WS 2008 10 27
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 27, 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, Greg Sticha, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, and Todd
Hoffman
DEVELOP TOWN CENTER INTO A MORE FULL-SERVICE/INVITING CENTRAL
BUSINESS DISTRICT.
Todd Gerhardt introduced the topic of discussion. Kate Aanenson presented a power point
presentation reviewing the commercial land use categories in the downtown area. In outlining
the strengths that keep the downtown strong and the findings from the 2006 Chanhassen Retail,
Office and Residential Market Analysis study, it was recommended to combine the Central
Business District and General Business District to allow for more flexibility in redevelopment.
Councilman Litsey questioned if there would be adequate parking to accommodate more
development. Mayor Furlong discussed the possibility of shared parking. Kate Aanenson
explained the guidelines for a new zoning district, Community Commercial District (CC) and
Regional/Lifestyle Center District (RC). Mayor Furlong asked Rick Dorsey and Jeff Fox for an
update on interest in development of their properties. Councilwoman Tjornhom reiterated her
concern that the OI/RC district would compliment, not compete with downtown businesses.
Councilman McDonald suggested the Chamber of Commerce be involved with the ordinance
approval process. Todd Gerhardt clarified that staff was not recommending any changes to the
Comprehensive Plan other than combining the General Business and Central Business Districts.
Mayor Furlong clarified that the previous Chamber of Commerce was generally in support of the
proposed zoning changes. Todd Gerhardt noted he would be giving an update on the
redevelopment of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater at a future council meeting. Councilwoman
Ernst asked if the McCombs study had done an analysis on the effect of different zoning districts
on the tax base. Mayor Furlong explained that an analysis of that type would be more
appropriate for specific proposals. Councilman McDonald agreed that such an analysis might be
premature, but that it would provide useful data.
2009 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS: PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
Greg Sticha provided an update on proposed changes targeting $100,000 in deductions from the
previous year’s budget. Councilman Litsey asked where the direction came from for a 2.4%
reduction in the budget and questioned the need for going through each line item of the budget.
Todd Gerhardt explained how the process will work in reviewing each department’s proposals,
with staff presenting their final numbers after input from the Truth in Taxation hearing.
Councilman Litsey reiterated that he feels the numbers being discussed were arbitrary and that
the budget discussions should be taking place during regular City Council meetings rather than at
City Council Work Session - October 27, 2008
work sessions. Councilwoman Ernst stated her desire to see the numbers come in lower than
2.4%. Mayor Furlong stated the council needs to question the services being offered and the
money needed to provided those services, and that the City Council needs to understand the
assumptions being used by staff. Councilman Litsey stated he does not agree with the City’s
budget process, feeling it is backwards. Councilwoman Ernst stated she needs to understand
why the numbers have increased on specific items. Paul Oehme presented the 2009 budget
numbers for the Public Works and Engineering Departments. Councilwoman Ernst, along with
Councilman McDonald, asked for an explanation on the amount of time and money being
proposed for travel and training. Councilman Litsey stated if the council is going to start micro-
managing the budget, they might as well review it line item by line item, again noting that the
budget discussions should be held at the regular televised City Council meetings. Mayor
Furlong felt it was reasonable for people to ask questions. Paul Oehme continued with his
budget presentation reviewing the street and garage divisions, street lighting, signals, sewer and
water and revenue projections. Councilman Litsey asked if projections for the new public works
building had been taken into account. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if there had been an
impact on revenues due to the Water Wise Program. Mayor Furlong asked how the connection
fees have affected the revenue funds.
The City Council recessed the work session at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
2009 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS: CONTINUATION WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS.
Paul Oehme continued presenting the 2009 budget proposals and comparisons to the 2008
budget. Greg Sticha explained how employees prepare their time cards between sewer and
water. Councilwoman Ernst questioned the 68% increase in materials/supplies, asked if the
proposed 10% cuts aren’t feasible, why show them, and clarification of what “level of service”
means and associated cut impacts.
2009 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS: PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
Todd Hoffman reviewed the departments covered by the Park and Recreation Department and
the proposed expenditures for the overall budget. Mayor Furlong asked about the number of full
time and seasonal employees in this department. Todd Hoffman continued showing historical
data from 2005-2009 for expenditures and revenues. Mayor Furlong commented on the Rec
Center’s programming which is shown on cable TV and suggested including park programming
as well. He asked about the quality of service and pricing for the lifeguard contract with
Minnetonka Community Services. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if attendance with events
and programs have increased or decreased, commenting that the Park and Rec Department is the
“heartbeat” of the City.
DISCUSS PROCESS FOR CITY MANAGER’S PERFORMANCE EVALUATION.
Mayor Furlong provided a handout outlining a possible schedule for the evaluation process.
Councilwoman Ernst asked for a copy of the City Manager’s job description prior to the review.
Councilman Litsey noted he liked the fact that the council was beginning the discussion now and
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City Council Work Session - October 27, 2008
felt that the document used last year was okay. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the
ranking system, whether to use whole or half numbers. Mayor Furlong felt in reviewing the
form, half numbers was okay. The council discussed the process for making comments and what
needed to be discussed in executive sessions versus regular work sessions, and coming to an
agreement on the form and schedule to be followed. Mayor Furlong asked the City Manager to
provided the work plan and job description to the council members prior to the meeting on
th
November 10.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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