WS 2007 12 10
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
DECEMBER 10, 2007
The City Council held an executive session from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. to discuss the City
Manager's Performance Evaluation. Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at
6:25 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, and Todd
Hoffman
2008 STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT 08-01, LAREDO DRIVE: UPDATE ON
FEASIBILITY STUDY AND CITIZEN COMMENTS.
Paul Oehme gave an update and addressed issues brought up by residents at the neighborhood
meeting on November 14th. He provided background information on the scope of this street
project and outlined the project area, reconstruction versus overlay, addressing sight distance
issues, width of road, use of rain gardens, possibility of a storm water pond to help with runoff in
the area, need and cost for curb and gutter, assessment methodology, repair and replacement of
driveways and damaged property. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification on the RFP
bidding process. Todd Gerhardt asked Paul Oehme to explain how Kimley-Horn was selected as
the consultant for this project and their experience with previous projects in the city. Mayor
Furlong asked about the schedule for review, public hearing process and an explanation of the
purpose of the feasibility study. Todd Gerhardt invited all residents to call the City Engineer or
himself with any questions or concerns. A resident asked about access to their properties during
construction. Another resident asked about why certain streets were chosen and others were not.
Mayor Furlong clarified that the council was voting on acceptance of the feasibility study and
calling the public hearing for January 28, 2008, not approving or getting into the details of the
project. A resident questioned why residents had to pay for a road that was used by the public
from the entire city to access the school, post office, fire station, etc. and how roads are
prioritized. Councilman Litsey asked to keep the Lotus Lake Clean Water group informed of the
process.
The work session was recessed at 7:05 p.m.. It was reconvened at 8:30 p.m..
ESTABLISH GUIDELINES/BENCHMARKS FOR STAFFING LEVELS IN ALL
DEPARTMENTS.
As a strategy for the year, City Council asked staff to look at future staffing needs and levels.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the difference between departments and how staffing needs were
determined. Laurie Hokkanen explained how staff calculated numbers for building inspectors,
plan reviewer, and how the city has been able to keep numbers down with the use of seasonal
help. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on where the building permit projection numbers
City Council Work Session - December 10, 2007
were coming from. Councilwoman Ernst asked if the city has looked at outsourcing services
such as snow plowing. Council members felt the guidelines presented were thoughtful and
logical, and a helpful exercise to go through. Mayor Furlong asked as the timing gets closer to
add additional staff, to give the council a head's up on the level of service the city is trying to
attain.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 8:50 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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