WS 2011 04 25
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 25, 2011
Mayor Furlong called the work session meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Laufenburger,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Ernst
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Robert Kircher, Amy
Wenner, David Christianson, Katie Mahannah, and Matthew Myers
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Aller, Kathleen Thomas,
Mark Undestad, Kevin Ellsworth, Kim Tennyson and Lisa Hokkanen
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Greg Sticha, Paul Oehme, and Jill Sinclair
APPOINTMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Council members discussed the three remaining applicants willing to serve on the Environmental
Commission. Mayor Furlong and Councilwoman Tjornhom were leaning towards J.R. Relick
because of his past participation on the commission but were open to suggestions. Councilman
Laufenburger’s explained why Glenn Kaufmann was his first choice. Todd Gerhardt noted the
Environmental Commission picked Glenn Kaufmann as their first choice.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AND FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL
UPDATE.
Greg Sticha introduced Jennifer Curtis and Paul Blomgren with Wells Fargo Bank before
reviewing the first quarter numbers and permit revenue comparisons, noting projected permit
revenues should be at or near budget. Councilman Laufenburger asked about indicators for
upcoming building permits. Jennifer Curtis reviewed the details of the City’s portfolio analysis
which shows Chanhassen is in good shape and well positioned for the future. Greg Sticha
explained how the City has positioned the portfolio to capture anticipated growth in the next
couple years. Mayor Furlong asked about compliance with the City’s Financial Policy. Paul
Blomgren, Director of Fixed Income Market and Portfolio Strategy reviewed a handout
highlighting current issues in the U.S. fixed income markets, explaining that the economic
forecast continues to remain pretty dire and will take additional time to recover. Mayor Furlong
thanked the representatives from Wells Fargo Bank for the good information. Greg Sticha
explained it is staff’s goal to review this information annually.
City Council Work Session - April 25, 2011
JOINT MEETING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Council members and commission members started with introductions. Chairman Bob Kircher
reviewed information submitted to the council regarding changes made to past events, i.e. Arbor
th
Day and the 4 of July celebration. Vice Chair Amy Wenner discussed changes planned for this
th
year’s Arbor Day and 4 of July celebration. Chairman Kircher asked for direction on projects
the council would like the Environmental Commission to work on in the upcoming year.
Mayor Furlong stated he liked the creativity that’s been used in educating the public regarding
conservation and water usage in programs such as the Water Wise Program. Chairman Kircher
explained the key elements of the Environmental Commission and to provide education and
information on the City’s web site. He pointed out numerous errors in the City’s web site related
to the environmental department and discussed the commission’s frustration with articles that
were submitted for publication but were censored and never published. Mayor Furlong
explained that articles need to be more educational than advocacy. Chair Kirchner stated he
would like to provide input for improving the City’s web site and changes in the city/commission
communication process.
JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION.
Council members and commission members started with introductions. Chairman Aller
reviewed the memorandum outlining the Planning Commission’s 2011 goals related to PUD
rezoning, education/training opportunities, anticipated development for 2011, compliance reports
for CUP and IUP, and City Code amendments. Mayor Furlong suggested the Planning
Commission work with the Environmental Commission regarding storm water/surface water
management programs. Chairman Aller explained that the commission is pleased with the
improved communication with council updates and staff report format. Mayor Furlong asked
that the Planning Commission keep their focus on long term planning when reviewing individual
plans.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
2