09-10-97 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
September 10, 1997
Meeting called to order by Uli Sacchet at 7: 15 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Leith, Susan Morgan, Uli Sacchet, Bill Coldwell, Jack Atkins, and
Susan Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Greg Havlik, Susan Markert, Maureen Farrell
STAFF PRESENT:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist
LONG AND SHORT TERM GOALS:
Primary concern is ATTENDANCE!! Commission says there is
a feeling of being scattered and a loss of focus. There may be an identity crisis due to not knowing which
environmental issues should be covered by the commission. Discussion of purpose and focus of
commission:
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Perhaps EC (environmental commission) should be educating city council on environmental issues.
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Identify what is special to Chanhassen and educate residents before development destroys it.
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Educate residents on how to care for what they have since what will happen to Chanhassen is already
planned out in the zoning map.
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Organize ‘mini-tours’ of environmental features. Self-guided garden or nature tours, etc.
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Ultimately, main goal is still education. Perhaps commission should rally harder around annual events.
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Developer/Builder/Citizen ‘Green Star’ award. Supported by Mayor. Given to those who have least
impact on environment and save the most natural features.
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Loss of wildlife a concern. There are less turtles, frogs, raccoons, etc. than before major push in
development. Could have children notice their environment by completing a questionnaire or survey.
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Want to find local issues to tackle that will make a difference.
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commission should choose 3-5 goals a year and just do it!
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Purpose of commission is education first and assistance to Jill and Phil secondary.
Bill and Sue Morgan will work on ‘Green Star’ award. Tools for Schools should be given to area schools.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:
Commissioners present felt the articles in the Villager were redundant due
to existing gardening and nature features regularly presented. Next best thing would be to write ‘Letters to
the Editor’ responding to current issues. The idea was supported by all present and topics for letters should
be brought to next meeting.
RECYCLING BROCHURE:
It was decided a brochure isn’t necessarily a good idea. Other possibilities
include magnet, phone line, web site, and fax on demand. First step to take is to decide what information to
include. Andy and Uli will spearhead the effort.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW:
Ms. Morgan read it and said it was well done. Other
commissioners still have to read it and respond with any and all comments to either Jill or Phil as soon as
possible.
Environmental Commission Minutes
September 10, 1997
Page 2
GENERAL DISCUSSION
:
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Carver County needs traffic helpers needed at County Special Waste Day being held in Norwood-
Young America on Saturday September 27. Help is especially need 8 am - 9 or 9:30 am.
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Next meeting will be WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8.
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Andy’s new e-mail is leith01@sprynet.com
Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Jill Sinclair
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