WS 2009 01 26
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 26, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, and Councilman McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Tjornhom
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Greg
Sticha, Terry Jeffery, and Todd Hoffman
REVIEW FEES FOR WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY.
Terry Jeffery explained comparisons of storm water connection charges for the different land use
categories in comparable cities, reviewed the definition of developable land before showing the
specific example of the Crossroads of Chanhassen site and how the City of Chanhassen’s
connection charges compared with other cities, and reviewed the 5 year CIP for 2009-2014 storm
water projects and associated costs. Councilman McDonald asked what feedback staff has
received from developers regarding credits given by the city, if any new methods for treating
stormwater are coming forward and what other cities are doing to encourage creative measures.
Mayor Furlong asked for comparisons to cities in the southwest corridor, noting a concern that
the rate of increase may not be competitive with surrounding cities. He asked staff to comment
on if they felt the cost of incurring the credits was enough to justify the amount of credit,
explaining he does not want to see the City of Chanhassen pricing themselves out of possible
development fees. Todd Gerhardt explained that the council needs to decide what type of
watershed it would like to see in the city, and suggested possible partnerships available for CIP
projects as a means to reduce costs to the city. Mayor Furlong asked staff to explain the
available fund balances and revenue sources for different CIP projects, and if 20% growth rate
increase is possibly excessive now that the fees have caught up to where they need to be. Todd
Gerhardt stated staff would work with Ehlers and Associates to bring back possible rate
scenarios. Terry Jeffery discussed the work being done by the League of Minnesota Cities to
address mandates and funding options. Councilwoman Ernst asked for an analysis based on
future growth projections and clarification on the working relationship between cities and
watershed districts.
REVIEW 2009 KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the projects discussed at the council’s Visioning Workshop held on
th
Saturday, January 10 and asked if there were any changes or additions to that list.
Councilwoman Ernst asked that the wording “consider the future” of Old St. Hubert’s be
reworded. Councilman Litsey asked if there has been any other discussion with the historic
preservation group regarding Old St. Hubert’s. Mayor Furlong cited the need to work on
economic development and job growth within the city and the possible rewording in #9 to
City Council Work Session - January 26, 2009
include the word “promote” in the phrase review city costs for doing business in Chanhassen.
Councilwoman Ernst stated, in talking with Mediacom’s general manager, he would be willing
to hold neighborhood meetings to discuss matters related to cable TV service. Councilman
Litsey informed the council of a meeting being held at Minnetonka Community Center to discuss
the Social Host Ordinance. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification on the meaning of the
phrase “Update Financial Policy”. Mayor Furlong asked to include under ongoing items annual
programs addressing emergency preparedness, and what the city can do to help local businesses
be successful. Todd Gerhardt reviewed the procedure for finalizing the plan.
DISCUSS 2009 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES.
Todd Gerhardt asked for council feedback regarding the list of legislative priorities. The council
discussed when and how to meet with state and federal representatives before deciding to meet
with the representatives separately regarding state and federal issues. Councilwoman Ernst
asked about a comment from the Governor regarding cities not receiving state funding if they
don’t meet certain criteria. Mayor Furlong discussed mandates versus local controls and the
need to keep them somewhat separate.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 10:00 p.m.
Mayor Furlong continued his discussion regarding the need to keep local controls versus the
need to follow federal and state mandates. He also had concern with discussions taking place at
the Metropolitan Council level regarding the Opt Out program and the impacts on the city and
Southwest Transit. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of what the Opt Out Program
is and how it works. Mayor Furlong asked to add a discussion modifying voting regulations, i.e.
voter registration the day of the election and the need to show identification to vote.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 10:25 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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