02-14-24 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
February 14, 2024
Members Present: Greg Hawks, Leslie Elhadi, Scott Grefe, Ryan Farnan
Members Absent: Billy Cripe, Kaisa Buckholz, Kristin Fulkerson, Scot Lacek
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resources Specialist
Visitors: Judy Harder, Resident
Minutes
January minutes approval delayed until March.
Minnesota Native Landscaping Law
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resources Specialist, discussed a new State Law that requires cities
to allow natural landscaping on private property. The law states that if residents have purposeful
planning those plants will be allowed. Property owners cannot plant noxious weeds. The city is
amending the code to reflect the state law. Discussion was had regarding whether residents
would need to supply a plan to the city prior to planting. It was decided that the April social
media post would be in reference to this ordinance. Commissioner Grefe will be in charge of
writing the social media posts. The Ordinance will go before the Planning Commission in March
for a public hearing.
Invasive Species Management Application
Ms. Marsh reported that residents have been requesting to do buckthorn removal on city property
to assist in invasive species management. The city would like to have a management plan where
residents could assist the city with the removal of buckthorn or other invasive species. Residents
would be able to fill out an application to help with the removal of buckthorn or other invasive
species.
Arbor Day Planning – Developing Activities
The first Saturday in May is the Arbor Day event for the City of Chanhassen. A park needs to be
picked for where to plant. Twenty trees are planted usually during this activity. Commissioners
discussed milkweed bombs, frisbees, and tic tac toe. Juice and snacks were provided at last
year’s planting event. Invasive education was a topic decided upon.
Partner with Minnetonka High School for Earth Day Event
This was on the work plan from years past. This will be revisited next meeting. Commissioner
Farnan will follow up with the Minnetonka High School to see if they have interest in partnering.
Promote Earth Hour
March 23, 2024, is the day of Earth Hour. This should be added as social media posts in March.
Finalized Trivia Night Details
Commissioners discussed the Trivia Night at Chanhassen Brewing on Tuesday, February 20,
2024.
Commission Presentation
Chair Grefe reported that he will be attending the interviews for the potential Environmental
Commissioners. He also was invited to be involved in the task force event for bonding for
Chanhassen Sports Bluff Complex.
Commissioner Hawks reported that Conservation Minnesota will have the State Environmental
Commission meeting in May. There will be a tour event and then a social event afterward.
Ms. Marsh reviewed the agenda items for March.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:09.
Minutes prepared by Jenny Potter, Senior Administrative Assistant
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resources Specialist