07-09-25 MINChanhassen 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.
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, which would be
held at the Farm at the Arboretum.
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