EC SUM 2013 05 08
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
May 8, 2013
Members Present:
Glenn Kaufmann, Katie Mahannah, Keith Anderson, Matthew Myers, Amy Wenner, Bret
Borth, Amy Omann
Members Absent:
none
Staff Present:
Terry Jeffrey, Water Resource Coordinator
Minutes:
April minutes were approved.
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4 of July Planning:
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Katie explained EC role in the city’s 4 of July parade (July 4) and trade fair (July 3). The commission
discussed whether or not to have a parade entry this year, and how to distribute Environmental Center
coupons if we are not in the parade. The commission voted unanimously to not participate in the parade
this year for several reasons: lack of interest, heat, and only having 4 commissioners able to attend.
The commission will discuss next month what information/materials to present at the trade fair, and the
possibility of handing out coupons there instead of during the parade. Commissioners who will attend the
trade fair are: Keith, Matthew, Amy W., and Bret.
Seminary Fen Signage:
At the last Seminary Fen Workgroup, Larissa (DNR) asked Katie if commission could help install
signage at the fen. Katie showed pictures of signs at other scientific & natural areas and will forward
those to commission for input on pictures, wording, and sign placement.
It was suggested that putting in the signs would be a good Eagle Scout project, but at this point there
would likely not be enough hours to do so. Boy Scouts could be enlisted for community service hours.
Terry mentioned that the city could contribute some funding to meet MS4 requirements for education.
Katie also mentioned that a monitoring well will be installed at Bluff Creek Drive which is near the fen.
Storm Water Update:
The commission asked Terry about the Flood Mitigation Project on Highway 101 over the Minnesota
River, and impacts to the fen. Terry explained that a new bridge will be constructed and a section of
Flying Cloud will be raised. During construction, likely beginning in 2014, dewatering will be required
for road construction. It is unknown what, if any effect it will have on the Fen, Assumption Creek or
Bluff Creek. This is a concern because water levels of both Seminary Fen and Assumption Creek have
been dropping, and no one is sure where the recharge area is. The DNR has been part of the design team
for the Highway 101 and Carver County Road 61 project. Terry said one possible cause may be the
weight of Audobon Road which cuts across the northwest corner of the fen. Fens are a rare natural
feature and Minnesota is home many of the remaining fens.
Terry had two items to discuss with the commission:
(1) Storm Water Management Plan update. The city’s SWMP was last updated in 2006 and was
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supposed to be perfectly aligned with the four watershed districts and water management
organizations (Minnehaha Creek WD, Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek WD, Lower Minnesota River
WD, and Carver County WMO). However, MCWD did not complete their plan until 2007 and so
we have a Memorandum of Understanding signed with MCWD to abide by their rules. LMRWD
was the last to update their plan. Their primary responsibility is finding and managing sites for
dredge materials associated with maintaining the river’s navigation channel, but they need money
to procure more land. To realign plans, Chanhassen will begin work on rewriting the city’s plan
this summer. This will require an advisory board which may include members from
commissions, city council, development community, and public.
(2) RPBCWD Commission Openings. Mr. Wencl’s term will be expiring in July. While the city
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does not typically get involved, it may be beneficial to recommend someone for the appointment
to our county commissioners should Mr. Wencl decide against seeking reappointment. The EC
should consider candidates.
(3) General Discussion. Terry answered questions from commissioners about various projects
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and issues around Chanhassen.
General Discussion
:
Amy W. brought up the water conservation article on the agenda for next month, and asked Terry if he
had any suggestions. He mentioned properly aligned irrigation heads, not sprinkling across sidewalks,
and the fact that grass goes dormant. The commission discussed how to tactfully write about
Chanhassen’s lax watering regulations and high usage. Terry suggested highlighting a success story such
as Eagan. Amy W. suggested maybe a comparison with neighboring communities, and asked Terry if
there were any financial incentives at the local or state level for residential water conservation initiatives.
Keith mentioned RPBCWD now has a cost share program for rain gardens and gray water that may be
useful. Terry will look into others.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM.
Minutes prepared by Amy Wenner