WS 2007 09 24
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, and Councilman Peterson
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Ernst
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Bob Generous, Paul
Oehme, and Todd Hoffman
REVIEW CONCEPT PLAN FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT HIGHWAY 5 AND
TH
WEST 79 STREET (WATER TREATMENT SITE).
Floyd Calhoun with Floyd Calhoun Companies and Steve Johnson with Landform presented a
concept site plan and renderings for an office building. Mr. Calhoun would like to locate his
corporate headquarters, currently located in Edina, to Chanhassen because he lives in Chaska and
his children attend Chapel Hill Academy. They were looking to receive feedback that they are
on the same page as council with design and layout on the site. Mr. Calhoun explained why the
site works for marketing his business, ingress and egress perspectives and pedestrian elements
that can be incorporated into the corner lot which will be a gateway to the city and his business.
Councilman Peterson asked for clarification on building materials and design elements of the
building, noting he liked the look of the building but had a concern with the "busy-ness" of the
signage. Mayor Furlong asked about the difference in the shape of the building on two different
drawings and what the building will actually look like. Todd Gerhardt suggested different
architectural elements that could be used to break up the sides of the buildings to create interest
on all four sides. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the height of the building in relation to
the Park Nicollet and Park and Ride buildings. Todd Gerhardt noted staff's concern with access
to the site, indicating the site was being marketed to office users. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked about parking lot lighting, building lighting and light spillover to Highway 5. Mayor
Furlong agreed that he wanted to see aesthetics without being distracting to traffic on Highway 5.
Paul Oehme stated staff had concern with the size, level and amount of water elements proposed
on the site. Councilman Peterson asked if the applicant had the capital and funding available and
what the time schedule was for construction and occupancy. Todd Hoffman suggested sidewalk
locations into the site for pedestrian access.
REVIEW DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Kate Aanenson gave a power point presentation on the Land Use chapter, explaining
development influences and estimates of consumption of land based on the Met Council's
population projections. She reviewed a map showing proposed changes in land use, explaining
these were being done mostly as housekeeping items. Mayor Furlong asked staff to review
individually all 59 parcels proposed to be re-designated. Councilman Peterson asked staff to
City Council Work Session - September 24, 2007
clarify the reason it appears the city is moving away from residential low density. Mayor
Furlong suggested staff keep the dual guiding as opposed to single guiding which would allow
for more flexibility. Councilman Peterson asked for clarification on where commercial and
community neighborhood commercial will be located, stating he was struggling with "sacrificing
jobs for retail growth". Mayor Furlong stated the council needs to think about as the city grows,
and the downtown area is basically fully developed, if the council wants the citizens of
Chanhassen to drive for their needs or keep them in the city.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m.. It was reconvened at 9:05 p.m..
The council continued to review the individual land use changes being proposed in the
comprehensive plan update. Councilman Litsey asked for clarification on the difference between
residential large lot and low density. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if the affected property
owners had been notified of the proposed changes to zoning. Kate Aanenson reviewed the
changes made in the entire Land Use Chapter and outlined the public hearing process and how
citizen concerns and comments will be addressed by staff. Paul Oehme presented a power point
presentation on the Sewer and Water Chapter of the comprehensive plan update which shows
future extensions to the municipal services and the capital improvements needed to address those
improvements until 2030 with MUSA phasing happening in 2010, 2015 and 2020. Councilman
Peterson asked if the two water treatment plants will be sufficient to address demand in 2020.
Paul Oehme stated they would but the city needs to look for additional locations for water towers
nd
and wells. Kate Aanenson reiterated that the public hearing process will begin October 2 at the
Planning Commission meeting and the procedure for review that will occur over the next 6
months.
REVIEW ENTRY MONUMENT FOR THE CHANHASSEN PIONEER CEMETERY.
Todd Gerhardt showed a rendering of the proposed entry monument for Pioneer Cemetery,
noting funds are available in the budget for construction this year. Councilman Peterson asked
for justification to spending $30,000 for a sign. Mayor Furlong asked for options to lower the
cost. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if the work could be done in-house as a cost saving
measure. Councilman Peterson commented that he felt $6,000 was too high for the architectural
design costs. Mayor Furlong suggested taking the landscaping element out of the plan. Todd
Gerhardt stated staff would bring back a bid package with alternatives at the next meeting for the
council to itemize.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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