10-12-2016
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
October 12, 2016
Members Present: Don Vasatka, Charlotte Chappell, Bill Chappell, Wayne Benbow
Members Absent: Matthew Myers, David Hess, Balakrishna Chintaginjala
Staff Present: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resource Specialist
Minutes: June minutes were approved.
The Dirt on Sediment Pollution: Bill Chappell attended the watershed district workshop focusing on the
Minnesota River. The workshop was a paddleboat trip on the Minnesota from Shakopee to St. Paul, a distance of
about 15 miles. Participants were then bussed back to Shakopee. About 40 people attended. The message of the
workshop was “Rivers are assets”. The lower 5 miles of the Minnesota river is part of the Mississippi River
National Park. On the trip, the group saw about 6 bald eagles. The presenters were excited by this because it
indicates that the river is in good shape if the top of the food chain animals are present, such as eagles and
mussels. The Minnesota river has been one of the most polluted bodies of water in the state. Erosion is a major
reason and it comes from many sources. The impacts of erosion and sediments include habitat loss, added
pollution, navigation issues, loss of property and infrastructure failures. The bottom line is that erosion and
sediment depreciate the asset.
Summer events review: The commission talked about the July 3 business expo. They said the kid giveaways
were popular (bracelets, tattoos). The visuals were good. There weren’t a lot of people stopping by who had
irrigation systems. Next year it may be a good idea to get pens or pencils with the message on them to serve as a
reminder after the event. It’s good to have a kid’s attraction so that the kids bring their parents to the booth. The
City Commissions Tour in August was appreciated but very buggy! Bill and Don also attended the tour of the
Eden Prairie Water Treatment Plant which was sponsored by the RPBCWD. They learn some interesting facts
about the aquifer used by the western suburbs and the limited drinking water in the area.
2017 brainstorming – Chanhassen Day and Arbor Day: The commission discussed Chanhassen Day at the
Arboretum. The welcome event will probably be held at the new Bee Center. The commission suggested that the
Bee Squad could do a presentation and a kid’s activity. It would be a good plan to advertise a kid’s activity for
families to attend. Chanhassen Arbor Day may be held at North Lotus Park. Commissioners didn’t have any
suggestions for changes to the program.
General Discussion:
The commission will postpone a tour of the water treatment plant. Instead, they would like to focus on
planning for 2017 and talk about vison for the commission in 2017. Jill was directed to send an email to
get a head count for November to ensure that most commissioners will be able to attend.
It was suggested that Bill should give his Minn. River presentation to the seniors and maybe Council.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm
Minutes prepared by Jill Sinclair
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