WS 2010 11 08
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 8, 2010
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and
Councilman McDonald, Councilman Litsey, and Councilwoman Ernst
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd
Hoffman, Greg Sticha, Danielle Washburn, and Katie Reed
REVIEW UTILITY RATE STUDY, EHLERS AND ASSOCIATIES.
Greg Sticha discussed proposed changes to utility billings, beginning January 1, 2011, due to
redistricting of the city and with the number of rental units in the city, staff is proposing to
change billing options for tenants and landlords. Councilman McDonald and Councilman Litsey
discussed the negatives of billing tenants. Mayor Furlong asked about unpaid utility bills when
a house is sold mid year and if the proposed changes need an ordinance amendment. Greg
Sticha introduced Jessica Cook with Ehlers and Associates who reviewed the highlights of the
utility rate analysis report explaining the goal of the City was to keep rates relatively flat. She
explained the options and impacts of adding a fifth tier for water usage or a 3% increase over the
existing four tiers. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the assumptions used with the 6
month reserve, and what specific projects are covered in the capital and debt costs. Councilman
McDonald discussed revenue generation versus water conservation. In discussing the sanitary
sewer and storm water rates, Councilman Litsey asked staff to explain the rationale of not
increasing sewer rates in 2011. Jessica Cook explained the need for the City to carry cash
balances and rate comparisons to other communities.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
DISCUSS AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE, CHAPTER 20, ZONING, CONCERNING
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT USES.
Kate Aanenson reviewed the commercial uses in the Central Business District (CBD) and the
findings from the Chanhassen Retail, Office, Residential Market Analysis and Development
Potential report. Mayor Furlong asked about the difference between CBD and Highway
Business District and market trends over the last couple years. In discussing the
Regional/Lifestyle Center code amendments, Kate Aanenson asked for council direction on
whether to list specific or general uses in the City Code. Mayor Furlong asked about the length
of time it would take for someone to go through the city process if they did not meet the
inclusive list of uses. Kate Aanenson explained that for the most part there haven’t been issues.
Steve Hanson provided input from the Chamber of Commerce’s perspective. Kate Aanenson
stated staff will be bringing this item back for council consideration at the next council meeting.
Councilwoman Ernst asked for a list of what other communities allow.
City Council Work Session - November 8, 2010
DISCUSS CITY MANAGER’S REVIEW PROCESS.
Mayor Furlong outlined the schedule for review and discussion of the City Manager’s work plan
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between now and the December 13City Council meeting. Jerry McDonald offered to compile
the results from the individual council members.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 8:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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