WS 2008 01 14
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 14, 2008
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, and Councilwoman Tjornhom
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, and Todd
Hoffman
DISCUSS 2008 KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the goals
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established by the council at the Visioning Workshop which was held on Saturday, January 5.
Mayor Furlong asked about prioritizing storm water projects. Todd Gerhardt explained that the
new Water Resources Coordinator will be introduced at an upcoming meeting in which he will
reviewed the list of storm water projects outlined in the plans prepared by SEH. Councilwoman
Ernst asked for an update on what was being done about customer service logs for complaints
and calls for service. Mayor Furlong asked council members to email any further suggestions to
Laurie Hokkanen by Wednesday morning.
DISCUSS FILLING CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the three
options available to the council for filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Councilman
Craig Peterson. It was the consensus of the council that the vacancy should be filled by option 2,
advertising for applicants and appointing a new member as soon as possible. Todd Gerhardt
outlined the timeline for advertising, review of applicants, interview process and appointment.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if the interview process would be open to the public. Mayor
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Furlong stated his hope to appoint someone at the City Council meeting on February 11.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
DISCUSSION OF CAMPAIGN SIGNS.
Kate Aanenson outlined the reasons staff is asking
for a city code amendment to clarify the language in the city code to conform with state statute
regarding when and where to place campaign signs. Mayor Furlong asked how the rules can be
enforced. Councilwoman Tjornhom noted that enforcement had to take into account issues that
are out of a candidates control. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will explore the requirement of
number of feet from pavement or curb. Mayor Furlong asked for anything that's easy to
understand, implement and enforce. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification on why the city
is changing the code and when requirements are given to candidates.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 8:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim