WS 2010 01 25
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 25, 2010
The City Council and staff members toured the new public works facility from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Construction Manager, Gerhardt Lee with RJM Construction and Thomas Stromsodt with
Oertel Architects were available to answer questions. Mayor Furlong called the work session to
order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, and Councilman McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Tjornhom
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, and Todd Hoffman
REVIEW LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES.
Todd Gerhardt provided updates on the Highway 101 Corridor Project from Lyman Boulevard to
the Scott County Line, Highway 5 project improvements west of Highway 41, and continued
development of Highway 212. Mayor Furlong asked if there was anything that could be done to
encourage action on environmental issues. Todd Gerhardt explained that the permitting
processes are too time consuming and costly. Councilman McDonald noted that most
environmental issues are federally regulated with too many layers of bureaucracy. Todd
Gerhardt discussed some of the items listed under unfunded mandates such as bridge inspections
and water testing and that there has been discussion about the eminent domain law being
changed this year. Councilwoman Ernst stated she liked the sentence, “The people who know
what is best for this city are the people who live here.” under Local Controls. Todd Gerhardt
explained the need to support the Opt-Out for cities and suburban transit agencies because of a
real risk of losing Southwest Metro Transit. Councilman Litsey provided an update on the transit
summit he attended. Mayor Furlong discussed his recent appointment as Chairman of the
Suburban Transit Association. He suggested staff add the need for further control and financial
resources under the paragraph, Keep “Opt-Out” Suburban Transit Agencies in Place. Todd
Gerhardt encouraged council members to voice support to state legislators on the need to require
verification of citizenship for newly registered voters and requiring registered voters to provide a
photo ID at the polls.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim