WS 2008 06 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 9, 2008
Council members met for a tour of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 6:10 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Ernst, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Litsey
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman, and
Sgt. Peter Anderley
DISCUSS CITY REGULATIONS ON SNOWMOBILES, HUNTING & FIREARM
DISCHARGE.
Todd Hoffman reviewed the current regulations regarding snowmobile use within the city and
the impacts of development resulting in staff’s recommendation for further restrictions to
eliminate conflicts with snowmobiles and pedestrians, yards, etc. Sgt. Peter Anderley explained
the most common complaints received in his office. Councilman McDonald asked about damage
to city streets. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of snowmobile use on trails and
restrictions for residents who live across a street from a lake. Mayor Furlong asked what action,
if any, was taken when the snowmobile club disbanded. Todd Hoffman explained that no action
was taken. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification of the wording regarding highway
and street designations, and asked exactly how big of a problem snowmobile use in the city is.
Mayor Furlong asked about county restrictions. Todd Hoffman explained that there is a safety
concern, along with a level of anxiety, among city residents. Mayor Furlong stated he didn’t like
adding more restrictions on people, and asked for additional information on the number and
types of complaints. The remainder of council concurred.
Todd Hoffman provided background information regarding the use of recreational hunting as a
means to control the goose and deer population in the city, and the complaints the city receives
regarding discharge of firearms, noting staff is proposing to prohibit firearm hunting and increase
bow hunting on parcels 10 plus acres in size. The areas exempt would include the Wildlife
Management Area located in the Minnesota River valley and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the size and location of areas where hunting is currently
allowed, explaining he was comfortable moving away from hunting with firearms and allowing
bow hunting. Sgt. Peter Anderley reviewed the state hunting guidelines and the level of city
discretion. Mayor Furlong asked that additional language be added regarding the city’s
discretion on where hunting is allowed. Councilman McDonald asked staff to look at the
language regarding the number of acres where hunting is allowed. Councilwoman Ernst asked
for clarification on the definition of firearms. Todd Hoffman explained the city’s permitting
process.
City Council Work Session - June 9, 2008
Councilman McDonald asked for more information on the safety concerns with snowmobiles in
the city. Sgt. Peter Anderley stated he would pull information together on complaints received
from the previous year.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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