WS 2012 10 22
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 22, 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, Todd Hoffman,
and Greg Sticha
DISCUSS UTILITY RATE STUDY, EHLERS & ASSOCIATES.
In reviewing a powerpoint presentation by Mark Ruff with Ehlers & Associates regarding the utility rate
study, he outlined the need for more scrutiny of the enterprise funds, noting two other AAA rated
communities now have negative outlook. He reviewed the water CIP projects for 2012-2018, water
system costs, capital debt, and operating costs, noting 2012 projects to be a high sales year for water
because of the drought. Councilman Laufenburger asked if there is the same usage in 2013 as 2012, what
the delta for revenue will be and why staff is proposing to change to a fixed fee versus usage fee. Greg
Sticha explained that compared to Chanhassen’s key financial strategy cities, Chanhassen’s fees are very
low. City Manager Todd Gerhardt explained that every user should pay a share of water operations.
Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of the fixed fee plan. Councilwoman Ernst asked instead
of raising fees if money could be moved from the general fund. Todd Gerhardt explained that most cities
follow the rule that enterprise funds should be self supporting. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of
the new multi-family rules. Councilwoman Ernst asked to see a more clear comparison of fees. Todd
Gerhardt explained that the City developed their process with the goal of being equitable per unit fee
versus area wide which is less burdensome for developers. In discussing sewer charges, Mark Ruff
explained how they are inextricably linked to MCES charges. Councilman Laufenburger asked staff to
explain how many users are under $6,000 versus over. Mark Ruff explained that the sewer cash balance
is currently below the target reserve. Staff is recommending lowering the projected increase for sewer to
3% on the trunk side, and 6% increase to stormwater fees, explaining modest rate increases are needed to
rebuild adequate reserve to support the City’s AAA bond rating. Mayor Furlong asked how many cities
do utility rate studies every year. Mark Ruff explained that it’s more work but prudent for council to
spend time on water and sewer budgets. Councilwoman Ernst asked for an email copy of the powerpoint
presentation. Mayor Furlong concurred that it is a good idea to look at utility rates annually.
DISCUSS FRANCHISE RENEWAL WITH MEDIACOM.
Todd Gerhardt provided an overview of the franchise renewal. Councilwoman Ernst asked if the City
could produce revenue from renting out the Channel 8 studio. Staff addressed concerns with that practice.
Mayor Furlong stated he would like to see a reduction in the franchise fee and asked about consumer
trends in cable usage.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. and reconvened after the regular City Council meeting
to review third quarter revenue and expenditure activity.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Laurie Hokkanen and Nann Opheim