CC SUM 2010 12 06
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 2010
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the
Pledge to the Flag.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Litsey, Councilwoman
Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, and Greg Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Al Reckner 6595 Foxtail Court
Tom Devine 7640 South Shore Drive
Greg Fletcher 7616 South Shore Drive
Rita Jurgens 731 Sierra Trail
Gerald Dresow 7601 Nicholas Way
Gloria and John Cox 6990 Shawnee Lane
Rick Dorsey 1551 Lyman Boulevard
Jeff Fox 5370 Howards Point
Mike Leonard 8129 Stone Creek Drive
Mike Corbin 8750 Sunset Trail
Paul, Terri and Stephanie Bloomquist 960 Lake Susan Drive
Frank Ernst 840 Cree Drive
Jan and Jerry Paulsen 7305 Laredo Drive
Dick Pearson 1321 Lake Drive
Bob Ayotte 6213 Cascade Pass
Bill Munig 6850 Stratford Boulevard
Karen Kaiser 7601 Nicholas Way
PUBLIC MEETING ON THE PROPOSED 2011 BUDGET.
Greg Sticha gave a power point presentation outlining the details of the proposed 2011 budget.
Mayor Furlong opened the public hearing. Bob Ayotte, 6213 Cascade Pass asked the council to
review the numbers in the areas of public works and parks and rec for example, that are in his
view diametrically opposed when the city is facing possible water treatment and water supply
issues. Rita Jurgens, 731 Sierra Trail asked for clarification of the voter approved levies which
contributed to her taxes increasing by 10.4% or $399. Bill Munig, 6850 Stratford Boulevard
asked the City Council to look at keeping spending under control in the areas of employee pay
raises and capital expenditures. Tom Devine, 7640 South Shore Drive shared specific
information that his valuation is currently less than it was 5 years ago but his taxes have gone up
22.8% and asked the council to take serious consideration that the City’s budget match the reality
of what’s going on at the federal, state and county levels of government. Al Reckner, 6595
City Council Truth in Taxation Summary - December 6, 2010
Foxtail Court asked the council to take a real hard look at pay, pensions and shared health care
costs to reflect his personal situation. Rolly Neve, 7635 Nicholas Way shared the concern that in
a down economy where people are suffering, that government is increasing. He asked that the
City cut spending, look at unfunded liabilities, and bidding for contractual services. Michael
Leonard, 8129 Stone Creek Drive stated he would like to reinforce the idea of cutting spending
and clarification of what’s included in compensated absences. John Cox, 6990 Shawnee Lane
asked staff to look at his tax statement to explain why it’s jumped $447 this year in comparison
to being relatively flat for the last 7 or 8 years. Frank Ernst, 840 Cree Drive sent a simple
message, reduce spending. Mayor Furlong closed the public hearing and reviewed the budget
process followed by council. During comments from council members, Karen Kaiser, 7601
Nicholas Way asked the council to cut their budget like the residents present have had to do to
make ends meet.
Councilwoman Ernst moved, Councilman Litsey seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The Truth in
Taxation meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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