10-13-04 Minutes
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
October 13, 2004
Meeting Called to order 6:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Marcus Zbinden, Deborah Yungner, Dotti Shay, David Wanek, Kim Grant, Ron Olsen,
Jo Mueller
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist
Guests Present:
None
May/June Minutes:
The minutes were approved.
EE Award:
Staff proposed a change to the EE award procedure since the number of applications received
the last couple of years is so low and promotion of the program has been minimal. Instead of soliciting
nominations from the public-at-large, the commissioners would internally nominate community members
who would then be notified by staff and presented the awards at the end of the year City Council meeting.
The commission agreed to try handling the program with the new procedure. They then discussed who
would be the nominees for 2004. The candidates were the active Project H2O coordinators, the high school
environmental club for their art fair, General Mills and Rotary for tree planting, Master Gardeners for
Arbor Day and community Gardens, Dave Boorsma for the Farmer’s Market. A motion was made to
nominate the above groups for awards. All were in favor. Awards will be presented at the December City
Council meeting.
Strategic Plan:
Dotti gave an overview of the series of revisions to the strategic plan. She commented on
how the original plan was too long and that the revised plan is organized to flow with the action plan so the
commission can check back each year to make sure plan is following the goals. The mission statement was
slightly revised. A motion was made to approve the plan. All voted in favor. It will be sent to City
Council for approval.
July 4 Parade:
Marcus, Dotti and Ron reported that it was a very successful event. They had a lot more
candy than last year, but still ran out. They gave out radon info, Env. Ctr coupons and other miscellaneous
items. The Green Guardian rode in Dotti’s Tracker. Marcus said 1,000 coupons were handed out.
Project HO:
Lori gave update on current happenings with Project HO. Deborah inquired as to if a
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videotape that has High School kids talking about their neighborhood project will be produced and made
available at City Hall, library, etc. The EC expressed interest in being invited on the neighborhood tours to
see the demonstration projects. Marcus suggested broadcasting a video on cable access.
Chanhassen Recycles Day:
Jill updated the commission on Chanhassen Recycles Day happening on
November 18. The city will be offering $20 per resident in ‘free’ recycling fees on that day. There was
money remaining in the recycling budget and Jill would like to see that as much of it as possible be used by
residents for recycling. The event will run noon – 6 pm. Jo suggested that the hours be extended to
accommodate residents who don’t return from work until later in the day. Marcus said he could have
someone there until 7 pm. Jill will need to note that the hours offered are for that day only and that the
hours change in December.
General Discussion:
The commission wants an article on waste reduction for the holidays. Perhaps Melissa at the paper
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could pull it together. It should emphasize rechargeable batteries; maybe do a comparison? She could
interview Ron for it. Also should make note of proper recycling of cardboard packaging.
Jill handed out the fall/winter schedule for Climb Theater presentations.
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Jill asked the commission for ideas for next years education series at the Arboretum. Suggestions
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included: a family-friendly class (mother or father and child, evening or weekend), pruning/tree care,
composting, woodland restoration, wetland/rain garden, healthy indoor air.
It was suggested that a list of recycling items accepted by haulers be published the week of National
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Recycling Day on Nov. 15. Include info on the materials exchange program.
For the 2005 work plan, the commission should consider requesting funding for installation of
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windmills or solar panels at public buildings. It could be promoted as a model for other communities.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm
Prepared and submitted by Jill Sinclair
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