WS 2009 05 26
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 26, 2009
The City Council interviewed applicants Colleen Dockendorf and Cara Kail for the
Environmental Commission from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Deputy Mayor Tjornhom called the
work session to order at 6:15 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman Ernst,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mayor Furlong
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, and Paul Oehme
DISCUSS AMENDMENTS TO CITY CODE REGARDING ANIMALS, LED
LIGHTING, SIGNAGE, DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS, AND REGIONAL
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
Kate Aanenson provided an overview of proposed amendments to the city code. Staff is
proposing to include bees under the definition of farm animals, asking if council wants bees and
chickens to be allowed in residential/urban areas. If so, do they want to regulate the number
allowed. Deputy Mayor Tjornhom asked if allowing bees and chickens has been a problem in
the city. Kate Aanenson explained that the City has received enough inquiries to warrant
clarifying the code, along with birds of prey which are listed under wild animals. The code
currently only allows High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lighting in the city. Due to recent requests
from developers to install Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting, staff is asking to change the
code to include LED lighting. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the cost savings associated with
LED lighting in the city’s energy analysis. Todd Gerhardt asked Paul Oehme to explain the cost
savings for LED vs HPS lighting. Kate Aanenson explained what is being recommended by the
Planning Commission regarding electronic message center (EMC) signs to include scrolling,
color, and that the signs be approved administratively. Animation and special effects would be
prohibited. They further directed staff to develop a format to regulate the maximum display area
rather than a blanket 25%. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the purpose of limiting the
intensity of lighting. Regarding drainage and utility easement regulations, Kate Aanenson clarify
what and where they would be permitted. The Planning Commission looked at the level of
intensity and height regulations for the regional commercial district, indicating their preference
for the T-4 Urban Center Zone. Deputy Mayor Tjornhom asked if residential would be included
in this district. Todd Gerhardt discussed how most major retail centers have high density
residential surrounding the center. Before adjourning the work session, Todd Gerhardt provided
an update on the downtown park and ride facility.
Deputy Mayor Tjornhom adjourned the work session meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt, City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim