10-11-00 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
October 11, 2000
Meeting called to order by Dotti Shay at 7:10 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Sharon Beduhn, Susan McAllister, Jo Mueller, Peder Otterson, Dotti
Shay, Clay Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Jack Atkins
STAFF PRESENT:
Lori Haak, Water Resources Coordinator
GUESTS PRESENT:
Jay Bruesch, Plunkett’s Pest Control
PRESENTATION: PEST CONTROL IN SCHOOLS:
Jay provided an overview of
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services provided to Chanhassen schools by Plunkett’s Pest
Control.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the September 13 meeting were approved.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD PROGRAM:
Sharon presented the
commission with a draft of a letter to Chanhassen schools and businesses to encourage them to
apply. Jo indicated that she had a list of people to contact at each of the schools in Chanhassen.
Lori agreed to obtain a list of large businesses, churches, developers and landscapers so they
could receive the mailing as well. Dotti indicated that she would try to get another presentation
before the Chanhassen Chamber of Commerce to encourage those businesses to apply. Lori
agreed to check with City Manager Scott Botcher to see if the Commission could use City
letterhead for the letter.
PILOT NEIGHBORHOOD WETLAND BUFFER PROJECT:
Jo indicated that she had not
yet received the HOA newsletter. Jo stated that she was attempting to contact the Longacres
Homeowners Association President Matt Mesenburg to find out when to expect distribution of
the newsletter, but had been unsuccessful.
DISCUSSION OF HAULER SERVICES:
Dotti indicated that this item was included in the
agenda so the Commission could become more educated about solid waste within the City and
evaluate the Commission’s role as it pertains to solid waste. Dotti stated that she saw a goal of
the Commission, and therefore the City, should be to reduce the amount of landfilled waste by
analyzing the composition of the waste and finding ways to decrease waste. Dotti noted that
haulers would not necessarily be cooperative in waste reduction measures since some haulers own
landfills or have interests in landfills. Lori stated that she would obtain more information on solid
waste and recycling volumes and present it to the Commission at a later date.
Lori made the Commission aware of an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing seminar that was
available to the Commissioners and City staff at no cost. Dotti suggested several City staff people
attend, including the staff member who purchases office supplies. Lori indicated she would
register several City staff members.
DISCUSSION OF ORGANIC COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM:
Due to time
constraints, the Commission postponed discussion of this item.
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Susan requested the Commission discuss Pulte Homes/Arboretum
Village and the Commission’s role in the process. Susan stated that her intent in recommending
the Commission address the Planning Commission on the project was to educate the public on
how clustering benefits the community. Jo stated that clustering housing was often more of an
issue of affordable housing versus environmental benefits. Jo added that she did not know that
clustering always preserved green space. Dotti stated that Susan could address the Planning
Commission as a resident and adjacent landowner, but that the Environmental Commission
needed to refrain from reviewing proposed projects in any way. Dotti noted that the
Environmental Commission had run into problems in the past for going beyond the purposes for
which it was established.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Lori Haak
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