WS 2010 09 27
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
Mayor Furlong called the work session 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, and Greg Sticha
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Beverly Foster, Amy
Wenner, Dave Christanson, Bob Kircher, and J.R. Relick
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jeff Daniel, Scott
Wendt, Cole Kelly, and Steve Scharfenberg
JOINT MEETING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Beverly Foster provided an update on Environmental Commission projects i.e. Emerald Ash
Borer disease education and control, communication and networking with local businesses, water
quality and storm water management. Amy Wenner commented that she has enjoyed the
brainstorming being done by the commission. Dave Kircher asked if the City has any ideas on
how to get information out to the public. Council members suggested using the library and/or
working with the Arboretum. J.R. Relick reiterated his belief that the role of the Environmental
Commission is to be used as an educational resource.
JOINT MEETING WITH PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Chairman Jeff Daniel provided updates on the commission’s 2010 goals, i.e. website
improvements, disc golf improvements at Bandimere Park, interaction with local athletic
associations, youth sports program going in-house at the Rec Center, and meeting with the
Herman Field Park neighborhood. Staff provided an update on the progress being made with
implementation of the software to handle complaints. Mayor Furlong asked staff to research
demand and usage with other community’s current disc golf courses and expressed the council’s
appreciation to the Park and Recreation Commission for being fiscally responsibility.
Councilman McDonald asked how programming has benefitted from construction of the new
high school facilities.
DISCUSSION REGARDING 2011 MILL & OVERLAY PROJECT.
Paul Oehme reviewed the progress of the current street projects and reviewed the projects for
th
2011: Timberwood Drive, Santa Vera and City Hall/West 78 Street area. Mayor Furlong asked
how weather has affected the progress of the current street projects, asked about extending Santa
Vera Drive improvements to the other side of Kerber Boulevard and connecting the Timberwood
City Council Work Session - September 27, 2010
neighborhood with the Stone Creek neighborhood. Councilwoman Ernst asked for a breakdown
of the costs associated with each individual project.
CONSIDER BUDGET MODIFICATIONS FOR TIF DISTRICTS 4 & 5.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on this item and information regarding TIF
District 8 which can be decertified as early as 2018 and TIF District 9 which can be decertified
as early as 2016. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the different uses that can
receive TIF assistance.
The work session was recessed at 7:05 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
2011 BUDGET DISCUSSION.
Todd Gerhardt and Laurie Hokkanen presented information from comparable key financial
strategy cities pertaining to health insurance costs and salary adjustments. Councilwoman Ernst
asked for clarification of the City of Chanhassen’s health costs compared to other cities. Council
members discussed philosophically the direction they would like to take in the future with
regards to health insurance cost coverage for city employees. The following is a list of items
council would like further information on prior to passing the budget in December.
revenue from animal licensing
impact of staff’s budget cuts
current city policies to see what’s still valid
if the budget numbers are reduced further, what service levels are affected, i.e. overtime,
boulevard tree planting, rental licensing program, and snow removal for parks and trails.
health insurance costs and pay increases
Staff stated they will bring back a breakdown of the general fund for further discussions.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Presented by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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