CC 2013 09 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the Pledge to
the Flag.
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,
Greg Sticha, and Roger Knutson
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Furlong: Thank you and welcome to everybody here in the council chambers with us, as well as
those watching at home. We’re glad that you all chose to join us this evening. At this time I would ask
members of the council if there are any changes or modifications to the agenda. If not without objection
we’ll proceed with the agenda as published. I’d like to start this evening with a presentation of a Maple
Leaf award to Dale Gregory on his upcoming retirement as Park Superintendent so Mr. Gerhardt and Mr.
Hoffman. Tonight we’re here to honor and to recognize Dale Gregory who is retiring as a park
superintendent and his wife Roseanne and we’re glad that you joined us here this evening. On behalf of
the entire City Council, your co-workers, citizens of Chanhassen, it’s my honor and pleasure this evening
to be presenting you a Chanhassen Maple Leaf Award. This award is our presentation this evening is to
recognize Dale’s service for 42 years as a city employee. For his outstanding service and dedication and
it’s with pride that we say thanks for all the service you have done over the years to our city and for the
benefit of our city. That service has been supervising the park staff maintenance. Directing the
construction and maintenance of regional areas, facilities, equipment, planning and coordinating park
construction projects and trails and a variety of other things. Dale started as the first park employee for
the City. He was a department of one at the time in 1971 with the opening of Lake Ann Park. A new
park in the city. We needed someone to help maintain it and Dale was the gentleman that was given that
responsibility. Since then he has been involved in the construction and development of everything city
park and trail that we have today. Furthermore Dale has been actively involved in, or directly in charge
of the day to day maintenance of those facilities and improvements upon their completion. I know you
can attest to the fact that our park system has grown a little bit since you first started working. It should
be known that throughout his career as well Dale has always taken on additional responsibilities and
assignments just because they need to be done. Not necessarily when asked but just because he saw what
needed to be done and he did it. These extra tasks have been done without reward or recognition but
really has helped make our city a much better place for all of us to enjoy. He has loved everything about
this job. I know he’s told me and others of that and he’s especially proud of the accomplishments that
he’s had and I know that what has kept him coming back here is for so many people is just the love of the
city and the love of our park system and enjoyed working with all the good people we have here on staff.
In retirement I understand you’re going to do more fishing.
Dale Gregory: Lot more.
Mayor Furlong: A lot more fishing. Some traveling. Volunteer work. Maybe time for repairs around
the house or the cabin and I know spending more time up at your lake place as well so that’s wonderful.
Todd, Todd, any thoughts or comments?
Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Todd Hoffman: Dale I just want to say thank you. I’ve worked with Dale for 26 years that I’ve been here
with the City of Chanhassen and in that time he’s continually taken on more responsibility in managing
what we have here for our parks and trail system and he’s always done a great job. I could pick up the
phone at any time and ask Dale to do something on behalf of the citizens and he’d be glad to so on behalf
of all our employees that are here this evening, Dale thank you for all your services.
Todd Gerhardt: Well I’ve also had the pleasure of working with Dale for the past 27 years and we’ve
gotten a lot of recognition over those years and a big part is our park system and it’s really the crown
jewel for Chanhassen and a lot of credit goes to Dale and his crews in maintaining that system and
making it the real jewel that it is for our community. The trails. The parks and every time somebody
goes out there I hear compliments of how well it’s maintained. Roger Knutson has, our city attorney has
had kids that have played on our soccer fields and his kids were very good at soccer and traveled
throughout Minnesota and other states and he says Chanhassen fields are the best that they’ve played on
and that’s just a testament of your dedication and you should be very, very proud of your efforts over
these past 42 years in making Chanhassen a very special place for people to enjoy in the park system and
trails so thank you.
Mayor Furlong: After 42 years a plaque is going to have to do it. With all you’ve done and to echo the
comments other people have made, so many people talk to us and I know the council too about how much
they enjoy our parks. How beautiful the city is and the park is. Parks are and your involvement and
everyone else’s involvement to make sure that that happens just on a day in and day out basis is
something that we can say thank you very sincerely for all your work over the years.
Dale Gregory: Thank you.
Mitch Johnson: Can we take a quick photo?
Todd Gerhardt: Sure.
Mayor Furlong: Council members, any other comments? Councilwoman Ernst?
Councilwoman Ernst: Yes, so Dale I’m not exactly sure but I think you might have worked with my
father in law, Jack Ernst.
Dale Gregory: I worked with him for a long time.
Councilwoman Ernst: And I think you were probably about 12 or something like that and I just want to
say thank you so much for all your long time services here for the City of Chanhassen. We’re going to
miss seeing your friendly face around here so hopefully you’ll be back from your fishing trips and we’ll
still be able to see you once in a while so thank you.
Dale Gregory: We’ll be back on occasion.
Councilwoman Ernst: Great.
Mayor Furlong: Councilwoman Tjornhom.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Yeah, I would also like to just, I think we should clarify the fact that it’s
probably not 42 years of service but probably 42 years of love. Even to stick around the long and to do
what you’ve done for us in this town and our parks, I think it’s a real honor. We’re honored that you were
here with us and kind of helped us go through our growing pains in you know developing those parks and
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
getting a system down. I’m sure once you’re gone, because of your 42 years they will still be wonderful
but it’s because of you and what you probably even taught your co-workers and so I think that’s
invaluable and I know you’ll be very hard to replace so hopefully you’ll still keep that phone on so when
there’s a question, you will be able to be reached so.
Dale Gregory: Actually I’d like to say one thing I haven’t. What’s made my job the easiest is having a
good crew.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Well and it takes a leader to make a good crew so like I said once again
congratulations and we’re very, very honored that you have been with us for all this time.
Dale Gregory: Thank you.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Don’t forget us.
Councilman Laufenburger: Dale, there is clear testimony to the work that you’ve done. That’s you’ve
accomplished but what’s so surprising to me and which we all can take as a model from your behavior is
the attitude that you have. Always an upbeat attitude. Always an attitude of what’s it going to take for us
to get this done and not an attitude of oh, do we have to do this again or you know why can’t we do this
some other way. It’s the attitude that is the example and the leadership that makes it possible for you to
have yourself surrounded by great employees. Great employees come from great leadership. Dale, thank
you. You’re a great leader.
Councilman McDonald: I guess all I’d like to just add my thanks. As I said a while ago but it’s difficult
to add anything more from what my fellow council members have said. I don’t know where we would
have been without you so thank you for all those years of staying with us. Thank you.
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Todd Hoffman: I should announce that there will be an open house on Friday, September 27. Dale’s
last day here at noon at the Klingelhutz Pavilion at Lake Ann so if you can join us for lunch that day and
bid Dale and Roseanne farewell please do so.
Mayor Furlong: Alright, thank you everyone. Thank you. Let us move on with the other items on our
agenda this evening.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Mayor Furlong: I would like to, in talking to staff, remove item number 3 for some clarification items
and given that we have people here let’s just bring that up under, well we’ll bring it up after the new
business items. There’s just some clarification on some of the conditions in the plat. Not material but it’s
something that has to be done. Or I believe has to be done. With that, items 1, 2 or 3. Is there any.
Councilman Laufenburger: 1, 2 and 4.
Mayor Furlong: I’m sorry, thank you. 1, 2 and 4 under Section E. Is there any desire for separate
discussions either by members of the council or by the public? If not is there a motion to adopt items E1,
2 and 4?
Councilwoman Tjornhom moved, Councilwoman Ernst seconded to approve the following Consent
Agenda items pursuant to the City Manager’s recommendations:
1. Approval of City Council Minutes dated August 26, 2013.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
2. Receive Planning Commission Minutes dated August 20, 2013.
4. Approval of Fireworks Permit for Chanhassen High School.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: EASTERN CARVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 112
REFERENDUM UPDATE, DR. JIM BAUCK, MARK KUSKE, CRAIG LARSEN, AND BRETT
JOHNSON.
Mayor Furlong: We do welcome this evening Superintendent Dr. Jim Bauck with the Eastern Carver
County School District and some other members of, representatives of the school district to talk to us and
to the public about the upcoming referendum. Good evening.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Good evening. Thank you Mayor and council members. Thanks for the time tonight.
Mayor Furlong: Absolutely.
Dr. Jim Bauck: I do know and realize that you wanted the cliff note version of the presentation but I do
want you to know that you’ll be emailed tonight the full exam on the questions that you’ll need to be able
to respond to so while I’m shortening up your presentation, the data still will be.
Mayor Furlong: We’ll still be tested on everything, is that what you’re saying?
Dr. Jim Bauck: Yes, you’ll be asked about everything. We’re going to see if our presentation will work.
We gerrymandered some things together here and we’re going to see if we’re successful. If not we’ll pick
it up from there and just, and talk for a few minutes. I do have some others with me this evening. Craig
Larsen from our IT department and Mark Kuske. Board member Tim Klein. Our Director of Finance
DeeDee Kahring is here tonight too and should we have some questions at the end of the presentation,
they’ll probably help assist me in answering those questions. What I hope to accomplish in a few brief
minutes here this evening is to give you just kind of a general overview of what we’re presenting to the
community as we’re out and about. Our building principals are working with building staff and with
parent groups. At the district level we are presenting out and about. City Council. We have every
council in our school district will have a presentation. Rotarians. Kiwanis. All those types of groups.
Since we encompass such a multi faceted with 4 communities and somewhere between 55,000 to 60,000
people. What we’re trying to accomplish in the presentation when we’re out and about is to make sure
the people know what the proposal is. What it brings, if it’s a successful vote. If it’s approved. What
happens if it’s not approved and what does it cost taxpayers so we’ll see how this works. And there we
go. Just like our communities and congratulations to Chan community here most recently, our school
district is also receiving national recognition. Particularly in the last 5, 6, 7, 8 years and part of that
recognition is where we have been in the last half a dozen years. New curriculum. Restructuring of how
we’re delivering instruction in the classroom but it’s also where we are going and that is personalized
learning. 24/7 learning. Looking at different instructional styles for kids. Different learning styles or
teaching styles for teachers and we are part of a 3 state consortium right now and the leader in that group
from the State of Minnesota as to how we’re going to move public schools forward with it’s educational
format. Of course with a bottom line to that personalized learning is student achievement and our ACT
scores have been consistently going up the last few years. Again in response to the changes that have
been made but we believe we can do even better and that’s the point of these referendums. We also put
on here on the presentation for the community some of the state exams so they can see that. We have
consistently been somewhere between 12 to 18 percent above state averages for exams from reading to
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science to mathematics. Every time you go out and about in the community and you’re talking about
taxes, financial accountability comes up. I think you as a council, we as a school district are always
looking for ways to kind of trim the budget. Sharpen our pencil up so it’s not just refunding bonds that
I’m sure you’ve taken advantage of too over the last few years but in addition to that it’s looking for
partnerships. It’s doing things like the Carver County Link that was celebrated a week ago. That saves us
some dollars by providing us some additional fiber access. Even just to East Union which is way out in
that corner of our school district. Partnerships with our bus company. Looking at propane fuel instead of
regular fuel so it’s multiple things. That survey piece there at the end is from Decision Resources. We’ve
partnered with them for 25 years. I know your City Council has used them also and Bill Morris said
that’s one of the top recorded responses from the 7 county metro area as far as do people think they’re
getting a good value in our school district here. I think more about financial accountability, if we harkens
back to Governor Pawlenty’s stand on where do you spend a dollar on school districts and that column or
that little etch or sketch there that says 72.4 cents, that was his definition of dollars in the classroom and
he wanted 70 cents of every dollar to be spent in the classroom. We have been doing that for a number of
years going forward. What is a referendum? We have to go out and ask for an increase in tax dollars.
They can be in the operating side. They can be in the capital side. They can be on bond referendum. A
lot of people think that locally we support our schools almost entirely with local tax dollars. Actually
76% of our operating budget is state dollars. 19% is local but that 19% is pretty critical. In fact out of
337 districts, I think 318 have local operating referendums in place to support community decisions on
the types of programs they want in their school district. Those are the two questions. We have a renewal
up and securing technology and they’re both focused on achievement. Question one is a renewal of a
levy that was voted on back in 2003. We’re not asking for an increase in funding. It will not increase
taxes. There’s a value add there though that we can’t forget. What have we done in the last 10 years?
It’s things like our Stem and Hand’s On Science in elementary’s right now. It’s holding our class sizes.
We’re right at about the metro average right now. A little lower than the metro average for elementary.
Slightly higher for the secondary schools. It’s putting Kinder Academy in place for those kids who need
a boost for kindergarten. It’s putting La Academia so people have a choice if they want a second
language in our school district early on starting in kindergarten. It’s 20 AP courses. It’s Project Lead the
Way. It’s all of those things. That’s what that $9 million does for the school district. Yeah, we’ll cut
some money if it’s not renewed and we’ll talk about that in a few minutes. You have a real sensitive. So
how do we stack up when you look at the metro area for operating referendums? That gold bar represents
our district. The kind of greenish bar is the average in the metro area. If you look at the districts that are
on the top end, a lot of them are our neighboring districts and where would we be if the renewal is not
approved by the community? We’d be at the bottom of the 7 county metro area on operating
referendums.
Councilman Laufenburger: Is that a per student number?
Dr. Jim Bauck: That is a per student number, correct Denny. We always like to do things on a per
student basis because that’s a fair way to make a comparison. Otherwise the data gets kind of skewed.
Likely reductions, those are the types of things that the board has already discussed. They do have a
framework for it. It’s all preliminary. They would make those final decisions if the community doesn’t
renew it but we do have to trim $9.1 million dollars in order to make that operating budget work. It
means about 1 out of 8 teaching positions. 80% of our budget is employee cost. 73% of that 80% is
teacher cost. 5 years of budgeting, 3 years of reductions, 3 years of staying away from the classroom,
eventually you get to the instructional side of the equation because you can’t just keep eliminating
everything else. We also talk a little bit about what happens in districts where they haven’t been able to
either renew or add additional dollars. Lakeville had a number of articles in the Tribune recently. They
have now trimmed about $30 million in the last 10 years. Their high school class sizes averages between
40 to 49 the Board Chair reported. And their elementary, upper elementary is 32 to 35 in grades 4 and 5.
We’re a far cry from that. Second question. It’s for $2.45 million dollars. It’s contingent on question
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one. Question one has to pass in order for question two to succeed and it’s structured that way because
we need the operating dollars renewed so we can continue those efforts. Otherwise why worry about the
technology piece that we would be introducing. It’d for 6 years only and that’s in response to the last
question two years ago. People said well show us what you’re going to do before you ask for a longer
period of time and the first year really has an emphasis on security. How have we funded technology in
the past? There’s really 3 or 4 main avenues. When we built new schools and we’ve built 4 of them in
the last 14 years, we added not only technology in those schools. We also added things like fiber,
telephone system and other infrastructure needs were wrapped into those bond issues so we took care of
some district wide needs in each of those bond issues over the last dozen years. We also took operating
dollars and capital dollars. We dedicated around $400,000 to $500,000 in operating dollars to help
replace devices and do things of that nature and we did some dollars out of the capital budget. When the
state budget when into crisis mode, which you people dealt with too, the Board rightfully so redirected
those funds to core costs. Teachers. Running buses. Things of that nature so those dollars were
repurposed rightfully so at that time. The other piece that sometimes doesn’t get mentioned, we have
some great parents. You do in your community. We do in Chaska, Victoria and Carver and East Union
and they’ve made a number of contributions to our, particularly our elementary buildings and making sure
they have adequate technology. How have other districts been doing it? That’s what our neighboring
districts are doing with capital referendum questions like this second question that we’re proposing.
Our’s would come out to about $236. We’d also continue our capital budget being spent on technology
which would add about $100 so it really would push us about to $336 on an annual basis for capital.
Mayor Furlong: Question. Isn’t, didn’t I see somewhere Doctor that Bloomington is going out for a
referendum this year as well?
Dr. Jim Bauck: Yes they are. There are a few of these districts. Eden Prairie is just asking for a renewal
of their capital levy but they are asking for an increase of 900 some dollars on their operating levy, which
is a significant increase. They’re going to go right to the cap which would be about $2,200 under the new
state law.
Mayor Furlong: Okay.
Dr. Jim Bauck: So, and we’d still be right around $1,200 or $1,100 so.
Mayor Furlong: So, but the Bloomington number here which is at 220.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Could change.
Mayor Furlong: They’re asking for more.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Yeah. And part of their’s is security also Mayor so there’s probably a mix and a match in
there just like our’s.
