WS 2012 03 26
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MARCH 26, 2012
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:05 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ernst,
and Councilman Laufenburger
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Karen Engelhardt, Bob Generous, Paul Oehme,
Greg Sticha and Kevin Crooks
PUBLIC PRESENT:
None
PROPOSED REALIGNMENT OF PRECINCT BOUNDARIES.
Karen Engelhardt reviewed the
existing precinct boundaries and goals used for realigning precincts boundaries using 2010 census data
which resulted in the presentation of Options 1, 2, 3 & 1A. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked how the new
fire station would impact future polling locations. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification of
Option 3’s projected population numbers in Precincts 3, 4 & 5, guidelines for adding a new precinct
before 2020, and what criteria was used for projecting growth numbers. He explained that his key issue is
having people in and around the Summerwood neighborhood voting at St. Hubert’s Church.
Councilwoman Tjornhom explained that the council will need to weigh difficulties for Summerwood
people voting at the public works building versus adding an additional precinct prior to 2020. Staff will
review Options 1A and 3 at the regular City Council meeting before recommending Option 1A.
COMMISSION INTERVIEWS.
City Council interviewed commission applicants Barbara Nevins,
Robert Kircher, and Camille Swanson before discussing commission appointments to the Planning, Park
and Rec and Senior Commissions. Due to scheduling issues there are two remaining interviews for the
th
Environmental Commission. Those appointments will be made on April 9. Todd Gerhardt handed out
an application from David Tupper for the Planning Commission, with Park and Rec as an alternate, that
arrived after the deadline. Because there was an opening remaining on the Park and Rec Commission it
was decided to interview David Tupper.
DISCUSS WATER METER RADIO READ REPLACEMENTS.
Paul Oehme presented background
information on the need to replace batteries in the meter read program, explaining staff was directed to
identify project costs for replacing batteries or upgrading a fixed base collection system. He reviewed the
pros and cons and associated costs with the alternative of using city staff or outsourcing installation for
Option 1, a replacement program for batteries and Option 2, upgrading a fixed base collection system.
Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the costs associated with the final reading of meters in
Option 1. Todd Gerhardt explained that Option 1 is really not an option because it’s just providing a
Bandaid to old technology. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the real money spent for Option 1
versus Option 2. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will prepare a cost benefit and utility rate analysis that will be
brought back at a future work session meeting.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim