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10-14-26 EC Agenda and PacketA.6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER A.1 Youth Commissioner Orientation B.APPROVAL OF MINUTES B.1 Approval of September 9, 2026 Environmental Commission Minutes C.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS D.DISCUSSION ITEMS D.1 Select Focus Topic- 2027 D.2 Environmental Trivia Night D.3 Green Step Cities Update E.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS F.UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS F.1 Pumpkin Drop-off F.2 Yard Waste Site G.ADJOURNMENT Note: The Environmental Commission will not meet in November due to the Environmental Academy. AGENDA CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026 LAKE SUSAN CONFERENCE ROOM, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD 1 Environmental Commission Item October 14, 2026 Subject Youth Commissioner Orientation Section 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist Diya Natarajan was appointed as the Environmental Commission's Youth Commissioner and this time will be used to review the Bylaws. 2026 Env Commission Bylaws 2 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 5F23C5D7-8888-832E-8311-BDF1C56E1ECF 314 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, (age 16-18) 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 5F23C5D7-8888-832E-8311-BDF1C56E1ECF 415 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 May 13, 2026 , Chairperson Docusign Envelope ID: 5F23C5D7-8888-832E-8311-BDF1C56E1ECF 516 Environmental Commission Item October 14, 2026 Subject Approval of September 9, 2026 Environmental Commission Minutes Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Prepared By Amy Weidman, Senior Admin Support Specialist Environmental Commission Minutes 09-09-2026 6 Chanhassen 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 worked 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 7 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 8 Environmental Commission Item October 14, 2026 Subject Select Focus Topic- 2027 Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist Each year, the Environmental Commission selects a topic that guides their decisions on educational outreach throughout the year. The Commission will discuss different ideas for focus topics and select one for 2027. 9 Environmental Commission Item October 14, 2026 Subject Environmental Trivia Night Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist Discuss updates on scheduling an Environmental Trivia Night and brainstorm question categories. 10 Environmental Commission Item October 14, 2026 Subject Green Step Cities Update Section DISCUSSION ITEMS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help communities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. City staff will provide an update on which actions have been identified as a current practice in the City of Chanhassen. 11 Environmental Commission Item October 14, 2026 Subject Pumpkin Drop-off Section UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist The City of Chanhassen will be collecting pumpkins from November 2 through November 13, Monday- Friday, from 7 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Pumpkins will be collected in a dumpster and transported to a Minnesota farm to be used for animal feed. All trash must be taken out of pumpkins and gourds before disposal. 12 Environmental Commission Item October 14, 2026 Subject Yard Waste Site Section UPCOMING ITEMS AND EVENTS Prepared By Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist The yard waste site will be open on Saturday, October 24, from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. Same rules and fees will apply. The closing date is weather-dependent, so keep an eye on the city website and social media for updates. 13 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 5F23C5D7-8888-832E-8311-BDF1C56E1ECF 314 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, (age 16-18) 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 5F23C5D7-8888-832E-8311-BDF1C56E1ECF 415 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 May 13, 2026 , Chairperson Docusign Envelope ID: 5F23C5D7-8888-832E-8311-BDF1C56E1ECF 516