Mayor Furlong: Perfect.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Good question.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Why now? Well first of all we have to maintain what we have. We have aging
computers. We replaced the oldest computers in our district this spring. Three labs. They’re over 10
years old. We didn’t throw the computers away. We took them apart. Craig, Mark and that staff and we
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are using parts out of those computers to keep the ones that are 7 to 10 years old alive and running, okay.
And that’s about 25% of our computers right now are over 7 years in age. 5 to 6 years in age is about half
of our computers and then you have 25% that are newer than 5 years. And Chuck’s going to talk a little
bit about infrastructure.
Chuck: …out and about it’s more, things like wireless access points. Network…so just all the behind the
scenes equipment that’s going to be required to make sure that all the stuff works. Just like at any
business they have to make sure they have connectivity to every device they use.
Dr. Jim Bauck: I’m going to cut him short because we’re going to keep on the cliff note version. The
second reason for doing this is to accelerate personalized learning. A lot of people say well, you mean the
technology tool’s going to increase me from a B to an A. Not necessarily. It’s just like the pencil didn’t
give me an A on my report card either. It’s the work that I did with that tool. We believe that
personalized learning, and we’ll talk about some examples later in the presentation, will make that
difference, and we’re going to have a couple people talk about that right now.
Craig Larsen: Personalized learning is really looking at each student’s needs and hopefully challenging
them at the appropriate level. So being able to identify where they’re at in certain learning and then be
able to take that and move them forward. Real time feedback is very important. Technology allows us to
be able to do that so teachers can very quickly get instant feedback and be able to assess the results so that
they’re able to take a look at what students have learned already and they might actually skip lessons or
move more quickly over certain concepts that they know the entire class already has a real good grasp of
it but in addition maybe the entire class doesn’t really understand it but there’s a few students that have a
great idea. It’s very obvious from this real time assessment that they get it and so the teacher can
challenge them and enrich their learning. And then for students that aren’t understanding things they can
just get real quick feedback and see hey, I need to help them out and reinforce those concepts and you
know re-teach that to them so that they’re able to feel successful and be able to move forward. It’s an
incredible link between personalized learning and technology. Without technology and we can probably
do this much with personalized learning. If you think about the devices you may have in your own home,
computer devices whether it’s a laptop, a desktop, a tablet PC, probably any age person in your home can
pick it up and find something to do with it that’s appropriate for them. It’s very adaptable. Technology
within the schools really allows us to customize the experience for learners.
Dr. Jim Bauck: We are not talking about a one to one initiative. We’re making that very clear to our
public. We would have to ask for a significant dollar figure above what we’re asking of our community
to consider to do a one to one but more important we don’t believe a one to one initiative is the right
direction to go. Where we’re kind of hanging our hat is no different than Edina and Burnsville right now.
We’re saying how we teach, what we teach will determine what we buy. We’re not buying gadgets just
to buy gadgets and so I just want to make that really clear because some people have already said well,
does every kid need an iPad? We don’t intend to buy iPads for every student, nor do we intend to buy
iPads as a collective device for the entire district. We’ll buy iPads where it’s appropriate to use them in
the classroom but there are many other devices that are needed in the classroom beyond an iPad. A good
example is Project Lead the Way which is engineering, biomedical engineering and regular engineering.
iPads don’t work in there. You buy a student an iPad to go into that classroom, not going to help him or
her with that course work. Security is part of the question too. Question two. Security came through a
facility task force study as the number one priority from our architectural firm that reviewed all of our
facilities and also a task force that looked at reports from the principals and the same report from the
architectural firm. The number one recommendation was you need some bricks and mortar to change
some things. Some of the fixes are pretty simple. It’s just putting in a double entryway and directing
traffic to the office. Others are a little more complicated. And also looking at additional cameras.
Keyless smart doors so you have to do a key swipe to get in as staff and visitor check in systems at I
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
guess was just in the metro news here a week ago with Anoka, Eden Prairie, Robbinsdale and
Minnetonka. Do we have a plan? I just had the staff hand out to you, but this is kind of a more larger
view of it. If you look at year one, most of the dollars will go to security. About $1.9 million. The bricks
and mortar piece is at the bottom of the chart there at $1.15. Then you work your way up. And then the
critical needs for technology are the three or four things listed at the top. That’s where we have to go in
and make some repairs now or we’re going to lose what we have in place already. Going forward for
years 2 and 3, the plan looks about the same. We will not look at security again until year 5 and then take
a look at are there some things that we have to update in order to make sure that we maintain the security
that we’ve put in the building. I think the thing about security, and we talked about this at Community
Leaders, are the things that we’re going to do are just going to mitigate. You know contain some issues.
You’re never going to prevent a full fledged crisis from happening unless I suppose you’re going to put
armed guards around the building with barbed wire fence and you almost have a jail approach in a way,
and schools aren’t just, that’s now how we’re made to function. Ongoing though the emphasis is on
technology. A million dollars in devices replacing aged devices. Adding some new devices to do
personalized learning. A million dollars annually in infrastructure and $400 some thousand dollars to
support both in the classroom to make sure teachers are using the technology and to keep the tools up and
running. And then it just continues out for the 6 years with the assessment of technology. Return on
investment. When I talked earlier about personalized learning, this is what I was talking about. Not the
tool but what we do with the tool that allows children to learn faster and quicker. We had some great
results this year in a math initiative with flip classrooms. If you know what flip classroom is, is the kids
go home and get the lecture at home on their device. They come to school the next day and the teacher
can check, did they really understand those concepts or not and what group of students do I need to work
with on a hands on basis to make sure that they are learning the objectives I want to have accomplished in
that classroom. We had higher test scores from those kids from that pilot this year. Also in speech,
having kids exit their speech therapy more quickly when they use a device versus traditional
methodology. On our website you will find that we have a couple studies cited in there from the state of
Maine that’s done a technology look at how has it impacted their state test scores in the entire state and
one from North Carolina. Just as important though is a nimble curriculum. When all of us went to
school, we got a math text book and that math text book probably had 7 names before it was, before your
name was etched in there. I always looked to see if my brother was in there because he was a little older
than me. And that’s the curriculum you have. When you look at electronic resources, and we did this in
math this year, we switched from the electronic research we were piloting last year to a new one this year
because the vendor wasn’t working with us on price nor did we feel it was maybe the exact right
curriculum that we wanted to have so you can change things much more rapidly and much more quickly
and cost savings come with that in efficiency. Kindergarten kids. They’re tactile learners. They’re
visual. They’re not always you know sitting in the class and sitting in their seat and reading and
technology allows us to work with those kids on higher order skills that doesn’t, wouldn’t have occurred
without it.
Robert Stevens: One of the things we’re looking for is really the use of technology in the home or in the
work setting to be more efficient. To help people stay healthy as well so for us technology is just one of
the most important parts of our industry and we really need skilled people who can help us not only
deliver the technology but understand it and help our patients become better at utilizing technology.
Dr. Jim Bauck: So it’s not just learning to use a tool to do a better algebraic equation. It’s also
understanding technology so when they go into the workplace they know how some of those things work,
whether it’s in college or whether it’s in the workplace. One more comment on personal learning and
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then we’ll move to the last piece. How many of you had algebra 9 grade, 10, 11 or 12 grade? Just
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raise your hand. 9, 10, 11, 12. Okay. How many of you had algebra grade 8? Nobody? How many
of you had grade 7? 6? 5? We have 70 fifth graders. Excuse me, we have 60 sixth. Now I’ve got the
numbers wrong. We have 60 sixth graders that are in algebra right now. We have 70 that are coming that
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way next year. We have a hundred some that are fourth and fifth graders that are in pre-algebra right
now. When we talk about personalized learning, back to what Mark said earlier in the video and Brian,
that’s what we’re looking at folks. Is taking off the ceiling and letting kids gravitate to the system where
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they belong academically and not so much chronologically. Right now the requirement is algebra in 8
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grade but we are, we have 200 some kids in 7 grade already that are in algebra this year and that number
st
is only going to grow and it’s going to go lower in our system. Bob talked a little bit about 21 century
skills and I think he said it very eloquently. What happens if question two doesn’t pass? Those are the
things that kind of take place and I want you to hear from a couple teachers.
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Amy Frederickson: As an example last week Friday we had in 7 hour the internet was in and out. In
and out. In and out and that happens quite frequently but we’re getting so close to AP test time that the
materials that we needed to cover that day all went out the window. Trying to reboot. Reboot. Reboot.
We wasted so much time.
Dr. Jim Bauck: We’re going to lose Project Lead the Way. We’re going to lose any course that’s
dependent on technology. I was in, not Amy’s class but another one. It took 15 minutes for all the kids to
login and get on and by then some of the other kids that are already logged in were getting bumped out.
Okay. We don’t have the infrastructure in place to make it work. Personalized learning.
Patrick Shipway: If I didn’t have technology my class would be extremely limited. I would have to say
teach only one or two ways just to the kids that fit that style. I would not be able to get all the kids the
resources they need to make their learning the most efficient and effective route possible. We’d have to
teach them an old lecture format. One speed. One pace. One set style for kids, which is not the best for
all of them. Some, yes. All, definitely not.
Dr. Jim Bauck: And like Bob Stevens said, it’s a basic today. You’re going to hear from a parent from
our district.
Kelly Loosbrock: Technology is a basic now. I mean it’s as basic as the pencils and papers that we use at
work and the computers that we’re on. I mean it’s everything is run through the computers at my work
now, as well as everyone else’s work. When they head into college, those professors don’t have time to
sit down and teach a kid how to put a presentation together. How to build spreadsheets. How to access
the internet properly or all the tools that are available out there that technology offers. If we don’t give
them the basics, we’re handcuffing them when they walk out of these schools.
Dr. Jim Bauck: What does it cost? That’s residential. We also have on our website all of the other type
of property values. The first question again is not a tax increase. Question two has the tax increase with
it. So that’s, and we have a lot more information on the website about where to vote. Also property tax.
Mechanisms that can help people who are in a little more difficult financial situation. And last. In this
presentation you heard from a variety of people. Teachers, staff, parents and community. You were
given a tremendous amount of information about daily operating costs and a description of the
shortcomings in our technology which is a basic and essential tool for an education today. We shared our
vision that Eastern Carver County Schools will provide each student with an education personalized to
him or her. These referendum questions are critical to that vision and to the improvement of student
achievement. Question one keeps and maintains current services and programs. It will allow the district
to maintain and build upon the student achievement gains in recent years. Question two remedies critical
gaps in devices and weak infrastructure providing the types of tools that students need to learn. As
important question two meets key benchmarks for personalized learning for each student and enhances
facility security for everyone in our schools. This school community is committed to preparing students
for today as well as tomorrow. It’s our community. It’s our school district. It’s our future and it’s our
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decision on November 5. And I think better said is by a parent at the end.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Holly Loosbrock: I think good schools are essential to have a good community. It is what brings people
into your community and the type of people that move into your community move there because they
want the best for their kids.
Dr. Jim Bauck: I want to thank you. Tom gave me the nod though and said I could run a little longer so I
did take a few more minutes than I originally had planned but I gladly stand for questions right now or I
can ask some of the others to step forward and help answer but I’ll turn it back to you Mayor.
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Mayor Furlong: Thank you very much. Questions. Questions? Just to confirm, November 5.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Correct.
Mayor Furlong: Is the date of, I call it an election but there really is no election.
Dr. Jim Bauck: We’re the only issue on the ballot.
Mayor Furlong: You’re the only one so it’s these two questions on the ballot and for Chanhassen
residents living in District 112 they would vote at the Chanhassen Rec Center.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Correct.
Mayor Furlong: Okay.
Dr. Jim Bauck: As normal for a school election, correct.
Mayor Furlong: And I guess then the other question, from the technology question, it sounds like that is
to replace or to expand what’s behind the scenes. You said you know it’s not to give an iPad to every
student.
Dr. Jim Bauck: That is correct.
Mayor Furlong: Regardless of need.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Yes, that is correct. We’re going to spend as much on infrastructure as we are on devices
and so that alone says that we have some aging pieces that have to be replaced and even with the devices
mayor, it’s not so much the age. My computer at home is 8 or 9 years old and for what I want it and use
it for, it’s alright. But our problem is, is you can’t put 10 Mark Math on there or Alex Math on there.
The operating systems and the software that we have today don’t run on those older computers so we’re
starting to run into that wall with some of the devices so it’s a little of both. Division is, we need to
replace some aging devices and some aging infrastructure and we need to add a little of both to actually
actualize that mission of personalized learning.
