WS 2001 10 08CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 8, 2001
Mayor Jansen called the work session meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jansen, Councilman Labatt, Councilman Peterson and
Councilman Ayotte
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Boyle
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Bruce DeJong, Matt Saam, Todd Hoffman, Mike Wegler, Teresa
Burgess, Kelly Janes, Harold Brose, and Roger Knutson
2002 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:
A. ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
Teresa Burgess made a power point presentation on the Engineering Department and Public Works
Department budget proposal for 2002. Councilman Peterson asked if the city purchased gasoline in bulk.
Teresa Burgess stated the city purchases gas in bulk similar to gas stations. Harold Brose stated the
savings were in the taxes the city did not have to pay. Councilman Ayotte asked about the water meter
replacement program and if staff was looking into anything else contributing to the problem. Kelly Janes
stated the city should see significant changes in the coming year due to operational changes. Mayor Jansen
asked if some of the street projects slated for 2002 should have been done in 2001. Teresa Burgess said all
projects that were due to be assessed would be done in 2002. Councilman Peterson asked how the actual
expenditures compared to budget and if anything else could be reduced from the budget. Teresa Burgess
stated they had taken a 10% reduction across the board and then looked at how that would affect customer
service. She provide examples of possible cuts and the consequences of those cuts. Councilman Labatt
asked about who pays for streets and signs when a new development goes in. Teresa Burgess stated the
developer pays initially for the installation but the city pays for repair and maintenance. Councilman
Labatt then asked about the 2002 capital improvement plan for vehicle replacement and how staff decides
when a vehicle should be replaced. Mayor Jansen asked that that conversation be held at the time the
capital improvement plan is presented to council.
B. PARK & RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
Todd Hoffman went over a handout on the Park and Recreation Department's proposal. He stated the
budget had a 1% increase over last year. Councilman Peterson asked if the increase was due to wages.
Todd Hoffman stated the city has to stay competitive with the private sector, especially for seasonal
employees. Jerry Ruegemer and Todd Hoffman had just returned from a national convention in Denver and
Todd Hoffman provided input as to what was happening on a national level in parks and recreation. When
asked about possible cuts in the budget, Todd Hoffman stated they had considered closing or reducing the
hours at the Chanhassen Recreation Center on Sundays. They also could look at expanding no mow areas
in the parks.
Mayor Jansen adjourned the work session meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim