WS 2009 08 24
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 24, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:40 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, Todd
Hoffman, Greg Sticha, and Terry Jeffery
UPDATE ON MEETING WITH DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES REGARDING NEW
ZONING TO INTENSIFY DEVELOPMENT.
Todd Gerhardt introduced this item, noting one of the council’s strategic goals for 2009 was to
meet with downtown businesses. Kate Aanenson provided an overview of the meeting that was
held on June 23, 2009 with approximately 50 people in attendance. Staff presented information
from the McCombs study and the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan showing where potentially
additional commercial land is available and the city’s trade areas in and outside of the core
downtown area. Kate Aanenson discussed the outcomes associated with eliminating the General
Business District and rezoning those areas into Central Business District, which would allow for
greater intensification. At the meeting with business owners and tenants, staff received generally
positive feedback regarding potential rezoning. Todd Gerhardt stated the key for staff is to keep
communications open to address future needs of downtown businesses.
DISCUSS PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ORDINANCES, FEES, AND
PROMOTIONS).
Todd Gerhardt noted another one of the council’s strategic goals for 2009 was to identify ways to
stimulate economic development within the city. Kate Aanenson reviewed city code
amendments addressing electronic message center signs, a sign ordinance amendment to allow
for larger logo area, permitting the use of LED lighting, and creating drive thru standards for
permitted uses versus conditional use permits. She discussed meeting with the Southwest
Chamber of Commerce to addressed their needs. Laurie Hokkanen discussed the marketing of
the current public works building and property located at the corner of Highway 5 and 101. Kate
Aanenson discussed how staff is facilitating the redevelopment of the downtown park and ride
facility. Todd Gerhardt talked about meetings he and Mayor Furlong have had with large
businesses in downtown, i.e. Lifetime Fitness to receive feedback on the development process.
Generally the feedback has been positive, with one exception that Lifetime Fitness had been
experiencing numerous power outages. Staff is working with Lifetime Fitness and Xcel Energy
to address those concerns. Mayor Furlong noted feedback he’s received regarding employees
who don’t live in Chanhassen, enjoy working in Chanhassen. Laurie Hokkanen discussed the
city’s web site which provides a listing of land available for development within the city and
contact information.
City Council Work Session – August 24, 2009
2010 BUDGET: PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha discussed the upcoming schedule for review and approval, noting a change that the
Truth in Taxation hearing is no longer a requirement, but there still needs to be a forum to allow
for public comment. Staff recommends to continue holding a meeting the first Monday in
December to present the 2010 budget and receive that public comment. Mayor Furlong asked
when fee schedules are reviewed and asked for a report on how Chanhassen’s fees compared
with other key financial strategy cities prior to the December’s meetings. Greg Sticha informed
the council that the levy limit calculation from the State was $95,000 higher than staff’s
conservative estimate before reviewing the 5 levy scenarios. Staff asked for feedback on which
scenario council members would like presented when the preliminary levy is set in September.
Councilman Litsey explained why he would favor Scenario #1 which would provide adequate
room for adjustments when more accurate numbers are presented. Councilwoman Ernst stated
her first thought was to go with Scenario #5 but needed to know the affect on services.
Councilman Litsey and Councilwoman Ernst discussed Scenario #1 versus #5 and the effect on
the preliminary levy amount. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated at the end of the day she would
like to see a 0% increase but was not sure of the process to get there and still keep crucial city
services such as roads and public safety. Councilman McDonald noted he heard what staff and
council members were saying, also noting feedback from residents at the National Night Out
events made it very apparent they were happy with how the city is being run today. He asked for
more information to gain more confidence in the proposed numbers. Mayor Furlong stated the
council was not making a decision tonight but needs to consider the current economic climate
and look at the whole budget picture before slicing up the pie and prioritizing later. He also
heard from residents at National Night Out they were happy with the present service levels but
also that they did not want their taxes raised. He stated he would like to see no tax increase at
the end of the process with the need to see where demand for services has changed. Councilman
Litsey stated saying the tax increase should be at zero was irresponsible because service levels in
the community will suffer. Council members discussed the council’s tax policy versus service
level demand. Todd Gerhardt cautioned council members again to keep in mind what they want
to see in service levels when setting the preliminary levy amount.
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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