Gary Hardel introduced Elizabeth Hanson, Chaska’s City Planner, who talked with us about the Commissions for Planning and Heritage Preservation. Liz has been in her role for seven years and has overseen the significant projects of expanding southwest Chaska and the redesign of Firemen’s Park. Chaska City Manager Matt Podhradsky noted the exceptional work Liz has completed in all her projects and
interactions with the public.

 

Liz stressed the influential significance of the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan acts as a framework for the next 20-plus years in Chaska. The plan is a guiding tool that addresses areas like residential, industrial, and open spaces. It provides a glimpse into what Chaska could look like in the future. The colorful map indicates all the possible land uses in the 2040 Plan. Click here for a more detailed version.

 

Other duties of the City Planner include:

Liz provided a specific example of how the Heritage Commission interacts with projects affecting buildings of historical or architectural significance. The Klein Mansion details illustrated the complexities faced by property owners and the City. Rotarian Steve Mueller is a member of the Heritage Preservation Commission.

 

• Making final decisions/findings on Site Alteration Permits (SAPs) which review major exterior (sometimes interior) changes or additions to a historic building, or demolitions.
• Make recommendations to incorporate other properties on the local historic designation list.
• Review new or existing projects that are within Historic Districts (Walnut Street Historic District).

FINEMASTER: Greg Anderson asked each table to provide a joke. Those whose
contribution was deemed worthy didn’t have to pay the fine. Most did not meet that criterion! Happy Dollars were prompted by Greg in his usual skillful methods of gentle persuasion. Contributors included Greg Anderson, Steve Mueller, Sheryl Hough, Matt Szybnski, Bob Lindall, Erika Kennedy, Mike Fahey, Rick Ness and Ray Schalow.

 

Gretchen Oppriecht introduced Erika Kennedy as the newest member of the club and presented her Rotary badge. Erika works in the Carver County Community Health + Human Services Department, with a special interest in inclusiveness. Her work contact phone: 952-361-1500.

 

Gretchen also reminded us that the Chaska Curling and Event Center will provide the venue for our 7:30 AM breakfast meetings on October 14, 21 and 28. They will be presenting a selection of meal options so that in November we can decide where we want to hold our weekly meetings.

 

Due to the COVID scourge, the 2021 Turkey Trot 5K run has been cancelled. This event is organized by Chaska High School DECA students, Rotarians Greg and Cindy Anderson, and is sponsored by many Chaska businesses. It raises funds to support Polio eradication.

 

Another event that has dropped off our fall calendar is the annual pick-up of furniture in support of the Bridging organization. This successful group is still helping hundreds of individuals and families through donations at their warehouses in Bloomington and Roseville. For more information: phone: 952-888-1105, www.bridging.org.

 

 

We are looking for volunteers and sponsors for these upcoming events:

All help and contributions would be greatly appreciated!