WS 2012 06 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 11, 2012
Todd Gerhardt 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, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd Hoffman, and Ed Coppersmith
Todd Gerhardt added an update on Highway 101 as item F.
DISCUSS CITYWIDE EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY AND REVIEW CARVER COUNTY
NIMS TRAINING.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on this item and discussed NIMS training. Councilman
Laufenburger clarified that the NIMS training can be done entirely online. Ed Coppersmith discussed the
different levels of available public safety training. Todd Gerhardt reviewed emergency siren locations
throughout the city. Councilman Laufenburger asked how sirens are activated. Ed Coppersmith
discussed grant money available to upgrade all emergency systems to avoid interference from cell phones.
Mayor Furlong asked if the city’s matching funds for this grant are in the CIP. Todd Gerhardt asked
when the next mock emergency drill will take place. Ed Coppersmith explained that he’s currently
working on coordinating a mock drill with Pillsbury to simulate a large ammonia leak encompassing fire,
police, public works, Carver County personnel and Ridgeview Hospital. Councilman Laufenburger asked
about monitoring of the drill. Mayor Furlong asked that the council be informed of the mock drill and
asked about gaps in siren coverage in Chanhassen and neighboring cities, especially in the northwest
corner of the city (Lake Minnewashta neighborhood). Councilman Laufenburger asked about
incorporating the emergency management system to adapt to emergencies such as the watermain break in
Chanhassen Hills or establishing a policy for such an incident. Ed Coppersmith suggested bringing in
someone to educate and train the City on how to handle those type of emergencies, especially focusing on
line of command and media communication.
UPDATE ON TH 101 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, LYMAN BOULEVARD TO PIONEER
TRAIL.
Paul Oehme and Jon Horn with Kimley-Horn provided background information, design updates,
construction phasing and staging plan, right-of-way/easement acquisition update, estimated costs and
financing plan. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the stormwater pond design standards, how the
phasing plan will affect access to Bandimere Park, discussion of connecting Kiowa Trail to Springfield
Drive, improvements being made at the TH 101 and Pioneer Trail intersection, and assessments to the
Wilson property for turn lane improvements. Councilman McDonald asked about the possibility of
signalized intersection at Kiowa Trail and TH 101. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the overall
feedback from residents at this point in the process, the tree removal plan and the proposed project
schedule. Jon Horn explained that residents have conceded that the project is moving forward and
appreciate that the City is listening to their concerns and working with them. Councilman Laufenburger
asked about the current bidding climate and what facilities will be included with expansion of Bandimere
Park. Mayor Furlong asked about the City being the lead on this project and checks and balances with
other agencies.
City Council Work Session – June 11, 2012
DISCUSS CONTRACT FOR DEED WITH ROADRUNNER DIESEL SERVICES, OLD PUBLIC
WORKS BUILDING, 1591 PARK ROAD.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed Roadrunner’s interest in modifying equipment at the old public works building
and entering into a contract for deed to rent with an option to buy. He explained the appraisal process the
City undertook to arrive at sale price of $1,475,000 and details of the purchase price, terms, down
payment amount, monthly payments, payoff/balloon amount and dates. Councilwoman Ernst asked if
there was a down side to this proposal. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification of the current
monthly rent amount, commissions, and interest rate. After discussion council members concurred they
were in favor of moving forward.
DISCUSS MEDIACOM FRANCHISE RENEWAL PROCESS.
Todd Gerhardt discussed the
information contained in the staff report. Councilwoman Ernst asked about a neighborhood open house.
Councilman Laufenburger asked about the City’s authority to charge a franchise fee for access to phone
and internet as well as cable. Council members discussed jurisdiction and authority of the City versus
Mediacom. Todd Gerhardt stated he would investigate current FCC regulations regarding the City’s
authority. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the scope of services being provided by Cheryl
Johnson at Columbia Telecommunication Corp, asking that she review basic minimal needs to provide
PEG fee service and the need for PEG and franchise fees into the future. Councilman Laufenburger
suggested giving community organization broadcast time on Channel 8 using PEG fees and asked for a
list of programs currently being shown on Channel 8.
SENIOR HOUSING ISSUE PAPER.
Kate Aanenson discussed City Code amendments for senior
living facilities that currently operate as group homes which will change the definition for zoning and
definitions of group homes. The Planning Commission asked for feedback from the Senior Commission
with a goal of coming back with a code amendment so that current proposals for independent senior
housing facilities can move forward. Councilman McDonald asked about group homes currently in the
city. Councilman Laufenburger clarified the wording in the proposed ordinance amendment. Mayor
Furlong asked if other cities had issues with similar proposals before directing staff to continue to move
forward
UPDATE ON HIGHWAY 101.
Todd Gerhardt provided an update on meetings with Eden Prairie, the
County and MnDOT regarding safety pedestrian crossing improvements to TH 101 between Town Line
Road and Highway 5 in response to a fatal accident that recently occurred. They concluded the best short
term solution would be the current improvements proposed for Pleasant View and Highway 101 including
a pedestrian triggered crosswalk. Paul Oehme reviewed average daily trip counts in 1989 versus
projected counts in the future which show traffic numbers declining with improvements to Highways 5
and 212. Todd Gerhardt discussed possible median improvements that can be made due to traffic counts
not warranting signalization. He noted MnDOT will conduct a speed study and potential safety
improvement. Councilman Laufenburger asked to see the accident report when available.
Councilwoman Ernst clarified that the City does not have jurisdiction to change speed limits on roads.
Mayor Furlong discussed the fact that the natural progression of discussion is a redesign of this corridor.
Councilman McDonald asked about the status of the improvement project at Pleasant View and Highway
101.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim
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