CC 2011 06 13
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 13, 2011
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was opened with the
Pledge to the Flag.
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, Roger Knutson, and Greg Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Steve Hansen Minnetonka
Mayor Furlong: Thank you everyone and welcome to our council meeting this evening and
those watching at home. We’re glad that you joined us. At this time I would ask members of the
council if there are any changes or modifications to the agenda. If not, then without objection
we’ll proceed with the agenda as published.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: INVITATION TO KLEINBANK SUMMER CONCERT
SERIES.
Mayor Furlong: First item of business tonight, I’d like to extend an invitation to all residents and
their families and businesses to attend the KleinBank Summer Concert Series. Summer is finally
here. I think we had one day of it last week and now we’re enjoying some nice spring weather
thth
but on Thursday evenings beginning this coming Thursday, June 16 through August 4 at City
Center Plaza the KleinBank Summer Concert Series will take place. All concerts are free for all
to come and enjoy, featuring the music of Tim Mahoney, the Splatter Sisters and many more.
Most concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. However there are some children’s shows that begin at 11:30
th
a.m. on a couple of Thursdays. As I said we’ll kick off the season this Thursday, June 16 at
7:00 p.m. with Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants, which is a local blues band. If
you’re interested in the upcoming artists that will be performing or the times, whether it’s 7:00
p.m. or 11:30, please check out the City’s website. This event is presented by the City of
Chanhassen and sponsored by local KleinBank so bring your family, friends and others to come
and enjoy just a great, great way to experience summer in Chanhassen on Thursday nights at
City Center Plaza. At this point I’d like to move on to items under our agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilwoman Tjornhom moved, Councilman McDonald
seconded to approve the following consent agenda items pursuant to the City Manager’s
recommendations:
a. Approval of Minutes:
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
-City Council Work Session Minutes dated May 23, 2011
-City Council Verbatim and Summary Minutes dated May 23, 2011
Receive Commission Minutes:
-Park and Recreation Commission Verbatim and Summary Minutes dated May 24, 2011
Resolution#2011-31:
b. TH 101/Pleasant View Road Intersection and Trail Improvements:
Approve Resolution Concerning Right-of-Way Acquisition.
Resolution#2011-32:
c. Approve Letter of Support for Phase III Reconstruction of Lyman
Boulevard Between Galpin Boulevard and TH 41.
Resolution#2011-33:
d. Approve Resolution of Support for Safe Routes to School Grant
Application: TH 41 at Minnetonka Middle School West Pedestrian Crossing
Enhancement.
Resolution#2011-34:
e. Lift Station #11 Rehabilitation: Approve Quote.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: PRESENTATION OF CHANHASSEN PHOTO BOOK,
TERRI KELLY.
Mayor Furlong: We do have a presentation this evening by Terri Kelly, a Chanhassen resident
regarding the Chanhassen Photo Book. Ms. Kelly, good evening. Good evening.
Terri Kelly: Hi. My name is Terri Kelly. Resident of Chanhassen at 1370 Lake Susan Hills
Drive and hello and thank you for having me at tonight’s meeting. I’ve been a resident of
Chanhassen for 19 years. I’ve seen a lot of changes to this area over the past 19 years. Changes
that have made our community such a great place to live. I have 3 children, one of which just
graduated Chanhassen High School’s first ever graduating class, which was very exciting.
Mayor Furlong: Congratulations.
Terri Kelly: Yeah, thanks. It was fun. I am forever thankful that we chose Chanhassen to live
and raise our children. For many years I’ve been a volunteer in the community but over the past
few years began taking pictures of, for different things such as Chanhassen Athletic Association,
various sports teams, high school and then the Chanhassen Red Birds. As my library photos
began to build up I thought to myself I should create a book about what it’s like to live in
Chanhassen. My goal was to capture all community events and other features such as our many
lakes so exactly one year ago I started this photo book project and after taking more than 1,000
pictures I’ve completed the book. There’s not 1,000 in there so, but I did you know look through
more than 1,000 pictures. The book is titled Living in Chanhassen and it’s a compilation of
pictures that I have selected sort of by season. This project was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about
our community and thoroughly enjoyed exploring Chanhassen while creating the book. This is
my gift to you for making Chanhassen such a great place to live. Thank you and I hope you
2
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
enjoy the book. I did pass out a little brochure that I made to go with it because there’s not an
index. I did make the book through Shutterfly so at this point, I mean people want to order it and
they can do it through there. I mean I haven’t even thought about if I’m going to publish it or not
but, and the pictures as well are, will be there or I’ll make them available for you to access so
they are your pictures as well.
Mayor Furlong: Wonderful. Thank you very much.
Terri Kelly: Yep, and then she is going to turn the book on to automatically play. Tries to
capture a little bit of history. Again like I said I have all 9 lakes in there. Didn’t realize there
was 9 lakes. I did use reference materials. I want to point that out as well. I looked in history
books. I looked in information you provide here. The city maps. Discovered Chanhassen’s a lot
bigger than I thought. There’ s a lot more roads than I knew there was. And the other thing I
wanted to say was, it was just a fabulous year for picture taking. We had such a great snowy
winter. You know the frost on the trees and an extended fall and just all in all it really was a
good year for taking pictures so I hope you like it.
Councilman Laufenburger: Terri, if somebody wants to purchase this book to put on their coffee
table or in each of their bedrooms or wherever, how do they do that?
Terri Kelly: You know at this point just have them contact me and I did on the back of the
brochure, I put my information, phone number and then I have a volunteer email address that can
be used.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay.
Terri Kelly: And one of the things I mentioned to Todd too and just looking at the pictures is I
hadn’t realized how much wildlife there is in Chanhassen.
Todd Gerhardt: Look at the size of those rabbits.
Terri Kelly: This picture here, this is one of my favorite. The Chanhassen Preserve and those,
the geese. I don’t know if you saw them over there that made their nest on top of that beaver
dam. That last page too is, it says Caution, Archery Range and there’s egrets standing in front of
there.
Councilman Laufenburger: Who’s the sign for, the egrets?
Terri Kelly: So I tried to capture every lake, whether it was partial or wholly within the city
limits. And I believe I did that. And there’s my favorite one right there.
Mayor Furlong: The summer picture?
Terri Kelly: It would be Memorial Day.
Todd Gerhardt: More of those critters.
3
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Terri Kelly: And the pictures with people in them you know, generally the rule of thumb is you
know you need to get permission or, to have people’s pictures in things that you publish but
when it’s public events I tend to be a little more free with that but otherwise there are pictures
that have my children in them but that was more so because there’s a reason behind that. I was
trying to capture the spirit of the events. For example on this page, the middle one on the bottom
is my kids but they have flags in their hands. They’re dressed up. They have bags of candy.
th
Just the whole fun of the 4 of July. And I learned that the best place for sunsets is Power Hill
Park. In case there’s ever a really nice sunset, it’s worth taking a drive up there. I did that
recently and went, it was just beautiful up here at night. I didn’t know that that was the place to
be.
Todd Gerhardt: Now Terri can we display this on Channel 8? Can we play this for the public to
view on Channel 8?
Councilwoman Ernst: Great idea.
Terri Kelly: Well and every picture in here is my picture. I mean pictures that I’ve taken.
Working out my way through the seasons but then again trying to capture things that I see. You
know like the Degler farm. I love his wooden flag sign that he has where he sells his hay and
there’s just some things that just really to me I see quite often and kind of stand out. And I do
take pictures for the high school for the sports teams. Started out just doing baseball and football
by request but now they asked me to do all the sports teams and so I try to do what I can. Now
that lake there is actually just the Christmas Lake on this side. Then the last picture, actually the
book forced me to have an even number of pages so I thought I’m going to put my favorite
picture in there then, but it happened to be just recently when I took my son, my 10 year old
who’s got a fishing rod for his birthday down to Lake Susan fishing and I thought you know it
ties into the front of the book because it’s really showing you know what it’s like to live here.
You know the outdoor fun. Just grab your fishing rod and go to a dock and the kids love it. To
him that was huge. So that’s how I decided to end the book.
Mayor Furlong: Excellent. That’s just wonderful. Thank you so much.
Terri Kelly: You’re welcome. …and this is the book. And this is the larger one. But this is my
copy. I mean you’re welcome to look at it as well but.
Todd Gerhardt: Oh, is that gorgeous.
Mayor Furlong: So we’ll have contact information if people are interested?
Terri Kelly: Yeah, and it’s on that brochure that I just handed out to you.
Mayor Furlong: Alright. Can I give out the phone number or the email?
Terri Kelly: Yeah, go ahead.
4
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Mayor Furlong: Here publicly.
Terri Kelly: Yeah, that’s my cell and my volunteer email address.
Mayor Furlong: Okay. The email address, tkchanvolunteer, all one. All together. No spaces or
dots at hotmail.com so if anybody’s interested in the book. Certainly take a look at that and give
Terri a contact. Thank you Terri. Very, very nice. Congratulations. We’ll move now on, if
there are no other visitor presentations, we’ll move on to other items on our agenda.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
GENERAL OBLIGATION WATER REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2011B
(REFUNDING WATER REVENUE BONDS 2004B & 2005B).
Mayor Furlong: Let’s start with a staff report here. Mr. Sticha, good evening.
Greg Sticha: Good evening Mayor and City Council. In September of 2010 staff came to the
City Council with similar resolution authorizing the city manager, finance direct and mayor to
execute a bond sale for an advanced refunding of our 2004 and 2005B water revenue bonds.
These two bond issues were issued for the construction of the water treatment facility back in
2003 I think we began construction. The resolution that authorizes the sale is authorizing the
mayor and finance director and city manager to execute the sale without having to go to the City
Council in order to take advantage of time of the essence type situation in terms of refinancing.
Sometimes a matter of days can make a difference in a refinancing so, and since this board does
not meet except for twice a month, the second and fourth Mondays, at times that would not allow
for the best rates or results in an advanced refunding sale. So what we had done in September
was issue the authorization. That authorization expired in February of this year. Rates did not
start to rebound again back favorably for the City until, within the last month or so, so we’re
coming to you this evening to extend or lengthen that authorization for one year. A period of up
to one year. The hope or intent of the refunding is I would guess most likely to do the refunding
within the next 3 months. Rates can certainly change later this year. I would think if we are
going to do the refunding it would be most likely in the next 2 to 3 months but I guess anything
could happen within the next year in terms of interest rates. Borrowing rates. The City’s debt
policy requires a net present value savings of 3% and we’ve discussed this before. Excuse me,
the State requirement is 3%. The City’s debt policy requires us to achieve a 4% net present
value savings. Right now with rates where they currently are at, our financial advisors are
estimating that we’re right around a 3 ½ percent area so we’re not quite to the 4% required as per
our policy but we’re getting very close and it’s inching that way the last few weeks so, like I said
the sale could happen in a week. It could happen in 3 months. The resolution before you this
evening just authorizes an extension of that authority of the mayor and city manager and myself
to execute that sale. Upon executing that sale we would still come before the board for a
ratification of that sale at said point in time.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any questions for staff?
Councilman Laufenburger: Just one Mr. Mayor.
5
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Mayor Furlong: Councilman Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: So Mr. Sticha what you’re saying is the council essentially would
give pre-approval for the mayor, city manager, finance director to act in accordance with the
policy. Is that correct?
Greg Sticha: That’s correct.
Councilman Laufenburger: Is it possible that rates will change that you won’t act?
Greg Sticha: Just like it did with the last time we authorized.
Councilman Laufenburger: In September.
Greg Sticha: This resolution in September, yeah, we did not act. Rates never got to the 4% net
present value savings. It got very close but we never got to achieve what our policy requires so
we follow the guidelines of our debt policy in all cases.
Mayor Furlong: Mr. Sticha, who determines the 4%? Who do we, is that an analysis you do? Is
that one that we rely on our advisors to do?
Greg Sticha: Our financial advisors do an analysis that gets us to the 4%. It’s possible they
could calculate 4.05% in their analysis and then we would go out to sale and it could be 3.99%.
It could be 4.2%. They use the best data that they have available at that time to do their analysis.
I would think if the sale landed let’s say at 3.98%, we would be required to not per our policy
authorize the sale. We would probably still come back to the City Council and say we’re very
close and maybe it makes sense that we still go ahead at the 3.98% but the mayor and city
manager and myself would not be authorized to execute that sale in that instance.
Mayor Furlong: At any present value savings of less than 4%.
Greg Sticha: Correct.
Councilman Laufenburger And one last question Mr. Sticha. 4%, that seems like a reasonable
number. What are we talking about in real dollar net present value savings?
Greg Sticha: You know I was just thinking about that about 20 minutes ago. If my memory is
correct I believe that’s over $100,000 over the life of the bonds.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay.
Greg Sticha: And it might be even more. I don’t have the memo in front of me from last year
where the analysis was done.
Councilman Laufenburger: So let’s assume the $100,000 just for a moment, whereas the State,
the policy that the State would ask us to incorporate at least is a 3% savings, is that correct?
6
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Greg Sticha: That’s correct.
Councilman Laufenburger: But we have taken a more conservative approach and said we’re
looking for at least a 4% net present value savings, is that correct?
Greg Sticha: That’s correct and the reason I think you want to do that on an advanced refunding,
which this is, is you are refunding these bonds before the call date of these bonds is even up.
You’re given only one opportunity to do an advance refunding and once you do an advanced
refunding you may not refund those bonds again so it’s kind of important that when you do the
advanced refunding that you pick a time or point when you are going to achieve the best value
for your money. A better time to probably refinance would be at the call dates which in, I
believe in both of these issues is 20, either 13 and 14 or 14 and 15. At that point in time we can
call the bonds without doing an advanced refunding at any point. Whenever rates became
favorable to us.
Mayor Furlong: And generally as we get closer to the call date, is the opportunity to achieve that
4% decline?
Greg Sticha: It’s completely based on the interest rate environment.
Mayor Furlong: I understand.
Greg Sticha: So it’s all going to depend what rates look like in 3 years. Your guess is as good as
mine in terms of that.
Mayor Furlong: Right. Okay. Other questions on this? If there are no other questions, is there
a, would somebody like to make a motion?
Councilwoman Ernst: I’ll make a motion.
Mayor Furlong: Councilwoman Ernst.
Councilwoman Ernst: I make a motion that City Council adopts resolution approving the
authorization of the issuance of the general obligation water revenue bond. Sorry, water revenue
refunding bond Series 2011B.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, thank you. Is there a second?
Councilman Laufenburger: Second.
Mayor Furlong: Motion’s been made and seconded. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing
none we’ll proceed with the vote.
Resolution#2011-35: Councilwoman Ernst moved, Councilman Laufenburger seconded
that the City Council adopts a resolution approving the authorization of the issuance of
7
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
General Obligation Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2011B. All voted in favor and
the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
APPROVE CONSULTANT CONTRACT FOR WATER TOWER IN THE HIGH ZONE.
Paul Oehme: Thank you Mayor and City Council members. Tonight I’d like to maybe just step
back and give a little brief overview of the project.
Mayor Furlong: Please.
Paul Oehme: And then dive into the engineering contract thereafter so water storage needs in the
high zone. The high zone water area of the city provided utility is shown here in the pink area.
It’s mainly runs along Trunk Highway 41 and up north to the city limits and then generally west
th
of Galpin Road which is approximately here. And then also a little bit north of 5 and 78 Street
as well. This area consists of approximately 12% of the water distribution system that the City
provides and maintains. Although it does contribute a lot to the overall demand of the city
system. This area is, has really developed here in the last say 10 years and has driven demand in
this area. This system is completely segregated from the low zone area. We have two wells up
in this area and one water tower. So the storage currently tower is on Melody Hill’s area and
was built in 1971. 200,000 gallon tank. Elevated storage. At the time of construction in 1970’s
the city population total was a little over 4,800. Today it’s almost 23,000 in population so in this
area of the high zone we can see upwards of 1.8 million gallons of usage per day during the
summer months and that peak was back in 2007. Since 2007 we’ve grown in this area as well
too so definitely a large consumer area driven here. The high zone when we looked at needs for
this area we did talk to the fire marshal and what the needs of this area are for fire flows and
right now under the analysis that we provided it does, this area in terms of storage does not meet
that 2 hour fire flow design criteria that is recommended. And in looking out into the future the
storage needs based upon what we’re seeing today, fire flow needs and projected additional
development in this area, we are looking at approximately 750,000 gallon tank. And again
today’s tank is, Melody Hill’s tank is about 200,000 gallons so city staff has been looking at
ways to increase the storage in this area. Basically we’re a little past approximately 2 years.
We’ve looked at several sites in the high zone area. Under the analysis that we provided and that
was presented to the City Council back in early June here we did look specifically at 6 sites in
this area. We also looked at park facilities, parkland that the City owners and Carver County
owns but none of those sites seemed to work in terms of the elevation and distribution network
that’s needed for siting these towers. Looking at the 6 sites we did kind of a cost benefit analysis
and best siting study. We also, within that site study we looked at 4 specific locations within the
Middle School West campus area. Currently the Melody Hill’s tower that services this area is
located in this location here. Working with the school district, looking at these 4 sites, based
upon the needs of the school site number 5 was selected and that’s the southwest corner site that
was shown on the original previous slide. Based upon the analysis that we’ve looked at, this site
appears to provide the least visual impacts, not just for the school district but also residents in
this area. Least disruption for school operations and then future potential campus improvements
at the school is looking at to try and get this tank if it will be sited on the school property away
from any future campus improvements. We also looked at it from a hydraulic standpoint. City
network system and it seems to provide a good fire flow distribution and storage capacity within
8
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
our trunk system of distribution main so it seems like it’s the best site that we’ve evaluated. We
also looked at a shadow study in conjunction with potentially siting the new tower on the
campus. Here’s the tower as it’s shown here. Minnetonka West campus is shown right here so
we looked at it from a shadow study from the red is the summer shadow potential locations and
the green is the winter location in terms of shadows. This is maybe a little bit misleading but if
this was a complete you know farm field with no obstructions this is potentially how the extent
of the shadow would extend to. In this location there is lots of tree cover and buildings and
obstructions that would also be associated with shadows so you know 95% of the time the
shadow for this new tower would be on the school campus and not on the residential properties
so. Looking at potential visual impacts, if this tower were to be built at that southwest corner of
the school, here’s a view of what that tower potentially would look like on Trunk Highway 41 at
the entrance of Middle School West. You know we’re still looking at colors and size, different
sizes or different tank formations so nothing’s been decided in terms of the visual colors of the
tank but that’s something that the planning department and engineering are still working on. We
also looked at views from the south on Lake Lucy Road and over by Highover Drive. This is
basically south of the existing pond that’s out there today with the visual, the view of the tower
would look like from this perspective. And then we also looked on again 41 just south of the
pond. Here’s another view of what that tower would look like. And then also from the school
campus viewpoint, this is taken at the northeast corner of the school parking lot and how that
would relate to the school campus and the surrounding area. So with that looking forward we
th
did have a neighborhood meeting on June 8 with the neighbors in this area with 189 notices
were sent out to the residents within this area. We had 8 residential property owners show up.
10 people actually attended. Four of them, 4 of those properties were from the Melody Hill’s
tower area. Existing area and the 4 were, other 4 were closer to where the tower potentially
would be sited so just to give you a perspective of the, of where those property owners were
coming from. We have tentatively planned for the Planning Commission meeting to discuss this
st
item and start working through the process on June 21 and then potentially taking it back to the
th
council on July 11 for consideration of final design. If the project would move forward from
there, bidding would take place in September and soil corrections and potentially some utilities
would start this fall with maintained construction starting in the summer of 2012 so we have
talked with the school district about this project and working with them on access and agreement
for potentially siting the tower on their campus so with that, that’s basically an overview of the
project in general. For tonight’s meeting staff has received 2 proposals for basically taking the
project from where it is today, final design through construction completion. We did receive 2
bids. One from Short Elliott Henderson and then WSB and Associates. Short Elliott’s bid was
the most cost competitive. Their bid came in at $141,920. They have worked or Short Elliott
has worked on other water projects for the City in the past and their performance has been
satisfactory so staff is recommending that we enter into a contract with Short Elliott at this time
for this work. And again the contracts that the engineer has with engineering firms are based on
a time and materials basis, not to exceed dollar amount so if the project were to be cut short, not
the whole contract would not be, well the contract would be voided from that time forward so
with that, if there’s any questions that council may have I’d try to answer them at this time.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Oehme. Councilwoman Ernst.
9
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Councilwoman Ernst: Paul, when we talked before, and I see you have it listed on here for the
foundation and the tank construction. And the tank painting. We talked about when you took it
out for an RFP, breaking that down with those type of components.
Paul Oehme: Yep.
Councilwoman Ernst: Can you talk a little bit about the primary factors in what you went out for
the RFP.
Paul Oehme: Well we just, right now we’re just looking at the engineering component of it.
Basically what staff did in terms of getting the solicitation for engineering services, we took the
firms that are in our consultant pool that have experience in these type of projects and these are
the, out of the 5 consultants that we have in the pool, these are the 2 firms that meet that
qualification so we went out and itemized the schedule. What we’re looking for in terms of
participation in neighborhood meetings and design criteria. Foundation construction. Looked at
you know what we’re looking for for bid alternatives for fluted columns or composite shaft
columns and you know we’re going to have lots of alternates that we had discussed at our
previous meeting in the contract so all those items are listed in there. Soils investigation,
improvements, those type of things are also included in the contract so you know I think the
firms that have submitted bids are well qualified. Both contractors, both engineering firms can
complete the work as proposed. SEH just came in a little bit under the WSB contract proposal.
Councilwoman Ernst: So when you go out to bid do you use the lowest price that you got for the
RFP? And that being your starting price.
Paul Oehme: For construction?
Mayor Furlong: That’s right for clarification. For construction or for the engineering contract?
Councilwoman Ernst: For the construction.
Paul Oehme: Yeah, typically if the contractor has good references, it’s always a price proposal
that we receive so we would definitely look at the cost of that bid as you know one of the
primary reasons for accepting a bid. If that answers your question.
Councilwoman Ernst: Well so, but if that’s your starting price then it would you know, the bid
actually starts at that base price of the lowest.
Paul Oehme: Responsible bidder, right.
Councilwoman Ernst: Cost that came in, right.
Paul Oehme: And then we also add on you know different alternatives. Alternate bids.
Councilwoman Ernst: Right.
10
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Paul Oehme: For different concrete columns or you know all the newer sidings that we had
talked about being included in the bid. That we’ll take a look at for alternates that council would
consider approving or not approving.
Councilwoman Ernst: Okay.
Mayor Furlong: Mr. Oehme, the resolution before us tonight is to authorize the retention of one
of the engineering firms to assist the staff in designing effectively the water tower reservoir and
then putting together the bid package, including the base and then any alternatives, is that
correct?
Paul Oehme: That’s correct.
Mayor Furlong: Okay. And so tonight we’re looking at engaging or hiring one of these
engineering firms to get us to the point where we have a bid package so we can go out for bid.
Paul Oehme: That’s correct. This is the type of project that staff does not have the expertise in
designing or bidding out so we needed to hire a consultant to help us put those bid packages
together to get a lowest responsible bid.
Mayor Furlong: This is a pretty significant project to put up a water tower such as this. I say
water tower but it’s relatively expensive. I think the CIP has 1.9 million dollars in it. If memory
serves, this is the only water tower, only water reservoir in the high zone, is that correct?
Paul Oehme: That’s correct.
Mayor Furlong: Or is there another one?
Paul Oehme: Nope, this is the only one.
Mayor Furlong: This is it so for all the businesses and residences that are in the high zone right
now, they’re being served by the Melody Hill tower, which is undersized.
Paul Oehme: That’s correct.
Mayor Furlong: For the needs. Okay. So it’s a combination of public safety is the purpose for
this. To make sure there’s enough water if there’s a fire. That our fire fighters can put it out
without draining the system effectively, as well as serving the needs and better managing our
equipment and our pumps and everything else.
Paul Oehme: Exactly.
Mayor Furlong: Okay.
Councilwoman Tjornhom Mr. Mayor?
11
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Mayor Furlong: Yes.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: If you could explain what the high zone is compared to the low zone
for those people who are wondering.
Paul Oehme: Yep. I’ll bring back the map again of the high zone.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: And what the importance of it is.
Paul Oehme: Yep, exactly. Very good. Basically the high zone again is the area shaded here in
pink. This is the city limits. Different zones within the city are needed based upon the
elevations of the, the topography of the land. This area is higher in elevation than most of the
other area within the community so the city has, and all other communities have to segregate or
separate out higher elevation zones or elevation land, topography from other areas because if we
would just have it all as one zone of pressure the area may be on the higher elevation land mass
would have you know a relatively normal pressure area but if, as farther down you go in
elevation, and in our case south of, in the southern portion of the city, the pressure would get to
extreme levels. We typically try to have between 60 and 80 pounds per square inch of pressure
within our water taps. Basically our water mains and if we would you know try to maintain a 80
psi elevation, water pressure in the high zone without any separation of pressure areas, you know
there would be 200 pounds per square inch farther in elevation as you go down basically south of
Lyman or so, so we need to separate out those elevations area to try to get a reasonable pressure
in your water system. Water taps. If that explains it.
Todd Gerhardt: That clears it up pretty good.
Mayor Furlong: I’m trying to imagine someone trying to take a shower with 200 psi coming out.
Certainly wake you up in the morning.
Councilman Laufenburger: That’s like trying to get a drink of water out of a fire hydrant.
Mayor Furlong: Yes it would be. Any other questions? Yeah, the item before us tonight is to
approve a contract for design engineering. Would somebody like to make a motion if there are
no other questions or discussion on this item.
Todd Gerhardt: Mr. Mayor, council if I could just Denny before you make your motion. Just to
modify the motion a little bit here. Where the City Council directs staff to prepare a contract for
design, instead of approve. We did not attached the approved contract. City attorney will draft
that or review SEH’s contract in conformance with typical contracts like this.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Furlong: Yes, please.
12
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Councilman Laufenburger: I move that the City Council directs city staff to prepare a contract
for design and construction administration services in the amount of $141,920 to Short Elliott
Henderson, Incorporated.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Is there a second?
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Second.
Mayor Furlong: Motion’s been made and seconded. Any discussion? Seeing none we’ll
proceed with the vote.
Councilman Laufenburger moved, Councilwoman Tjornhom seconded that the City
Council directs city staff to prepare a contract for design and construction administration
services in the amount of $141,920 to Short Elliott Henderson, Incorporated. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS:
Councilman Laufenburger: I do have one Mr. Mayor if you don’t mind.
Mayor Furlong: Please.
Councilman Laufenburger: At a previous council meeting I made reference to a Chanhassen Red
th
Bird game scheduled for June 24. It was going to be a city employee recognition event. Well I
suppose we could say there’s good news and bad news. The good news is, is that Chanhassen
Storm/Red Bird Stadium has been selected to host the annual Lions All Star Baseball series that
benefits the Lions Minnesota Eye Clinic and as a result of that the venue of Storm/Red Bird
Stadium will be hosting a number of the high school seniors from all across the state of
thth
Minnesota competing in a series of 6 games on Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25. And that
is great news in that, the bad news is that Chaska Athletic Park will not host that event because
they’re supposedly under water, or still having the effects of the flooding, so Chanhassen will
have a chance to showcase it’s facility, Storm/Red Bird Stadium so it’s an exciting time, and it’s
just another example where Chanhassen is really emerged as a destination for athletic events.
Last week the State High School Lacrosse tournament was held at Storm Lacrosse Stadium.
Also the football stadium, so that’s good news. The bad news is we will have to shift the date of
th
the, hopefully the annual city employee recognition game from June 24 to some other date yet
to be determined. And if I may prevail upon the mayor to clear his schedule, whenever that day
occurs so he can, you can throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Mayor Furlong: Well as Mr. Gerhardt knows, at least 6 hours are required.
Councilman Laufenburger: You need that much time to warm up?
Mayor Furlong: I don’t but the rest of the family does.
13
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Councilman Laufenburger: Alright, as soon as we know what that date is, I’ll make sure that Mr.
Gerhardt can republish his request and his notice to all city employees.
Mayor Furlong: That sounds good. We look forward to that and that’s good for the Lions
tournament to be hosted here as well and you’re right about different groups coming here. I
know the State High School League speech, state competition was held in the Chanhassen High
School this year as well and the speech team, as I saw the newspaper, did very well this year here
so a lot of good things happening over there at the school. Other presentations from members of
the council. I’d like to recognize and give a public thank you to the Chanhassen American
Legion for their efforts in putting on the Memorial Day event. It’s not a celebration but it was a
wonderful event. They did a great job. I’d also like to thank Mr. Hoffman and city staff. Jerry
Ruegemer I know put in a lot of time helping with that. It’s a great event. I’ve heard a lot of
very positive comments over the last couple weeks from residents just literally stopping me and
saying how much they appreciated it and what a great event that is and how people are saying
that they’re changing their habits for Memorial Day. Going forward this will be on their regular
schedules so congratulations to the American Legion who put on a real good, a real good
program. Wonderful program and I know in the morning they have their members go out to the
individual cemeteries. I’d like to thank our fire department for transporting the Legion to those
locations and helping them get there. It’s a good service that that organization provides our city
and I want to take a moment to publicly recognize and thank the American Legion for all that
they do throughout the year, but especially for what they do with the Memorial Day celebration.
Councilwoman Ernst: And the weather cleared up just in time.
Mayor Furlong: Just in time, yes. It did and so thank you Mr. Hoffman again for that. Turning
the rain off in time for the event.
Todd Gerhardt: I thought the mayor was in charge of weather.
Mayor Furlong: I’m in charge of the good weather.
Todd Gerhardt: The good weather.
Mayor Furlong: You’re in charge of the bad weather. If there are no other comments for council
presentations, Mr. Gerhardt.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS:
Todd Gerhardt: Just a couple of things. First I just want to reassure the mayor and City Council
and the public that all city services will continue to be provided as a part of the State potential
shutdown. We will continue to provide building permits. Our regular office hours will be
maintained and really the State will not have an effect on the city’s operations so we’ll continue
to provide the same services we have in the past. The only real impact that we’re really aware of
is that construction on the downtown park and ride facility will be delayed due to the fact that
MnDOT does some periodic inspections and oversight on the construction of that facility as a
part of the federal grant application that Southwest Transit received so you will see some slow
14
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
down as a part of that construction. The good thing is that the kids can still look at the crane for
probably an extra couple of months in Chanhassen but none of the city services will be affected.
Second item.
Mayor Furlong: I’m sorry, if I could Mr. Gerhardt. And also we confirmed tonight that services
through the Carver County Sheriff’s Office will also not be affected.
Todd Gerhardt: Correct.
Mayor Furlong: So in terms of public safety, patrol and services will also continue.
Todd Gerhardt: Yep, law enforcement, assessment services that we contract with Carver County
will continue as they have in the past.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you.
Councilwoman Ernst: I have a question with that. Does that affect transit at all?
Mayor Furlong: It’s my understanding that, at least initially that the transit services will
continue. Just given the nature of how the funding works. That they will continue at least for a
period of time. I don’t know how long. If it’s whatever extent it is, I don’t know what that, how
long that will continue but it will continue.
Councilwoman Ernst: Okay.
Mayor Furlong: At least initially. And I’m sure Southwest Transit will have information for
riders and others that might be affected by that just as soon as they know.
Todd Gerhardt: Yeah, as soon as the list is established the State will continue it’s operation on
essential services. In the past that has been the law enforcement side and some of the other
ancillary programs that you just can’t live without and my guess the transportation link would be
one of those. And a lot of people are dependent upon that transportation to get to work or to get
around.
Councilwoman Ernst: Okay.
Todd Gerhardt: Just a quick update on our construction projects for this summer. The
Timberwood neighborhood has it’s base coat down. First layer of bituminous has been laid so if
you’re out and about, that project is doing really well. The Red Cedar Point area, we’re still
finishing up on utilities. The small utility companies are in there. Minnegasco, phone and gas.
They’re just completing their services and we’re hoping in the next couple weeks that we can
start curb and blacktop in the Red Cedar Point area. Again Paul, the other mill and overlays, are
th
we holding off until the 4? I know there was some discussion that we might be able to get
th
some of that started before the 4. What was the final determination on that?
15
Chanhassen City Council - June 13, 2011
Paul Oehme: Yeah we, staff did decide to go with the contract as, the schedule in the contract as
th
let, which is the downtown area, starting that after the 4 of July and the Santa Vera area as well
th
too so, didn’t want to rush into that project until after the 4 of July celebration.
Todd Gerhardt: The contractor offered up modifying the schedule, assuring us potentially that
they could get ahead of the game on that and Paul and his staff decided to stick to the regular
th
schedule so. So after the 4 we’ll start in those neighborhoods and things are moving along.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Gerhardt or his staff?
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION.
None.
Mayor Furlong: We do have a couple items still on our work session that we will continue in the
Fountain Conference Room immediately following this meeting. If there’s nothing else to come
before the council this evening is there a motion to adjourn?
Councilwoman Tjornhom moved, Councilman McDonald seconded to adjourn the
meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The
City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
16