WS 2009 11 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 23, 2009
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:33 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Ernst, Councilwoman
Tjornhom and Councilman McDonald. Councilman Litsey arrived during discussion of the 2010
Budget and CIP.
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Greg Sticha, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul
Oehme, and Todd Hoffman
UPDATE ON TH 41 PEDESTRIAN TRAILS AND UNDERPASS AT MINNEWASHTA
REGIONAL PARK, CARVER COUNTY.
Marty Walsh, Carver County Parks Director, provided background information on the County’s
trail system in Lake Minnewashta Regional Park including the construction of the TH 41
pedestrian underpass while explaining the funding breakdown through a federal grant and 50/50
cost sharing with the City of Chanhassen. Mayor Furlong asked about the amount of
contingency needed for the additional right-of-way acquisition. Todd Hoffman explained that
the City has budgeted $400,000 from park fees to cover the city’s portion of the project. Marty
Walsh explained what elements of the project will be covered with 50/50 cost sharing. Mayor
Furlong asked about the schedule for public meetings. Marty Walsh reviewed the project
timeline with completion scheduled for December, 2011. Councilwoman Ernst asked where
funding would come from if the project comes in above the estimated $400,000. Marty Walsh
explained the sunset clause included with the million dollar grant. Mayor Furlong asked if the
Memorandum of Understanding addresses the issue of not to exceed a certain budget amount. In
looking for feedback from council members on the 50/50 cost sharing, all council members
expressed support. Councilman McDonald asked about the affected area for this trail crossing.
DISCUSS 2010 BUDGET AND CIP.
Greg Sticha provided background information on how staff arrived at the 2010 budget numbers
and the options examined by staff to address the $72,000 shortfall recommending that council
eliminate one FTE (full time employee). All council members felt comfortable with the staff
recommendation except for Councilman Litsey. He explained that he was not comfortable with
the council’s decision to set the preliminary levy number too low and does not agree with the
statement that the elimination of one FTE will not affect service levels. He would prefer to see
th
the 4 of July amount reduced and ask for contributions, noting he believes the priorities of the
City Council are wrong. Todd Gerhardt explained how the loss of one FTE would not affect
service levels where the other four options that were proposed would decrease services.
Councilman Litsey expressed the need for the council to remain consistent in their policies.
Greg Sticha informed the council that the tax rate will go from 24.1 to 25.1 with the current
budget numbers. In reviewing the capital replacement equipment fund, which is funded by the
general fund, he noted one of the biggest impacts will be when the #3 fire station is built and the
City Council Work Session – November 23, 2009
need for equipment. Mayor Furlong asked about the amount scheduled for computer equipment
and software and asked that that item be reviewed during the strategic initiatives planning
process. Todd Gerhardt explained that as a part of his 2010 work plan he would ask that the
council review and reprioritize the CIP plan. Greg Sticha reviewed the list of equipment
purchases that have been delayed.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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