04-09-25 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
April 9, 2025
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Billy Cripe, Sidney Lindmark, Glenn Stolar
Members Absent: Leslie Elhadi, Paget Pengelly, John Stutzman, Wren Roemer
Staff Present: Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager; Jenny Potter, City Clerk
Visitors: None
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.
Oaths of Office
Jenny Potter, City Clerk, administered the oaths of office. Scott Grefe, who was reappointed to
another term, and new member Glenn Stolar took the oaths.
Appoint Chair and Vice Chair
Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager, described the process.
Commissioner Cripe moved to nominate Scott Grefe as Chair, and Commissioner Stolar
seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Cripe moved that Commissioner Cripe continue as Vice Chair, and Commissioner
Lindmark seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Review Bylaws
The Commission reviewed the bylaws as written. The format of meetings won’t change with the
move to the new city hall. Commissioner Grefe moved, and Commissioner Cripe seconded to
adopt the bylaws with no changes. The motion passed 4-0, and it was requested that the bylaws
be sent to the absent commissioners.
Minutes
The commissioners reviewed the meeting minutes from the March meeting. Commissioner
Lindmark moved to approve the March 12, 2025 meeting minutes as written, Commissioner
Cripe seconded. The motion passed 4-0.
Discussion Items
1. Select Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner
The commissioners discussed how the voting process works. Commissioners used post-it notes
to vote for their favorite posters on the theme of Trees are Terrific… for Outdoor Adventures!
After one round of votes, the commission chose the grand prize winner, followed by nine
honorable mentions.
The commission agreed that the quality of posters is great, and it was hard to choose. Staff will
notify the winners to invite them to a council meeting.
Commission Presentations
Commissioner Cripe confirmed he has October 9 on the books for Environmental Trivia at
Hackamore Brewing.
Commissioner Grefe will be on a panel at the Chanhassen Library called Earth Day, Every Day
on April 17. He will promote the Environmental Commission and the Environmental Academy
sessions in the fall. The academy topics will be finalized in June. He may also discuss Arbor Day
and the tree sale.
Upcoming Items and Events
1. Arbor Day Update
The Arbor Day tree planting is scheduled for May 3 at Roundhouse Park. Volunteers will plant
22 trees. In addition to the tree planting, there is a frisbee game. The Commission hopes to get
the group photo with the banner.
The May Environmental Commission is cancelled. The Commission discussed the Business
Expo during the Fourth of July events. Staff are investigating if the Park team’s spinning wheel
might be available, or if the Commission may need to purchase its own wheel. Commissioner
Pengelly is looking into lightbulb prizes.
The Commission hopes to have somewhat finalized ideas on the Academy topics before the
Fourth of July so the Academy can be promoted. Camp Fire is set to be included for a nature
walk session. The Commission hopes to showcase the new Civic Campus and its sustainability
plans. The Arboretum and Great River Greening are additional ideas.
The Commissioners gave a brief overview to Commissioner Stolar to fill him in on what was
previously discussed for the upcoming Environmental Academy.
Topics for education include biochar, solar power, the green corridor along Highway 5, and
water sustainability for maximum efficiency.
Adjournment
Commissioner Grefe moved to adjourn the meeting. The commission voted 4-0, and the meeting
adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager