11-12-2025 EC AgendaA.6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER
B.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B.1 Approval of October 8, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
C.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
D.DISCUSSION ITEMS
D.1 Environmental Trivia Wrap-up Discussion
D.2 Environmental Academy Wrap-up Discussion
D.3 Focus Topic Finalization
E.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
F.UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS
G.ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
LAKE SUSAN CONFERENCE ROOM, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
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Environmental Commission Item
November 12, 2025
Subject Approval of October 8, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Amy Weidman, Senior Admin Support Specialist
October 8, 2025 Environmental Commission Minutes
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Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
October 8, 2025
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Paget Pengelly, John Stutzman, Glenn Stolar, Tanvi Akuthota
Members Absent: Billy Cripe, Leslie Elhadi, Sidney Lindmark
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Visitors: None
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.
Minutes
The commissioners reviewed the meeting minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting.
Commissioner Stutzman moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Stolar seconded. The
motion carried 5-0.
Discussion Items
1. Heritage Tree Ordinance Discussion
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, gave an overview of the heritage tree
ordinance being discussed. The overall canopy is currently addressed in City Code; this new
ordinance would address high-value heritage trees during subdivisions, site plans and planned
unit developments. It places a higher priority on saving large trees.
The proposed modifications would define heritage trees and modify the definition of a
significant tree. All significant trees must be included in a tree inventory. Heritage trees would
be a priority to save. The potential code amendment spells out the replacement policy for
heritage trees that are killed due to construction. If removing a heritage tree is unavoidable and
there is no space to replant on site, there could be a fee to fund replacement trees on a new site.
Ms. Marsh discussed how a tree’s health is determined, exemptions for certain tree varieties
(such as willow, ash and elm), and incentives for saving large trees.
The Commission discussed street projects and tree removals. The Commission suggested
consulting Brandon Miller from the Arboretum for feedback on the ordinance. A commissioner
wondered if developers would push back on the ordinance, as it could be costly for future
development. Having more of the site trees inventoried will be beneficial. The Commission
discussed that neighboring towns already have similar policies in place. The Environmental
Commission is supportive of the heritage tree code amendment.
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2. Environmental Trivia Night
The fall trivia night is planned for the next night. Ms. Marsh and the commission discussed
logistics for the event happening at Hackamore Brewing. Ms. Marsh will bring recycling
coupons to distribute during trivia night. The coupons utilize grant funding for waste reduction.
Upcoming Items and Events
1. Environmental Academy- Remaining Events
The Commission did a brief recap of the nature walk, recycling process, and organics facility
tour events; possible educational topics to use could include recycling peanut butter jars, the
BetterBin app, proper disposal of common tanglers and food waste.
The remaining two events are Waste: Reduction, Reuse, and Repair and Turning Wood Waste
into Biochar.
Adjournment
Commissioner Stutzman moved to adjourn the meeting. The commission voted 5-0, and the
meeting adjourned at 6:56 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
November 12, 2025
Subject Focus Topic Finalization
Section DISCUSSION ITEMS
Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Each year the Environmental Commission chooses a focus topic for the year which helps guide
educational initiatives. The Commission will discuss and choose a focus topic for 2026.
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