WS 2009 08 10
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 10, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, and
Councilwoman Tjornhom
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Ernst and Councilman Litsey
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Greg
Sticha, Todd Hoffman, and Terry Jeffery
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bill Traxler, Vernelle Clayton, Dick
Crawford, and Deb McMillan
BUY CHANHASSEN CAMPAIGN, SOUTHWEST METRO CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE.
Bill Traxler outlined the benefits of the Buy Chanhassen program and the work that’s been done
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to date designing the logo, flyer, advertising campaigns in conjunction with the 4 of July
celebration and articles in the Chanhassen Villager. Mayor Furlong provided an example of a
human interest story that he heard from a woman at National Night Out who had planned and
purchased everything for her wedding in Chanhassen. Dick Crawford explained the I-
Marketplace link database that is being created for Chanhassen businesses. Bill Traxler talked
about the Business After Hours and Night on the Town programs as a way to promote business
in downtown after regular hours. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she already does her shopping
in town so agrees with the promotion. Mayor Furlong explained that it’s a goal of the council to
support a strong downtown business community.
PARTNERSHIP FOR STORM WATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
Terry Jeffery provided a power presentation outlining the potential partnering agencies for storm
water management projects for 2009-2010. He discussed state versus local funding and criteria
used by each of the different agencies, i.e. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, Carver County
Soil and Water Conservation District, Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek, Lower Minnesota River and
Minnehaha Creek Watershed Districts. Councilman McDonald asked what areas of city lakes
have been identified for projects. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked why projects on Lake Lucy,
Lotus Lake and Christmas Lake were chosen for 2010. Terry Jeffery explained how the city is
working to develop a database of grants that could automatically be cross referenced with the
City’s Surface Water Management Plan to generate a list of projects that might be eligible when
specific grants become available. Councilman McDonald asked how the city has prioritized
projects to line up with other agency priorities and asked about joint cooperation between local-
regional and state agencies. Mayor Furlong explained how time management is critical to
City Council Work Session – August 10, 2009
keeping up with grants and funding opportunities and that the City should notify the various
agencies of priority city projects. Councilwoman Tjornhom acknowledged the frustration
associated with the redundancies between the different agencies. Mayor Furlong emphasized the
need to continue to prioritize city projects and look for potential partnerships where and when
possible.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL LIVABLE COMMUNITIES DEMONSTRATION GRANT
APPLICATION: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
APPLYING FOR FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION
OF THE DOWNTOWN PARK AND RIDE FACILITY.
Kate Aanenson explained the strengths of the city’s position in meeting the grant criteria for this
application. Mayor Furlong and Councilman McDonald asked about the competition for the $4
million dollars of available funding. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the timing for review
and approval of the grant dollars. Kate Aanenson explained that because of the application
deadline, this item had been placed on the tonight’s consent agenda.
2010 BUDGET: PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha reviewed the spread sheet in the staff report and the assumptions used in arriving at
the different levy scenarios. He asked that the council take the next 2 weeks to study the
information before holding a more detailed discussion at the next work session. Mayor Furlong
asked if the city will participate again in the state fuel program in 2010. Greg Sticha reviewed
levy limit regulations and the estimated dollar affect each scenario would have on the average
city taxpayer. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of the $53,000 amount. Mayor
Furlong talked about the need for discussion about priorities related to service level to residents.
Todd Gerhardt reminded council members that when they set the preliminary levy in September,
the final levy amount can only be reduced from that set number. Greg Sticha noted staff will be
available to answer questions over the next 2 weeks.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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