WS 2012 08 13
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 13, 2012
Mayor Furlong: 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, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, and Greg Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Laurie Susla 7008 Dakota Avenue
Jeff Fox 5270 Howards Point Road, Excelsior
FOURTH RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHWEST TRANSIT, DAVE
JACOBSON AND RICHARD ROSOW.
Todd Gerhardt introduced Dave Jacobson, Southwest Transit Operational Manager and Richard Rosow,
attorney for Southwest Transit who reviewed background information regarding the Division of
Distribution of Assets provision which was added to the Joint Powers Agreement. Mayor Furlong asked
about Met Council’s roll in ownership of real property within the city. Richard Rosow reviewed the
elimination of the Financial Liability formula noting that instead the agreement will use statutory
language. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification regarding the relationship between the city’s tax
levy and Southwest Transit. Mr. Rosow explained that State took the burden off property taxes and
placed it on motor vehicle taxes. He reviewed the creation of an Executive Committee and Bond
Committee with clarification of wording changes regarding the approval process and that only elected
officials should be on the Bond Committee. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of quorum
requirements of both committees, authorization to use lease purchase finance agreements, references to
Minnesota state statutes to reflect changes in law, and the use of mediation in addition to arbitration as a
dispute resolution option. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification on the wording regarding
compensation for board members and asked as Southwest Transit expands to the west will more cities be
added. Mayor Furlong and Councilwoman Ernst discussed challenges with quorum requirements
associated with the executive committee. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she is always leery of creating
additional governmental entities. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the wording regarding an
alternate serving on the Bond Committee and compensation. Mayor Furlong asked about State Fair bus
service.
REVIEW SECOND QUARTER REVENUE ACTIVITY TO DATE.
In reviewing the second quarter
revenues and expenditures, Greg Sticha explained that permits were on target with building permit
revenues having collected 75% of the total budget. As of June 30, 2012 expenditures have been 48%
spent, which is tracking with the adopted budget. Mayor Furlong asked if there was anything that would
cause expenses to exceed budget at end of year. Staff did not know of any. Councilman Laufenburger
asked if there were any expenses associated with revenues exceeding budget and asked to see residential
building permit numbers for the last 4 years. Greg Sticha reviewed highlights from the City’s investment
portfolio.
PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha reviewed the three budget
scenarios, assumptions used, impact of each scenario on the average home, and staff’s recommendation to
set the preliminary levy using Scenario #1. He reviewed long term financing planning documents, the
City Council Work Session – August 13, 2012
Revolving Assessment Fund, Bond Tax Levies Document in relation to the different scenarios, the
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schedule for future work session items with approval of the preliminary levy on September 10 and the
final levy being set in December. Todd Gerhardt clarified that the detailed reports use Scenario #1.
Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of last year’s third scenario and the impact on homeowners
as compared to this year’s third scenario. Councilman McDonald asked to see the impact on homeowners
with each scenario.
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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