12a.1. Work Session Date for Environmental Commission Interviews.1
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CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Coordinator
DATE: April 3, 1996
SUBJ: Environmental Commission Applicant Interviews
Three applicants for the Environmental Commission were interviewed by council members on
Monday, April 1. Due to the short notice of the interviews, a number of applicants were unable
to make appointment interviews for the April 1 9rk session. A new work session date needs to
be set by council in order to interview the remaining six applicants.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
J I
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
FROM: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Coordinator
DATE: April 3, 1996
SUBJ: Environmental Commission Mission Statement
The Environmental Commission's creation is a result of a need to combine the past committees
that dealt with trees, recycling, and surface water, Each of the committees goals and objectives
were different and unique to the resource and wep seen as such in light of other environmental
factors.'
The original objective of the recycling committee was to determine the optimum form of
curbside recycling. It expanded to include the creation of the compost site, increase in materials
accepted for recycling, and a greater invotvement in recycling by businesses. The commission
also developed the back yard composter,program, hazardous waste collection, and worked with
the county to implement other programs such as home radon gas detection.
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City staff now proposes that the objectives of the and other committees such as the Surface
Water Management Committee be integrated into an Environmental Commission that will cover
a broader range of issues than just trees or recycling or water. Staff's vision for the Commission
is to create a volunteer organization who would not only advise council and staff of needed
improvements in the existing environment such as restoration of wetlands and reforestation, but
also participate in creating opportunities for environmental education (home radon testing, soil
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' City Council
' April 3, 1996
Page 2
' testing, lake water quality, tree planting, backyard composting, etc.), sponsoring special events
such as arbor day celebrations, special waste day, park pride day, and offering avenues of
opportunities for various groups to be involved in environmental projects. It will be a group that
' may be a little less formal than other Commissions, but no less productive or responsible.
The following is a proposed mission statement for the Environmental Commission:
t It will be the purpose and responsibility of the Environmental Commission 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.
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