WS 2011 03 14
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MARCH 14, 2011
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Ernst, Councilman
Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt
The City Council met with members of the Chanhassen Business Council. Joe Scott from the
Chanhassen Business Council provided an update on the goals and activities of the Chanhassen
Business Council. This year’s events include: Breakfast with the Mayor (March 24, 2011,
Annual Picnic, SouthWest Metro Chamber Holiday Luncheon, and Holiday Tree Lighting.
Vernelle Clayton, a member of the Chanhassen Business Council and also co-Chair of the “Buy
Chanhassen” organization, provided an update on their efforts to promote local businesses. The
group has developed a variety of different marketing campaigns, and attends local special events
to promote the benefits of keeping dollars local.
Deb McMillan, Executive Director of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce, provided an
update on the Chamber’s 2011 goals and events. They include organizing community and
networking events, promoting and marketing businesses, and taking position on legislation and
policies that might influence business.
The last item discussed between the Chanhassen Business Council and the Mayor and City
Council was concern over the potential development of a distribution center in Bongard,
Minnesota. Both parties agree that increased train and truck activity would have a negative
effect on our downtown businesses, lower the quality of life standards, and environmental
impacts that may occur from this unplanned development. Both parties agreed to monitor the
development process and discussed creating a task force. No action was taken on this item, only
discussion on what steps could be taken next by each party.
Chanhassen Business Council members present included Chair Joe Scott, Bill Traxler, Vernelle
Clayton, David Streeter, and Jeff Anderson.
COMMISSION INTERVIEWS:
City Council interviewed the following candidates for city commissions:
5:30 p.m. Jenna Rodenz, Park and Recreation Commission
5:45 p.m. Terry Grathen, Senior Commission
6:00 p.m. Brent Carron, Park and Recreation Commission
6:15 p.m. Matthew Myers, Park and Recreation Commission/Environmental Commission
6:30 p.m. Steve Scharfenberg, Park and Recreation Commission
6:45 p.m. Rick Shea, Park and Recreation Commission
City Council Work Session - March 14, 2011
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim/Karen Engelhardt
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