03-11-26 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
March 11, 2026
Members Present: Chair Scott Grefe, Leslie Elhadi, Paget Pengelly, Sidney Lindmark, Glenn
Stolar, Tanvi Akuthota
Members Absent: Vice Chair John Stutzman
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist
Visitors: None
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m.
Minutes
The commissioners reviewed the minutes. Commissioner Pengelly moved to approve the
minutes, and Commissioner Elhadi seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
Discussion Items
1. Communication Strategies
The commission discussed using flash vote as a way to seek input to guide topics for the
commission events. The flash vote is a tool that is used very conservatively by the city. The
commissioners discussed that a potential question could be centered around, “how many people
are aware of the Environmental Commission.”
One option could be to collaborate with other commissions to aid in receiving approval for the
flash vote. The questions need to be crafted intentionally to gather information that is helpful.
The commission expressed interest in getting to know the other commissions. Ms. Marsh
suggested revisiting the subject in May.
2. Arbor Day Planning
Ms. Marsh announced that this year’s tree planting event will be at South Lotus Lake Park on
Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. This park was selected due to recent ash tree removals and a trail
project. This year, the trees will be in containers rather than bare root. The event begins with a
planting demonstration, followed by the tree plantings. The commissioners arrive early for
preparations. Usually about 20 trees are planted.
They discussed the campaign to advertise the event, and ways to reach out to youth groups and
service groups to invite volunteers. Light refreshments are provided. They will bring milkweed
seed bombs, frisbees and tree seedlings. The intent is to keep the event simple and focused on
tree planting.
Commission Presentations:
Chair Grefe advised that he was on the interview panel, but nobody was appointed to the
Environmental Commission. The commissioners discussed the process. The next round of
applicants will be interviewed March 23. Chair Grefe isn’t available to attend. Vice Chair
Stutzman will be invited, and Commissioner Pengelly is able to attend if he is not available.
Upcoming Items and Events
Ms. Marsh shared that she is working to secure a date for the next Environmental Trivia. Once
the date and location are secured, the questions and prizes are in place.
The Arbor Day poster contest is coming up. The July 3 Business Expo will be discussed at a
future meeting. The spring paper shredding and garden tool swap events are both scheduled for
May.
Chair Grefe and the other commissioners thanked Commissioner Elhadi for her years of service
on the commission. Today is her final meeting.
Adjournment
Commissioner Elhadi moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting
adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist