07-10-02 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION (EC)
REGULAR MEETING
July 10, 2002
Meeting called to order at 6:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Deborah Yungner, Kim Hankins, Jo Mueller, Kim Grant, Ron Olsen,
Steve Nalefski
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dotti Shay
STAFF PRESENT:
Lori Haak, Water Resources Coordinator, Sharmin Al-Jaff, Senior Planner
COUNCIL PRESENT:
none
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
June minutes were approved with start time change.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Sharmin explained the background: The commission developed the plan
and a mission statement five years ago and that it should be updated every 5 years. There are two
options for doing that: 1. go through whole process (3-6 mos.) 2. go line by line and edit. Kim
H. thought it would be more empowering with a new board to come up with an entirely new plan.
Steve stated that it’s important to build on what past member have done and recognize the history
of the commission. He wondered if EMS is still important; he would defer to Dotti. Sharmin
explained that strategic plan question are given to members in advance and they are asked to work
on them before coming to the meeting. Ron doesn’t think the commission needs to reinvent the
wheel. Kim H. agreed and said that going line by line would be ok. Deborah suggested that the
plan be elaborated on and expanded, that line-by-line is ok, that the commission should focus on
the technology piece and the commission’s relational aspect with the state. It was decided that
the commission would start working on it in December and finish by the end of March. A motion
was made and approved to add the plan to the December agenda.
WATER QUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAM:
The Commission discussed projects with
Lori. Suggestions included: sending a newsletter in the mail to each resident that promotes the
city’s web page as a resource for information; adding information to the welcome packets for new
residents and/or making a connection with the Welcome Wagon for distribution, making an effort
for more public outreach such as presentations to cub scouts, schools, etc. The Commission with
review the information as get back to Lori by mid-August.
MnOEA:
Deborah said that environmental calendars from the Minnesota Office of
Environmental Assistance would be available prior to the State Fair. Lori or Jill will get a couple
hundred of them for distribution with the Blue Sky Guides.
BLUE SKY GUIDE:
The Commission decided to deliver the guides in person in order to talk to
the residents. Commissioners will pair up for distribution. A letter from the EC will be given
with the guide along with other items such as the OEA calendars, lake atlases, and lawn care
brochures. There should be an article in the Villager about the distribution and also invite a
reporter to come with to some of the visits. Distribution will begin in September. Perhaps the EC
should follow up with a survey or questionnaire, six months or later. Kim H. volunteered to get
residents list (June – Sept.) and split people into teams.
CAR WORKSHOP:
Kim G. update the EC on the recycling workshop. She said there were 35
people there and she found out that Chanhassen is the only community with a volunteer
Environmental Commission.
TRADE FAIR DISPLAY:
Kim H. said the event went well; there was lots of traffic by the
table. Ron thinks some tote bags were swiped because they were sitting out and people thought
they were free, but he did sell 3-5 bags. EC handed out a few volunteer brochures. Someone
wondered if there was a grant available to cover the costs of the tote bags.
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Steve will prepare waste hauler information, which he will bring to the September
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meeting.
Lori announced that Pulte will be beginning a construction waste recycling project at the
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Arboretum Village development. They will be grinding and using cement blocks,
sheetrock and lumber.
The Chanhassen Rotary added environmental as a part of their charter.
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EC should look to the senior center and garden club for assistance in promoting
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lakescaping.
Pollution Prevention Week: EC should get articles to the Villager and city newsletter by
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the end of August.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Jill Sinclair
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