WS 2010 06 14
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 14, 2010
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:35 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, Jill Sinclair, Kevin Crooks, and Peter Woitas
Peter Woitas, the Park and Recreation Intern for the summer, provided his background
information for the council.
DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE INTER-CONNECTING TRAIL SYSTEM WITH
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.
Todd Hoffman outlined the history of trails in Chanhassen, noting the first trail was built in 1971
between downtown and Lake Ann Park, and reviewed the key achievements and progress of trail
construction since that time. Peter Woitas reviewed the reasoning for continued development of
trails and the status of connecting trails with surrounding communities. Todd Hoffman discussed
the partnerships with counties and others required for future trail connections. Councilwoman
Tjornhom updated the council on information she learned at the last TAB meeting regarding
possible future regulations requiring “all modes on all roads”. Mayor Furlong noted the
importance of the comprehensive plan showing all future trail plans and the need to keep looking
for opportunities to work with other communities. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the
possibility of incorporating points of interest locations within the trail system.
FINANCING FOR AUDUBON ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed alternative financing options which were discussed by staff,
recommending the best option is to bond internally. Greg Sticha explained in detail the steps
involved with achieving a $250,000 savings over the life of the bond and reviewed the debt levy
schedule and revolving assessment schedule. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the debt
levy projections and the possibility of an annual transfer of the fund balance from the EDA to
City Council rather than at the end of the 6 years.
REVIEW FUTURE WELL NEEDS BASED ON WATER USAGE AND AVAILABILITY;
REVIEW WATER WISE EDUCATIONAL WORK PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION.
Paul Oehme provided a review of the Water Wise program and water production. Jill Sinclair
reviewed how the Water Wise Program has worked in the past and modifications planned for the
future which will include Homeowner Associations, commercial and institutional users rather
than focusing solely on residential. Kevin Crooks discussed Chanhassen’s water supply, the
City Council Work Session - June 14, 2010
high cost of using irrigation and it’s affects on the city’s water supply. He discussed the well
improvements that have been made since 2008 to replace the two lost wells and one diminished
well. Mayor Furlong asked about the cost of the monitoring wells. Kevin Crooks reviewed the
metro area aquifers and the average 2030 Metro Jordan drawdown which will affect
Chanhassen’s water supply. Staff recommended evaluating the water rate structure for 2011 to
consider additional rates for high irrigation use and study the Franconia-Ironton-Galesville
aquifer as a viable future water source. Mayor Furlong directed staff to continue to work on the
Water Wise Program and focus on educating the public.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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