12-10-25 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
December 10, 2025
Members Present: Scott Grefe, Leslie Elhadi, Paget Pengelly, Sidney Lindmark, John
Stutzman, Glenn Stolar
Members Absent: Tanvi Akuthota
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Visitors: Judy Harder
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.
Minutes
The November meeting minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Lindmark moved to approve as
amended, Commissioner Pengelly seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
Visitor Presentations
Judy Harder, a member of the public, spoke regarding the proposed Heritage Tree Ordinance.
She expressed concern over allowing 25% in removal allowance. She also inquired as to why the
ordinance doesn’t apply to building permits.
Discussion Items
1. Heritage Tree Ordinance Update
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, presented the status of the proposed ordinance
and highlighted the changes made since the Environmental Commission last met. The public
hearing was held on December 2, and the ordinance will go before Council for final approval in
January.
The Commission asked several questions about how city staff went about formulating the draft
ordinance, how the impacts to trees are assessed and how the review process works. It was also
clarified that the proposed ordinance amendment would be an addition to the city’s existing tree
preservation ordinance and would not replace it. The Environmental Commission supports the
modified ordinance. Commissioner Stolar moved to formally support the ordinance, and
Commissioner Stutzman seconded. The Commission voted 6-0 to voice their support of the
ordinance.
2. Solar Panel Presentation
Ms. Marsh shared a brief presentation on an overview of the solar panel installations at the new
City Hall. She shared overall project information, costs of the overall project and the
implications for energy use.
The Commissioners had some questions regarding the building size, geothermal energy, gas or
electric, and whether a rooftop tour would be a possibility. The Commission also expressed
interest in hearing more from a guest speaker regarding energy use in City Hall.
3. Focus Topic Finalization
Ms. Marsh reviewed the suggestions discussed during the November meeting. The ideas
included data centers and water usage, food waste, waste hierarchy, and renewable energy and
batteries. The Commission discussed and they found a lot of opportunities for community
engagement with the topic Management of Waste, such as during the July 3rd Business Expo.
Commissioner Stutzman moved to adopt this as the 2026 focus topic, and Commissioner Stolar
seconded. The motion carried 6-0, and the topic management of waste was finalized.
4. Planning Trivia Night
The next Environmental Trivia night is tentatively scheduled for February 12, 2026. The
Commission created five question categories and a tiebreaker question. Commissioner Pengelly
will reach out to Lakewinds Food Co-op for potential prize donations.
5. Commissioner Vacancies
Former Commissioner Cripe’s seat will not be filled, and Commissioner Elhadi is nearing the
end of her second term. Commission seats last for three years and can be reapplied for if the
Commissioner would like to stay on the Commission. The other seats are not currently coming
due.
Commission Presentations
The Commission discussed whether there is the possibility of using FlashVote to seek feedback
from residents regarding any concerns they have related to the environment. The Commission
hopes to tailor the 2026 Environmental Academy topics to areas the public shows interest or
concern.
Upcoming Items and Events
There is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan open house planned for December 17 in City
Hall.
Adjournment
Commissioner Stolar moved to adjourn the meeting. The commission voted 6-0, and the meeting
adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist