WS 2008 04 14
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 14, 2008
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Bob Generous, and
Todd Hoffman
SENIOR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Curt Robinson, Pat McGough, Carol
Buesgens, Jean Mancini and Barbara Nevin
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Kurt Papke, Debbie Larson, Kathleen
Thomas, Mark Undestad, Kevin Dillon, and Denny Laufenburger
Todd Gerhardt informed the council that a video of the city, which is narrated in parts by Mayor
Furlong, can be seen on the city’s web site.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SENIOR COMMISSION.
Mayor Furlong started out by thanking the senior commissioners for coming to the joint meeting
and for their service on the commission. Chairman Robinson reviewed the memo that was
submitted outlining the commission’s accomplishments, along with goals and objectives for
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2008, noting the commission is looking for ways to boost attendance at the 4 annual open house
which will be held in September. Transportation continues to be an issue. Carol Buesgens
provided an update on discussions between Carver County and CART, which is going to be
changed to CCT, (Carver County Transit), regarding hours of service, where service will be
provided and usage, along with the importance of educating the public on what transportation
services are available. Chairman Robinson stated the Chanhassen Senior Commission is
working with other senior commissions in the county to address transportation needs county
wide. Pat McGough noted that the CART numbers for Summerwood weren’t entirely accurate
because Summerwood pays CART for their service. Councilwoman Ernst stated a concern that
needs to be addressed is wait times. Chairman Robinson continued with an update on the senior
center activities, veteran’s monument and their relationship with CCHP (Carver County Health
Partnership). Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the comment that Carver County has the
second highest senior population after Scott County. He also asked for an update on the
Lifelong Learning Series. Todd Gerhardt stated he would provide those attendance numbers to
the council. In asking for feedback on what the council would like the commission to be
working on, Councilwoman Ernst suggested additional education and marketing for the senior
center activities and programs. Barbara Nevin suggested educating “baby boomers” in
caregiving for their aging parents.
City Council Work Session - April 14, 2008
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Chairman Papke asked for council’s guidance on the issue of mandatory attendance by planning
commissioners at City Council meetings. Todd Gerhardt provided a history of why that practice
began as a way to get Planning Commission members on the same track with council members.
He noted that the bi-annual joint meetings have helped with the communication gap that
previously existed. Mayor Furlong stated he was comfortable with dropping the mandatory
attendance. Chairman Papke asked for feedback on any recommendations that have come from
the planning commission that the council disagreed with. Mayor Furlong cited the examples of
the Crossroads and RSS Golf as specific examples where architecture was discussed. Kate
Aanenson talked about the field trips the Planning Commission takes to look at finished projects
to grade themselves on what’s been approved. Councilman Litsey stated his appreciation for the
work the Planning Commission and staff do before projects get to the council level. Chairman
Papke asked for guidance on what the Planning Commission’s role should be in historic
preservation issues. Councilman Litsey stated the new Historic Preservation Committee being
formed in Chanhassen should help with guidance. Kate Aanenson explained how staff works in
conjunction with the County’s Historic Preservation Agency and relies on their expertise.
Chairman Papke commented that the hottest topics in the next couple years will be development
along the Highway 312/212 corridor. Mayor Furlong felt that development standards will have
to remain fluid and take time to review, noting his desire to see that development along 312/212
compliment, not compete with the downtown businesses. Kate Aanenson noted that signage is
also an issue that will be revisited and addressed over the next year. Mayor Furlong suggested
that if issues arise that the commission would like guidance on from the City Council, that a joint
meeting can be called to address those issues.
DISCUSSION OF 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL COMMENTS.
Kate Aanenson noted that the 6 month comment period has ended and discussed the comments
received from the Metropolitan Council, and staff’s responses. The biggest issue being the Met
Council’s population projections. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the process that is
followed when the city disagrees with the Met Council’s numbers. Kate Aanenson explained
how the population numbers affect other areas such as housing and job projections. Councilman
McDonald asked for clarification on the comments regarding high and low density and the
definition of “affordable housing”. Mayor Furlong asked how the city code is referenced in the
comprehensive plan .
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:20 p.m.
COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM OTHER AGENCIES/RESIDENTS.
Kate Aanenson continued reviewing the Met Council’s comments regarding plan
implementation, and solar access protection. Mayor Furlong referenced the lawsuit that occurred
in California where a homeowner cut down trees to install solar panels. In regards to the
transportation section, Kate Aanenson gave kudo’s to Bob Generous for his thorough and
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City Council Work Session - April 14, 2008
complete job resulting in no comments from the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Furlong asked if
feedback was received from all agencies that were sent copies. Kate Aanenson explained why
some cities and school districts did not respond. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for
clarification of Eden Prairie’s request regarding Dell Road. Kate Aanenson reviewed the process
and comments received during the public hearings held during October through December of
2007, and discussed the schedule for City Council review and submittal.
LAND USE.
Kate Aanenson spent considerable time explaining the comments received on specific parcels
where changes were made, or not made. Mayor Furlong discussed the need for balanced land
use equating to a balanced tax base. Todd Gerhardt explained the role of fiscal disparities. In
walking through the proposed changes in the land use section as a whole, Kate Aanenson
discussed specific language to address building size, square footage for tenants within buildings,
zoning, policies and sewer service district. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification
regarding the cost of infrastructure installation and if the amount of office zoning was adequate.
Todd Gerhardt outlined the schedule for completing review of the other chapters in the
comprehensive plan, noting the updating of the comprehensive plan is the most important thing
the council will do, but reminding the council it is to be used as a guide and changes can be made
at anytime in the future.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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