WS 2008 08 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 11, 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, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Greg
Sticha and Todd Hoffman
REVIEW BONDING VS. CITY FINANCING OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT SHARE OF STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN
REVOLVING ASSESSMENT CONSTRUCTION FUND; AND FUNDING OPTIONS
FOR PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY.
Greg Sticha explained the analysis done by staff for the residential special assessment share of
street reconstruction projects which resulted in a slight benefit to the use of city financing as
opposed to bonding. Todd Gerhardt explained the key assumptions that were used in the
different scenarios. Mayor Furlong asked council to keep in mind the difference between an
expected and required course of action noting the need to keep options open if opportunities
present themselves. Councilman Litsey thanked staff for going through the exercise. Greg
Sticha presented funding options for construction of the public works facility, recommending the
CIP bonding option. He outlined the schedule of required actions needed in the next couple
months. Mayor Furlong asked if the city has previously sold bonds prior to construction
projects. Todd Gerhardt explained where it has been done before on projects like the
construction of the water treatment plant. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification on the
EDA’s role in the approval process. It was the consensus of the council members to support the
CIP bonding schedule.
2009 PRELIMINARY BUDGET DISCUSSION.
Todd Gerhardt thanked all department heads for their work in getting preliminary numbers to
Greg Sticha, who reviewed the assumptions used in reaching the proposed preliminary budget
numbers. Laurie Hokkanen explained the increase in health care costs. Greg Sticha went on to
explain that the three biggest cost increases were the police contract, utility/fuel costs and
personnel wages. Councilman McDonald asked staff if they had looked at what they can do
without. Greg Sticha explained that the proposed numbers show only a slight tax increase,
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reminding council that the preliminary levy amount needs to be set by September 15. Todd
Gerhardt asked that the preliminary levy amount be set as high as possible to allow staff
flexibility in planning. Mayor Furlong asked how the budget numbers had been affected by the
rise in fuel costs. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if there were any other costs that could be cut,
i.e. wages. Councilman Litsey expressed concern with the possibility of not receiving the
projected amount of homestead credit. With the increase in fuel costs, Councilwoman Ernst
asked where staff can compensate for those increases. Todd Gerhardt explained the process of
City Council Work Session - August 11, 2008
each department bring back their specific numbers for each department. Councilman Litsey
stated he thought the preliminary numbers looked good. Councilwoman Tjornhom explained her
feeling that this budget mind set will be different than others because the cost of everything is
going up. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will bring back different scenarios if the city does not
receive the proposed homestead credit. Mayor Furlong suggested preparing the budget without
the homestead credit figured in, and prepare a list of items that can be included if and when the
homestead credit is received. Greg Sticha cautioned the council of setting the preliminary levy
amount without the $100,000 amount for the homestead credit. Mayor Furlong asked staff to
identify items to be associated with the homestead credit and final budget numbers. Councilman
Litsey stated the council needed to look at the average impact on taxpayers before getting too
“nit-picky”. Mayor Furlong explained that these are trying times for everybody so the council
needs to stay prudent. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated council usually has more than one option
presented and asked for additional options.
DISCUSSION OF CITY CODE AMENDMENTS.
Kate Aanenson discussed the proposed amendments which will be on the next City Council
consent agenda, clarifying language related to animals, landscape securities, emergency over
flow, custom grading, SWPPP plans, subdivision buildable area, and encouraging pre-application
meetings. Councilwoman Ernst asked how big a problem the city had with landscape and
maintenance issues. Mayor Furlong asked if pre-application meetings would discourage people
from applying. Because of the time, discussion of Chapter 20 was tabled to the next work
session.
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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