09-10-2025 EC AgendaA.6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER
A.1 Oath of Office: Youth Commissioner
B.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B.1 Approval of July 9, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
C.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
D.DISCUSSION ITEMS
D.1 Introductions & Review 2025 Onboarding Information
D.2 Environmental Academy Updates
D.3 Environmental Trivia Night
D.4 Heritage Tree Ordinance Update
E.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
F.UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS
G.ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
FOUNTAIN CONFERENCE ROOM, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
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Environmental Commission Item
September 10, 2025
Subject Oath of Office: Youth Commissioner
Section 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER
Prepared By Amy Weidman, Senior Admin Support Specialist
Youth Commissioner Oath of Office
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PH 952.227.1100 • www.chanhassenmn.gov • FX 952.227.1110
7700 MARKET BOULEVARD • P.O . BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN • MINNESOTA • 55317
OATH OF OFFICE
I, Tanvi Akuthota, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United
States, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and to discharge faithfully the duties of the
Environmental Commissioner of the City of Chanhassen, Minnesota to the best of my judgm ent
and ability, so help me, God.
_____________________________________
Tanvi Akuthota
Date: September 10, 2025
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
(SS
COUNTY OF CARVER )
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10th day of September, 2025.
_____________________________
Notary Public
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Environmental Commission Item
September 10, 2025
Subject Approval of July 9, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Amy Weidman, Senior Admin Support Specialist
July 9, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
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Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
July 9, 2025
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Leslie Elhadi, Paget Pengelly, Sidney Lindmark, Glenn Stolar
Members Absent: Billy Cripe, John Stutzman, Wren Roemer
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Visitors: None
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes
The commissioners reviewed the meeting minutes from the April meeting. Commissioner Stolar
moved to approve the April 9, 2025 meeting minutes as written, Commissioner Lindmark
seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
Discussion Items
1. Environmental Academy
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, confirmed that the Environmental
Commission will continue the partnership with Carver County for the 2025 Environmental
Academy series. The series will host six events at a mix of indoor and outdoor locations.
Camp Fire Minnesota is confirmed for September 11 at 6 p.m. to host one of the six events.
Carver County will lead three of the six events, specifically the events related to waste reduction.
The Commission discussed topics for the events, including: a presentation event at the
Arboretum, a biochar demonstration, recycling night, Reuse Minnesota, touring the
Environmental Center, and touring the new organics recycling facility, Dakota Prairie
Composting. Commissioners thought that when the library is used for the presentation, a varied
supply of visual aids would be engaging for the reuse and recycling events.
The commissioners discussed new ways to market to specific audiences, while still including a
broad audience. They might invite representatives from multi-family housing complexes or
youth groups.
The Arboretum suggested an event discussing either the recovery of endangered plants from
development sites to replant or developing urban climate-resistant trees. The event could be held
at the Arboretum and admission would be included; being held at the Arboretum was agreed to
be a good plan as it might increase interest.
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After discussing the various options and previous events, it was decided that the three events
planned by the Environmental Commission would include the trail walk at Camp Fire
Minnesota; biochar, either as an outdoor demonstration at Lake Ann or an indoor presentation;
and the discussion of recovering plants from development and construction sites, held at the
Arboretum barn.
The Carver County-led events would include a recycling night in which people can learn about
frequently asked questions regarding recycling, a discussion led by Reuse Minnesota, and an
organics facility tour at Dakota Prairie.
The commission agreed that in 2026, the Arboretum’s urban climate-resistant trees could be
revisited as a topic, along with electric cars, or repeat tours that had been done previously.
The next steps will be confirming dates, marketing the events, and managing which
commissioners can attend which events. The hope is to schedule the Arboretum event for
September 4, before the fall colors increase crowds at that location.
2. Educational Topics for Fall
Ms. Marsh discussed the Communications team videos on social media. The Environmental
Commission has an opportunity to reach out regarding environmental topics. A video showing
how to clean a storm drain was suggested as a helpful topic. Erosion control and silt fences on
work sites and road work sites could be discussed. The idea to plug trivia night and
environmental academy topics in the videos was suggested.
Upcoming Items and Events
The Commission discussed whether any upcoming events could be used for a table to promote
the academy, trivia night, and the Commission itself. Community Day is coming up at the Rec
Center, the Farmers’ Market happens on Saturdays, and the summer concert series were all
suggested as options.
Adjournment
Commissioner Lindmark moved to adjourn the meeting. The commission voted 5-0, and the
meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
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Environmental Commission Item
September 10, 2025
Subject Environmental Academy Updates
Section DISCUSSION ITEMS
Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
The Environmental Academy is an educational initiative put together by the City of Chanhassen and
Carver County Environmental Services. The first course was hosted by the University of Minnesota
Landscape Arboretum, and the next course will be at Camp Fire MN. The Commission will discuss a re-
cap of the first event and volunteer for any events where there isn't already a volunteer.
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Environmental Commission Item
September 10, 2025
Subject Environmental Trivia Night
Section DISCUSSION ITEMS
Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Environmental Trivia Night will be held at Hackamore Brewing Company on Thursday, October 9 at 7
pm. Commissioners will come up with focus topics and volunteer for tasks.
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Environmental Commission Item
September 10, 2025
Subject Heritage Tree Ordinance Update
Section DISCUSSION ITEMS
Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
At a previous City Council roundtable, the mayor and council members expressed interest in renewing
the conversation regarding a heritage tree ordinance. Staff prepared a potential ordinance establishing
what constitutes a "Heritage Tree" and potential regulations associated with such trees and gave a
presentation at the work session on Monday night. The Environmental Commission staff liaison will
give a brief overview of the proposed amendment and discussion details.
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