03-11-20 MIN1
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Regular Meeting
6:00 pm
March 11, 2020
Members Present: Keith Butcher, Bill Chappell, Kristin Fulkerson, Jeff Harken, Greg Hawks, Rachel
Popken and Don Vasatka
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Bob Generous, Senior Planner
Minutes: February minutes were revised and approved.
Select Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners: The commission looked at all the submittals and selected
a group of seven finalists. From the finalist group, one was chosen as the contest winner: Ester
Gilbertson of Bluff Creek Elementary School.
Review Onboarding Packet: The commission reviewed the onboarding document and made changes
to the document.
List of Term Accomplishments for Joint Meeting April 13: Bill Chappell agreed to work on
updating the document and getting it back to the committee by April 3, 2020. Bill requested that
members provide him with any suggestions and additions via email. The group discussed that they
focus on education and the events that the commission sponsors.
GreenStep Cities update: The city was certified as a step 2 city in 2019. The group discussed how
they should emphasize the benefits of the GreenStep Cities programs and the number of communities
that have joined the program and the benefits that it has provided the city. Section 8.5 needs to be
expanded and have more description of the practices the city has done and will do (Village on the Ponds,
Avienda, downtown)
General Discussion:
• Bob Generous gave a quick update on development within the city including The Park,
Avienda and the Highway 101 road project.
• Kristin said the someone from GreenStep program was coming to her congregation. She
intends to ask them about how they address negativity toward the program.
• Greg discussed attending the Recycling seminar and how he had met Rusty and the Crew who
presented a two-hour presentation on recycling. Bill noted that they want to make a business
out of it, but currently operate through grants. He asked if the Crew would be interested in
making a presentation in Chanhassen. There was some discussion of whether it should be as
a stand-alone presentation at the library, part of the July 3rd program or in conjunction with the
fall event. Greg noted that they were very anti-plastic. He also wanted to know if the city
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could purchase some of the stick-on decals for the July event. Greg would check to see if they
were interested in the July 3rd event.
• Rachel pointed out to the group that you can go onto Amazon and ask to have your packaging
as compostable or decomposable rather than plastic. She believes this can be included in your
profile. The idea is to let Amazon know that there is interest in reducing the use of plastic
packaging.
• Rachel brought the Twin Cities Eco Rotary, which establishes a monthly challenge to help the
environment. Once a month, they put out a small challenge for actions that will reduce
pollution or improve the environment.
• Don asked if anyone was interested in presenting the Environmental Commission ideas at the
Joint City Council – Environmental Commission meeting. It was agreed that the items could
be split up for three or more commissioners to have parts. It was also suggested that the group
ask City Council for their priorities for the environment.
Thank you to Rachel and Keith for your service on the Environmental Commission. Your
contribution and commitment was much appreciated.
Meeting adjourned at 7:04 pm
Minutes prepared by Bob Generous
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