05-13-26 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
May 13, 2026
Members Present: Chair Scott Grefe, Paul Granos, Mary Humprheys, Sidney Lindmark, Paget
Pengelly, 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.
Approval of Minutes
The commissioners reviewed the minutes. Commissioner Stolar motioned to approve the
minutes, and Commissioner Granos seconded. The motion passed 7-0, and the April minutes
were approved.
Visitor Presentations
Discussion Items
D.1 Environmental Trivia Night Update
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, provided an update on the trivia night event.
She spoke with the new owner at Hackamore. They discussed potential dates and what trivia
night entails. The Commission decided to move forward with July 9 for the next event, with the
goal of promoting trivia night during the 4th of July. The Commission will revisit the Trivia
Night during the June meeting.
D.2. Arbor Day Poster Contest Update
Ms. Marsh shared that no additional posters were submitted for the contest. The Commission
discussed how and where to award the winner with their prize, and if they should still present the
winner during a City Council meeting or during an Environmental Commission meeting.
D.3 Arbor Day Planting Event Recap
Chair Grefe thanked the Commissioners and staff for attending the Arbor Day planting event.
The park had 20 trees planted. The event ran smoothly with no weather problems.
D.4 Environmental Commission Bylaws Updates
Ms. Marsh discussed the proposed changes that were proposed during the April meeting with the
City Clerk and the City Attorney. The changes to update sections 2.1 (to add “or staff”) 3.4
(update to majority of filled positions) will move forward. An additional amendment to section
2.2 is proposed to update any special meetings to have a 3-day notice in order to align with state
statute. The proposed change to Youth Commissioner age requirements was not implemented.
Commissioner Pengelly moved to approve the 2026 bylaws as amended. Commissioner
Lindmark seconded. The motion carried 7-0.
D.5 July 3rd Business Expo
The 4th of July celebrations include the business expo on July 3, from 4-6 p.m. at City Center
Park. The Commission discussed the year’s theme, management of waste, and corresponding
activities and giveaways for this year’s table. The table can cross-promote other programs and
activities. Reusable props were discussed.
D.6 Environmental Academy Planning
Chair Grefe described the Environmental Academy to the new Commissioners. The
Commissioners discussed ideas for locations and topics for the 2026 series, and they reviewed
previous topics.
The Commissioners noted that past attendees have expressed enthusiasm for a tour of the
DemCon facility and their interest in planning another event at CampFire Minnesota. The
Commission has many ideas and will try to narrow the list of topics and locations during the
June meeting. Ms. Marsh will also connect with the city’s Economic Development Manager
regarding potential Chanhassen businesses that might want to highlight an environmental
initiative.
Commission Presentations:
Commissioner Granos complimented the annual tree sale. Ms. Marsh thanked him for his
volunteering during the tree pick-up days.
Upcoming Items and Events
The next Environmental Commission meeting will be on June 10.
Adjournment
Commissioner Grefe moved to adjourn the meeting, and Commissioner Pengelly seconded. The
motion was carried 7-0, and the meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist