WS 2013 02 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, and Councilwoman Ernst
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Laufenburger
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Paul Oehme, Todd Hoffman, and Dale Gregory
SNOW & ICE CONTROL POLICY FOR CITY TRAIL SYSTEM.
Todd Hoffman and Dale
Gregory reviewed highlights of the City’s policy for winter maintenance of public trails, sidewalks, and
public parking such as plow routes, park department snow removal tasks and equipment. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked what deicing products are used for different temperatures. Councilwoman Ernst asked
for clarification on the addendum wording and ice control. Todd Hoffman explained that the City does
not have the right equipment to use salt on the city’s sidewalk system and discussed liability issues.
Mayor Furlong discussed that he hasn’t heard any complaints, if anything residents compliment city
crews for the job they do on clearing snow and suggested the policy be updated to match current practice.
Councilman McDonald asked staff to address when people say the City shouldn’t spend money on
plowing trails/sidewalks. Dale Gregory explained the priority of plowing near Chan Elementary and
Bluff Creek schools first and then out from there. Todd Hoffman explained that staff will discuss the
liability issue with the City Attorney when looking at changing the language in policy.
UPDATE ON CITY COMMISSION VACANCIES.
Todd Gerhardt updated the council on candidates
for commission vacancies and reviewed the schedule for interviews and appointments noting the Planning
Commission as a priority. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if there were projects coming up at the
Planning Commission that need a full compliment of members. Mayor Furlong suggested making
Planning Commission appointments in early March if possible. After discussion consensus from council
members was to continue the practice as is to interview at both the commission and council level.
VERBAL UPDATE ON XCEL TRANMISSION LINE ALTERNATIVES.
Todd Gerhardt provided
an update on meetings with Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Greenwood, Deephaven and Shorewood to review
Xcel’s options of upgrading the transmission line route and substation and the impact in Chanhassen
noting Xcel has asked the Public Utility Commission (PUC) that the Highway 5 be only alternative. The
PUC has asked that all alternatives be on the record during the public review process. Todd Gerhardt
explained staff’s concerns with the Highway 5 alternative. Councilman McDonald shared comments he’s
heard from the public on the subject.
Mayor Furlong: adjourned the work session at 6:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim