WS 2010 10 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 11, 2010
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, and Councilman McDonald. Councilwoman Tjornhom absent.
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, and Paul Oehme.
SENIOR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Barbara Nevin, Carol Buesgens, Pat
McGough, Virginia Prior, Fred Prinz, and Naomi Moe.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Aller, Kevin Ellsworth,
Denny Laufenburger, Tom Doll, and Mark Undestad.
JOINT MEETING WITH SENIOR COMMISSION.
Virginia Prior shared information on the Volunteer Speed Match Event. Many of the
participating organizations followed through with volunteer matches. The Senior Commission
plans to sponsor the event again next year. Carol Buesgens discussed the CarFit event. Twenty-
five seniors participated in the pilot event and the group felt it was a great success. The group
reported they have recruited five volunteer drivers for SmartLink. Barbara Nevins discussed the
results of the focus groups held with seniors age 44-62. The results showed that seniors want to
be able to stay in their homes. The Senior Commission is planning to educate themselves on the
resources that can help seniors do so. Barbara Nevins and Pat McGough discussed efforts to
work with youth more. The City Council suggested the Commission look into partnering with
the STRIVE program sponsored by the Chanhassen and Excelsior Rotary Clubs. The
Commission intends to contact Von Hanson’s Meats to see if they are willing to install a Senior
Parking sign.
JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION.
The Planning Commission discussed their accomplishments as outlined in the staff report. In
regards to their work on uses in the commercial zoning district, they asked for direction from the
council on how specific they would like for the definition of “Personal Services.” Staff
recommended that being specific protects from unintended uses and consequences. The
Chanhassen Business Council wanted the definition to be generic so that new businesses do not
encounter delays. The process for amending the code in unexpected situations was discussed.
The city council agreed that a specific list that is inclusive and extensive would be appropriate.
Mr. Laufenberger moved to Item #4, looking for direction on filling of the vacancy created by
Debbie Larson’s resignation. The Mayor explained that with the holidays approaching and a
reliable and cohesive group of commissioners currently, the council felt it sensible to wait until
the normal recruitment process. Members of the Planning Commission agreed with this
approach. Mr. Laufenberger also briefed the council on discussion that the commission had with
City Council Work Session – October 11, 2010
City Attorney Roger Knutson regarding the recent State Supreme Court decision on variances.
The council had a similar discussion with Mr. Knutson. Staff is working on a white paper on the
issue, which will include examining the variances that have been applied for in the past several
years. Mr. Ellsworth presented an article from the Harvard School of Business involving youth
involvement in planning by Terry Amsler.
UNFUNDED MANDATES AND METRO CITIES PRESENTATION
Patty Nauman, Executive Director, gave an overview of Metro Cities as an organization. She
distributed their latest brochure. She discussed committees that Metro Cities convenes and
participates in. She extended Metro Cities resources to the city and invited individual councilors
to use them as a resource. Metro Cities will continue to work on relief from unfunded mandates,
as well as legislative action regarding variances and eminent domain.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:02 p.m.
Presented by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Laurie Hokkanen
2