09-09-26 MINChanhassen Environmental Commission (EC)
6:00 pm
September 9, 2026
Members Present: Chair Scott Grefe, Vice Chair John Stutzman, Paul Granos, Mary
Humphreys, Sidney Lindmark
Members Absent: Paget Pengelly, Glenn Stolar, Diya Natarajan
Staff Present: Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist; Jenny Potter, City Clerk
Visitors: Judy Harder
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m.
Youth Commissioner Oath of Office
The appointed Youth Commissioner was not in attendance.
Youth Commissioner Orientation
This item will be rescheduled.
Approval of Minutes
The commissioners reviewed the minutes. Commissioner Stutzman motioned to approve the
minutes, and Commissioner Granos seconded. The motion passed 5-0, and the July 8, 2026
minutes were approved.
Visitor Presentations:
Judy Harder, a Chanhassen resident, shared about a buckthorn removal project near Chanhassen
Elementary and Santa Vera Apartments on city and school land. The buckthorn was very large
and overgrown. She consulted with the Minnesota DNR to help identify boundaries and mark
buckthorn removals. They plan to plant native plantings and trees. Ms. Harder is hoping to
establish a school forest. She also wants to have a meeting between the city, school district, and
herself to make sure everyone is on the same page with the plan and use.
Discussion Items
D.1 Discuss Potential Dates for Trivia Night
The Commission discussed the next Environmental trivia night and decided to check with the
brewery to work on a January or February date.
D.2. MN DNR Grant
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, shared that the Minnesota DNR has funding
available for city grants. The city will apply for funding to support low-income private tree
removals of ash trees and additional ash tree removals by the city. The current emerald ash borer
infestation has increased the need for removals in Chanhassen and across the state. It will be a
very competitive process for the available funds.
D.3 Environmental Academy Updates
The Environmental Academy’s next session is scheduled for the following night. Ms. Marsh will
present information, along with three other speakers. Several commissioners will attend. Ms.
Marsh gave an overview of the remaining events and which commissioners planned to attend.
Commission Presentations
Commissioner Grefe discussed the Think Tank events for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The
Environmental Commission is invited to participate and share input on planning the future of the
city.
Commissioner Granos shared that Carver County is proposing to eliminate AIS (aquatic invasive
species) inspections at all Chanhassen lakes in 2027 due to budget cuts. The County Commission
will make the final decision later in the year with their final levy.
Adjournment
Commissioner Humphreys moved to adjourn the meeting, and Commissioner Lindmark
seconded. The motion was carried 5-0, and the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Amy Weidman, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist