WS 2001 05 29CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 29, 2001
Mayor Jansen called the work session meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Those in attendance introduced
themselves.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jansen, Councilman Labatt, and Councilman Peterson.
Councilman Ayotte arrived after discussion of item A.
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Kroskin
STAFF PRESENT: Scott Botcher, Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Matt Saam, Bruce DeJong, and
Andrea Poehler, City Attorney
A. RIDGEVIEW PRESENTATION.
Representatives from Ridgeview Medical Center provided background information on their company. How
Ridgeview serves Chanhassen presently. In the next 3 to 5 years they are looking to expand their
operations within the city of Chanhassen and are looking for a site in the downtown area for approximately
20,000 square foot facility. They passed out a handout showing the results from a survey taken of their
patients. The number one issue is the expansion of the present clinic in Chanhassen, possibly looking to
locate on the bowling alley site. The second issue was ambulance service located at Lake Ann Park. They
expressed concern about providing service during construction of the West 78th Street frontage road. The
third issue was Ridgeview wanting to provide community service within communities they are located in
and expressed interest in becoming partners with the city to provide needed services, i.e. senior needs. A
fourth issue was providing business health services to businesses within the city.
Councilman Peterson asked where the discussions were currently with staff. Ridgeview representatives
stated it was in the very preliminary stages, but they would like to work with the city either expanding at
their present site or locating on a different site such as the bowling alley site.
Mayor Jansen thanked Ridgeview Medical Center for all the work they've done in the county so far and
stated the city was looking forward to working with them in the future.
The City Council took a short break at this point in the meeting.
B. INTRODUCTION OF LESLIE VERMILLION, MNDOT.
Leslie Vermillion introduced herself and two other members from MnDOT to the Council. Maps were
passed out showing the reorganization of the Metro Division of MnDOT. This was done to better serve the
communities in the metro area by having one contact person available to answer all questions and concerns.
The council was updated on projects MnDOT is currently working on in the city, i.e. West 78th
Street/Highway 5 and Highway 212 right-of-way acquisition. Councilman Ayotte asked for explanation on
the fragmented action on right-of-way for 212. Kate Aanenson explained the differences in land values
inside and outside the MUSA line and how that has affected the appraisal process.
Larry Goss updated the council on Highway 212's impact on the Bluff Creek corridor and what MnDOT is
doing in that regard. He distributed a handout on MnDOT's web site for Highway 212 construction. He
City Council Work Session - May 29, 2001
then showed a map and explained where bridges had been designed into the project to preserve sensitive
areas within the Bluff Creek corridor. Kate Aanenson asked for clarification on what MnDOT was doing
to protect the Seminary Fen area. Leslie Vermillion explained that the State is in the process of studying
river crossings in the metro area. The Minnesota River crossing in the Chaska area is their No. 2 priority.
They will begin studying the river crossing in late summer/early fall and what is decided upon there will
affect what happens in Chanhassen as far as road connections and design.
Larry Goss then provided the council with an update on the Highway 5/Arboretum Drive project. MnDOT
is planning on providing a left turn lane on Highway 5 into the Arboretum. Councilman Labatt asked if
MnDOT had any plans to upgrade the intersection of Highway 5 and Minnewashta Parkway. Todd
Gerhardt also expressed concern with sight lines on Highway 5 at Minnewashta Parkway and asked if
MnDOT could incorporate that into this project.
The fourth issue discussed was the old Highway 212 turnback. MnDOT stated it is in the preliminary
stages of studying the areas affected and will also be studying Highway 101 south of TH 5.
Scott Botcher asked MnDOT to keep in mind the intersection of Highway 212 and County Road 17 when
they are doing their final designs to see if the number of intersections currently proposed in that area are
necessary. Leslie Vermillion stated that the study of the river crossing would be completed before final
design on Highway 212 and that could be addressed at that point.
Mayor Jansen adjourned the work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Scott Botcher
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim