WS 2010 08 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 9, 2010
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Ernst, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Litsey
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd
Hoffman and Greg Sticha
COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS.
Laurie Hokkanen reviewed the individual results of the citizen survey which was conducted by
the National Research Center. Overall the results indicate Chanhassen ranked above the national
benchmark in most areas except for cable television. Councilwoman Ernst asked staff to explain
how the open ended questions were documented in the packet. Mayor Furlong noted that there
was a lot of information but the results indicated that the City is going in the right direction
Todd Gerhardt thanked Laurie Hokkanen for doing a great job of working with survey company
and breaking down the information. He indicated the key message is that the City continue to
reinvest in streets, trails, parks, and sewers.
PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION.
Todd Gerhardt and Greg Sticha reviewed the assumptions used in establishing three different
levy scenarios. Greg Sticha reviewed the schedule for the next three work session meetings
before the council sets the preliminary levy at their first meeting in September. Todd Gerhardt
explained how tax capacity was used by staff to prepare the three scenarios. Councilwoman
Ernst asked for clarification of why the library referendum is included on tax statements. Greg
Sticha explained how the debt levies are calculated and the practice that’s been used for the last
10 years. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of how budget numbers can be
rearranged after setting the preliminary levy amount. Councilwoman Ernst asked for a
clarification of the numbers used to reach a zero percent increase in Scenario 2. Mayor Furlong
suggested staff provide some scenarios to meet at least Option 2, presuming they will be
presenting numbers based on Option 1. Councilman McDonald asked staff to prioritize what’s
important and will not impact service. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will try to present scenarios
that will provide the same level of service from 2010 into 2011.
DISCUSS CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES ACT.
Kate Aanenson reviewed the information contained in the Livable Communities Act tables
outlining affordability, life-cycle, and density. Todd Gerhardt explained that staff is looking at
this issue because the City received a letter in July that all communities must submit new
City Council Work Session - August 9, 2010
numbers in September. Mayor Furlong stated that given the schedule and short notice, he asked
that this item be discussed after the regular council meeting.
The work session was recessed at 7:05 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:50 p.m.
DISCUSS CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES ACT.
Council members discussed multiple concerns and advantages with continued participation in
the Livable Communities Act. Overall council members supported the goals and incentives but
not certain specifics with the program. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will continue to gather
information.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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