WS 2012 01 07
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 7, 2012
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 8:30 a.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ernst, and Councilman Laufenburger
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Greg Sticha, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, Richard Rice, Lt. Jeff Enevold, and Chief John Wolff
Staff and council members exchanged highlights of the holidays.
REVIEW 2011 KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed highlights of key financial strategy accomplishments in 2011:
COMPETIVENESS:
Variances Review
Rental Licensing Program Review
Support Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce, Chanhassen Business Council and Buy
Chanhassen Program (Council and staff discussed the animosity between the Buy Chanhassen
and Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce groups, especially in connection with the Fourth of
July celebration)
STRENGTHEN THE CITY’S FINANCIAL POSITION:
Review Total Compensation Package for Employees
Review Paid Time Off versus Sick/Vacation Benefits
Conduct Cost Comparison of Development Fees: Building Permit and Development Fees
(Mayor Furlong asked about other cities waiving building permit fees as a way to encourage
building for the small local builders)
Develop a List of Budget Cutting Ideas, Policies and Services Levels to Examine
PLANNING FOR THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE:
Development Long Term Tennis Court Maintenance Plan. (Councilwoman Ernst asked about the
demand for tennis courts in the city)
Revisit Fire Station #3 Justification Study, Including Staffing Plan
Consider Expansion of the City Cemetery
Examine Impervious Surface Requirements/Review Standards. (Councilwoman Ernst asked
about reviewing this item in the future as technology changes. Staff suggested inviting the
Arboretum to provide an update on their use of pervious materials.)
ENHANCE LOCAL TAX BASE:
Discuss County Fiber Ring Project, Related City Initiatives, Potential for Business Opportunities,
and Understand the Related Costs/Benefits to Chanhassen Residents
Chanhassen Work Session – January 7, 2012
Identify Opportunities and Barriers to Development and Meet with Retailers/Develop a Public-
Private Partnership to Create Jobs and Enhance Tax Base. (Council discussed the need to think
of ways to bring businesses to the downtown core area and development of the Fox/Dorsey
property)
PROPOSED 2012 KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES.
Comprehensive Fire Study/Fire Relief Benefits. (Chief Wolff and council discussed location,
future need and staffing for the #3 fire station and the regional picture for fire services.)
Review Kennel Permits
Consider Offering NLC Service Line Warranty Program
Begin Franchise Renewal with Mediacom
Review the Community Commercial and Regional Commercial Zoning Districts (Todd Gerhardt
explained the City’s role in development of these zoning districts.)
Work on the 2005 AUAR Update
Redistrict Precincts
Infiltration & Inflow (I&I) Update
Upgrades to Water Meter Radio Reads
AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) Policy Review (Councilwoman Ernst asked that staff include the
work being done by MnDOT.)
Comprehensive 5-Year Road/Trail/Park Plan, Including Rice Marsh Trail Extension and Safety
Crossing
Branding/Marketing for Sewer and Watermain Breaks
Consider Cost Benefit of Ballfield Lighting at Bandimere Park
Consider Cost Benefit of Artificial Turf on Soccer Fields, Lake Ann and Bandimere Parks
Re-evaluate Recreation Program Fee and Room Rental Schedule
Discuss Cost Benefits of County-Wide Fiber
Review Criteria for KFS Cities
Discuss Regional Commercial Area (Staff asked council to consider the extent of the City’s
involvement with this development)
Councilman Laufenburger asked staff to convey how much time and city resources will be needed to
accomplish each of the above referenced strategies. Staff clarified that this item will be on Monday’s
agenda with prioritization and time needed to review each item. Mayor Furlong thanked staff for the
comprehensive list but asked that they consider time and resources available when reviewing the list.
Additional Items Council would like to see added to the list:
Councilwoman Ernst asked about the cost benefit of the City belonging to Metro Cities Board.
Councilman McDonald asked staff to review and evaluate policy pertaining to community impact
situations such as watermain/sewer line breaks.
Councilman Laufenburger asked for a review of the scope of authority and charter for the
Environmental and Senior Commissions.
Councilman Laufenburger asked to review the increasing use of technology to connect with
citizens.
Councilman Laufenburger suggested looking at ways to get the city staff, city government and
commissions more engaged with area high school students to educate them on how city
government works. Councilman McDonald suggested that need is already being met.
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Chanhassen Work Session – January 7, 2012
Councilman Laufenburger asked about items being carried forward that were not completed in 2011.
Mayor Furlong discussed the most efficient way to come up with the list, prioritization, and the time and
resources needed by staff to accomplish these items. Council discussed the schedule for approving the
2012 key financial strategies and what needed to be accomplished over the next few meetings.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 12:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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