10-14-2015
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
October 14, 2015
Members Present:
Bret Borth, Katie Mahannah, Don Vasatka, Amy Omann, David Hess, Matthew Myers
Members Absent:
Glenn Kaufmann
Staff Present:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist; Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician
Minutes:
July minutes were approved.
Presentation, Krista Spreiter, Water Wise Conservation Program:
The Water Wise program was developed
in 2007 after the city lost 2 wells and there were drought conditions. The city issued a watering ban in order to
conserve water in case of emergencies. The following year, the city applied for a grant from the MN Pollution
Control Agency to start the Water Wise program. The program promoted water conservation through education,
rebates, and irrigation audits. In 2008 and 2009, the city tracked residential usage and found that there was a drop
in consumption when program incentives were used. It’s hard to gauge what changes behavior since water use
varies year to year because of weather. Incentives definitely help but don’t solve the usage problem. The city is
hoping to install a central smart controller for the parks irrigation systems in 2016. A commission asked if the
city has looked into re-use for irrigation. Krista said that it takes a ratio of 3:1 (impervious to pervious) to provide
enough water for irrigation. Our city parks don’t have enough impervious surfaces. This year’s Water Wise
program had the following components: irrigation audits for new residents, commercial users and HOAs;
education via print and social media; resident conservation contest; rain barrel coupon; Boulder Cove smart
irrigation controller pilot program; stormwater re-use opportunities. The Highway 61 reconstruction project is
incorporating an irrigation re-use project at one of the landscaped roundabouts. This system won’t be saving any
water since no irrigation system was in the original plans but will serve as a test program and demonstration. In
2016, the city will apply for a grant for a smart controller rebate program to encourage retrofitting of existing
irrigation systems. The city will also continue to offer irrigation audits to high users, commercial users and new
residents.
Aug/Sept recap:
The commission had a number of events in August and September and didn’t meet during that
time. The events included the commissions’ joint tour, Chanhassen Day at the Arb and the Acorn Challenge. The
commission really enjoyed the tour. They feel it’s valuable education on what issues the city faces and being
brought up-to-date on current projects. Chanhassen Day was busy most likely due to the great weather.
Commissioners liked the Acorn Challenge since it could involve all ages, it’s a unique idea and the weather was
great.
General Discussion
:
Katie Mahannah announced her resignation and told the commission this was her last meeting. She will
be spending more time with her family. The commissioners expressed their deep gratitude for her
contributions to the commission and were sad to say goodbye.
The next scheduled meeting is set for Nov. 11 which is Veteran’s Day and city hall is closed. The
commission voted to move the meeting to Nov. 18.
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Jill reminded the commissioners that Fall Recycling Day is Oct. 23. On that day residents can receive
$20 in recycling fees at the Environmental Center.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM.
Minutes prepared by Jill Sinclair
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