WS 2011 07 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JULY 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, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd
Hoffman, and Greg Sticha
Councilwoman Ernst introduced Brad Hagermeyer, an intern, who provided background
information on himself stating he would be attending council meetings over the summer. Todd
Gerhardt invited him to attend staff meetings.
PRESENTATION ON MAY 25, 2008 TORNADO DISASTER, HUGO CITY
ADMINISTRATOR, MIKE ERICKSON.
Todd Gerhardt introduced Mike Erickson, City Administrator for the City of Hugo who provided
information on the experience and what was learned from the 2008 tornado disaster that hit
Hugo. He played a video by Steve Johnson, KSTP Channel 5 photojournalist and producer
which documents the story of the disaster from beginning to end. Mr. Erickson explained how
information learned from this experience led to implementing an emergency management plan,
and the importance of training so you are prepared when an incident does happen. Lessons
learned were the roles of the mayor and council members, getting information out to the public
and the importance of keeping the calling tree up to date. He played a phone message from City
Manager Todd Gerhardt offering the assistance from the City of Chanhassen, which was an
example of people offering to help. Mr. Erickson explained that with a couple exceptions, all the
affected residents have chosen to stay and rebuild in Hugo. Mayor Furlong asked about
functioning with residents during an emergency situation. Mr. Erickson explained the importance
of a coordinator to deal with city/state/county workers, media, volunteers and residents.
Councilwoman Ernst asked about the status of the location of Chanhassen’s back-up command
center.
REVIEW TOTAL EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PACKAGE.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the retirement programs, life insurance, health insurance, short term
disability, dental and long term disability programs, noting that sick and vacation time will be
reviewed at a future meeting. Councilman McDonald was interested in years of service and an
idea of the number of retirements annually. Councilwoman Ernst asked when the sick and
vacation time will be reviewed. Councilman McDonald asked that that discussion be deferred to
the second meeting in August as he won’t be at the first meeting in August. Laurie Hokkanen
reviewed the specifics of components covered in the total employee compensation package:
PERA (Public Employees Retirement Assn), Life Insurance Policy, Short Term Disability which
is not provided, Long Term Disability provided after 90 days, Health Insurance and Dental
City Council Work Session - July 11, 2011
Insurance which is provided but not funded by the City. Councilman McDonald asked for
clarification of the city’s portion of deductible on health insurance. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked about available options of what’s working and not working for other communities,
suggestions of money savings options, and that any suggestions for staff be provided at this point
in the budget discussion.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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