11-12-25 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
November 12, 2025
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Leslie Elhadi, Sidney Lindmark, John Stutzman
Members Absent: Paget Pengelly, Glenn Stolar, Tanvi Akuthota
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Visitors: None
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.
Minutes
This item was moved to a later section of the agenda.
Discussion Items
1. Environmental Trivia Wrap-Up Discussion
Chair Grefe thanked Commissioner Stutzman for emceeing the fall trivia night. The venue
worked more smoothly on a weeknight. Hackamore donated a golf simulator prize and a
merchandise gift card. Lakewinds Food Co-op donated prizes, which were very popular amongst
the winners. The question difficulty seemed improved and well-received; simple wording should
be the norm when writing questions. The commission will discuss keeping a commissioner as the
emcee or finding a new guest host.
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, will include trivia on the next agenda to begin
planning the next event in 2026. The Commission discussed possible ways to promote trivia
night such as teasers for the topics and the prizes.
B.1 Minutes
The commissioners reviewed the meeting minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting.
Commissioner Stutzman moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Elhadi seconded.
The motion carried 4-0.
2. Environmental Academy Wrap-Up Discussion
Chair Grefe commented that the partnership with Carver County is going well, and that Dustin
Heidinger from the county has been a helpful and interesting addition keeping the topics fresh
and more wide-reaching. The Arboretum and Camp Fire Minnesota were fun events and good
partners.
The Commission expressed interest in visiting Lake Ann Park Preserve for a future Academy
event, whether it be a trail walk or discussing buckthorn removal. The Commission reviewed the
2025 attendance numbers and noted that attendance has grown over time.
The Commission discussed ideas for possible future events, including some ideas received in
participant feedback. Ideas include waste recycling, natural plantings in right-of-way, water
quality, touring DemCon, preservation of big woods, a virtual tour of Eureka Recycling, water
resources, climate resilient trees in partnership with the Arboretum, reutilizing leftover food
product and plant rescue programs.
The Commission agreed that the partnership with Carver County should continue. They also
expressed interest in partnering with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Camp Fire MN
again for future events. Ms. Marsh said she would meet with Samantha DiMaggio, Economic
Development Manager, to discuss local businesses that might have a topic to share their green
initiatives.
3. Focus Topic Finalization
Ms. Marsh reviewed focus topics that the Environmental Commission has chosen in the past
before discussing a new topic for 2026. The Commission discussed ideas including food waste,
waste diversion, waste hierarchy, batteries, renewable energy, and data centers. The Commission
will revisit and finalize in December.
Commission Presentations
Commissioner Cripe is no longer a Chanhassen resident and has resigned his seat on the
Environmental Commission. The Commission discussed whether the spot would remain open
until April, when his seat was due to be renewed, or how it might be filled. The role of Vice
Chair needs to be filled. Commissioner Lindmark nominated Commissioner Stutzman to be Vice
Chair, Commissioner Elhadi seconded. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioner Stutzman
abstaining.
Upcoming Items and Events
The pumpkin drop-off is available until Friday. The pumpkins are brought to feed animals in St
Francis.
The Commission discussed the open house events and the large turnout.
Adjournment
Commissioner Stutzman moved to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Lindmark seconded. The
commission voted 4-0, and the meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist