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WS 2011 06 13 CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JUNE 13, 2011 Mayor Furlong called the meeting 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, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd Hoffman, Greg Sticha, and Richard Rice DISCUSS CARVER COUNTY FIBER RING PROJECT. Todd Gerhardt introduced Steve Taylor and Randy Lehs from Carver County who provided an update and overview of the project grant funding sources, environmental assessment, bidding process, and noted that the construction manager will be Jaguar Communications. Randy Lehs explained that the County received their sign off on the environmental assessment requirement, which city and county facilities will be hooked up to the fiber ring, the approval process with the County Board, and construction schedule with a projected completion date of December, 2012. June, 2013 is the required completion date. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification of hooking up to a Chanhassen water tower, the role of the construction management firm, and the life span of the fiber optic ring material. Todd Gerhardt asked about the results of the bidding process. Councilwoman Ernst asked if cities will be assessed for unanticipated costs, repair cost comparisons between the fiber optic and what’s there today, and what other counties have fiber optic rings and if there have been any challenges with those other counties. Councilman McDonald asked about opportunities for private commercial firms to access the fiber ring. Mayor Furlong asked if there would be environmental assessments needed for future lateral lines. Richard Rice explained the current fiber connections between city facilities. DISCUSS 2012 CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN. Lt. Jeff Enevold reviewed what’s been accomplished since be came to work at City Hall, feedback from people in the field on how services can be improved and the need for better communications with juveniles, seniors, businesses, between the City and County and becoming better stewards of the taxpayer’s money with regard to scheduling and overtime. He reviewed the five safety goals proposed for the 2012 work plan with a staff recommendation that would result in a reduction of $19,000 less than last year’s model. Sheriff Jim Olson talked about increasing services while decreasing costs. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the staffing levels changes. Mayor Furlong asked about patrol coverage with the new plan. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the traffic safety position. Councilman Laufenburger asked about traffic hot spots in Chanhassen and if there would be any effect on the Crime Prevention Specialist position. Councilman McDonald asked for an explanation of how the City’s CSO’s fit into this plan and further clarification of how staffing levels will work. Mayor Furlong asked Lt. Enevold to explain trends which have attributed to a decline in crimes, if the City Council Work Session - June 13, 2011 proposed changes for 2012 can be implemented mid-year 2011 to help reduce costs and if there were any concerns at the county level if state government shuts down. DISCUSS SUPPORT FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATIONS; TH 41 AT MINNETONKA MIDDLE SCHOOL WEST PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ENHANCEMENT. th Todd Gerhardt explained that due to the deadline of June 15 to apply for this transportation enhancement grant program, staff was looking for approval of this item on the consent agenda. Paul Oehme provided background information on the need for Carver County’s proposed trail underpass project, proposed SRST improvements, and costs associated with the project. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the raised median. Mayor Furlong asked how crosswalk lighting will work. The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:05 p.m. REVIEW CITY VARIANCE PROCESS. Kate Aanenson reviewed the results of the June, 2010 Supreme Court ruling in the Krummenacher vs City of Minnetonka case regarding variances and a graph showing the number and types of variance requests from 1990 through 2010. She reviewed new language being proposed, i.e. practical difficulties, in harmony with general purposes, and noted that staff will continue to monitor requests to see if there’s a need to modify ordinances in the future. Mayor Furlong clarified that the proposed city ordinance will be consistent with State statute. Councilman Laufenburger clarified that variance requests were put on hold until this issue was resolved at the state level. Mayor Furlong suggested staff contact people who have had variance requests on hold, notifying them that the process has been resolved. DISCUSS PERFORMANCE MEASURES CREATED BY COUNCIL ON LOCAL RESULTS AND INNOVATION. Greg Sticha reviewed standardized performance measures set by the State Auditor’s Office for cities and counties and the survey questions used to determine these standards. He explained that this program is voluntary with the incentive of giving cities protection against levy limits. Todd Gerhardt explained how the requirement to conduct an annual survey can be done in-house. Greg Sticha discussed what other communities are doing and the ambiguity involved with the process. Councilman McDonald voiced concern with staff time involved versus money savings. Mayor Furlong asked about the staff time commitment if the City goes forward with this program. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she did not see the need for another level of government. Councilman Laufenburger clarified that the city doesn’t have to perform at a certain level, just that the measures are taken. Councilwoman Ernst stated this seemed to be opening the door for some huge problems. Greg Sticha explained the benefits of not having to meet levy limits. Mayor Furlong discussed how levy limits encourages cities to make bad and/or poor economic decisions. Todd Gerhardt explained that staff is trying to give council the most flexibility in determining levy limits on an annual basis. After discussion, a majority of council 2 City Council Work Session - June 13, 2011 members stated they would not be in support of this program. Mayor Furlong suggesting waiting a year to see how the program goes. Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 8:45 p.m. Submitted by Todd Gerhardt City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim 3