11-13-24 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
November 13, 2024
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Kaisa Buckholz, Leslie Elhadi, Billy Cripe, Paget Pengelly,
Sidney Lindmark, John Stutzman, Wren Roemer
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist; Jenny Potter, City Clerk
Visitors: Sara Lemke, Camp Fire Minnesota
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.
Oath of Office
City Clerk Jenny Potter administered the oath of office for Youth Commissioner Wren Roemer.
Introductions to the commissioners were shared, along with some basic information about the
meetings.
Minutes
Commissioner Cripe moved to approve the meeting minutes dated October 9, 2024;
Commissioner Pengelly seconded. The minutes were approved with an 8-0 vote.
Visitor Presentations
1. Camp Fire Minnesota
Sara Lemke, Vice President of Development and Communications from Camp Fire Minnesota
presented on the mission and history of the camp. Camp Fire has been there for 100 years and
boasts 103 acres in Chanhassen. They have year-round programs including naturalist programs,
camps, environmental education, field trips, volunteer opportunities, and rentals. Camp Fire is
working to deepen connections with underserved communities, and they offer financial
assistance. Camp Fire works to cater its programming to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion
and to remove barriers to the environment.
Camp Fire Minnesota is excited to form additional community partnerships to promote learning
and environmental access opportunities.
Commissioners Pengelly and Roemer are both familiar with the camp and its many
opportunities.
The next step for partnering the Environmental Commission with Camp Fire Minnesota is to set
up a time for the commissioners to tour Camp Fire Minnesota, possibly in February 2025. Once
the Commission has seen the facility, the goal is to coordinate a community nature walk as part
of the Environmental Academy to offer an event that is fun for the whole family and broadens
the reach of academy events. Once the event is being promoted, Camp Fire and the city can work
to cross-promote.
Discussion Items
1. Environmental Trivia Recap
Thirteen teams participated for the entire evening of the fifth environmental trivia night at
Chanhassen Brewing Company. Dave Ryan was once again the volunteer guest emcee and Matt
Rosati from Chanhassen Brewery donated the venue use. The prize choices were well-liked by
the participants. Commissioner Pengelly organized the prizes; Lakewinds in Chanhassen donated
prizes and Golden Rule Gallery in Excelsior.
The next environmental trivia night is tentatively scheduled for February 4, 2025.
For the next event, points assigned for each question will be shared. Perhaps they will also show
the standings midway through trivia.
2. Discuss 2025 Focus Topic
This item is tabled for the December meeting. Commissioner Stutzman moved, Commissioner
Lindmark seconded. The vote was 8-0.
3. Develop 2025 Social Media Calendar
This item is tabled for the December meeting. Commissioner Stutzman moved, Commissioner
Lindmark seconded. The vote was 8-0.
Commission Presentations
Commissioner Lindmark attended the open house for North Lotus and Riley Purgatory Bluff
Creek Watershed District; they are working to improve water quality. They are discussing
whether there will be boardwalks and what to do on the hillside.
The commissioners requested an update soon on the Lake Ann Park Preserve expansion project
from either the Park and Recreation Commission or Park and Recreation Director Jerry
Ruegemer.
Upcoming Items and Events
1. Fall Programs Ending: Pumpkin Drop-off and Yard Waste Site
The pumpkin drop-off ends on Friday, November 15, and the yard waste drop-off was extended
to Monday, November 25.
Adjournment
Commissioner Roemer moved to adjourn the meeting. Chair Grefe adjourned at 7:44 p.m. with a
vote of 8-0.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist