WS 2012 11 13 (2)
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 13, 2012
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:45 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
FIRE STUDY UPDATE.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information in selecting Springsted, Inc. in conjunction with Pat
Simpson to conduct the long term fire study which will analyze how the fire department currently
operates, shared services, capital equipment replacement and pension benefits. Councilman
Laufenburger asked about the make-up of the subcommittee. Councilwoman Ernst asked Todd Gerhardt
to explain what shared services means. Todd Gerhardt explained that there is a bit of apprehension on the
part of the subcommittee, who met for the first time Monday night, about the need for this study.
Councilman Laufenburger asked that the support letters from Eden Prairie, Victoria and Excelsior be
included in a future packet and the possibility of using citizens at-large in the subcommittee. Mayor
Furlong noted he liked the layout of the proposed questions and comparisons to key financial strategy
cities. Todd Gerhardt provided background information on the credentials of Pat Simpson. Mayor
Furlong asked about the timeline for the study.
REVIEW SNOWPLOWING SERVICES AND WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS.
Todd Gerhardt discussed the request by Councilman Laufenburger for setting a benchmark to analyze
snowplowing services in the city. Paul Oehme explained the event record spreadsheet that was created
for time and material usage in 2011-2012. Councilwoman Ernst asked how the number of drivers are
determined. Councilman Laufenburger suggested adding a column to include the day of week.
Councilman McDonald and Councilwoman Tjornhom discussed complaints they heard during the
campaign about where snow is deposited in cul-de-sacs (especially on fire hydrants) and damaged
mailboxes. Paul Oehme explained that the City does assist in digging out some hydrants they know
about. Councilwoman Ernst stated the complaint she hears about are when city trucks are out in low
snow events. Mayor Furlong asked about salt/sand policy. Councilman Laufenburger commented on his
appreciation for the amount of work taken to create this spreadsheet but his belief it is valuable
information. Mayor Furlong agreed that it is good information going forward. Councilman Laufenburger
asked how public parking lots are prioritized. Todd Hoffman noted he will be bringing the same
information forward for parks and trails. Todd Gerhardt asked for feedback from council members
regarding current winter parking regulations of no parking on city streets versus using snow emergency
regulations. Councilwoman Ernst talked about issues and danger involved with a semi trailer parked on
Kerber Blvd. Mayor Furlong and Councilwoman Tjornhom talked about issues with teenage drivers
parking on the city streets late at night. Laurie Hokkanen explained how the Carver County sheriff’s
department logs warnings and citations issued for overnight street parking on city streets.
UPDATE ON XCEL POWER LINE UPDATE.
Mayor Furlong asked for an update on the Xcel transmission power line upgrade from Shorewood to
Shakopee. Todd Gerhardt discussed comments received at the public hearing held at Minnetonka High
City Council Work Session – November 13, 2012
School regarding realignment of a proposed alternative route, noting that the PUC and Xcel are presently
doing environmental review and will be holding more public hearings in the future. Councilman
Laufenburger asked about the City’s jurisdiction in the process. Mayor Furlong stated he has referred
resident to call Alyson Fauske, who is familiar with the process, to keep residents up to date.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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