EC 2010 05 12
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
May 12, 2010
Members Present:
Rose Kircher, Dave Christianson, Beverly Foster, Denny Hansen, Bob
Kircher, Amy Wenner
Members Absent
: J.R. Relick
Staff Present:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist
Minutes:
April minutes were approved.
Review of Joint meeting
: There were 6 Environmental Commissioners in attendance. Denny
ran through the topics that the commission will be working on this year. The mayor clarified the
issues with lake water quality and explained what projects the city has been involved with to help
improve the quality. Other discussion items included posting event pictures on facebook, focus
on more public education on buckthorn and emerald ash borer, and focusing on stormwater
runoff for water quality. The council requested that should the commission have any articles
written for the paper, they would like to review them first. This fall, for the Environmental
Excellence award, the council requested that the 4 focus topics should be targeted. The city
manager asked the EC to forward any policy change ideas to him and the council. The
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commission will focus on water conservation for the 4 of July activities. They asked Jill to
send them the ordinance pertaining to watering restrictions so that they can be informed.
2010 Arbor Day Review:
One of the commissioners counted attendees and said there were at
least 102 participants. The day went very well. Commissioners said they talked to and overhead
others talking and that there were no complaints about the day or the work. Event should be
repeated next year. A commissioner suggested that in addition to park cleanups there should also
be lakeshore cleanups.
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4 of July:
The commission will focus on water conservation at the trade fair and the parade.
The set up for the trade fair should have the table in front and commissioners behind. Could
have native plants and grasses on table and show DVD on water conservation or rain gardens;
Could have a table fountain running to capture attention; Could photoshop 312 gallons of water
for image of highest daily use. Amy would help get images for DVD. Rose may be able to
provide a monitor and/or laptop. Music should be added to the looping pictures. Does the city
have a structure for a backdrop? Signage identifying the EC is needed as well as handouts for
natives/no mow grass mixes. The commission may germinate a no mow mix to have as a display
at the fair. Info on rain garden grants or rebates needs to be included. Will there be reusable
bags to hand out? A window cling could be made up with a conservation message. The
Excelsior Elem. Env. Club should be asked if they would like to be in the parade. The EC needs
to decide on a float theme – ‘be waterwise’, ‘celebrate america’s resources-be waterwise’?
Denny has an 8 x 6 trailer.
General Discussion:
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Denny attended the RPBCWD meeting and reported that the watershed district was doing
good things at Riley and Susan. They’re cleaning the water and taking the carp out. He
encouraged the commissioners to check out the district website and attend the next
meeting.
The next meeting will be Wed., June 9 at 6:00 pm.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM.
Minutes Prepared by Jill Sinclair