WS 2002 10 28CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 28, 2002
Mayor Jansen called the work session meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jansen, Councilman Peterson, Councilman Boyle,
Councilman Ayotte, and Councilman Labatt
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Teresa Burgess, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, Matt Saam, Kelly Janes, Mike Wegler, Harold Brose, Steve Terrell, and Bruce DeJong
2003 BUDGET:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS.
Kate Aanenson gave a power point presentation for the Community Development department
which includes building inspection, environmental and planning. Councilman Ayotte asked
about land acquisition funding for the Seminary Fen. Councilman Peterson asked about cash
outlay for the Senior Commission.
Teresa Burgess gave a power point presentation on the Public Works department, which includes
engineering, streets, utilities and shop. She stressed the importance of the pavement management
plan and the need for additional employees. Councilman Ayotte asked if there was adequate
funding available for compliance with NPDES. There was discussion about the installation and
operation of the flow meters in the city. Councilman Peterson asked what criteria this city
council, and future councils should use in establishing the number of new employees to be added.
He also stated he wanted additional information showing trends, i.e. 2002 versus 2003 data, and a
summary of significant increases. Councilman Ayotte asked what could be done to increase
revenue sources.
CAPITAL PLAN.
Bruce DeJong explained the handouts he passed out. There was discussion on how to prioritize
the list, overall versus specific items. Mayor Jansen requested a site visit to see all of the city's
vehicles.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. for the regular City Council meeting. The City
Council reconvened at 9:25 p.m. to continue discussion on the capital plan.
There was discussion over leasing versus buying a new copying machine. Councilman Peterson
asked for further information on the request of $165,000 for financial software. Councilman
Ayotte suggested the council give staff a target and let them come back with suggested cuts.
There was discussion over different options to fund the capital plan. There appeared to be
council consensus on levying for capital equipment in the future. The consensus of the council
was that the figure of $1.2 million was too high, and asked staff to come up with a substantially
lower dollar amount.
Bruce DeJong went over the projects by funding as outlined in his reports and suggested possible
cuts from this year's budget. There was discussion over playground equipment replacement and
City Council Work Session - October 28, 2002
road and trail improvements. Mayor Jansen stated there was a need to do more with less, so those
requests should come out of the park dedication fees for now and use the general fund to replace
equipment. Todd Hoffman stated there were ten wooded play structures in the city that need to
be replaced to comply with safety standards, which amounts to approximately $500,000.
Councilman Peterson asked about the City Center Commons, City Center Park expenditures. He
asked about the water treatment facility request of $3.5 million in 2003. Teresa Burgess
explained that was the cost of buying land and design. Mayor Jansen felt it was more realistic to
put some dollars in 2003 and some in 2004. Councilman Peterson felt the money should be put in
2004, stating the council does not want to give the perception that a decision has already been
made regarding the water treatment plant.
Mayor Jansen adjourned the work session meeting at 10:20 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim