06-08-2022 EC Minutes1
Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
Chanhassen City Hall, Fountain Conference Room
6:00 pm
June 8, 2022
Members Present: Kristin Fulkerson, Leslie Elhadi, Scot Lacek, Julia Adams, Greg Hawks, Markus
Fischer, and Scott Grefe
Members Absent: Kaisa Buckholz
Staff Present: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist; Braden Orr, Environmental Intern
Visitors: none
Minutes: May minutes were approved.
Fall/Winter Connection Article: The commission discussed what topic should be covered in the
newsletter article. Markus offered to write it. The commission looked at the communications calendar
to decide on a topic. Since people will be thinking about fall chores perhaps the importance of leaf clean
up and why phosphorous is an issue would be good ideas. The commission would encourage residents
to also clean leaves from storm sewers.
July 3rd Trade Fair table planning: Commissioners volunteered for shifts at the Trade Fair which runs
4-6p on Sunday, July 3. Volunteers 4-5p: Kaisa, Julia, Greg. Volunteers 5-6p: Scot, Scott, Greg.
Greg is working with Eleanor at the watershed district to create a poster about aquifers showing where
our water comes from. He hopes to have it for the trade fair. Jill said she can supply an easel for the
poster. Greg also received a rain barrel from the district to use as a giveaway. And he got handouts –
‘guide to water conservation’. He’ll get copies to give away at expo. Leslie made 2 games! One uses
the information about average water use in a household as well as available freshwater in the world.
They could both be set up to show the amounts rather than having people pour the amounts – too messy
and potentially wasteful. A game board could be made where people place the different amounts on the
right description, i.e. amount of freshwater frozen in ice. The second game is a maze with Q&A about
water. Right answers add up to a win. The commission discussed how to create the game. Maybe have
it on a metal board and use magnets for the pieces. Nothing will blow away then.
Commissioners are reminded to wear their EC t-shirts at the expo. Greg will pick up supplies from Jill
the week before the 4th. Scott is also available to pick up materials. Jill will work with the
communications dept. to make the game boards.
Plastic Free July: Commission would like to promote it. They also agreed that they’d like to do a one-
day challenge to be plastic free. Maybe choose a date after the 4th. The commission viewed the Plastic
Free July website and found they have posters that can be used for free. Maybe the city could share 1
2
poster a week? They suggested putting those on social media. They also would like to add a link on the
commission webpage to the Plastic Free July website.
GreenStep Cities update: Jill reviewed what the GreenStep Cities program is with the commission.
She presented the assessment sheet that was compiled in 2020 showing the next steps necessary to reach
a Step 3. Many of them involve the adoption of policies. Reaching the next step will involve work to
engage staff to adopt the policies but won’t require any budget expenditures. The commission asked
how they could help. Jill asked them to research how other communities use resident committees to
advance GreenStep initiatives in those communities. Markus offered to look into it and report back.
City Updates: Jill gave updates on the WaterWise rebate program, the tree rebates, and the spread of
emerald ash borer in the community.
General Discussion: Greg gave an update on RPBCWD. Terry has been confirmed as the director.
The open board seat has been filled. They had an in-person meeting to accomplish this business but will
be returning to zoom meetings. Julia shared that the high school club made $1000 on their compost and
raspberry plant sales. Kristin said she will continue to try to reach the brewery to confirm the fall event
date.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45p
Minutes prepared by Jill Sinclair