WS 2008 12 01
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
DECEMBER 1, 2008
The City Council held an executive session to discuss performance evaluations and 2009
compensation with the City Manager before calling the work session to order at 6:25 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Al & Mary Klingelhutz Chanhassen Historical Society
Mary Overby St. Hubert’s Catholic Community
Fr. Mike Krenik St. Hubert’s Catholic Community
Chuck Dimler Chanhassen Historical Society
Jack Atkins Chanhassen Historical Society
Tom Workman Chanhassen Historical Society
Wendy Biorn Chanhassen Historical Society
DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF HISTORIC ST. HUBERT’S CHURCH.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on how the City has managed the old St.
Hubert’s church building since entering into a lease agreement with St. Hubert’s Catholic
Community. Staff proposed that the City provide 1/3 of the costs for utilities, but no
contribution towards maintenance or capital cost, and that the City would requirement fee
title/ownership of the church, allowing the Historical Society to apply for grants and justifying
their contribution towards utility costs. Jack Atkins stated the Historical Society’s intent of
preserving and maintaining the church building so that it can be used by the greater Chanhassen
community, while being used as a source of possible revenue generation. Father Krenik and
Mary Overby explained the issues involved with the church being involved in ownership of the
building regarding insurance requirements and maintenance costs. Jack Atkins explained how
the church does not qualify for grants that a public entity is eligible for. Al Klingelhutz
explained the vision of the city in preserving old St. Hubert’s church and moving the old city hall
to form a historical center in the city. Jack Atkins explained the steps needed to obtain grants,
the first being a structural assessment with an associated cost of $10,000. Todd Gerhardt
explained that the expectation for this meeting was to get the council up to speed on the
discussions that have taken place between the City and the Historical Society over the past few
months and get any feedback. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification on available grants to
the Historical Society and City. Councilman Litsey asked about the timeline for grant
applications. Wendy Biorn explained how the grant process works. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked who will be in charge of the building in January when the lease is up. Mary Overby
explained that the St. Hubert’s Catholic Community will own the building, but will be unable to
keep the doors open due to insurance requirements. Mayor Furlong asked Wendy Biorn to
City Council Work Session - December 1, 2008
elaborate on the amount and types of grants she has personally received. Councilman McDonald
expressed concern with the City’s liability in owning this type of building, and the upkeep
needed to meet the City’s insurance requirements. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked how often
the building is used and parking requirements. Councilman Litsey asked where the money for
the structural assessment will come from. Mayor Furlong asked if there is another source for
grants without the City owning the property. Council members discussed ownership options
between the Historical Society, City of Chanhassen and St. Hubert’s Catholic Community.
Mayor Furlong directed staff to work with St. Hubert’s during the transition period over the next
few months while questions raised are addressed. Councilman Litsey and Councilwoman Ernst
expressed interest in participating in discussions with the Historical Society, St. Hubert’s and the
City. Todd Gerhardt explained that the City will continue with a 3 month extension to the lease
and 50/50 split on utilities and capital costs, noting staff will bring back an update in February to
address the questions raised. Councilwoman Ernst asked Tom Workman about possible
ownership involvement by Carver County.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 7:10 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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