WS 2012 07 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JULY 23, 2012
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:40 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, and Councilman Laufenburger
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Ernst
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman,
Greg Sticha, Jerry Ruegemer, and Jodi Sarles
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Jeff Fox 5270 Howards Point Road, Excelsior
Rick Dorsey 1551 Lyman Boulevard
REVIEW COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC) ZONING DISTRICT.
Kate Aanenson provided background information on the creation of the Community Commercial Zoning
Districts, the retail market study prepared by the McComb Group in June, 2006, and affected parcels.
Mayor Furlong asked about square footage of current buildings in downtown in relation to the size of
buildings being permitted in the Community Commercial District. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about
the life span of the McComb Study and the possibility of updating the study. Mayor Furlong discussed
whether there’s a need to update the study at this time since all the elements of the study have continued
to be the same, just the timeline has changed. Staff suggested it might be worthwhile to relook at traffic
counts and take into account the proposed river crossing. Councilman McDonald discussed traffic
considerations with the parcel associated with the Walmart application. After discussion council
members decided it would be worthwhile updating issues associated with developable parcels.
REVIEW CRITERIA FOR KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY CITIES.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the criteria used in determining the list of key financial strategy cities with the
recommendation to stay with the current list excluding Shoreview, Champlin and Inver Grove Heights
and adding Stillwater, Rosemount and Elk River. Councilman McDonald asked about land size and
available build out comparisons and how median household income plays into the comparisons. He
questioned using Rogers and Forest Lake as comparables. Staff explained how they determined which
cities to keep and which ones be dropped to keep the list at ten. Councilman Laufenburger and Mayor
Furlong questioned Oakdale staying on the list and suggested replacing it with Ramsey. Mayor Furlong
suggested going along with staff’s recommendation with the deletion of Oakdale. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked what cities use Chanhassen as a comparable. Staff suggested removing Oakdale and
adding Cottage Grove. Council concurred.
RE-EVALUATE RECREATION PROGRAM FEES.
Jodi Sarles reviewed the fees associated with Rec Center programs in 2011, 2012 and the
recommendation to increase fees in 2013 for the Dance program by 5%. Jerry Ruegemer reviewed fees
associated with Senior Center programs and explained how staff is proposing to increase the annual
sponsorship program by 10% in 2013. In reviewing recreation programs staff is recommending a 5%
City Council Work Session – July 23, 2012
increase for sport camps and 20% increase in the Lake Ann Adventure Camp. Councilman McDonald
asked for clarification of how the sponsorship program works. In reviewing facilities Jerry Ruegemer
explained that there will be no increase in watercraft rentals but proposed a $25.00 fee be implemented
for public gathering permits and an increase in tournament fees of $50/day without lights and $100/day
with lights. Council and staff discussed the specifics of the public gathering permits fees. Jodi Sarles
discussed Rec Center Sports recommending an increase in rates for the After School Sports program.
Todd Hoffman noted that the Park and Rec Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City
Council approve the following fee increases: Dance for Fun 5%, Sports Camps 5%, Lake Ann Adventure
Camp 20%, Annual Sponsorship Program 10%, Public Gathering Permits: Add a $25 fee (Exclude Non-
Profit Groups), Weekend Tournament Fees: Add a $50/day fee without lights and $100/day fee for using
the lights, and After School Sports: Increase Resident Rates to $29 and Non-Resident Rates to $33.
Councilman McDonald asked for a detail of expenses and revenues associated with park and rec
programs at budget time and the effect of these proposed changes.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim
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