12-15-2016
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
December 15, 2016
Members Present: Matthew Myers, Don Vasatka, David Hess, Charlotte Chappell, Bill Chappell, Wayne
Benbow
Members Absent: Balakrishna Chintaginjala
Staff Present: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resource Specialist
Minutes: November minutes were approved.
Holiday Waste Article: Jill shared that the Commission has written holiday waste articles for the Village in the
past and wondered if any commission would like to take on the task this year. Past articles have focused on
reducing the amount of waste generated during this time of the year or how to give ‘greener’ gifts. Matthew
volunteered to write the article.
Spring Forestry workshop update: Jill informed the commission that she had secured Heather Holm to speak at
the Chanhassen Library on April 19. The talk is called ‘Bees and Trees’. Heather will talk about trees and shrubs
that are beneficial to pollinators. The presentation is aimed at helping residents select a diversity of woody plants
for their yards to increase resilience to disease and pests, such as EAB.
Commission Visioning: The commission had a great discussion about what the commission should and can be
doing, what its values and expectations area and a SWOT analysis. The outcome of the work session is recorded
in a Strategic Plan document.
2017 Work Plan: Discussion was had about skipping the focus on one topic for 2017 and instead embarking on
a 5-year plan. Other suggestions including focusing on bees, pollinators and landscape recommendations. The
topic could be Urban Landscapes – trees and plants. Bees and pollinators would dovetail nicely into Chanhassen
Day at the Arb in 2017 since the draft agenda for the day suggests having the public welcome at the new bee
rd
center. The commission could develop some programming for the day and promote the event at the July 3
booth. Another idea was to focus on recycling, like what to do with computer discs and parts and batteries.
Creating a resource so residents know what to recycle where. Rather than reviewing the plan line by line at this
meeting, the commission agreed upon major projects and events for 2017. Jill will redline the 2016 plan, add the
approved projects and events and send out the revised work plan for the commission’s review at the January
meeting. Projects and events approved for 2017 by the commission include: Arbor Day, Arbor Day poster
rd
contest, July 3 trade fair, Chanhassen Day, recycling, Sustainability Report, and spring fen walk. Charlotte
volunteered to take the lead on the Sustainability Report.
General Discussion:
The commission reiterated that they were very interested in following up with city leaders on Chanhassen
becoming a Green Step City. Jill will relay that interest to city staff.
Meeting adjourned at 8pm
1
Minutes prepared by Jill Sinclair
2