WS 2008 11 10
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 10, 2008
Mayor Furlong called the meeting 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, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Greg Sticha, Richard Rice,
Terry Jeffery and Bob Generous
REVIEW RATE STUDY WITH EHLERS AND ASSOCIATES.
Mark Ruff with Ehlers and Associates outlined their recommendations for 2009 utility rate and
connection fee increases. Councilwoman Ernst asked if sewer connection fees were driven by
the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the assumptions used in the
study and if the impact of the Water Wise Conservation efforts were taken into consideration in
this study. Mark Ruff reviewed charts showing the projected ending cash balances in different
water and sewer funds over the next 12 to 13 years. Greg Sticha explained how cash and
bonding is used to fund capital improvement projects. Terry Jeffery explained how credits are
used in connection with storm water development projects. Mayor Furlong asked if any of the
recommended changes in the CIP program would affect service levels. Councilwoman Ernst
asked for clarification of Exhibit A on page 5 which showed utility rates increasing but water
bills decreasing. Councilman Litsey expressed his opinion that the report lacked an explanation
of the reasons for the proposed changes in the CIP and requested staff get a quote for upgrading
the City’s software to show the tiered breakdown in the water bills. Councilman McDonald
asked for clarification of the ending cash balance charts. Todd Gerhardt explained that the
council may want to consider separating utilities charges for residential and commercial.
2009 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:
ADMINISTRATION.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the proposed 2009 budget for the Administration Department, showing
the number of divisions incorporated in this department and comparisons between 2008 and
2009 budget numbers. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the survey cost. Mayor Furlong
asked for details of utility costs for city buildings. Councilman Litsey asked about a long term
study for projected plans of city building improvements. Mayor Furlong asked that staff look at
conservation measures to decrease utility costs at the library. Councilwoman Ernst questioned
the need for all night lighting of the City Hall parking ramp. Todd Gerhardt stated he would
speak to Len Simich with Southwest Metro Transit on their lighting program for parking ramps.
The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m. It was reconvened at 10:00 p.m.
City Council Work Session - November 10, 2008
Todd Gerhardt continued with the Administration Department’s proposed 2009 budget,
explaining the details of the increase in the police contract numbers. The council discussed the
pros and cons of changing the police liaison position from Sergeant to Lieutenant. In discussing
the proposed reductions, Councilman McDonald asked if the City receives their “bang for the
buck” with the Maple Leaf publication. Councilman Litsey agreed that the same information can
be found in the Connection. Mayor Furlong suggested consideration of dropping the Maple Leaf
publication.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
Greg Sticha presented the Finance Department’s proposed 2009 budget showing a 30% decrease
from 2008 by increasing the amount work that is done in-house.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 10:35 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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