03-10-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
March 10, 2025
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember von Oven, Councilmember
Kimber, Councilmember McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Schubert
STAFF PRESENT FOR COMMISSION INTERVIEW: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager
STAFF PRESENT FOR CONTINUATION OF MEETING: Laurie Hokkanen, City
Manager; Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City
Manager, Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager; Eric Maass, Community Development
Director; Jenny Potter, City Clerk
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Commission Applicant Interviews
The City Council interviewed candidates for the commission vacancies.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 6:58 P.M.
Mayor Ryan reconvened the work session at 7:58 P.M.
Pioneer Ridge: Review Development Proposal
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, provided councilmembers with an update on the
Pioneer Ridge proposed development (located at the NE corner of Pioneer Trail and Bluff Creek
Boulevard). Maass was joined by representatives from Brandl Anderson Homes, the project’s
developer.
Brandl Anderson has submitted a revised development proposal in response to Planning
Commission and resident feedback, replacing previously proposed attached townhomes in the
northern area of the proposed development with detached villas that resemble single-family
homes but still offer shared maintenance. The updated plan slightly reduces the overall housing
density and adds two attached townhomes to the southern portion, reducing the total new homes
from 60 to 54. A minor zoning code amendment would be necessary for the city to consider the
villa housing option, as it would be considered a “detached townhome” but currently the city
does not have a definition for “detached townhome” within the city’s ordinances. Staff is seeking
general feedback on the revised concept.
City Council Work Session Minutes – March 10, 2025
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Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer delivered remarks and analysis on how
the proposed development would affect vehicular access, sightlines and pedestrian safety in and
out of the development and what engineering solutions would solve for each of those concerns.
Mr. Howley said that some solutions include adjustments to the proposed grading plan, lowering
the speed limit to 30mph (from 35mph), striping fog lines on Bluff Creek Drive and adding a
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to the existing pedestrian crossing at the
intersection of Mayapple Pass and Bluff Creek Drive. Mr. Howley also noted that the proposed
development would not increase off-site runoff, and could improve existing drainage issues by
capturing and containing surface runoff onsite.
Specific concerns raised by councilmembers include traffic solutions and access points,
pedestrian safety at a northern crosswalk, landscaping details like the appearance of a proposed
berm, and significant water runoff issues affecting nearby residents’ yards. The City Council is
seeking more clarity on these topics to provide meaningful feedback and ensure the development
aligns with community expectations.
Market Blvd Improvements - Follow up discussion
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer, presented six additional options for the
Market Boulevard Reconstruction Project in order to reflect previous feedback from
councilmembers. The options presented by Mr. Howley had different effects on traffic,
pedestrian access, and adjacent property impacts. All had advantages and disadvantages.
Following Mr. Howley’s remarks, the City Council decided to delay the majority of Market
Boulevard Reconstruction Project until 2027 due to ongoing and upcoming downtown
construction, including apartments, retail, and the Civic Campus. They expressed concern about
adding more disruption and traffic impacts to an already busy area. The City Council expects to
postpone the project until 2027, noting that the intent is to still use The Venue TIF funds.
Consider request for lease for Communications Tower on city owned property at Lyman
Blvd. and Hwy 212
This item was tabled.
Ordinance XXX: Density Bonuses Amendment
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, shared with council that city staff has revised a
draft ordinance to allow density bonuses in exchange for affordable housing, as outlined in the
City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission had questions about affordability and
design but suggested no further changes. The City Council shared no additional feedback and the
ordinance will proceed to a public hearing on March 18.
City Council Work Session Minutes – March 10, 2025
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Best Value Contracting - Pros and Cons overview
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer, shared with council the idea of “Best Value
Contracting,” which is a contractor selection method that would provide the city with more control
over the contractors it picks and allows the city to consider factors beyond just cost, such as
experience, staff qualifications, and quality control. It may result in higher costs but aims to
improve project performance. The city is exploring this option for the 2025 Street Improvement
Project based on lessons learned from the 2024 project.
The City Council agreed to revisit this topic at a later date, based on how well the 2025 Street
Improvement Project proceeds and the city’s satisfaction with the value of the hired contractors.
Commission Applicant Interviews
The City Council discussed commission appointments to be presented at the March 24, 2025
meeting.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 10:35 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk