WS 2007 08 27CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 27, 2007
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m..
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman Peterson
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Greg
Sticha and Todd Hoffman
PROVIDE FACILITY NEEDS ANALYSIS FOR PARKS INCLUDING LAND
ACQUISITION.
Glenn Stolar, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission was present along with Todd
Hoffman, Park and Rec Director to discuss this item with the City Council. Todd Hoffman
outlined information staff has used in the comprehensive plan update to address future park
needs as the city builds out through 2030. Maps showing existing park and trail services and
gaps where future needs will need to be addressed as the city builds out were discussed. A
history of the key referendums used to purchase parkland, provide improvements to existing
parkland and trail development were outlined. Anticipated needs in the future include 40 acres
for a community park, additional neighborhood parks in developing areas, expansion of the trail
system, incorporating emerging lifestyle trends in the future, passive park space and interest in
creating an arts council and community theater. Glenn Stolar noted that these recommendations
came from feedback compiled from the comprehensive plan open houses and citizen input.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about plans for additional athletic fields. Todd Gerhardt
explained the type and size of land needed to accommodate athletic fields, noting that the amount
of available vacant land is limited. Councilman Litsey asked for clarification on talk of
acquiring land around Lake Ann and what that land would be used for. Mayor Furlong asked if
any neighborhood parks could be modified for ballfield use. Councilman Peterson asked why
staff didn't factor in the Arboretum and Lake Minnewashta Regional Park acreage in their
numbers. Todd Hoffman explained that the "easy answers are gone" for providing additional
parkland, noting this item was to bring awareness to the council of future needs. Councilman
Litsey asked if development of neighboring communities i.e. Victoria and Chaska will add or
decrease demand on Chanhassen's park system. Mayor Furlong suggested that council and staff
need to be frugal with the park dedication fund so that funds will be available in the future when
opportunities arise.
2008 BUDGET DISCUSSION.
Todd Gerhardt introduced the item, noting council directed staff to look at available cash
balances and potential land sales to balance road assessments in the future. Greg Sticha
reviewed the cash balance analysis, tax rate history and total levy history numbers. Mayor
Furlong asked about the percent of increase in assessment market values and the affect on the tax
base. Greg Sticha reviewed scenarios showing funding options for revolving assessments for
City Council Work Session - August 27, 2007
street assessments using bonding rather than the city financing the projects. Councilman
Peterson asked if staff has any other large projects not yet identified in the pavement
management plan that will be needed in the next 5 years. Todd Gerhardt explained how
additional money set aside each year could help fund future road maintenance projects. Laurie
Hokkanen explained how the health care costs numbers are lower than projected which will
result in a savings in the budget. Greg Sticha asked for council direction so staff can bring back
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the preliminary levy for approval at the September 10 City Council meeting. Todd Gerhardt
noted that staff would recommend Option 1 which would provide staff with the greatest
flexibility. Councilman Litsey stated he would support Option 1 with the additional $150,000
for future road projects. Councilman Peterson stated he could support Option 1 but without the
additional $150,000. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she could support Option 1 with the hope
of lowering the taxpayer impact to 0% with the final number. Councilwoman Ernst noted she
was leaning towards Option 3 which has 0% impact on taxpayers. Mayor Furlong noted that he
favors Option 3 for the operating budget, but would support Option 1 for the preliminary levy,
expecting that the final levy number will have 0% impact on taxpayers.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:05 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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