WS 2011 09 12
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
SEPTEMBER 12, 2011
Mayor Furlong called the work session meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ernst, and Councilman Laufenburger
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Greg Sticha,
Terry Jeffery, Lt. Jeff Enevold and Todd Hoffman
2012 PRELIMINARY LEVY DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha provided highlights from the budget presentation outlining assumptions used, comparisons
between the three proposed scenarios, and expenditure comparisons with other key financial strategy
cities, noting staff is recommending City Council approve Scenario 1. Councilman Laufenburger asked
staff to clarify the differences between Scenarios 1 and 2. Councilman McDonald asked about the future
impact of eliminating funding for fire station 3 in 2012. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of
the library referendum amount from 2011 to 2012
DISCUSSION CONCERNING AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES/ZEBRA MUSSELS.
Todd Hoffman introduced Jim Japs with Minnesota DNR before providing background information on
meetings held over the summer with the Park and Recreation Commission and their three
recommendations regarding volunteer inspections, policy concerning aquatic invasive species, and the
installation of a gate at South Lotus Lake boat access. He clarified that the response to the gate provided
by Joe Hiller of the DNR was his personal opinion, not a legal opinion. Councilwoman Ernst asked why
the City is talking about this issue due to the DNR’s response. Councilman McDonald stated there didn’t
appear to be a problem in the parks from what he could see from police logs. Councilman Laufenburger
asked for clarification of what he had read in the Park and Recreation Commission Minutes regarding the
gate. Councilman McDonald talked about the impact on the City to enforce park hours (true cost to city),
noting he doesn’t see anything in the information submitted that addresses that issue. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked about enforcement of inspecting homeowner’s boats leaving the lake versus incoming
boats. In discussing park hours, Councilman McDonald talked about the need to treat lakeshore
homeowners the same as boaters using the boat access. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the possibility
of stocking the lake with perch and bass who eat zebra mussels. Todd Gerhardt applauded the Lotus Lake
group for their educational efforts. Joe Shneider discussed the impact of the volunteer inspections and the
number of infected boats found. Tom Devine clarified that the volunteer effort is targeting at risk boats
from Lake Minnetonka and other lakes known to have zebra mussels. Jim Japs provided information on
the funding available to study options for boat inspections and systems of accountability. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked about the procedure for contaminated boats. Joe Shneider provided clarification that the
request is to control the boat access during non-operating hours in order to facilitate volunteer inspections.
Tom Devine discussed the South Lotus Lake boat access agreement regarding park hours and the number
of stalls. Mayor Furlong asked Mr. Japs to elaborate on the legislative action and statute policy regarding
aquatic invasive species. Joe Shneider talked about the man power and money needed to enforce DNR
policies and asked that the City Council be leaders in implementing what is being recommended by the
Park and Recreation Commission. Councilman McDonald discussed the need to have a policy for all city
lakes, not just one. Councilman Laufenburger asked if the residents can determine with absolute certainly
that the city lakes are indeed not already infested and suggested Lotus Lake homeowners visually inspect
their docks this fall for zebra mussels. Todd Gerhardt provided clarification between DNR statute and
City Council Work Session – September 12, 2011
policy. Councilman Laufenburger asked Mr. Japs to discuss the DNR’s management plan for zebra
mussels. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the letter from John Hiller being law versus opinion. In
discussing the previous use of a gate at South Lotus Lake, Todd Hoffman clarified that that gate did not
meet DNR approval. Mayor Furlong talked about forming a working relationship between the City and
homeowners association groups to development guidelines regarding inspection programs at area lakes
and establishing aquatic invasive species policy guidelines. Councilwoman Ernst stated she was in favor
of the educational piece versus enforcement and the need to be careful with executing less versus more
government. Councilman Laufenburger discussed risks involved and apathy. He stated he was in favor
of developing a policy that protects city resources and suggested studying what other cities have done
regarding aquatic invasive species policies. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she hasn’t seen the DNR
policy yet and suggested Terry Jeffery provide more information to the council. Councilman McDonald
stated he was in favor of establishing guidelines, but the need to be careful with policy equaling
enforcement. There was no support among council members for the installation of a gate at South Lotus
Lake boat access.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the City Council work session at 7:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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