WS 2009 03 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MARCH 23, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson and Todd
Hoffman
COMMISSION INTERVIEWS.
The City Council interviewed the following applicants:
Mary Anne Smalley for Planning Commission
Jeffrey Daniel for Park and Recreation Commission
Jennifer Thorp for Planning Commission
Bill Fouks for Environmental Commission
After a short recess the council reconvened to discuss appointments to the Senior, Planning, Park
and Recreation and Environmental Commissions. Because the Environmental Commission has 3
positions available and only 2 applicants applied, it was decided to reappoint the encumbent, Bill
Fouks, and re-advertise for the other two positions.
DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC ST. HUBERT’S CHURCH.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed discussions and meetings that have taken place since the council and
Chanhassen Historical Society met in November, 2008 regarding the lease extension to April 1,
2009 of the historic St. Hubert’s property. Staff proposed two options moving forward. Option
1 wherein staff would be directed to work out a purchase/lease agreement with St. Hubert’s
being responsible for 2/3 of the utility and capital improvement costs and the City responsible for
1/3. Option 2 would send St. Hubert’s notice to terminate the lease agreement with the City as of
March 31, 2009. Mary Overby with St. Hubert’s explained the issues of liability if ownership is
turned over to St. Hubert’s before the Historical Society can contribute. She noted St. Hubert’s
would prefer being assessed a flat dollar amount rather than unknown amounts each month for
utilities and capital improvements. Todd Gerhardt explained that the City Council has the ability
to extend the lease month to month. Councilman Litsey suggested extending the lease to
October 31, 2009 in order to give the Historical Society time to put a plan in place. Jack Atkins
with the Chanhassen Historical Society noted that the Council needs to make a commitment on
whether it wants to pursue ownership or not by the end of October. Todd Gerhardt suggested a
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date of August 31. Councilwoman Ernst explained her belief that the City Council and
historical society are not on the same page and that the lease extension was done improperly.
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Councilman Litsey noted he was in favor of extending the lease to August 31. Councilman
McDonald and Councilwoman Tjornhom explained their support of Option 2 which would
City Council Work Session - March 23, 2009
terminate the lease agreement. Mayor Furlong noted that the council will be discussing this item
further at the regular meeting but would concur with the concerns regarding liability for
operating and capital improvement costs.
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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