WS 2009 04 13
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 13, 2009
Council members and staff toured the new Carver County License Center prior to the work
session beginning at 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Greg Sticha, Kate Aanenson, Paul
Oehme, and Todd Hoffman
REVIEW CALL FOR SALE, 2005 (MNDOT LOAN) AND 2006A GO IMPROVEMENT
BONDS.
Greg Sticha reviewed the advantages of looking at the refunding of the 2006A GO Improvement
Bonds explaining that these bonds are paid mostly by special assessments, a portion of which are
in green acres status. The refunding would allow the delay of principle payments on the debt to
2014 with a cost savings estimated to be about 2.76% or approximately $153,000. Councilman
McDonald asked what the difference was between this refunding request and the one that was
discussed previously and how the money saved will affect the budget. Todd Gerhardt explained
that these two refunding requests are like refinancing your home mortgage. Councilman Litsey
asked staff to clarify the fallback if the loan numbers don’t happen as anticipated. Mayor
Furlong asked about the effects of extending the debt out beyond 2014 to possibly 2016. Todd
Gerhardt asked Dave Callister from Ehlers and Associates to explain the ramifications of
extending the debt out past the original due date. Mayor Furlong asked about options if special
assessments aren’t paid by the end of the debt or if interest rates go up substantially. Greg Sticha
discussed the 2005 MnDot Loan refunding, noting that with the combination of the two
refundings the City would see a savings of approximately $237,000. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked what would be saved on the library bonds. Councilman McDonald asked where the
internal funding would come from. Dave Callister stated he would not recommend extending the
end of the loan date past the current end date, and did not see the advantage compared to the
current credit status of the city. He discussed with council the current market rates. Councilman
McDonald asked what would trigger not going through with the refunding. Todd Gerhardt
explained the difference between this refunding request and the previous request which was for
an advanced refunding. Greg Sticha noted he would keep the City Council informed of current
market numbers at the next City Council meeting. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the timeline
to pull the request if interest rates go up. Mayor Furlong directed staff to move forward with the
item.
REVIEW FIRST QUARTER 2009 FINANCIAL REPORT AND DISCUSS
CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR 2009 BUDGET.
Todd Gerhardt explained that the numbers being presented were the “worst case scenario” based
on current permit and inspection numbers and historical numbers for expenses and revenues.
City Council Work Session - April 13, 2009
Staff did not recommend any radical changes to the 2009 budget at this time but would look at
the 2010 budget to discuss long term numbers and goals with the possibility of cuts in service
levels. Greg Sticha went through detailed information relating to revenues and expense numbers
for the first quarter, noting staff’s consideration of a revenue shortfall when planning the 2009
budget and possible sources of additional revenue from other funds. Councilwoman Ernst asked
what would happen if the sealcoating fund was reduced. Councilman Litsey asked if there were
any pending retirements where a delay in rehiring could account as a cost savings measure.
Mayor Furlong noted the city needs to be ready to realign services to address the changing needs
of residents. Greg Sticha explained how the city is well positioned in it’s investment portfolio.
Councilman McDonald noted that the staff had shown worst case scenario numbers but asked to
see the current true numbers. Council members agreed that they liked discussing this issue now
and will welcome quarterly updates.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
2