WS 2002 09 09CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
SEPTEMBER 9, 2002
Mayor Jansen called the work session meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jansen, Councilman Boyle, Councilman Ayotte,
and Councilman Peterson
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Labatt
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Todd Hoffman, Bruce DeJong, Lori Haak,
Kate Aanenson, and Beth Hoiseth
A. REVIEW PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY.
Bruce DeJong reviewed his memo dated September 5, 2002 with the City Council which further
clarified staff's recommendation for the preliminary tax levy. Discussion focused around funding
sources. Mayor Jansen explained to council that their concern should be with the total number,
and not get into specifics at this point. She expressed concern over the percentage of increase in
the levy amount as compared with the percentage of increase with growth. Councilman Ayotte
questioned the loss in revenue, $300,000 versus $500,000. Mayor Jansen asked about using the
reserve fund to reduce the debt but wanted to see the city's bond rating improve, not go down.
Councilman Peterson wanted to send a signal to the community that the City Council is working
to reduce the percentage of increase in the levy. Councilman Ayotte agreed with lowering the
levy to about 10 percent. Councilman Boyle liked the idea of sending a message to the
community, but not wanting to reduce services. Mayor Jansen asked that staff look at taking
$200,000 out of the fund reserve to reduce the debt levy and keeping the general fund the same.
Staff stated they would prepare a resolution for the council to approve at their meeting.
C. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.
Kate Aanenson provided an update on what staff has done since the last time they met with
council. If the council wishes to proceed, they need to prepare an ordinance to be adopted by the
City Council. Councilman Peterson questioned philosophically whether the council wanted to do
that, especially with the implications of adding an additional staff person to administer the
program. Councilman Boyle agreed with Councilman Peterson. Mayor Jansen reminded the
council that the public requested that the City Council pursue this issue so if the council is going
to change their position on it, they should get input from the public. Todd Gerhardt stated that
code enforcement is becoming an area of growing concern in the city and taking up more and
more staff time for enforcement. Mr. Leifschultz was present speaking for the committee and
stated that the committee was in favor of the last draft they saw regarding conduct on premises
ordinance, but that he had lost track of the property maintenance issue and had concerns with the
last draft the committee had seen on that issue.
Mayor Jansen recessed the work session meeting for the regular City Council meeting. The
City Council reconvened at 8:15 p.m. to continue with the work session items not covered
prior to the meeting.
City Council Work Session - September 9, 2002
B. PRESENTATION ON NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION
SYSTEM (NPDES) PHASE II STORMWATER GUIDE PLAN.
Lori Haak gave a power poim presemation on this issue to the City Council. Kate Aanenson
provided council with an update on the Kelly issue, stating that staff has directed them to apply
for a Wetland Alteration Permit. City Hall experienced a power outage during the presentation
and the work session was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim