03-12-25 EC AgendaA.6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER
B.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B.1 Approval of January 8, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
C.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
D.DISCUSSION ITEMS
D.1 Trivia Night Follow-up
D.2 Environmental Academy Planning
D.3 Arbor Day Activities
D.4 July 3rd Trade Fair Planning
E.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
F.UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS
F.1 Residential Tree Sale
G.ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025
FOUNTAIN CONFERENCE ROOM, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
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Environmental Commission Item
March 12, 2025
Subject Approval of January 8, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Amy Weidman, Senior Admin Support Specialist
January 8, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
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Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
January 8, 2025
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Leslie Elhadi, Billy Cripe, Paget Pengelly, Sidney Lindmark
Members Absent: Kaisa Buckholz, John Stutzman, Wren Roemer
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Visitors: None
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes
Commissioner Lindmark moved to approve the meeting minutes dated December 11, 2024;
Commissioner Cripe seconded. The minutes were approved with a 5-0 vote.
Discussion Items
1. Earth Day Everyday Program
The Chanhassen Library is planning an environmental panel on April 17, 2025 and hope to
include different community programs, such as Green Corp, the county, and the Environmental
Commission. A representative from the Commission would discuss the Environmental Academy
events.
Commissioner Grefe volunteered to represent the commission with Commissioner Cripe offering
to be a backup.
2. Revisit 2025 Focus Topic
The Commission selected balancing a healthy environment and growth at the previous meeting,
encompassing various topics. Commissioner Lindmark wanted to revisit the topic. The commission’s
discussion landed on adjusting the topic to promote a healthy environment during growth. Commissioner
Lindmark moved and Commissioner Cripe seconded, the motion carried 5-0.
3. Select Arbor Day Contest Theme
Each year a new theme is selected surrounding the idea that “trees are terrific” that can be used to create
art by local fifth graders. The commissioners brainstormed and discussed different ideas for a theme. The
commissioners voted on two of their favorite ideas. “Trees are terrific for outdoor adventures” received
the most votes. Next, the theme is sent to local art teachers to share with students; the submissions are
voted on during the April Environmental Commission. The winning poster is framed to hang near
Council Chambers and the artist wins a gift card to Garden by the Woods; the runners-up will get tree
identification books. All winners will be invited to a City Council meeting.
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4. Trivia Night Event Planning
Dave Ryan is confirmed as an emcee for the next Environmental Trivia night. The
communications team has started advertising the February 4 event at Chanhassen Brewing
Company. Most of the trivia questions have already been submitted.
Commissioners Pengelly and Grefe will check people in. Commissioner Pengelly will start the
event by introducing Dave Ryan. Commissioner Cripe will run technology, and Commissioners
Lindmark and Grefe will be runners. Commissioner Elhadi and Buckholz will keep score. They
discussed prizes that will be available.
5. Camp Fire MN Update
Ms. Marsh reached out to Sara at Camp Fire MN, but due to the holiday schedules, there isn’t
anything on the schedule yet. This item will be revisited.
Commission Presentations
Upcoming Items and Events
Commissioner Lindmark asked if the city hosts a winter festival; Ms. Marsh replied that Feb Fest
is scheduled for the first weekend in February. The commissioners discussed the possibility of
volunteering at community events such as FebFest or hosting a pop-up at the Farmers’ Market.
Adjournment
Commissioner Pengelly moved to adjourn the meeting. Chair Grefe adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
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Environmental Commission Item
March 12, 2025
Subject July 3rd Trade Fair Planning
Section DISCUSSION ITEMS
Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Discuss the option to have a table at the July 3rd Trade Fair again this year. In past years, volunteers
from the Commission had a table at the event with the goal of educating residents about the current
year's focus topic.
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Environmental Commission Item
March 12, 2025
Subject Residential Tree Sale
Section UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS
Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
The City of Chanhassen is putting on a tree sale this Spring. Chanhassen residents will be able to
purchase bare rooted trees for $50 and pick them up in mid-May. There will be 7 species of trees
available for purchase.
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