WS 2003 07 14CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JULY 14, 2003
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT:
Lundquist and Councilman Labatt
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Ayotte, Councilman
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Peterson
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Lori Haak, Kate Aanenson, Beth Hoiseth,
Sheriff Bud Olson and Sgt. Jim Olson
UPDATE ON LAKE SUSAN ISSUES, LORI HAAK, WATER RESOURCES
COORDINATOR.
Lori Haak gave a power point presentation showing the erosion along Lake Susan's beaches and
trails and provided options to help alleviate the problem. One option would be enacting a slow no
wake ordinance, not allowing motorized watercraft on the lake at all or at times of high water
levels, or restricting the type and size of watercraft. She outlined the process needed to pass a
new surface water use ordinance. There were numerous neighbors from the Lake Susan area
present. They asked what restrictions there are on other lakes in the city and why is the city
looking at just Lake Susan and not at all lakes in the city. There was concern that property values
would devalue greatly if motorized watercraft were restricted on Lake Susan. One solution
offered was to close the public access onto Lake Susan.
Councilman Ayotte stated enforcement is a difficult issue and asked staff for clarification if
watercraft are causing the erosion problems, is the trail's proximity to the lake causing problems,
CSO time needed for enforcement and why 3 days. Councilman Lundquist questioned the
frequency of high water levels and if this would be the best use of city resources provided the
process is substantial and does staff think it's a worthwhile use of their time. Lori Haak stated
she believed it was. Mayor Furlong asked what amount of staff time would be needed to start the
process and gather information to identify the problem. Define the problem before looking at
solutions.
Residents expressed concerns with putting the "cart before the horse", and that the shoreline
restoration be done properly. Possibly there could be cooperation between the watershed district,
state DNR, city and residents to share in the cost of placing erosion control around the entire lake.
One resident asked that the Ordinary High Water level be marked. The water level this year is
lower than last year but erosion is still happening.
DISCUSSION REGARDING SEMINARY FEN PROPERTY, LORI HAAK, WATER
RESOURCES COORDINATOR.
Loft Haak gave a power point presentation on the Seminary fen property defining what a
calcareous fen is, outlining acquisition efforts, and stated she was looking for council support to
move forward on the purchase of this property. Councilman Lundquist asked why the bonding
bill didn't cover the entire purchase price, and if the purchase price was a firm number.
Councilman Labatt asked for clarification on available funding sources. Mayor Furlong stated
City Council Work Session - July 14, 2003
the council could act as facilitator in the purchase process and asked the city manager to keep the
City Council updated.
STRATEGIC PLAN: SAFETY & SECURITY.
Todd Gerhardt outlined the different strategies the City Council established and what staff has
done to accomplish those strategies. Beth Hoiseth explained the National Night Out program on
August 5th, and how the sheriff's office is involved. She passed out a map showing where and
when the different neighborhood parties would be taking place and approximately when sheriff's
office personnel would be at the different parties. She also provided an update on the Safety
Camp and invited council members to attend if their schedules permitted. Councilman Ayotte
asked for an update on the juvenile detention center the county uses, and asked how the sheriff's
office measures success with the juvenile problem in the city. Mayor Furlong asked for a
comparison of last year to this year and the demographics of the juveniles. Councilman Labatt
asked for a breakdown of resident and non-residents involved in juvenile crimes in the city.
Mayor Furlong stated he liked the level of reporting law enforcement issues and the way Sergeant
Olson shares important information with the TV audience. In discussing the police contract
review process, Sheriff Olson invited interested council members to attend a meeting on
Thursday, July 24th at 7:00 at the Carver County Courthouse to review the process. He explained
the reason behind the recent $44,000 refund to the city, the difference between projected costs
and actual costs, and commended Beth Hoiseth for her work on the Neighborhood Watch
program. Mayor Furlong asked how to handle traffic complaints council members receive from
residents. Sergeant Olson stated those could be forwarded to him and Beth.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim