WS 2009 06 22
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 22, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 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
PRESENTATION OF MAPLE LEAF AWARD, KURT PAPKE, PLANNING
COMMISSION.
Mayor Furlong presented the Maple Leaf Award to Kurt Papke after reviewing his
accomplishments on the Planning Commission over the last 7 years. Kurt Papke noted that it has
been an honor and a pleasure to work with city staff. Kate Aanenson explained how the
Planning Commission will miss Kurt Papke’s vision and historical background of the city.
DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Mayor Furlong asked for feedback from council members on who to appoint to serve out the
remaining 2 ½ year term vacated by Kurt Papke. Councilwoman Tjornhom explained that her
top pick from the recent application process was Tom Doll who had a background in engineering
and had been a resident of the city for 9 years. Her other pick was Mary Ann Smalley but was
concerned that she had only lived in the city for 6 months. The remaining council members
concurred to appoint Tom Doll.
HISTORIC ST. HUBERT’S CHURCH, CHANHASSEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Terry Roeser, Chairwoman of the Chanhassen Historical Society, reviewed the work that has
taken place since the meeting with the City Council in March, explaining that memberships and
donations have increased dramatically. She stated the goal of the Chanhassen Historical Society
was to nurture a partnership between the Chanhassen Historical Society, St. Hubert’s Catholic
Community, the City of Chanhassen, Carver County and the public at large. The power point
presentation outlined the mission of the Chanhassen Historical Society, highlighting the
community significance of St. Hubert’s Church over the past 120 years, noting the building is on
the National Register of Historical Places. In discussing the community partnership, the City of
Chanhassen was being tentatively asked to assume ownership of the property from St. Hubert’s
Church for a nominal amount, help identify and apply for grants to support preservation of the
building, provide routine maintenance of the building and grounds, split the cost of utilities with
St. Hubert’s Church, maintain insurance on the building and manage the rental of the facility.
After a meeting between the Chanhassen Historical Society and St. Hubert’s Church, the
following understanding was reached in principle of the expectations and commitments on the
part of St. Hubert’s Church, subject to review after 5 years. That the use of the building meet
City Council Work Session – June 22, 2009
appropriate community and church standards, church fundraisers will be held to increase capital
for building improvements, the property would be sold to the City for a nominal amount with the
same buy back option for the church if the building is to be demolished, split the cost of utilities
with the City in an amount not to exceed $5,000 annually, and that the Church would contribute
to a capital improvement fund maintained by the Chanhassen Historical Society totaling $40,000
in accordance with a 5 year amortization plan. The Chanhassen Historical Society would
propose to promote the appropriate uses of the building, help identify and apply for grants to
support preservation of the building, determine structural integrity of the building and prioritize
needed improvements, establish and maintain a capital improvement fund that will meet the long
term facility needs, and raise capital through contributions from St. Hubert’s Church, private
donors, service clubs, businesses, fundraising events, etc. The Southwest Metro Chamber of
Commerce will create a sub-committee which will conduct an in-depth study to identify and
prioritize capital improvements based on cost and need. Steve Hansen reviewed a drawing of the
existing building and reviewed the multiple uses available with the facility. Jack Atkins
explained the plan to install air conditioning to provide maximum use of the building.
Councilman Litsey explained that general inspection of the building showed it to be structurally
sound which would allow for improvements to be done in phases as funding becomes available.
Wendy Biorn with the Carver County Historical Society explained that the “Legacy Fund” had
just become available at the State level and reviewed the requirements. Terry Roeser explained
that if the Chanhassen Historical Society can’t partner with the City, St. Hubert’s will be forced
to close the building for the next 5 years. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed the results of the research
on policies and spending from neighboring cities on historic building preservation.
Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the requirements to gain access to the Legacy
Fund and other grant options available. Councilman McDonald asked why the Church and
Chanhassen Historical Society couldn’t partner for those grants. Mayor Furlong asked what
grants are available without a partnership with the City. Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed
concern with the sub-committee prioritizing where capital improvement funds are spent. Steve
Hansen explained that it will take approximately 2 months to complete a structural assessment of
the building. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the City’s risk. Councilman McDonald asked
how the City can keep the building open with minimal risk and what the City gains while waiting
for fundraising money to become available. Terry Roeser explained that the worst case scenario
is that the building is closed down for the next 5 years. Councilman McDonald asked what it
will cost to get the building up and running. Steve Hansen explained that it will take the next 2
months to complete a structural assessment study to determine accurate cost estimates.
Councilman Litsey discussed the excitement within the community rallying around this project.
Councilwoman Ernst stated she thought the decision had already been made with a time limit
given. Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed frustration that there aren’t other partnerships
available other than with the City. Mayor Furlong stated city ownership seemed to be the
common denominator being requested by the Chanhassen Historical Society but felt a natural
partnership would be between the local business community and the Chanhassen Historical
Society. Councilman McDonald explained his view of being “open minded”. Terry Roeser
stated the Chanhassen Historical Society would like to know that the City will be open to their
plans if they come back in a couple months, stating she felt it was not an outrageous request to
ask the City to partner with the Chanhassen Historical Society. Al Klingelhutz provided
historical background information on his involvement in the City noting the City’s biggest
accomplishment being the acquisition of Lake Ann Park through the passage of a referendum
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City Council Work Session – June 22, 2009
and associated grants. He explained that the City took a big gamble at that time and now is the
time to be saving what few historical sites and buildings are left in the city of Chanhassen before
they’re gone.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 7:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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