WS 2012 04 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 9, 2012
The City Council interviewed Amy Wenner and Keith Anderson for the Environmental Commission
positions prior to Mayor Furlong calling the work session 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, Sharmeen-Al-Jaff, and Todd Hoffman
SENIOR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dorina Tripton, Barbara Nevin, Naomi Moe, Tom
Wilson, and Camille Swanson
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Steve Scharfenberg, Tom
Kelly, Cole Kelly, and Brent Carron
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SENIOR COMMISSION.
Barbara Nevin introduced members of the commission who addressed goals set by the Senior
Commission for the upcoming year. Naomi Moe discussed the Carfit program which is being held on
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May 23, transportation issues faced by seniors in Chanhassen and Carver County, the role of the
sheriff’s department with elderly drivers, reviewed a list of current transportation providers and liability
associated with volunteer drivers, and making the city walking friendly in the future. Barbara Nevin
suggested that the Senior Commission members would like to Volunteer to work at city events i.e.
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Memorial Day, 4 of July, and discussed the Triad program through the Sheriff’s Office. Tom Wilson
discussed senior parking signage in the city and the Metro project associated with the Capstone program
at the junior and high school level. Mayor Furlong suggested he contact Tim Dorway, the principal at
Chanhassen High School and asked if there were any issues or goals the Senior Commission doesn’t need
to keep doing on a regular basis because of time commitments. Sharmeen Al-Jaff commented that
attendance at the Senior Center events is very good, sometimes causing the venue to be changed to the
Rec Center. Councilman McDonald asked if the commission is talking to seniors about scams and fraud
going on in the community against seniors.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Cole Kelly presented highlights from the following projects the Park and Recreation Commission will be
working on over the next year:
Bandimere Park Expansion
Disc golf course construction at Bandimere Park
Highway 5 pedestrian underpass at Minnewashta Parkway
Highway 41 trail project and underpass
Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the disc golf course design and possible interference with current
uses. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the status of the stairway project from the Highover
neighborhood to TH 41 underpass.
Brent Carron presented highlights from the following projects the Park and Recreation Commission will
be working on over the next year:
tennis court refurbishments and the use of paving fabric which should help with longevity
construction of Pioneer Pass Park and Riley Ridge Park together in 2013 as opposed to one in
2013 and one in 2014
Skate park refurbishment
Councilwoman Ernst asked about the bidding process for playground equipment. Councilman
Laufenburger asked about neighborhood meetings for neighborhood park design. Cole Kelly discussed
the DNR grant for the Rice Marsh Lake trail. Councilman McDonald asked about Eden Prairie’s
commitment to finish their section of the trail. Mayor Furlong asked about ownership of different
properties along the trail corridor. Councilman Laufenburger asked if there were any other impediments
standing in the way of getting the trail constructed. Mayor Furlong asked about the status of proposed
projects in the CIP. Councilman McDonald thanked the commission for eliminating a couple tennis
courts and asked about skate park usage and possible expansion in the future. Councilman Laufenburger
thanked Tom Kelly for his work on the disc golf design, and mentioned an Eagle Scout project that will
help in that construction. Cole Kelly thanked City Council for their support of the Park and Recreation
Commission.
DISCUSSION OF APPOINTMENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Council members asked to see attendance records for all commissions before discussing concerns that the
Environmental Commission stay on course and within the parameters of what the City Council wants to
see accomplished. After discussion of Environmental Commission candidate interviews council decided
to appoint Bob Kircher, Amy Wenner and Keith Anderson. Mayor Furlong noted council will get a
chance to see where the Environmental Commission is headed when they meet in joint session.
Councilman Laufenburger asked to see a snow report from the City Engineer/Public Works Director.
Mayor Furlong stated Terry Jeffery would like to get on an upcoming work session to update the council
on the Minnehaha Watershed District. Councilman Laufenburger asked staff for an update on the
lakeshore associations lawsuit against the DNR and City of Chanhassen.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim