B. Environmental Goals & Policies
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227,1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227,1170
Finance
Phone: 952,227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952,227,1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227,1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952,227,1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952,227.1125
Fax: 952.227,1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist
DATE:
f)~
September 28,2009
SUBJ:
Discussion on Environmental Goals & Policies
The Environmental Commission is a seven-member board appointed by the City
Council. In March of this year, the terms of two members expired and in Maya
third member moved out of the city. Since June the Commission has operated
with the bare minimum required for a quorum. The Commission met in June and
July for their regular meetings, but did not meet in August or September.
Environmental Commission Mission Statement
The environmental commission is established to provide the residents of
Chanhassen with opportunities to improve the quality of their environment,
address issues that affect the city's natural resources, provide environmental
education to the public, bring a comprehensive perspective to environmental
issues, and advocate the benefits and necessity of Chanhassen's natural resources.
Current Topics of Interest
. Alternative energy - wind, solar
. Water quality
· Increasing community volunteerism - promoting resident involvement in
community projects such as natural habitat restoration work, events, and public
outreach
· Hardcover limitations and exceptions
o Education on on-site infiltration
Current Projects
· Joint project with Planning Commission: Explore planning and
environmental issues concerning wind turbines in city.
· WaterWise Conservation and Education: Assist staff in promoting program
components.
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Todd Gerhardt
September 28, 2009
Page 2
2008/2009 Accomplishments
. Arbor Day poster contest: Sponsored city poster contest, top poster went on to win state
competition.
. Arbor Day event: Assisted with the planning and implementation of the event.
. July 4 events: Participated in trade fair and parade.
Discussion Item
. How can the Environmental Commission assist with achieving the City Council goals?
Duties and Responsibilities of the Commission per City Code:
1. The Environmental Commission shall serve as an advisory body to the City Council and
Planning Commission in addressing the needs of the environment as directed by the City
Council. All final decisions are to be made by the City Council.
2. The Environmental Commission will consider and make recommendations at the direction of
the City Council regarding environmental issues.
3. The Environmental Commission will make recommendations at the direction of the City
Council regarding funding for environmental projects.
4. The Environmental Commission may propose studies to the City Council and make
recommendations according to the results.
5. The Environmental Commission will coordinate services with other governmental and
private agencies for related issues.
Januarv
. Approve work plan
. Annual review of goals
. Water conservation/water quality
. Guest: Jay Kronik, Lotus Lawn and Garden
Februarv
. Arbor Day planning
. Select Arbor Day poster contest winner
. Send winning poster to state contest
. Post advertisement for openings on commission
. Appoint commissioner as liaison to newspaper
. Joint meeting with City Council??
March
. Interviews for new members
. Arbor Day planning
. Articles to Villager regarding Arbor Day and Earth Day
. Planning for July 4th parade
. March 31 - Last day of term
Todd Gerhardt
September 28,2009
Page 3
April
. Appointment of new members
. Review by-laws
. Appoint Chair/Vice-Chair
. Finalize Arbor Day work plan
. Planning for 4th of July parade
. Wind turbine ordinance revision - joint project with Planning Commission
. April 1 . First day of term
. April 22 . Earth Day
. April 25 . MN Arbor Day
May
. Arbor Day summary
. Planning for 4th of July parade
. Tour of water treatment plant
. May - Arbor Month
. May 2 . Chanhassen Arbor Day
.June
. Organize parade entry
. Water conservation education
Ji!!y
. Parade summary
. July 4 - EC entry at parade
AU2Ust
. Month off
September
. Advertise Environmental Excellence Award
. Pollution Prevention Week
October
. Advertise Environmental Excellence Award
November
. Begin educational promotion on waste reduction during the holidays
. Arbor Day planning
. Review and select Environmental Excellence A ward winners
. Presentation at City Council for Environmental Excellence Award
. Nov. 15 . National Recycling Day
Todd Gerhardt
September 28, 2009
Page 4
December
. Holiday waste article to Villager
. Send letters to school regarding poster contest
. Develop 2009 work plan
. Arbor Day planning
. Evaluate recycling coupon program
. Finalize joint program with Arboretum
. Environmental Excellence and Recognition A ward selection and presentation
g:\plan\js\ec\ec09\cc mtg sept 09.doc
.. -
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
BY-LAWS
The following by-laws are adopted by the Chanhassen Environmental Commission to
facilitate the performances of its duties and the exercising of its functions as a Commission
established by the City Council pursuant to the provision of Subdivision 1, Section 462.354,
Minnesota State Statutes annotated.
