WS 2012 05 14 CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 14, 2012
Mayor Furlong called 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, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman,
Greg Sticha, Terry Jeffery, and Kevin Crooks
DISCUSS WATER METER RADIO READ REPLACEMENTS.
Greg Sticha presented background information on the need, cost and benefits for the two options being
discussed before staff making a recommendation on the direction on how to proceed.
Option 1: Maintain current system by replacing batteries.
Option 2: Purchase New Fixed Base System or AMR
He reviewed cost comparisons for both options comparing numbers with performing a majority of the
work in -house or outsourcing the work to an outside vendor and 20 year accumulative cost comparison
chart. Kevin Crooks discussed planned obsolescence associated with software with Option 1, the impact
on employee time and jobs getting done /not done and meter tampering detection capabilities with Option
1 versus Option 2. Councilman McDonald asked about how long the city will be able to purchase
replacement batteries into the future. Greg Sticha presented benefits and negatives associated with both
options, a list of utility users and other communities switching to the fixed base system. He reviewed the
impact on user rates under all options. Staff recommends option 2 with either installation option.
Councilwoman Ernst asked about other available enterprise funds to pull from to avoid utility rate
increase. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the difference between high power and normal radios.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the lifespan of the new fixed base system. Councilwoman Ernst
suggested going with Option 1 A for one more year in order to give staff time to research funding options
for Option 2. After discussion the consensus was to endorse Option 2, asking staff to further investigate
funding, installation options and effect on utility rates.
DISCUSS SURFACE WATER MANGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT
Terry Jeffery reviewed comprehensive plan amendment to surface water management plan, watershed
plan amendments of other agencies and the timeline and expected changes to Chapter 19, Storm Water
Management for the following:
• Abstraction
• water quality treatment
• define thresholds
• define exceptions and limitations
• IS and quantify credits
• SWMP credits
• Design standards
• Project identification
• Appendix C changes
City Council Work Session — May 14, 2012
• Define thresholds for volume reductions
• Define exceptions and limitations
• Quantify volume credits
Mayor Furlong asked staff to keep in mind property owners and reduce where possible from the
watershed and other agencies regulations.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
DISCUSS CODE AMENDMENT: PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) ORDINANCE.
Kate Aanenson reviewed the City's current PUD process chart in comparison to Plymouth's which is a
more informal process. Mayor Furlong asked about dealing with the conceptual PUD becoming too
onerous and having a more formal versus informal application process. He stated he would like to make
the process more efficient and less burdensome on everyone involved. In discussing the PUD ordinance,
Kate Aanenson reviewed proposed changes to the PUD ordinance because the limitations of the low
density PUD ordinance has not been used in the last 10 years. Staff is recommending that the minimum
lot size for single family detached housing be eliminated and that instead the density should be the
limitation. Council members stated they were comfortable with staff's recommendations.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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