CC 2003 09 15CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 15, 2003
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Furlong, Councilman Lundquist, Councilman
Ayotte, and Councilman Peterson. Councilman Labatt was present for the first item and then left
the meeting.
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Kate Aanenson and Todd Hoffman
JOINT MEETNG WITH COMMISSIONS.
Senior Commissioners Present: Dale Geving, Barbara Headla, Jean Mancini, Melvin Kurvers,
and Thomas Faust
Todd Gerhardt gave a recap of the meeting with himself, Mayor Furlong, Dale Geving and Tom
Faust regarding remodeling of the old library space. They discussed naming of the space and
how it will be used. There is a meeting scheduled on Thursday with the architect and Senior
Commission members. The seniors want the front door as close to the parking lot as possible,
and the need for a corridor so there's no interruption in activities that are taking place. It was
asked that at least the plumbing for a second kitchen be considered for the new space, even if the
appliances can't be purchased at this time. There was discussion over the restrictions on
commercial kitchens. Councilman Peterson asked if the senior commission had discussed
programming for the new space. Dale Geving stated the new space will be used daily and the old
space will be used more sparingly. Mayor Furlong stated funding sources haven't been identified
yet for the remodeling, so the additional time for planning will benefit everyone. Councilman
Lundquist asked for clarification on the commission's statement regarding having no control over
life cycle housing. Dale Geving stated the Senior Commission never gets to see the plans for
senior housing and would like to be included in the review process. Kate Aanenson explained
how the Centennial Hills apartments was a city project but as a general rule the planning staff
doesn't look at interior designs for buildings, but felt the Senior Commission would be valuable
in being an advocate of life cycle housing. The commission had concerns that there are
approximately 2,000 seniors in Chanhassen and maybe 500 participate in the senior center
activities and how can the other seniors be reached. It was suggested asking the Chanhassen
Villager to write an article or series of articles, possibly highlighting the tenth anniversary of the
Senior Center, and the need to hold a celebration and open house.
Park and Recreation Commissioners Present: Rod Franks, Jack Spizale, Tom Kelly, Amy
O'Shea and Paula Atkins
Councilman Lundquist stated he sensed the Park and Recreation Commission felt a loss of
direction and floundering from the bullet points under what's working and what's not. Rod
Franks stated there is a certain level of frustration, especially over the financial constraints of the
department and not being able to meet the demands of the citizens and dealing with safety issues
of playground equipment as an example. He stated the commission needed to develop strategies
for funding replacement of equipment. Councilman Peterson asked to see the implications of
spending money, and if this project gets done, what projects don't. Rod Franks stated he thought
the 5 year CIP plan showed that. Todd Hoffman explained that the Park and Recreation
City Council Joint Meeting with Commissions - September 15, 2003
Commission is being left out of the financial decisions. Rod Franks agreed that they felt they
were being left out of the loop as far as financial decisions. Councilman Ayotte stated his
concern was that the budget was 20% higher for Park and Recreation than for public safety, the
total life cycle costs aren't identified and the need for revenue generation. Councilman Lundquist
stated he was hearing a lot of "we" and "they" and how can the breakdown in communication be
addressed. Maybe the commission shouldn't be just project oriented but spend time on other
things. Rod Franks stated he also disliked the "we" and "they" which was due to two different
bodies with different objectives. Todd Gerhardt stated the best way to work together is for the
Park and Recreation Commission to lay out priorities and cost. Take inventory and attach life
cycle of park components, and then lobby the City Council for what is priority. Amy O'Shea
asked about paying for maintenance of trails. Mayor Furlong stated he thought the open house
held at the park and rec meeting was a great idea. Jack Spizale asked about where in the process
the City Council was with the new recreation center.
Environmental Commissioners Present: Dotti Shay, Ron Olsen, and Marcus Zbinden
Marcus Zbinden went over the Environmental Commission's list of accomplishments, and what
programs are working and which one's aren't. Dotti Shay stated one thing they haven't done yet
is establishing a farmers market in town. Todd Gerhardt stated the Chamber of Commerce was
also looking at a farmers market and maybe the two groups can have discussions. Councilman
Ayotte asked if the Environmental Commission was providing technical support for staff. They
stated they haven't been asked but would help. Todd Gerhardt stated staff could use help in
educating the public and backing up staff on environmental issues. Councilman Lundquist
commended the Environmental Commission for their creativity and fiscal responsibility. Mayor
Furlong stated the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a great asset for the city and maybe the
Environmental Commission could work with them. Ron Olsen talked about providing his
expertise to such projects as the Market Street Station and carrying on the pedestrian friendly
theme from the new library project. Councilman Peterson suggested he attend the Planning
Commission meeting when it goes through the public hearing process and to call Chairman Uli
Sacchet. Mayor Furlong stated we don't need walls built up between commissions, but the need
to work together.
Plannin~ Commissioners Present: Uli Sacchet, Bethany Tjornhom, Rich Slagle and Craig
Claybaugh.
Public Present: Debbie Lloyd and Janet Paulsen
Mayor Furlong stated he valued the input and summary being provided with planning projects.
Uli Sacchet asked for clarification on the level of detail the City Council was looking for from the
Planning Commission. Councilman Peterson stated he liked the level of detail but was concerned
with the length of the meetings. Bethany Tjornhom stated she didn't know how the last meeting
could have been any shorter when you have numerous people from the public wishing to speak on
issues. Uli Sacchet expressed concern with engineering's performance with the golf course issue.
He also stated it's tricky on how to deal with people, on how much to listen and when to cut them
off. Mayor Furlong stated the Planning Commission was serving the residents so they need to
listen to them, but also need to run a meeting. He wanted people to feel they could speak at the
Planning Commission because they often aren't given that opportunity at the City Council.
Councilman Peterson suggested if a commissioner agrees with the comments from a previous
commissioner, not to re-state the same opinion. Uli Sacchet stated there was concern with
decisions made by the Planning Commission and then are overturned by the City Council and
asked if Planning Commission could get an executive summary of why City Council voted
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City Council Joint Meeting with Commissions - September 15, 2003
differently. Councilman Peterson stated that was part of the Planning Commission liaison's job
was to provide feedback on City Council discussion and decisions. Councilman Ayotte stated he
liked the idea of having joint meetings on big projects, like the AUAR process and Market Street
Station. Councilman Lundquist stated he relies on the executive summary first and then if there
are issues of concern, he might glance through the conditions. He feels the Planning Commission
does a good job of interpreting the code without politics. Todd Gerhardt informed the Planning
Commission that he would be bringing in the downtown TIF district and explained the Planning
Commission's role in reviewing that.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim