WS 2012 08 27
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 27, 2012
Mayor Furlong called the to 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, Richard Rice, Chief John Wolff, and Lt. Jeff Enevold
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Ron Kleve 7307 Laredo Drive
Matt Winterer 2210 Melody Hill
Rick Dorsey 1551 Lyman
Kirk Pettis 2742 Piper Ridge Lane
Jeff Fox 5270 Howards Point Road, Excelsior
PROPOSED 2013 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS BY DEPARTMENT HEADS.
Greg Sticha reviewed the assumptions used in formulating the scenarios for setting the preliminary levy.
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Councilwoman Ernst informed the council that she will not be able to attend the September 10 meeting
when the preliminary levy needs to be set and asked about the possibility of changing the meeting date.
It was decided to discuss that matter after department heads had presented their detailed budget
information. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed the services provided in the Legislative Fund 1110, noting there
were no significant changes being requested. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the
breakdown of budget increase i.e. salary increases for each department. Staff explained that wages
included a 13% increase in health insurance. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed the services provided in the
Administration Fund 1120 and explained the effect on the budget of replacing the Admin Support
Specialist with a Communications Specialist. Greg Finance reviewed the services provided in the
Finance Fund noting there were no significant changes. Councilman Laufenburger asked if a portion of
any finance employee’s wages were out of the Enterprise Fund. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services
provided in the Legal Fund 1140 noting an increase of $10,000 over 2012 which is based on actual
spending in 2011/12. Councilwoman Ernst and Councilman Laufenburger asked for a comparison of
offsetting revenue in this fund. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided for property assessment in
Fund 1150 noting an increase in contract fees and number of parcels. Councilman McDonald asked about
the availability of a third party to provide this service. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the value
of having the same assessor for all communities in Carver County. Richard Rice reviewed the services
provided in the MIS Fund 1160 noting there were no significant changes. Councilwoman Ernst asked
about a schedule for capital replacement. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided and outcomes for
City Hall Fund 1170 noting no significant changes. Mayor Furlong asked about the change in general
liability insurance. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided in the Elections Fund 1180 noting an
increase to account for potential changes in election procedures. Council asked about the accuracy of
splitting the cost for elections and why costs have increase so much. Todd Gerhardt stated staff can do an
analysis of historical average of actual election numbers. Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided in
Library Fund 1190 noting no significant changes. Lt. Jeff Enevold reviewed services provided in the
Police Administration Fund 1210 showing a potential $15,000 in savings, which is not accounted for in
the current numbers being presented, by providing more supervision from the sergeant position.
Councilwoman Ernst asked about the duties of the school liaison officer. Chief John Wolff reviewed
City Council Work Session – August 27, 2012
services provided in the Fire Department Fund 1220 noting an overall increase of 3.1% due to an
increase in officer stipend, EMS materials and firefighter apparel, health surveillance, training and test.
He explained the Fire Department will be applying for an Annual State grant to offset the training cost
increase. Mayor Furlong asked where the City is in the fire department strategic planning process.
Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification of the contribution for performance line item. Laurie
Hokkanen reviewed services provided in the Community Service Fund 1260 with an increase in fees for
service to reflect actual costs at Chan Vet. Mayor Furlong asked about issues with replacing Chan Vet for
boarding services. Paul Oehme reviewed services provided in the Engineering Department Fund 1310
noting no significant changes, Street Maintenance Department Fund 1320 noting a decrease in salt
purchase for winter street maintenance due to a stockpile of salt from last year, Fleet and City Garage
Fund 1370 with an anticipated increase in fuel cost of $12,000, and Street Lighting and Signals Fund
1350 with a projected increase in usage and rates for 2013. Mayor Furlong asked about the joint
purchasing agreement with the State. Todd Gerhardt asked about Xcel Energy costs.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:35 p.m.
Kate Aanenson reviewed services provided in the Planning Commission Fund 1410, Planning
Administration Fund1420, Senior Commission 1430 , Code Enforcement Fund 1250, citing no
significant changes other than the elimination of one full time planner and replacing with an intern
resulting in a decrease. Todd Hoffman reviewed services provided in the Park and Recreation
Commission Fund, 1510, Park and Rec Administration Fund, 1520, Recreation Center Fund 1530, noting
no significant changes. In the Lake Ann Park Operations Fund 1540, Todd Hoffman noted a significant
change with the purchase of one paddle board per year for the watercraft rental operation. There were no
significant changes in the Park Maintenance Fund 1550. A change for the Senior Center Coordinator
position with an hour increase from 28 to 31 hours per week is being proposed in the Senior Citizens
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Center Fund 1560, and an increase in the Recreation Programs Fund 1600 for additional 4 of July
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supplies and services for the 30 anniversary event. Todd Hoffman explained services provided in the
Self-Supporting Programs Fund 1700, noting that adult sports are on the decline especially in softball and
basketball. There were no significant changes in Recreation Sports Fund 1800.
Staff reviewed their list of service level and levy reduction ideas. Councilwoman Ernst asked why staff
did not propose reasonable reductions as opposed to recommended reductions which will have service
impacts. Councilman McDonald agreed that the proposed cuts will affect service levels. Mayor Furlong
asked staff to research possible changes in discontinuing and/or expansion of programs and service levels.
Councilman McDonald discussed the costs associated with keeping the AAA bond rating. Council
discussed the idea of using cash to pay down the levy. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification of the
adjustments in scenarios 2 and 3, the delinquent tax revenue, escrow account, and revenue and expenses
associated with enterprise funds. Councilman Laufenburger asked staff to provide historical background
information on salary increases.
Mayor Furlong: adjourned the work session at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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