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05-13-26 EC Agenda packetA.6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER B.APPROVAL OF MINUTES B.1 Approval of April 8, 2026 Environmental Commission Minutes C.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS D.DISCUSSION ITEMS D.1 Environmental Trivia Night Update D.2 Arbor Day Poster Contest Update D.3 Arbor Day Planting Event Recap D.4 Environmental Commission Bylaws Updates D.5 July 3rd Business Expo D.6 Environmental Academy Planning E.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS F.UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS G.ADJOURNMENT AGENDA CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026 LAKE SUSAN CONFERENCE ROOM, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD 1 Environmental Commission Item May 13, 2026 Subject Approval of April 8, 2026 Environmental Commission Minutes Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Prepared By Amy Weidman, Senior Admin Support Specialist Environmental Commission Minutes dated April 8, 2026 2 Chanhassen Environmental Commission (EC) 6:00 pm April 8, 2026 Members Present: Chair Scott Grefe, Vice Chair John Stutzman, Paget Pengelly, Glenn Stolar, Mary Humprheys, Paul Granos Members Absent: Sidney Lindmark, Tanvi Akuthota Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist; Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist Visitors: Judy Harder Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. 1. Oaths of Office Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist, administered the oaths of office to the two new Environmental Commissioners, Mary Humphreys and Paul Granos. 2. Appoint Chair and Vice Chair Chair Grefe turned over to Vice Chair Stutzman to run the Chair elections. Commissioner Stolar nominated Chair Grefe to serve as Chair, and Commissioner Granos seconded. The Commission voted 5-0 (Chair Grefe abstained), and Chair Grefe was appointed for another term as Chair. Commissioner Humphreys nominated Vice Chair Stutzman to serve as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Stolar seconded. The commission voted 5-0 (Vice Chair Stutzman abstained). Vice Chair Stutzman was appointed for another term of Vice Chair. 3. Review Bylaws The Commission discussed the bylaws and how the meetings are run. Commissioner Stolar discussed adjusting the quorum to a majority of seated members rather than four members if that meets statute requirements, adjusting allowing cancelations to be made by the Chair or staff, but keeping the 48-hour notice. The commission also discussed adjusting the age of youth commissioners to include one youth Commissioner enrolled in high school, to allow more flexibility. Commissioner Stutzman moved, Commissioner Granos seconded to change section 2.1 of the bylaws to add “or staff” for meeting cancellations pending attorney approval. The motion was approved with a vote of 6-0. 3 Commissioner Stolar moved and Commissioner Pengelly seconded to amend section 3.1 of the bylaws to amend the youth commissioner position to a high school student, pending attorney approval. The motion was approved with a vote of 6-0. Commissioner Stutzman moved, and Commissioner Humphreys seconded to amend the official quorum to majority of seated members rather than four commissioners. The motion was approved with a vote of 6-0. Approval of Minutes The commissioners reviewed the minutes. Commissioner Stolar moved and Commissioner Pengelly seconded to approve the March meeting minutes. Commissioner Stutzman abstained as he wasn’t at the March meeting. The motion carried 5-0. Visitor Presentations Judy Harder, a Chanhassen resident, introduced herself. She is passionate about planting trees, and expressed interest in community engagement and planting additional trees in downtown Chanhassen to combat the mapped heat island. Ms. Harder shared that the overall tree canopy of Chanhassen is strong at 49%, but the downtown area drops to a much lower percentage of around 17%. The Commission discussed ideas to support her goals, including partnering with the Rotary, Nature Conservancy, and Tree Trust. They also discussed an Environmental Academy session that focused on the topic and kick-starts a community group. Ms. Harder and the Commission discussed the cost barrier to removing unhealthy trees and planting trees, and that budget is a hurdle, but one that can be overcome. They discussed how plantings can tie in with stormwater management plans. The Commission wants to work on this but also to stay within its capacity as an advisory body to the City Council and Planning Commission. Discussion Items 1. Vote on Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner The contest theme was voted on during the January meeting. The winning theme, “Trees are terrific in all colors!”, was shared with area schools in February. Due to spring break conflicting with the submission deadline, the Commission decided to shift the deadline and allow for more time for poster submittals. There is one submittal received so far. The Commission will pick a winner at the May meeting and hopes to present the winner during the May 18 City Council meeting. 