WS 2013 09 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
SEPTEMBER 9, 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, Todd Hoffman,
Terry Jeffery, and Greg Sticha
UPDATE ON STORM WATER MANAGEMENT.
Todd Gerhardt explained that a business owner in town is challenging how the City charges for utility
fees. Terry Jeffery explained the results of an audit which suggests the City adopt a resolution regarding
compliance with the Wetland Conservation Act. Mayor Furlong suggested changing wording to provide
flexibility in the resolution. Terry Jeffery explained a change in venues for holding public hearings
annually to comment on MS4 and the SWPPP such as neighborhood meetings, open houses, etc.
Councilman McDonald asked about the process if the public doesn’t agree with staff’s recommendations.
Terry Jeffery reviewed changes associated with the NPDES Construction Permit. Councilman McDonald
asked for clarification on the requirement to retain one inch of runoff from new impervious surface. Todd
Gerhardt explained that staff will develop standards as part of the process for updating the Surface Water
Management Plan incorporating watershed districts standards. Mayor Furlong noted the burden on
developing communities like Chanhassen with these new standards. Terry Jeffery discussed the Surface
Water Utility Fee assessment methodology for horticultural/garden center businesses and how it affects
the 5 business in the community. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification on how the base rate
was determined. Mayor Furlong asked about the effects of using the commercial base rate instead of
residential base rate. Council members discussed the need to re-evaluate base rates for all land uses and
the effect on the entire stormwater utility fund. Todd Gerhardt explained the next step in the process is to
meet with the 5 affected businesses to get their feedback before bringing the item back before council.
FINAL REVIEW OF P ROPOSED 2014 BUDGET BEFORE SETTING THE PRELIMINARY
LEVY.
Greg Sticha reviewed the power point presentation being presented at the regular City Council meeting
with staff’s recommendation of adopting Scenario 2 for setting the preliminary levy. Councilman
Laufenburger asked for clarification of what’s included with setting the preliminary levy amount and
allocation of line items. Greg Sticha reviewed documents requested by Councilwoman Ernst showing
surplus and building permit history since 2003. Greg Sticha explained the inclusion of expenditure
reduction alternatives submitted by the city manager at the last work session. Councilwoman Ernst asked
about the reduction in the sealcoating levy. Councilman Laufenburger asked about unanswered
questions. Staff explained that the biggest unknown number was health care costs.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the City Council work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim