WS 2008 12 08
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
DECEMBER 8, 2008
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:45 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, Todd
Hoffman, Richard Rice, and Terry Jeffery
DISCUSSION OF BEST PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABILITY; INCLUDING URBAN
DESIGN, RECYCLING, SOLID WASTE, STORM WATER, AND NATURAL
RESOURCES.
Todd Gerhardt explained that staff was looking at this item as a way of being proactive in
educating the public rather than asking for a change to the ordinance. Kate Aanenson presented
an overview of sustainability and green standards, explaining the definition and policies of
sustainability used by the State of Minnesota and League of Minnesota Cities. She explained the
green standards and rating systems used for Energy Star, Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED), and the MN Green Star Project. Mayor Furlong asked about the
City’s role in these certifications. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the payback versus initial
cost of construction for implementing these type of practices. Kate Aanenson explained that the
city is not trying to steer anybody down a particular path but just providing a source of
education. Councilwoman Tjornhom cautioned that the city needs to proceed slowly so the
process doesn’t become too onerous. Councilman McDonald agreed with continuing with the
educational aspect to help guide people and anything the city can do with their public buildings
to help lower costs is appreciated. Mayor Furlong liked the idea of this idea being educational
and not a city requirement.
UPDATE ON WEB STREAMING PUBLIC MEETINGS.
Laurie Hokkanen provided background information on the city’s current practices with regards
to broadcasting public meetings, and explained the pros and cons of implementing web
streaming internally versus bringing in an outside vendor. Councilwoman Ernst asked what was
meant by archiving and how long items would be archived. Todd Gerhardt explained the
concern with computer capacity issues if this is done internally. Councilman Litsey asked how
the Lake Minnetonka Cable Commission (LMCC) operates and the possibility of using their
service. Todd Gerhardt explained how the amount of franchise fees received by the City from
the cable company fits into the budget. Richard Rice explained his concerns with capacity issues
if web streaming is done in-house and the use of video on demand versus web streaming.
Councilman McDonald asked what additional equipment would be needed to do this in-house
and the associated cost. Mayor Furlong asked about staff’s sense of demand from the public for
this type of service. Todd Gerhardt explained that if the city is going to make this service
available, the need to make it as user friendly as possible. Councilwoman Ernst asked if the
City Council Work Session - December 8, 2008
public knows that DVD’s of public meetings are available. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked
about the cost of the Reverse 911 program. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of what
vendor services are covered by the monthly costs and the funding source for those costs.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked what the franchise fees currently cover. Because of the amount
of money in the cable TV fund, Mayor Furlong asked if the city should look at lowering the
city’s portion for the franchisee fees. He also expressed concern with taking on more expenses.
Todd Gerhardt stated staff will bring back more details on the how the LMCC operations and
cost breakdown. Councilman Litsey discussed the philosophical question of what level the City
provides governmental information. Councilwoman Tjornhom and Councilman McDonald
stated one of the biggest concerns and complaints they heard during their campaign was the cost
and service for cable television.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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