WS 2009 04 27
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 27, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m. Members of the City Council,
staff and Senior Commission introduced themselves.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, and Todd Hoffman
SENIOR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Curt Robinson, Fred Prinz, Charlie
Robbins, Pat Kelly McGough, Barbara Nevin, Virginia Prior and Carol Buesgens
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jeff Daniel, Tom
Kelly, Elise Ryan, Steve Scharfenberg and Glenn Stolar
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SENIOR COMMISSION MEETING.
Curt Robinson discussed the Scott-Carver County Transit System program and the need for
volunteer drivers. Mayor Furlong asked what vehicles are used by the volunteers and driving
requirements. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of what area is covered by the
program. Todd Gerhardt asked who was in charge of scheduling rides, noting the City would
assist with communications in the Connection and city newspaper. Mayor Furlong asked about
age requirements for volunteer drivers and riders. Pat McGough explained that a new focus
group was being created in Chanhassen to study the trends of baby boomers in conjunction with
Carver County’s Office of Aging. Katie Boom with the Office of Aging explained the
background of the program with test focus groups in Watertown and Mayer, and the desire to
bring the same information to Chanhassen as a way to gather information. Carol Buesgens
discussed the desire to incorporate educational tools in the area schools as a means of educating
future generations on issues related to seniors. Mayor Furlong suggested targeting the private
schools in town along with the public schools. Barbara Nevin discussed the ongoing effort to
install senior parking signs at public buildings. Virginia Prior talked about programming
between the senior center and recreation programming as a means to bring more visibility to the
senior center. Mayor Furlong asked for an update on the merger between Scott and Carver
County in connection with the transit program. Councilman Litsey asked about the age
requirements for senior parking, suggesting that the age be specified on the signage.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING.
Jeff Daniel introduced the newest member of the Park and Recreation Commission, Elise Ryan.
Tom Kelly explained the success of the partnership between Carver County and the city in
establishing the Lake Minnewashta Regional Park Off Leash Dog Park. Mayor Furlong thanked
the other surrounding communities that also partnered with Carver County. Jeff Daniel noted
that feedback seemed positive regarding the city’s recreational programming and community
City Council Work Session - April 27, 2009
special events. Councilwoman Tjornhom noted that with today’s economy, it’s good to see local
programming, especially for the teenage group. Councilwoman Ernst asked if all the programs
listed were currently being offered and how the information is relayed to the public. Glenn
Stolar explained how Jodi Sarles, Manager of the Recreation Center and Susan Bill, Senior
Center Coordinator are working together to bring seniors into the rec center. Jeff Daniel
discussed the idea of involving a youth member on the commission. Todd Hoffman suggested
the use of a focus group as a way to build relationships with the opening of the new high school.
Jeff Daniel discussed the commission’s recommendation to postpone or shelf some park and trail
projects due to the decline in park dedication fees, but the need to continue to focus on safety
upgrades where needed. Councilman Litsey asked the status and scheduling potential for the
athletic fields at the new high school. Councilwoman Tjornhom discussed the complaints she’s
received regarding field scheduling in the past and the need for better communication with
parents. In discussing the use of neighborhood parks for athletic scheduling, Todd Hoffman
explained how the commission and City Council need to create policy to address that issue. Jeff
Daniel encouraged council members to attend the dedication ceremony for the new veteran’s
monument Memorial Day weekend.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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