03-14-01 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
March 14, 2001
Meeting called to order by Dotti Shay at 7:10 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jack Atkins, Jo Mueller, Dotti Shay, Clay Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Sharon Beduhn, Peder Otterson, Susan McAllister
STAFF PRESENT:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resource Specialist, Lori Haak, Water
Resources Coordinator
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the January 10 meeting were approved.
SOLID WASTE DISCUSSION:
Jo wondered what the next step was for the commission on
the issues of Chanhassen’s solid waste. Dotti suggested that they look at the files from the solid
waste committee from a few years ago and see where they left off and if the data is still good. Jill
said the files should contain information on what was attempted to do for organized collection,
but new data will be necessary. Dotti asked what would be a good approach for resident’s
education on the subject. Jack thought writing letters to the editor to and articles for the Villager
would be a good idea. The facts should all be laid out. Dotti also thought finding out what is
being recycled by each of the haulers would be good information to have as well as visiting some
of the hauler’s businesses. Changing any of the collection requirements would require a revised
or new ordinance, Jill said. The importance of this issue will determine whether or not a sub-
committee should be formed. The commission needs to make sure they follow the comp. plan and
vision pieces. If there is a sub-committee, it should include interested residents-at-large. Bob
Generous, a planner, was involved with the original attempt to organize collection. Jill or Lori
will ask if he can give a presentation at next month’s meeting. Part of the problem with the last
attempt may have been with the way it was presented to the public, suggested Dotti. Let’s look
to other cities that have organized collection to see how they did it. Waconia perhaps?
NEW CANDIDATE INTERVIEW:
Kim Hankins was interviewed by the commission to fill the
vacancy left by Jack upon his term ending March 31. She is well educated and well experienced
in natural resources, specifically water resources and storm water management. Commissioners
agreed she would be a good asset to the commission. All voted in favor of recommending her for
appointment by the City Council.
ARBOR DAY 2001:
Things are coming together. Added presenters, since update last month,
include the Herpetological Society, Arboretum, Halla Nursery, Master Gardeners. Will be
checking with the watershed district and hennepin parks. This year there will be scheduled
presentations on tree care, lawn care and water quality, and gardening. The Villager will be doing
the articles about the event. The event will be advertised through the Villager, posters in stores,
portable sign and the banner across hwy. 101. Jill will see if Applebee’s can donate gift
certificates again.
CLIMB THEATER UPDATE:
Three out of the four schools didn’t want Trash! Presented,
instead they opted for a ‘residency’, an informal program where the kids help act out the message.
JOINT MEETING UPDATE:
Council said they would like to limit wasted time spent with the
back and forth between commissions and council. Councilman Ayotte was interested in
restoration projects, especially historic sites. The commission would like the council to champion
the Environmental Excellence Award in city hall, environmental management systems, and solid
waste issues
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Jo wondered if more publicity is needed for the EE awards.
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Especially at the schools. She will draft a letter that could be sent to the 5 grade teachers. Clay
asked if we were targeting businesses. Perhaps we could meet with them. Dotti said that a lot of
businesses don’t know that what they’re doing is benefiting the environment. She will get names
and contact them. Perhaps they could award the schools early, so the kids could see the awards
before summer vacation.
Lori will contact Jo and Kim regarding the Longacres project to set up a meeting to decide a
game plan.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Jill Sinclair
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