12-05-96 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
December 5, 1996
Meeting called to order by Uli Sacchet at 7:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Greg Havlik, Andrew Leith, Maureen Farrell, Bill Coldwell, Uli
Sacchet, Charlie Eiler, and Susan Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Susan Markert, Susan Morgan
STAFF PRESENT:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Coordinator
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
There was no discussion of minutes. Sue Wright motioned to
approve Commission minutes from November 7, 1996. Charlie Eiler seconded and the minutes
were approved unanimously.
VISITOR PRESENTATION:
Marcus Zbinden and Jayne Schifsky from Carver County
Environmental Services department were introduced by Chairman Sacchet. Mr. Zbinden
presented the background on the recycling center and contract that the county currently has in
Norwood and presented an overview of the program and plans for the future. These plans include
a proposal for a new recycling center in Chaska, operated by Chaska Sanitation. Access to the
site and its location is considered good by the county and the center would be appropriate in that
area considering surrounding uses. A layout of the site was presented along with an overview of
the materials that would be collected. Mr. Zbinden stated that the county is required to recycle at
least 50% of the waste generated and is meeting that requirement.
Chairman Sacchet expressed the Environmental Commission approval and support for the
proposed Chaska recycling center. Commissioners believed it is needed in this area of the county
since none of them had ever visited the site in Norwood.
Mayor-elect Nancy Mancino suggested the Commission offer to survey residents after site opens
to determine level of satisfaction and use by Chanhassen. The Commission could measure
whether or not the service is meeting the needs of the residents and if not, how it could be
changed or improved.
Mr. Zbinden stated the goal date for opening the site in June 1997.
Chairman Sacchet stated the official support by the Commission for the program and recycling
center.
Ms. Farrell suggested that special wastes day in Chanhassen be extended until 3 p.m. in order to
allow time for families to get to the event.
Chairman Sacchet requested an update on the next stage of the center from Mr. Zbinden.
Environmental Commission Minutes
December 5, 1996
Page 2
VISITOR PRESENTATION:
Chairman Sacchet introduced Craig Anderson from Buchen
Environmental Services, Inc. Mr. Anderson and his company will be managing the sump pump
inspection program for the City. He explained the program, the City’s solution, and the
inspection process. A video of the program run by North St. Paul was shown as an example of
what Chanhassen will develop for its program. Mr. Anderson asked for volunteers to help with
the video and public education of the program.
Ms. Farrell volunteered her home for the video as an example of a correctly connected sump
pump.
Mr. Sacchet offered the services of the Commission to write an article for the Villager about the
program.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
: Chairman Sacchet announced the resignation of Susan Markert
and asked for nominations for a new vice-chairperson.
Susan Wright nominated Ms. Farrell for vice-chairperson.
Charlie Eiler seconded.
Ms. Farrell accepted the nomination.
Jill Sinclair updated the Commission on the status of the algae control ordinance. It was passed
by the Planning Commission on December 4 and will go to City Council on January 13. The
Planning Commission requested clarification of treatments allowed. The ordinance was passed
with those changes.
The next Environmental Commission meeting will be January 9, with a possible second meeting
on January 23.
Items 6, 7, 8, and 9 from the December agenda will be discussed at the January meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Jill Sinclair