WS 2013 06 24
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 24, 2013
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman
Tjornhom, and Councilman Laufenburger
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Ernst
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Greg Sticha, Terry Jeffery, Chief
John Wolff, and Lt. Jeff Enevold
DISCUSS 2014 BUDGET EXPECTATIONS AND REVIEW BUDGET EFFICIENCY
IDEAS/SUGGESTIONS.
After discussing the budget calendar Greg Sticha reviewed market value adjustments, cost of living
numbers, estimated health insurance costs, and the increase in the 2014 police contract. Mayor Furlong
asked for a breakdown of catch up money associated with the police contract. Councilman Laufenburger
asked for clarification of police contract numbers. Greg Sticha continued with an update on the impact of
the last legislative session regarding sales tax and levy limits. Todd Gerhardt pointed out impacts to the
Revolving Assessment Fund. Mayor Furlong asked about assumptions used in the revolving assessment
fund numbers and suggested staff prepare budget options using the levy limit, real growth scenario and
lower revenue numbers using half of new growth. Todd Gerhardt pointed out key points in the debt
levies and the affect on the revolving assessment fund.
UPDATE ON MEDIACOM FRANCHISE RENEWAL.
Todd Gerhardt noted the current franchise agreement expires in August, provided an update on meetings
with Mediacom and outlined areas of Chanhassen that cable service can be provided. There was
discussion on permit fees being charged for Mediacom to dig in city right-of-way and that Mediacom is
contesting those fees because of the franchise agreement. Mayor Furlong suggested looking at fee
comparisons with surrounding communities. Laurie Hokkanen discussed the City’s desire to broadcast
Channel 8 as high definition in the future, the possibility of having city meetings available on demand,
and revenue calculations. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked to have a future discussion regarding PEG
fees. Mayor Furlong suggested the City stop collecting PEG fees. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will
prepare a historical revenue study.
LAW ENFORCEMENT ANNUAL REVIEW.
Lt. Jeff Enevold shared a 911 call for service where a young man had stopped breathing and police
officers and Ridgeview Ambulance service revived him. Regarding staffing levels, he reviewed the nine
step process to produce a comprehensive staff estimate using workload/performance analysis and sources
of information used. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of the shift relief factor chart. Based
on the analysis of all factors presented Lt. Jeff Enevold recommended the City add an additional FTE (full
time employee) for the daytime shift in 2014 and one more additional in 2015. Councilman McDonald
asked why the need for additional FTE when trends for crimes seem to be going down. Councilman
Laufenburger asked who decides when a deputy is dispatched on a call. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked
how much money is spent on overtime. Todd Gerhardt asked Lt. Enevold to explain deputy’s court time.
Mayor Furlong stated he appreciated the analysis to see historically what’s happened and to use as a tool
City Council Wok Session – June 24, 2013
for planning in the future. Councilman McDonald suggested having a discussion on law enforcement
being reactive versus proactive.
There was a short recess at this point in the work session.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPDATE.
Terry Jeffery explained the need to update the City’s Surface Management Plan is primarily related to
implementation priorities and regulatory requirements, changes in implementation priorities, consistency
with changes in watershed management and science and regulatory compliance. Moving forward staff
will bring back the results of RFP’s for consulting firms, he reviewed the schedule to adopt a final plan by
December, 2014 or early 2015 and funding sources. Councilman Laufenburger asked for costs associated
with the last update. Mayor Furlong asked about the hierarchy for rules and regulations i.e. city,
watershed district, state, etc. noting that City rules need to meet the City’s goals.
HIGHWAY 101: UPDATE ON RIVER CROSSING PROJECT, INCLUDING THE LAST
PHASE BETWEEN PIONEER TRAIL AND HIGHWAY 61.
Todd Gerhardt shared information regarding the Southwest Reconnection Project. Council members
stated they did not receive copies of letters he had sent to state legislators. Paul Oehme provided
background information prior to reviewing diagrams of the Highway 101/County Road 61 intersection
and flood mitigation project, and construction phasing plan. Mayor Furlong asked about detour plans.
Paul Oehme continued with a concept of a Chanhassen monument sign associated with the roundabout.
Council concurred with moving forward with the monument sign concept. Paul Oehme continued with
review of the trail bridge railing design. Councilman Laufenburger suggested historical/environmental
plaques be located in bump out areas. Paul Oehme continued with project cost estimates, plans for
Highway 101 between Pioneer Trail and Flying Cloud Drive, preliminary alignment of Creekwood Drive
to Flying Cloud Drive and preliminary project financing associated with that section. Mayor Furlong
asked about MnDOT’s support of this project.
DISCUSS PUBLIC ART PROGRAM.
Laurie Hokkanen asked for council feedback on the request by the Carver County Arts Consortium to
install a mural on the back wall of the Chanhassen Library Parking Ramp, and reviewed possible grant
options before showing a photo of what is being done in Eden Prairie. After discussion Councilman
Laufenburger voiced his support moving forward with the idea. Given the location and limited audience,
the remaining council members would like the group to research questions related to location, city cost,
and future maintenance. Councilman Laufenburger asked if there was any mention of community art in
the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Council members discussed public versus private sponsorship of art in
the community.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 8:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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