WS 2011 04 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 11, 2011
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Ernst, Councilman
Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Todd Hoffman, and Sharmeen Al-Jaff
SENIOR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Barbara Nevin, Naomi Moe, Terry
Grathen, Virginia Prior, Carol Buesgens, Tom Wilson, and Pat McGough
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jeff Daniel, Steve
Scharfenberg, Elise Ryan, Cole Kelly, Peter Aldritt, Brent Carron, and Scott Wendt
JOINT MEETING WITH SENIOR COMMISSION.
Mayor Furlong welcomed Senior Commission members and asked everyone to introduce
themselves. In reviewing the specific goals and objectives of the Senior Commission, Carol
Buesgens discussed the Car Fit program which was implemented last year and invited council
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members to attend the next program on May 18. Mayor Furlong suggested staff send a
reminder for the date and time. Barbara Nevin discussed the goal of educating future
generations regarding senior issues. Terry Grathen and Tom Wilson discussed the commission’s
goal of educating seniors on the specifics of the new Health Care Bill. Councilman
Laufenburger asked about City resources to assist in prioritizing the education process.
Councilman McDonald suggested opening up seminars to the general public, not just seniors.
Mayor Furlong stated that because the Health Care Bill is such a big topic, he suggested finding
resources that already exist at the county and state levels. Pat McGough discussed
intergenerational mentoring of future generations, noting the commission is exploring options
with the STRIVE organization. Jerry McDonald discussed the need for consistency in the
STRIVE program in order to get more participation. Virginia Prior provided an update on the
progress of installing senior parking signs at area retailers. Naomi Moe discussed issues
involved with public transportation options available for the elderly and the need to educate
seniors regarding programs such as Smartlink and Metro Mobility.
JOINT MEETING WITH PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Mayor Furlong welcomed Park and Recreation Commission members and asked everyone to
introduce themselves. Chair Jeff Daniel discussed the recent acquisitions of parkland at Pioneer
Pass and Reflections at Lake Riley, noting this was a good example of why the commission sets
aside reserve money for projects when they become available. He reviewed the following CIP
projects scheduled for 2011: TH 41 underpass into Lake Minnewashta Regional Park and
associated trail segments, the CIP budget that includes the tree replacement plan, and TH
101/Pleasant View intersection improvements. In discussing the removal of a disc golf course
City Council Work Session - April 11, 2011
from the CIP, Councilman McDonald stated that after researching the issue he found there is a
demand and a following for disc golf that could benefit the community. Chair Daniel explained
that it is a relatively small investment with possibly a big return on that investment.
Councilwoman Ernst noted feedback she’s received from the public was split but would favor
the commission exploring it further. Councilman Laufenburger asked the commission to look at
ways to keep planning and development costs minimal using local businesses/designers/builders
and the private community as sponsors. Mayor Furlong suggested this is a prioritization issue in
relation to other park and rec projects. Chair Daniel stated the commission will continue to
evaluate cost, location and design issues. Future projects include pedestrian improvements at TH
5 at Minnewashta Parkway and Herman Field Park improvements. Mayor Furlong asked for
commission feedback on the concept plans for Pioneer Pass Park and Riley Ridge. Steve
Scharfenberg discussed changes made by the Park and Recreation Commission at Pioneer Pass.
Todd Hoffman explained those changes were reflected on the plans being presented at the
council meeting. Chair Daniel noted there were no changes suggested for Riley Ridge Park.
Mayor Furlong reiterated that it’s always been a goal of the council to keep reserves available in
the park dedication fund for when opportunities arise.
DISCUSS ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Todd Gerhardt explained the need to appoint another person to the Environmental Commission
due to a resignation that occurred after the staff report had been written. Councilman
Laufenburger asked for clarification on the role of Environmental Commissioners. After
discussion of the different applicants, it was decided to appoint Jenna Rodenz to a 2 year term.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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