Section 1 - Duties and Responsibilities
1.1 The Environmental Commission has the purpose and responsibility to provide the residents
of Chanhassen with opportunities to improve the quality of their environment, address
issues that affect the city's natural resources, provide environmental education to the public,
bring a comprehensive perspective to environmental issues, and advocate the benefits and
necessity of Chanhassen's natural resources.
1.2 The Environmental Commission shall serve as an advisory body to the City Council and
Planning Commission in addressing the needs of the environment as directed by the City
Council. All final decisions are to be made by the City Council.
1.3 The Environmental Commission will consider and make recommendations at the direction
of the City Council regarding environmental issues.
1.4 The Environmental Commission will make recommendations at the direction of the City
Council regarding funding for environmental projects.
1.5 The Environmental Commission may propose studies to the City Council and make
recommendations according to the results.
1.6 The Environmental Commission will coordinate services with other governmental and
private agencies for related issues
1.7 Establishment of Sub-Committees. The Environmental Commission may, as they deem
appropriate, establish special sub-committees comprised solely of their own members.
Section 2 - Meetings
2.1 Time and Place. Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the second Tuesday
of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 7700 Market Boulevard, unless otherwise directed
by the Chairperson, in which case, at least 24 hours notice will be given to all members.
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. .
Regular meetings shall have a curfew of 8:30 p.m. which may be waived at the discretion of
the Chairperson. All unfinished business will be carried over to the next regular meeting.
When the regular meeting day falls on a legal holiday, there shall be no meeting. In such an
event, the monthly meeting shall be rescheduled by consensus.
2.2 Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be held upon call by consensus of the
Commission and with at least 48 hours of notice to all members.
2.3 Attendance. The Environmental Commission members shall attend not less than 75% of all
regular and special meetings held during a given calendar year and shall not be absent from
three consecutive meetings. Failure to meet this minimum attendance requirement will
result in removal from the commission.
Section 3 - Commission Composition - Terms and Vacancies
3.1 Composition. The Environmental Commission shall consist of seven voting members.
Seven members shall be appointed by the City Council and may be removed by the Council.
The City Council may appoint one of their members to serve as a liaison to the
Commission.
3.2 Terms and Vacancies. The City Council shall appoint seven members to the commission
for terms of three years. Vacancies during the term shall be filled by the Council for the
unexpired portion of the term. All members shall serve without compensation.
3.3 Member Requirements. All members of the Environmental Commission shall be in
compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations at their homes and
owned businesses. Members will be allowed six months to correct any violations.
Violations existing after that time will be reasonable cause for removal from the
Commission by action of the City Council.
3.4 Quorum. Four Environmental Commission members shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. Whenever a quorum is not present, no final or official action shall
be taken at such meeting.
Section 4 - Organization
4.1 Election of Officers. The first meeting in April of each year, the Environmental
Commission shall hold an organizational meeting. At this meeting, the Commission shall
elect from its membership a chairperson and vice-chairperson. This shall be done by voice
vote. Vice-Chairperson shall be elected from the remaining members by the same
proceeding. If the Chairperson retires from the Environmental Commission before the next
regular organizational meeting, the Vice-Chairperson shall be Chairperson. If both
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson retire, new officers shall be elected at the next regular
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meeting. If both Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are absent from a meeting, the
Commission shall elect a temporary Chairperson by voice vote.
4.2 Duties of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The Chairperson, or in his/her absence, the
Vice Chairperson, shall conduct the meeting so as to keep it moving as rapidly and
efficiently as possible and shall remind members, witnesses and petitioners to preserve
order and decorum and to keep comments to the subject at hand. The Chairperson shall not
move for action but may second motions.
Section 5 - Procedure
5.1 Procedure. When appropriate, parliamentary procedure governed by Robert's Rules of
Order Revised shall be followed.
Section 6 - Informational Meetings
6.1 Purpose of Informational Meetings. The purpose of an informational meeting is to collect
information and facts in order for the Commission to develop a rational environmental issue
recommendation for the City Council.
6.2 Meeting Procedure. At informational meetings, the following procedures shall be followed
in each case:
a. The Chairperson shall state the purpose of the meeting.
b. Interested persons may address the Commission, giving information regarding the
particular proposal.
Section 7 - Miscellaneous
7.1 Environmental Commission Discussion. Matters for discussion which do not appear on the
agenda may not be considered and discussed by the Commission until the end of the
agenda.
7.2 Suspension of Rules. The Commission may suspend any of these rules by unanimous vote
of the members present.
7.3 Amendments. Amendments of these by-laws may be made at any regular or special
meeting of the Environmental Commission but only if scheduled on the meeting agenda in
advance of the meeting.
7.4 Review. At the first meeting in April of each year, these by-laws shall be read and adopted
by the Environmental Commission.
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Adopted this 11th day of April, 2006.
, Chairperson
, Mayor
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