2. July 3rd Trade Fair Planning Ms. Marsh shared that the next steps for planning this event is selecting a focus topic and activity. The Commission decided to table this discussion for the May meeting. They made notes to discuss shirts, waste management activities and prizes. Commission Presentations: 4 The Commission discussed the trivia night planning. They hope to connect with a potential new owner to continue the event series at Hackamore Brewing. Upcoming Items and Events 1. Residential Tree Sale The tree sales runs through April 24, and the tree pick up is May 8-9. Ms. Marsh has one volunteer in place already. This year, the tree varieties will come in a variety of sizes depending on the tree species. Adjournment Commissioner Stutzman moved to adjourn the meeting, and there was no second. The motion was carried 6-0, and the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist 5 Environmental Commission Item May 13, 2026 Subject Environmental Trivia Night Update Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist Staff will provide an update on planning the next Environmental Trivia Night. 6 Environmental Commission Item May 13, 2026 Subject Arbor Day Poster Contest Update Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist Staff will provide an update on Arbor Day poster contest. 7 Environmental Commission Item May 13, 2026 Subject Arbor Day Planting Event Recap Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist The Arbor Day planting event was held at South Lotus Lake Park on Saturday, May 2. It was a beautiful day, and about 40 volunteers of all ages attended the event. Together we planted 20 trees. The Environmental Commission will use this time to discuss the highlights and feedback on the activities and event itself. 8 Environmental Commission Item May 13, 2026 Subject Environmental Commission Bylaws Updates Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist The Environmental Commission proposed changes to the existing bylaws during the previous monthly meeting. City staff reviewed the changes along with the City Attorney and some additional changes were made. Amendments will be discussed and voted on for approval. Proposed 2026 Env Commission Bylaws 9 1 CITY OF CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION BYLAWS The following by-laws are adopted by the Chanhassen Environmental Commission to facilitate the performances of its duties and the exercising of its functions as a Commission established by the City Council pursuant to the provision of Subdivision 1, Section 462.354, Minnesota State Statutes annotated. Section 1 - Duties and Responsibilities 1.1 The Environmental Commission has the purpose and responsibility to provide the residents of Chanhassen with opportunities to improve the quality of their environment, provide environmental education to the public, bring a comprehensive perspective to environmental issues, and advocate the benefits and necessity of Chanhassen’s natural resources. 1.2 The Environmental Commission shall serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Planning Commission in addressing the needs of the environment as directed by the City Council. All final decisions are to be made by the City Council. 1.3 The Environmental Commission will consider and make recommendations at the direction of the City Council regarding environmental issues. 1.4 The Environmental Commission will make recommendations at the direction of the City Council regarding funding for environmental projects. 1.5 The Environmental Commission may propose studies to the City Council and make recommendations according to the results. 1.6 The Environmental Commission will coordinate services with other governmental and private agencies for related issues 1.7 Establishment of Sub-Committees. The Environmental Commission may, as they deem appropriate, establish special sub-committees comprised solely of their own members. Section 2 - Meetings 2.1 Time and Place. Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 7700 Market Boulevard, unless otherwise directed by the Chairperson or staff, in which case, at least 24-hour notice will be given to all members. Regular meetings shall have a curfew of 8:30 p.m. which may be waived at the discretion of the Chairperson. All unfinished business will be carried over to the next regular meeting. When the regular meeting day falls on a legal holiday, there shall be no meeting. In such an event, the monthly meeting shall be rescheduled by consensus. 10 2 2.2 Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be held upon call by consensus of the Commission and with at least 3 days notice of notice to all members. 