05-12-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
May 12, 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, Councilmember Schubert
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Charlie Howley, Public Works
Director/City Engineer; Andrew Heger, Fire Chief; Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager;
Jerry Ruegemer, Parks Director; Eric Maass, Community Development Director; Jenny Potter,
City Clerk
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Draft Ordinance Review
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, presented a revised draft ordinance that would
allow detached ADUs in the A2, RR, and RSF zoning districts through a conditional use permit
process. Council specifically requested additional detail on parcel sizes within the Residential
Single Family (RSF) district to help assess how minimum lot size requirements might affect
eligibility.
The City Council recommended allowing detached ADUs on parcels zoned Residential Single
Family but which have a minimum lot size of 1.0 acres (43,560 square feet). Mr. Maass said the
proposal would be taken to the Planning Commission for review and then back to the City
Council for possible adoption at a June City Council meeting.
Fire Department Staffing Update
Andrew Heger, Fire Chief, provided a comprehensive update on the Fire Department’s staffing,
response data, and future service needs. The presentation focused on five key areas: customer
service, staffing plans, incident data, personnel levels, and facility limitations. It underscored the
growing demands driven by the city’s population growth, aging residents, and increased reliance
on emergency services, including those from specialized care facilities. Response time data,
national benchmarks, and fire behavior models were shared to highlight the life-saving
importance of rapid deployment, along with the health risks faced by firefighters. In response to
Heger’s comments, council members recommended pursuing a staffing consultant to develop
future staffing recommendations, identify future facility locations, and establish standards of
coverage for the community.
City Council Work Session Minutes – May 12, 2025
2
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 6:57 P.M .
Mayor Ryan reconvened the work session at 8:36 P.M.
City Council Roundtable
The City Council had a roundtable discussion.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 8:54 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk