WS 2008 04 28
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 28, 2008
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Bob Generous, Paul Oehme, and Todd
Hoffman
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jeff Daniel, Glenn
Stolar, Thor Smith, Scott Wendt, and Tom Kelly
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ron Olsen, Beverly Foster,
and J. Richard Relick
DISCUSSION OF 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: PARKS & OPEN SPACE
CHAPTER.
Todd Hoffman reviewed the parks and open space section of the 2030 comprehensive plan
showing a map outlining the park service areas, discussing key dates of past referendums for
park acquisition and trail development, and park classifications and locations. Mayor Furlong
asked for clarification of the agreement for use of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) trail. Todd
Hoffman continued discussing future needs for facilities and initiatives, athletic field demand,
and how park dedication funds are used as the primary funding source for park and trail projects,
noting staff will be producing a forecast of available park dedication funds into the future. In
discussing the trail systems, and in particular the trail around Lake Ann, Mayor Furlong asked
staff to elaborate on the work by the Hoisington-Koegler Group and the status of negotiating for
land acquisition. Councilman Litsey asked if there’s been any dialogue with representatives for
Prince or Mr. Gorra about their future plans. Mayor Furlong referenced the National Park
System which has the motto that the parks are for the use and enjoyment of all citizens, and
would like the city to focus on that to make all city parks available for the use and enjoyment of
all citizens.
TRANSPORATION CHAPTER.
Bob Generous provided background information on the transportation chapter, reviewing the
goals and objectives, taking into account population and employment numbers that affect
transportation. A map was presented showing existing system deficiencies and the principles for
developing a functional system in the future. Mayor Furlong asked if the comprehensive plan
addresses compatibility issues with neighboring systems. Councilman McDonald asked for
clarification of the roadway classifications and the amount of authority and input the city has
with roadway projects. Councilman Litsey suggested that the comprehensive plan include the
definition for all roadway classifications.
City Council Work Session - April 28, 2008
JOINT MEETING WITH PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Jeff Daniel reviewed the discussion topics that had been prepared by the Park and Recreation
Commission. Glenn Stolar asked what role the City Council thinks the Park and Recreation
Commission should take in conjunction with the Seminary Fen, which was recently acquired by
the DNR. Councilman McDonald asked specifically what property was purchased by the DNR
and what the city is able to do. Mayor Furlong asked about educational opportunities associated
with the Seminary Fen, keeping in mind the parkland should be used and enjoyed by the citizens.
Todd Gerhardt stated city staff will stay in contact with the DNR about their long term plans.
Todd Hoffman will invite the DNR to give a presentation at a future council meeting or work
session. Jeff Daniel asked about the council’s position on acquiring additional parcels adjacent
to existing parkland for additional ballfields. Mayor Furlong explained how the council has a
fund of available money to use when opportunities becomes available. Councilman McDonald
suggested that the Park and Recreation Commission help in identifying those parcels. Chairman
Daniel asked for direction on development of the Fox Family parcel which was purchased as
passive parkland. Todd Hoffman explained how the Park and Recreation Commission, City
Council and neighbors will work together in the planning process and showed a master
development plan for that parkland. Regarding recreation programming, the council asked for
guidance from the commission on expansion of existing programs or implementing new
programs. Councilman Litsey asked about bringing town ball back to Chanhassen. Todd
Gerhardt provided background information on town ball in Chanhassen and various ballfield
opportunities. Todd Hoffman explained how there is a possibility of working with the Chaska
School District to combine a high school baseball field with a town ball field at the new
Chanhassen High School. Mayor Furlong asked about the possibility of having youth
representation on the Park and Recreation Commission, and what other cities do in that regard.
The work session was recessed at 7:05 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE ENVIRNOMENTAL COMMISSION.
Ron Olsen reviewed the current projects the Environmental Commission is involved in such as
Arbor Day events, water conservation education program and Change A Light program. Mayor
Furlong asked about the possibility of working with the Neighborhood Watch program to get
additional help for clean-up of the neighborhood parks associated with the Arbor Day
celebration. Councilwoman Tjornhom suggested enhancing the city’s web site to help educate
the public with programs such as water conservation, similar to the Change A Light program.
Ron Olson reviewed the highlights from the yearly work plan. Councilwoman Ernst liked the
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idea of sharing ideas with other cities, and involving the Environmental Commission in the 4 of
July celebration as a means of educating the public about environmental issues. Ron Olsen
discussed the recycling coupon program. J. Richard Relick asked if the council was interested in
him looking for grant money to bring solar power to city buildings. Todd Gerhardt stated he
would work with Jill Sinclair to bring that information back to City Council.
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City Council Work Session - April 28, 2008
DISCUSSION OF 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER.
Bob Generous continued with his review of the transportation chapter, highlighting alternative
modes of transit. Mayor Furlong asked if the city was aware of construction projects scheduled
for downtown Minneapolis which may disrupt bus service from Chanhassen, and how that can
be addressed. Bob Generous continued discussing the LRT system, park and ride facilities, trails
and sidewalks, road realignments, sources of funding and capital improvement program. In
discussing the goals and policies, Mayor Furlong asked about connecting neighborhoods, new
with existing and connecting new neighborhoods in connection with the statement that the city
discourages through traffic. Councilman McDonald asked about the city’s control in road
construction, and where that is addressed in the comprehensive plan. Paul Oehme explained how
the pavement management plan is being enhanced.
SEWER AND WATER CHAPTER.
Under Chapter 8, Sewer, Paul Oehme discussed plans for sewer districts and additional lift
station locations. Under Chapter 9, Water, Paul Oehme highlighted the past, current and future
demand for water and how the city will address that demand with additional wells and water
tower construction. Mayor Furlong asked about the timing for construction of an additional
water tower and the possibility of expanding the capacity of existing water towers. Councilman
McDonald asked for clarification of the need for more storage or more wells. Mayor Furlong
asked about the table for capital improvements and the flexibility to modify the proposed
timeline.
REVIEW LYMAN BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the City’s agreement with Carver County and the ability to review the
plans and specifications for this project. Paul Oehme reviewed the detailed drawings and the
phasing plan for the proposed improvements. Mayor Furlong asked about the traffic signal lights
along Lyman Boulevard being synchronized to coincide with train traffic. Paul Oehme
continued discussing the trails, storm water drainage and traffic detour plan during construction.
Mayor Furlong asked what’s been done to notify residents of road closings. Paul Oehme
discussed the funding estimates and the City’s cost involvement. He then informed the council
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that the county is requesting the city sign off on the cover sheet by tomorrow, April 29, so they
can get started on the state aid funding process.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 10:20 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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