2.3 Attendance. The Environmental Commission members shall attend not less than 75% of all regular and special meetings held during a given calendar year and shall not be absent from three consecutive meetings. Failure to meet this minimum attendance requirement will result in removal from the commission. Section 3 - Commission Composition - Terms and Vacancies 3.1 Composition. The Environmental Commission shall consist of seven adult voting members. Additionally, one youth commissioner ,enrolled in High School,voting member may also be appointed. The members shall be appointed by the City Council and may be removed by the Council. The City Council may appoint one of their members to serve as a liaison to the Commission. 3.2 Terms and Vacancies. The City Council shall appoint seven members to the commission for terms of three years. The City Council shall appoint a youth member for a term of one year. Vacancies during the term shall be filled by the Council for the unexpired portion of the term. All members shall serve without compensation. 3.3 Member Requirements. All members of the Environmental Commission shall be in compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations at their homes and owned businesses. Members will be allowed six months to correct any violations. Violations existing after that time will be reasonable cause for removal from the Commission by action of the City Council. 3.4 Quorum. A majority of filled Environmental Commission positions shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Whenever a quorum is not present, no final or official action shall be taken at such meeting. Section 4 - Organization 4.1 Election of Officers. The first meeting in April of each year, the Environmental Commission shall hold an organizational meeting. At this meeting, the Commission shall elect from its membership a chairperson and vice-chairperson. This shall be done by voice vote. Vice-Chairperson shall be elected from the remaining members by the same proceeding. If the Chairperson retires from the Environmental Commission before the next regular organizational meeting, the Vice-Chairperson shall be Chairperson. If both Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson retire, new officers shall be elected at the next regular meeting. If both Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are absent from a meeting, the Commission shall elect a temporary Chairperson by voice vote. 4.2 Duties of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The Chairperson, or in his/her absence, the Vice Chairperson, shall conduct the meeting so as to keep it moving as rapidly and efficiently as possible and shall remind members, witnesses and petitioners to preserve order 11 3 and decorum and to keep comments to the subject at hand. The Chairperson shall not move for action but may second motions. Section 5 - Procedure 5.1 Procedure. When appropriate, parliamentary procedure governed by Robert's Rules of Order Revised shall be followed. Section 6 - Informational Meetings 6.1 Purpose of Informational Meetings. The purpose of an informational meeting is to collect information and facts in order for the Commission to develop a rational environmental issue recommendation for the City Council. 6.2 Meeting Procedure. At informational meetings, the following procedures shall be followed in each case: a. The Chairperson shall state the purpose of the meeting. b. Interested persons may address the Commission, giving information regarding the particular proposal. Section 7 - Miscellaneous 7.1 Environmental Commission Discussion. Matters for discussion which do not appear on the agenda may not be considered and discussed by the Commission until the end of the agenda. 7.2 Suspension of Rules. The Commission may suspend any of these rules by unanimous vote of the members present. 7.3 Amendments. Amendments of these by-laws may be made at any regular or special meeting of the Environmental Commission but only if scheduled on the meeting agenda in advance of the meeting. 7.4 Review. At the first meeting in April of each year, these by-laws shall be read and adopted by the Environmental Commission. Date adopted , Chairperson 12 Environmental Commission Item May 13, 2026 Subject July 3rd Business Expo Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist The July 3rd Business Expo is a tabling event held each year by the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held on Friday, July 3 from 4-6 p.m. The Environmental Commission will discuss educational objectives, giveaways and potential activities to engage the community that align with the theme of the year, "Management of Waste." 13 Environmental Commission Item May 13, 2026 Subject Environmental Academy Planning Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist This will be the fourth year of the Environmental Academy, coordinated in partnership with Carver County Environmental Services. The Environmental Academy is a series of 60–90-minute educational courses offered for free to the community. The Environmental Commission will revisit topics previously discussed, and work towards selecting courses to be held in 2026. 14