EC SUM 2011 04 13
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
April 13, 2011
Members Present:
Dennis Hansen, David Christianson, Robert Kircher, Amy Wenner, Katie Mahannah,
Matthew Myers
Members Absent
: none
Staff Present:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resource Specialist
Guests Present
: Elise Ryan and Jeff Daniels, Park and Recreation Commission; Todd Hoffman, Park
and Recreation Director
Minutes:
March minutes were approved.
New Member Introductions:
The commissioners introduced themselves and spent a few minutes getting to know each other.
Rotary Ballot:
The commissioners reviewed the nominees for the Rotary Distinguished Service Award. After a
discussion of the nominees the commission made their selection. Jill will send in the ballot.
Arbor Day planning – joint meeting with Park and Rec Commissioners:
Elise Ryan and Jeff Daniels from the Park and Rec commission attended the EC meeting to discuss the
upcoming Arbor Day event. Also present was Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director. Jill explained to
the commissioners how the 2010 event at Lake Ann went and why the emphasis is on planting trees at the
park. A commissioner suggested that an EAB display be set up at the event and a flyer made explaining
the history of the site and why the planting is being done. An invitation to participate in the event will be
sent out to the Park and Rec Commission as well as the City Council. It was suggested that the event be
posted in the Town Square section of the West Metro edition of the Star Tribune. Bob and David offered
to bring cameras to the event. Katie will bring a video camera and take footage. Elise suggested that
small shovels be given out to the littler kids that attend. She will look into availability and prices.
Perhaps there could be a raffle with prizes for boys and girls. A suggestion was made to create stickers
like the ‘I voted’ stickers that could be given out during the event. Jill will look into that. Volunteers
who plant the trees can sign their names on the numbered stakes by the trees. The stakes can be left at the
trees for a week or so for recognition. Refreshments will be cookies, water, coffee and donuts(?).
Annual By-laws review:
The commission changed the by-laws to read that the meetings will be held on
nd
the 2 Wed. of every month.
Chair/Vice-Chair:
The commission voted Bob Kircher as Chairperson and Amy Wenner as Vice-Chair.
General Discussion:
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4 of July Planning: Bob shared with the new commissioners past 4 of July events and what is
generally programmed for the commission. This year the commission would like to do both the
trade fair and parade again. Commissioners think a booth at the trade fair is worthwhile. The
focus will be on the 4 topics and the commission will look at interesting ways to present the
information. There needs to be a visual attraction to the booth like the powerpoint presentation
last year. Parade possibilities include: partnering with county again to get truck and trailer,
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incorporate Env Club students from Excelsior Elem and/or 7 and 8 graders from the lacrosse
team; have kids walk along with float again with bags marked ‘recycling’, ‘garbage’, ‘organics’.
The theme could have something to do with aquatic invasives.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 11 at 6:00pm.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.
Minutes prepared by Jill Sinclair