07-13-05 Minutes
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
July 13, 2005
Meeting Called to order 7:00 p.m.
Members Present:
Marcus Zbinden, Dotti Shay, Lee Scholder, Ron Olsen, Kim Grant, Jo Mueller
Members Absent:
David Wanek
Staff Present:
Don Asleson, Natural Resource Technician
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes for the June 2005 meeting were approved
Selection of SWMP Task Force Member:
Lee was nominated as the SWMP task force member.
EPP volunteers needed:
Marcus stated that he would like to invite everyone to attend the Environmental
Preferable Purchasing event. The event will be held at Chaska community center on October 5, 2005
between 8 AM and 12PM. The event will include vendors with environmentally friendly products. A
keynote speaker and breakout sessions are currently planned. The event is free to attend.
Review Fourth of July Parade:
Everyone felt that the event went well. Marcus stated that the coupons
that were distributed were being used. As of July 13, 40 recycling coupons have been used by residents.
Woodsy Owl (Ron) and the Green guardian assisted in the E.C. receiving a humor award from the parade
judges.
Review 2006 Arboretum class series draft:
Generally the draft list of 2005 classes was liked. Instead of
dropping some of the topics it was felt that they should be combined and included. The following is a list of
classes that the commission felt should be offered:
1) Landscape Turf Care and Trees and Shrubs for shade.
2) Kids/Nature/Water Quality/ Critters
3) Organic Gardening and natural pest control (Bambi and bunnies included)
4) Tree Care Basics/ Buckthorn and invasive species removal and control
If some topics can not be combined the commission felt that the Kids/Nature should be dropped first since
the classes will be offered during the school season and attendance to this class may be very light.
Pollution Prevention Week Planning:
Dotti stated that she would follow up with the Star Tribune on
recycling issues. Marcus felt that the EPP could be promoted as part of the Pollution prevention week. Jo
stated that mailing letters to schools advising them of the activities occurring with pollution prevention
week may be beneficial.
General Discussion:
Wind Power
: Ron stated that he had met with Sharmin, City Planner and located 6 locations within
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Chanhassen that would allow the construction of a wind turbine based on city ordinance. The locations
are as follows:
1) Bandimere, 2) Arboretum, 3) River Valley FWS, 4) District 112 property, 5) Minnewashta Regional
Park, 6) In 212 corridor.
Ron and Marcus have identified three target locations as the School District property, Bandimere Park
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and the Arboretum.
Marcus has spoken with the FWS and left a message with Peter at the arboretum. Ron has left messages
with the school district to see if there is any interest. Ron stated that now that the preliminary # are finished
and the sites located, interest levels and financing still need to be completed. There was general discussion
on getting the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota to assist with the grant process.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm
Prepared and submitted by Don Asleson
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