07-31-2023 City Council Special Meeting MinutesCHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING – CIVIC CAMPUS VISIONING WORKSHOP
MINUTES
JULY 31, 2023
Mayor Ryan called the special meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilman McDonald, Councilman von
Oven, Councilwoman Schubert, and Councilman Kimber.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager;
Eric Maass, Planning Director; Don Johnson, Fire Chief; Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation
Director; Samantha DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager; Rick Rice, IT Manager; and
Kelly Grinnell, Finance Director.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Bryan Harjes, HKGi
Paul Michell, BKV Group
Bruce Schwartzman, BKV Group
Kelly Naylor, BKV Group
Trace Jacques, BKV Group
CIVIC CAMPUS VISIONING WORKSHOP
BKV Group and HKGI presented an overview of the Civic Campus project activity to date,
including:
Workshop #1 – Kickoff & Goal Setting
Workshop #2 – City Hall & Senior Center Programming
Workshop #3 – Review Draft Program Results / Space Standards
Workshop #4 – Confirm Program with Department Staff
Workshop #5 – Site Masterplan Program Refinements
Workshop #6 – Final Project Program, Schedule & Budget Review
They provided an overview of the draft program results for City Hall, which showed about a
31,055-square-foot need, including:
• Streamlined Visitor Experience / Customer Service
• Dedicated Department Space / Common Areas for Gathering
• Adequate Office & Work Areas
• Appropriate Meeting & Conference Space
• Improved Staff Operations & Efficiency
• Industry Trends for Senior Center
City Council Special Meeting Minutes – July 31, 2023
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• Secure Underground Parking Garage
• Incorporation of Technology & Security
The Senior Center program showed a need for about 7,000 square feet (increased from 4,500 in
the Facility Study). The architects noted a need to maintain a sense of identity, belonging, and
ownership. They also identified the need for a variety of spaces: a serving kitchen, a maker
space, and staff offices. Discussion was had about the desire for and cost of adding dedicated
senior fitness space. The consensus was not to include that element in this project because of the
other public and private options that exist in the community. It was noted that the space is being
designed so that fitness programming can still occur in the multipurpose spaces.
The park pavilion was discussed. A 4,000-square-foot building is being planned. A variety of
uses and programming ideas were discussed, including skate rental, a café area, covered outdoor
seating, an area for a band to play music, and a food truck pad. The City Council asked for
further discussion on the uses and design of the park building.
The consultants shared plans for upholding stakeholder engagement, including with the Senior
Center, Farmers Market, Chanhassen Library, and Senior Center.
Trace Jacques showed the City Council some precedent images of City Hall and Senior Center
exteriors and of City Council Chambers. Mr. Jacques shared that he sees this site calling for the
use of wood and other natural materials. The City Council liked the idea and reiterated their
desire for a building design that is timeless. They liked the idea of a prominent City Council
Chambers and glass that opens the building to the public. One image showed a modern version
of a clock tower element that the group thought would be a nice addition. Further discussion
occurred on design.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Kim Meuwissen
City Clerk