05-26-99 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
May 26, 1999
Meeting called to order by Dotti Shay at 7:15 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dotti Shay, Jack Atkins, Jo Mueller, Clay Smith, Andy Leith
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Uli Sacchet, Susan Markert
STAFF PRESENT:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist, Sharmin Al-Jaff, Senior
Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes were approved.
ARBOR DAY REVIEW:
It was a good day, but turnout was lower than expected with the
amount of advertising done. Largest number of volunteers for park clean-up ever.
Commissioners wondered if maybe it’s time to think of changes or adaptations that could be
made. Next year each kid should receive a service award from the mayor. Kids liked the animals,
face painting, etc. The commission hopes attendance increases as years go on. Perhaps the city
should think about scaling back the event to put more money towards planting projects or tree
sales.
LIGHTING ORDINANCE:
As will be done at each meeting, staff presented the
educational component for this month. Sharmin explained the lighting ordinance including that
shoebox lights are the generally accepted type of lights. All commissioners agreed that the lights
used at the new St. Hubert’s site are bad.
Jack asked why high pressure sodium lights are acceptable. Sharmin replied that all city lights are
that type and it’s also what NSP uses. Jack would prefer low sodium and wondered if ordinances
could be changed. He explained the difference between high and low and other types of lights and
why some lights are better. He prefers the kind that allow to see the night sky better. Jack will
bring in more information and web sites to the next meeting.
Clear glass is better than frosted on street lights because the frosted glass will cause light to reflect
up. Properly shielded clear glass lights will always shine down.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Sharmin explained the layout for the Strategic Plan. the Commission
decided to focus on developing goals for the upcoming joint meeting with the city council.
Environmental Commission Goals
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Support efforts to implement goals in chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Plan.
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Promote tree planting.
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Arbor Day event
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Spring/Fall tree sales
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Look for possible grant money
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Public education on water/wetland issues.
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Water Festival
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Develop lawn/water issues educational materials
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Educate and promote Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
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Presentation to City Council
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Encourage and assist businesses, organizations and private citizens to beautify/enhance their
environments.
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Pollution Prevention Week
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Partnerships - Carver Cty. and other agencies plus city staff
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Award program, ‘Environmental Excellence’, for businesses, residents, schools, and
community groups
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Comprehensive public education program.
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Emphasis on dark sky, pollution prevention, Arbor Day, Water Festival, Villager
articles, information on web site
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City-wide survey
GENERAL:
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Next meeting: WEDNESDAY, June 23, 7:00 P.M.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Jill Sinclair
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