WS 2010 02 22
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 22, 2010
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and
Councilman McDonald. Councilman Litsey was not present for the commission interviews.
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, and Kate Aanenson
INTERVIEW APPLICANTS FOR COMMISSIONS.
The following candidates were interviewed for commission vacancies:
Denny Laufenburger Planning Commission
Colleen Dockendorf Planning Commission/Park and Recreation Commission
Andrew Aller Planning Commission/Park and Recreation Commission
Kevin Ellsworth Planning Commission
Chris Freeman Planning Commission
Jessie Bent Planning Commission/Park and Recreation Commission
The work session was recessed at 7:05 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
DISCUSS PROPOSED ASSESSMENT POLICY.
Todd Gerhardt asked for council feedback on adding the sentence, “The City Council at their
discretion may reduce/increase the assessment percentage based on various factors in
determining the benefit level of the proposed improvements.” This sentence was proposed to be
added under Notes in the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation practices. Mayor Furlong suggested
taking it out as a bullet point and adding it into the introduction paragraph. Councilwoman
Tjornhom and Councilman McDonald voiced concern over the “can of worms” that might open
with neighborhoods arguing their uniqueness. Councilwoman Ernst liked the idea of changing
the wording but agreed that the council needs to develop a Best Practice. Mayor Furlong stated
what time has shown is that the 40% assessment is fair and reasonable when compared to other
communities and stated he would be comfortable with not adding the proposed language.
Councilman McDonald stated he would prefer city staff telling the council why projects are
unique and suggesting changes versus neighborhoods. Councilwoman Ernst asked how the
council can address the statement from residents, “we’re already paying taxes, why do we have
to pay more?” Todd Gerhardt explained how the City does appraisals to justify benefit and
talked about people living on public versus private roads. Councilman Litsey stated that now
that the council knows more about the policy, he agreed that the 40% is good. Mayor Furlong
suggested changing the paragraph heading “Terms of Assessments” to “Payment Options”.
Councilman McDonald suggested taking the 6% out of staff presentations and to use the wording
“The interest rate of the assessment projects shall be based upon the Prime Rate plus 2.0
percent.” There was discussion about when the prime rate is applicable. Paul Oehme stated he
City Council Work Session – February 22, 2010
would draft an assessment practice with the proposed changes and prepare a separate sheet on
why the city has street assessments. In a power point presentation on the proposed changes to
the 2010 road projects addressing the concerns voiced at the public hearings Paul Oehme showed
the turn lane and trail location changes at Audubon Road and Valley Ridge Trail South. In
discussing the round about option at Audubon Road and Lake Drive West he stated the cost of
construction and traffic numbers do not justify the construction of a round about at this location
and discussed the changes being proposed in the Red Cedar Point area which address drainage
issues. He stated the Erie Avenue area’s plan set is 70% done with a note that a number of
residents in this area have requested that the ash trees be removed from the right-of-way in their
front yards. Councilwoman Ernst noted it was important for city staff to communicate to
residents that they are looking at the issues brought up at the public hearing and neighborhood
meetings and the costs associated with addressing those issues. Todd Gerhardt updated the
council on discussions with School District 112.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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