WS 2011 10 10
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 10, 2011
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ernst, and Councilman Laufenburger
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman,
Richard Rice, Greg Sticha, and Chief John Wolff
PRESENTATION BY SCHOOL DISTRICT 112 SUPERINTENDENT JIM BAUCK
REGARDING TECHNOLOGY REFERENDUM.
Council members introduced themselves before Superintendent Jim Bauck’s power point presentation on
the Eastern Carver County Technology Referendum 2011 which highlighted the need for technology
funding, proposal details, funding plan, technology expenditures, comparison to other neighboring school
districts and what will happen if the referendum fails. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the number
of students, if other school districts i.e. Edina and Minnetonka have also asked for technology levies and
the effect of the fiber ring project. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the allocation of the
referendum funding and that it is not going to staffing salaries. School Board Member Fred Berg was
present in the audience.
REVIEW PRELIMINARY LAYOUT, LYMAN BOULEVARD.
Paul Oehme and Lyndon Robjent, Carver County Engineer, presented the layout for the Lyman
Boulevard project which is slated for construction in 2013-2014. Lyndon Robjent reviewed the design
specifications, what’s been done regarding traffic analysis, taking into account future land use in the area,
geometrics of the road layout, the request for right in/right out into the Dorsey property and cost estimates
with the 50/50 cost sharing by the County and City after the $5 million federal grant. Paul Oehme
discussed future utility improvements in the area. Todd Gerhardt asked if the touchdown location has
been finalized for the Lyman Boulevard and Sunset Trail intersection. Mayor Furlong asked for
clarification of the design of the Lyman Boulevard and Powers Boulevard intersection, and timing for the
approval process and construction schedule. Lyndon Robjent reviewed the schedule for neighborhood
meetings, EAW review and approval process. Councilwoman Tjornhom hoped staff will address the
right-in/right-out issue into the Dorsey property taking into account city ordinances. Mayor Furlong
asked how public notices will be distributed.
REVIEW LONG TERM TENNIS COURT MAINTENANCE PLAN.
Todd Gerhardt explained that this item was being discussed as a part of the City’s key financial strategies.
Todd Hoffman reviewed the analysis performed regarding the long term tennis court maintenance plan for
current and future tennis court locations in the city. Councilman Laufenburger asked if school courts can
be used by the public, if that’s publicly known and the number of privately owned tennis courts in the
city. Councilwoman Ernst asked about usage numbers. Todd Hoffman reviewed maintenance history,
future maintenance schedule and structural defects which have led to the recommendation of removing 2
courts at the Rec Center. Mayor Furlong asked about staggering maintenance on courts. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked if the city incorporates ice skating rink maintenance along with tennis court maintenance.
Councilman McDonald asked about complaints from citizens. Mayor Furlong asked about life
expectancy of rehabilitation versus reconstruction. Councilman Laufenburger asked if there were other
City Council Work Session – October 10, 2011
surfaces available other than asphalt and if the 2 courts are taken out at the Rec Center, what will be the
use of that space. Councilwoman Ernst voiced concern with the amount of interest versus usage and
dollars spent.
DISCUSS ABANDONED PROPERTIES AT 6850 AND 6852 NEZ PERCE DRIVE.
Kate Aanenson provided an update on vacant property at 6850 and 6852 Nez Perce Drive and the
tax forfeit process being conducted by the County on November 1, 2011.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:55 p.m.
INITIAL REVIEW OF THE 2012-2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP).
Greg Sticha reviewed the 5 year CIP planning document which will be considered for approval at a later
date and explained that final bid amounts for capital replacement equipment historically have come in
lower than budgeted numbers. Mayor Furlong asked about 2011 expenditures compared to budget.
Greg Sticha explained how years 2014-16 will be a challenge to meet budget numbers. Councilwoman
Ernst asked for clarification of department project summaries and funding sources and why the amount in
year 2012 is significantly higher than the following years. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of
computer/software/network purchases. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the replacement policy for
public works vehicles. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the current number of dump/plow trucks and
the schedule for replacement. Mayor Furlong asked about the criteria used for replacing equipment and if
there’s any expansion planned. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of the replacement and
expansion of fire equipment for Fire Station #3 and net cost versus true cost in budget projections. Greg
Sticha reviewed projects by funding source, focusing on years 2012 and 2013. Todd Gerhardt explained
that the big discussion year will be 2017 for budget year 2018 regarding policy on how to allocate funds
coming off of debt levies and where projects versus equipment should be allocated. Mayor Furlong asked
about public hearings for 2012 street projects and a breakdown of other agency contributions. Todd
Hoffman explained the purpose of the park dedication fund. Council members discussed various specific
line items under different funding sources. Mayor Furlong asked for careful review of the I/I program.
Todd Gerhardt suggested putting that discussion as a 2012 key financial strategy and inviting staff from
Met Council to give a presentation.
REVIEW ENTERPRISE AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUND BUDGETS.
Greg Sticha provided background information before Paul Oehme reviewed the water, sewer and surface
water management operations. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the fees for services. Councilman
Laufenburger asked about allocation of no fault insurance. Greg Sticha reviewed the charitable gambling
fund, noting the budget was increased slightly to reflect increased revenue projections for 2012. Laurie
Hokkanen reviewed the cable TV fund. Councilman McDonald asked about Mediacom’s franchise fees.
Greg Sticha reviewed the schedule for upcoming work session items. Councilwoman Ernst asked about
the City’s policy regarding referendums.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 9:30 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim
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