WS 2009 02 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 23, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:40 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, and Todd
Hoffman
CARVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:
Jim Olson, Bob Zydowsky, and Jeff
Enevold
DISCUSSION OF POLICE BENCHMARKING.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the benchmarks that are used by the city to track sheriff department
activities over the past 3 years (2005-2008), i.e. residents per officer, calls for service per officer,
calls for service per resident, citations issued per resident, Part I and Part II crimes per officer,
and population. Todd Gerhardt asked about the reason for the decrease in calls for service. Lt.
Olson noted that the sheriff’s department is aiming at educating the public more than issuing
citations. Councilman Litsey asked about the county’s average and goal as the city grows.
Mayor Furlong asked Lt. Olson to comment on the numbers and trends. Councilman McDonald
noted that it appeared from the numbers that the level of service is where it should be in the city.
Mayor Furlong asked that the report next year contain 5 years worth of data as opposed to 3 to
get a better sense of cycles and trends. Councilwoman Tjornhom explained that there’s a certain
level of comfort by the residents in the visibility of patrol vehicles in their neighborhoods and on
problem roads in the community. Councilwoman Ernst noted that she was glad to hear that
citations issued were down and education was up.
REVIEW FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR DOWNTOWN PARKING RAMP.
Todd Gerhardt explained that staff is still working on the construction numbers and gaining a
comfort level from the public. Councilwoman Ernst asked to see a model of the park and ride
ramp being proposed by Southwest Transit. Todd Gerhardt explained that work is still being
done to satisfy all parties involved on how the TIF district will work. In reviewing the project
requirements for 500 vehicles, 400 are recommended for the downtown parking ramp with 100
being located at Lake Ann Park. Councilman McDonald asked if the 400 stalls in the ramp
satisfied the Dinner Theater’s desired outcome. Jon Horn from Kimley-Horn and Associates
discussed the public and private improvements being proposed to provide utilities and access to
the ramp, land acquisition, water and sanitary sewer improvements, street and storm sewer
improvements, estimated project costs, and the financing plan with the goal of completion by
Fall 2010. Mayor Furlong asked what was meant by public and private. Councilwoman Ernst
asked about possible funding partnerships. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the relocation
of the scene shop. Councilman Litsey asked about the possibility of Bloomberg Companies
redeveloping the site. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the City’s financial
City Council Work Session - February 23, 2009
obligation, how the project will be financed, and time limitations on the use of the ramp.
Councilman Litsey expressed concern with the matinee parking conflicting with the park and
ride parking. Councilwoman Ernst discussed the need for easy accessibility to the ramp.
Councilman McDonald asked about the possibility of a traffic signal on Great Plains Boulevard.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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