WS 2013 04 08
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 8, 2013
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, and Todd Hoffman
PUBLIC PRESENT:
None.
UPDATE ON TH 101 RIVER CROSSING AND CSAH 61 IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING THE
HENNEPIN COUNTY PROJECT.
Paul Oehme introduced Craig Twinen, Division Manager and Jessa Trboyevich, Project Manager with
Hennepin County who reviewed the project overview, existing conditions, project need, proposed
improvements, and the proposed typical roadway section. Mayor Furlong asked about the two lane road
section of CSAH 61 being sufficient after the river crossing improvements are completed. Jessa
Trboyevich continued reviewing potential Moon Valley property impacts, project development overview,
and the schedule for 2012 through 2015 construction. She discussed that CSAH 61 will be closed for a
year to two years due to poor soil conditions and construction of a land bridge. Paul Oehme provided an
update on the Highway 101 river bridge crossing and associated CSAH 61 improvements reviewing the
project status update, the latest layout as of March, 2013, cultural resources archaeology issues, funding
breakdown, and schedule for construction phasing from June, 2014 through the Fall of 2015. Todd
Gerhardt asked if Hennepin County had a landscape plan associated with their plan. Hennepin County
staff explained the corridor was too tight for landscaping. Mayor Furlong asked about utility upgrades
associated with this project and timing for utilities associated with future development in this area.
Councilwoman Ernst asked about timing of the County’s funding commitment toward the projects.
REVIEW AND EVALUATE THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) PROCESS.
Todd Gerhardt explained that reviewing the PUD process was one of the City Council’s key financial
strategies. Kate Aanenson talked about how the discussion on the “new normal” affects the changes to
the PUD process and how the PUD process has been used with past developments. Mayor Furlong asked
if there have been any complaints from applicants with the less formal process noting he’s heard from
applicants the more specific comments council and staff can make the more helpful. He encouraged staff
to limit the time delay between Planning Commission and City Council review. Commissioner
Laufenburger reiterated Kate’s comment that we’ll see how the PUD process is working with a project
coming through the process this month and requested that council members be updated when project
information is updated on the city’s website.
DISCUSSION ON COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS.
Mayor Furlong discussed possible appointments to the Planning Commission, Senior Commission and
Park and Recreation Commission and the possibility of expanding the Senior Commission to an 8
member board. In discussing having a youth representative on commissions, Councilman Laufenburger
expressed his support for having a youth representative on all commissions. Mayor Furlong favored
having a youth associated as a voting member of the Park and Recreation Commission to begin with.
City Council Work Session – April 8, 2013
Council members expressed concern with a youth representative being a voting member on the Planning
Commission due to legal standing on some issues. Councilwoman Ernst stated she would like to know
what challenges Todd Hoffman has seen with youth representatives in the past. Councilwoman Tjornhom
stated she liked the idea of breaking the school year up into two terms.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. and reconvened at 7:25 p.m.
Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed her desire to allow as much opportunity for as many students as
possible. Councilman Laufenburger explained the process used by the Chanhassen Red Birds Board
before supporting a one year term. Mayor Furlong discussed the possibility of having two 6 month terms
with setting clear expectations from the beginning and suggested having someone on the Park and
Recreation Commission serve as an active mentor to take pressure off staff. Todd Gerhardt stated he and
Todd Hoffman will meet with high school advisors, use Facebook and the City’s website to reach out to
as many people as possible. Councilman McDonald asked about one versus two youth representatives.
Todd Hoffman stated the Park and Recreation Commission would interview all applicants and make their
top 5 recommendations for the City Council to interview. Mayor Furlong stated he would like to see
appointments in the April-May timeframe.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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