re facing, you know, the sun. Um, so they rejected that plot and that took the plot across the street at the time. So a lot of interesting facts that the, um, circle society, um, group looked up and kind of gave a great tour and understanding of like, you know, how it was founded, the history of it and what is currently. So nice. Thank you. Any other. Meeting? Committee meeting. Updates? Yes, Councilman. Um, how are we coming up next month? When I reread the missing middle study, uh, really review what we’re proposing, what to do when planning recommendations are out of the commission. Having a lot of conversations with planning right now. Continue to read that one. Um, and then the economic sorry, the Environmental Commission has been doing a great job talking through a number of things like the sea change, the city, whether it’s dark skies or plastic bag. Um, moratoriums. So we’re kind of looking at some of the things we’re looking to do to improve our environmental health in the city. Great. Thank you. I don’t have a committee update, but before we close, I just wanted to say Happy Pride Month. It is now June 2nd. We’re two days in and I’m so proud of living in this city that is such an inclusive community for our LGBTQ community. I agree, I agree. And I would like to thank, uh, Brian Erickson, Mr. Erickson, our recreation supervisor, and the Golden Valley Orchestra for an amazing first night of Golden Valley concerts in the park, kicked off last night at Brook View Pavilion and will kick off every Monday except June 29th. There will be no concerts in the park June 29th, and it officially ends on August 3rd. So great. All right. Well, I think I saw some quotes by our staff on board out there. It’s pretty interesting. I’m gonna have to take some when I do my ending quote, but this quote that I have, it’s anonymous, but it says embrace the Magic of June, where every sunrise promises new beginnings and every sunset holds the hope of sweet dreams. With that, our meeting is adjourned. Be safe, healthy and