12-10-03 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION (EC)
REGULAR MEETING
December 10, 2003
Meeting called to order at 6:15 p.m. at the home of Ron Olson.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Deborah Yungner, Kim Grant, Ron Olsen, Marcus Zbinden, Jo
Mueller
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dotti Shay, Steve Nalefski
STAFF PRESENT:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist, Lori Haak, Water
Resources Coordinator
COUNCIL PRESENT:
none
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Jo asked about the rain gardens that were mentioned in the
November minutes. Lori said that Maplewood has good fact sheets on designing them.
November minutes were approved.
PARTNERSHIP WITH ARBORETUM:
Jill updated the commission regarding the
conversation she had with the adult education manager. There are two existing 2004 classes that
fit well into the type of classes the city would like to sponsor – designing for woodland areas and
designing for the water’s edge. The commission said they would also like to see a class that
cover composting and edible landscaping. A suggestion was also made to hold the classes at the
library or environmental center. The commission would like the class fees be further reduced or
free for residents. A video should be made of the class and shown on Ch. 8 or given to the
library. A fourth class should be added, “Better Gardening”.
RECYCLING COUPON PRESENTATION:
Marcus summarized his presentation to the City
Council on the Chanhassen coupon program and the daily operations of the Environmental
Center. He said the council had good questions. The challenge for the 2004 program will be to
get all the money out to the residents. Ideas from the commission included distributing
punchcards or stamp cards, sponsor ‘free’ days or months at the center, give away coupons on
Earth Day at the center.
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY:
America Recycles Day is on Nov. 15. Jill contacted Melissa
at the paper and Melissa did an article including that information as well as the Christmas Tree
recycling, the Environmental Excellence Award and plastic bag recycling. The commission
watched a video, Recycling Works For Minnesota. The video will be played on the city’s cable
channel in November and December.
WM SINGLE-SORT, BI-WEEKLY REQUEST:
Sheldon Swensen will present Waste
Management’s proposed for bi-weekly collection at the January 14 meeting.
2004 WORK PLAN:
The commission reviewed the work plan. The plan will be brought back
again next month for final approval.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Jill Sinclair
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