WS 2008 07 14
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JULY 14, 2008
Mayor Furlong called the meeting 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, Roger Knutson, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, and
Paul Oehme
TRUNK HIGHWAY 5 CORRIDOR STUDY UPDATE.
Todd Gerhardt introduced Brian Shorten with SRF who explained the purpose of the TH 5
corridor study. The three identified needs were enhanced mobility, improved safety and to
provide a sufficient system linkage. He reviewed a map showing the areas in Chanhassen that
will need to be addressed. Mayor Furlong asked where the needs and problems of TH 5 rank in
comparison to other roads in the state. Brian Shorten explained why it is considered a low
priority project. He continued reviewing typical roadway cross section options, key social,
economic and environmental findings, parcels that will need to be acquired, and how traffic will
be re-routed to warrant a signal installation at Highway 5 and Minnewashta Parkway.
Councilman McDonald asked how the highway realignment being done in Waconia fits into this
project. Mayor Furlong asked if the environmental study would be done in segments or over the
entire corridor. Councilman Litsey asked for clarification on funding options for the
environmental study. Brian Shorten reviewed project funding, and outlined the schedule for
system planning and implementation.
DISCUSSION OF GENERATOR FOR CITY HALL.
Todd Gerhardt explained how the need for a back-up generator at city hall, which acts as the
EOC during an emergency, was discovered as a result of the mock emergency drill. Laurie
Hokkanen reviewed the options that were identified and recommended that a generator be diesel
powered and located on the north side of city hall. Councilman Litsey asked about the “shelf
life” of diesel fuel. The council discussed the differences between the use of diesel fuel and
natural gas. Mayor Furlong asked about Xcel Energy’s relationship with the generator use at the
water treatment plant. Councilman McDonald asked about capacity needs and a comparison
between a portable and stationary unit. Mayor Furlong asked about the possibility of using the
generator at the fire station, and the source of funding in the CIP. He noted his preference was to
stay within the CIP levy amount with Option 1. Councilwoman Tjornhom felt it was a good
insurance policy and good planning for the future. Councilman Litsey noted there were other
critical services located at city hall, i.e. the sheriff’s department. After discussion it was the
consensus of the council to move forward with Option 1.
City Council Work Session - July 14, 2008
DISCUSS AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE CONCERNING WATER VIOLATIONS/
CITATIONS.
Laurie Hokkanen reviewed the proposed changes to the ordinance which include enacting the
odd/even restrictions year round, eliminating the need that each property receive a written
warning prior to a penalty being imposed, and proposed changes to the penalty fee schedule and
payment method. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification on the wording of the
warning system versus no warning prior to issuing a surcharge. Mayor Furlong asked for
clarification of the procedure for charging of a surcharge.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
Laurie Hokkanen re-summarized how the proposed surcharge system would work.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification on the process of how a person would get
ticketed. Council members discussed how the system has worked in the past versus how the
proposed system would be implemented. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated her concern that it be
a fair and reasonable process. Roger Knutson discussed possible wording for how the appeal
process could be handled. Councilwoman Ernst asked if something was broken that needed
fixing. Councilman Litsey explained how staff was trying to make the process less burdensome
on staff. Mayor Furlong noted that the appeal process needed to be clean, simple and spelled
out. He explained how he was still struggling with the odd/even restrictions year round. The
council discussed the year round provision. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will present a report on
how the Water Wise program is working in the city. Councilman Litsey asked that wording be
included in the ordinance regarding the appeal process. After further discussion on the year
round restrictions, the consensus of the council was agreement with all the proposed amendments
other than imposing the year round restriction.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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