Mayor Furlong: How much is the technology in a school or a school facility different than, you know
you asked us when we were in high school we took algebra at some point. How much has that changed
over the years?
Dr. Jim Bauck: I would say in the last 5 to 7 years dramatically. What teachers want to use and what
students have access to, even outside of schools, it has changed dramatically. The curriculums that are
now available, like Alex Math and other things that you know resource companies have come, and the
free resources that are out there so it’s not just what you pay to Alex Math for that curriculum or another
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
company, but it’s also all the free resources that are out there that can augment or even be a mainstay of a
course so when you’re looking at instructional modalities it opens up a lot of doors for kids. When you’re
looking at content, yeah. Free sources. Sources we have to buy so it’s, in my opinion Tom, and Mark
and Craig would probably have a, maybe they have a different opinion. They’re welcome to come to the
podium but I’d say in the last 5 to 7 years it’s expanded dramatically.
Mayor Furlong: So just in the last 5 to 7 years.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Yes.
Mayor Furlong: Regardless of the last 10, 15, 20.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Correct. And I think a lot of it.
Audience: In the last year.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Well and the last year.
Audience: We can’t keep up. There’s free and new resources coming out every day. It’s just amazing.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Two years ago I used the example, kids at Chan High School and the teacher said,
because she knew she didn’t have the right software or whatever, she said how many have Smart Phones
with you today? X amount. Well when they’re in our building they can only, you know so away they
went to work on their own device for the lesson that day because they could access so many more
resources than we could with the equipment we had in the classroom. And that’s just 2 years ago so.
Mayor Furlong: Okay. Very good. Thank you.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Thank you.
Mayor Furlong: If people are interested in getting more information, how can they go about doing that?
Dr. Jim Bauck: They can call my office directly but they can also go to our website. We have a lot of
information out on the district website and if that leads to more questions, don’t hesitate to call my office
or Brett Johnson in our Communications Department. We will come out and meet with any
neighborhood groups that you have that want a presentation. The full presentation and gladly answer
questions or whatever they would like us to do. We just want people to be informed and ready to go vote
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on November 5.
Mayor Furlong: Well it’s a significant question for the district and so yes. People that live in the district,
please get informed about it. Please understand what the questions are and what the impact, ramifications
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of the questions are and then vote on November 5.
Dr. Jim Bauck: And we just need a few minutes to grab a couple pieces of equipment and we’ll be out of
your way.
Mayor Furlong: Okay.
Dr. Jim Bauck: Thank you very much.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to speak or address the council under
visitor presentations before we move on? Okay. With that we’ll move onto the next item on our agenda
and I will start with the next item, item G(1). I apologize, at the beginning of the meeting I should have
informed anybody that was here for this, or anybody watching at home that was waiting for this item, this
was the question regarding resolution authorizing the issuance of revenue notes for the Ridgeview Senior
Housing Facility. The applicant has withdrawn the request and we received that information, the council
received that information this afternoon and so we will not be addressing this item tonight. We will be
pulling it off our agenda and again I apologize for not stating that at the start of the meeting. So with that,
and at this point there is no planned time that it will come back. If the request comes back then we will
deal with it at that time but at this point it’s being withdrawn by the applicant and so we will move on.
ND
SOUTHWEST VILLAGE 2 ADDITION, SUBDIVISION OF 2.75 ACRES LOCATED AT THE
NORTHEAST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 101 AND LYMAN BOULEVARD, APPLICANT:
RYLAND HOMES:
A. PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT APPROVAL AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR 38
TOWNHOMES.
B. APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT.
Kate Aanenson: Thank you Mayor, members of the City Council. As you indicated this is for approval
for a site plan and for a subdivision. The applicant being Ryland Homes. This property is located at the
intersection of Lyman Boulevard and 101 at the northeast corner and surrounding this area is the
Southwest Transit Park and Ride lot and to the east then would be also some subdivisions as there is the
Springfield neighborhood to the south. Across the street from this is the Kraus-Anderson project that’s
been under construction and to the, in the southwest corner is also some residentially guided property.
Included in here the zoning map on this. This piece of property is actually guided for mixed use so a
PUD was put together on this property. It is consistent with the zoning and the PUD. Excuse me the
PUD zoning and the land use. So Southwest Village was put together, and the standards were put
forward for this PUD. You can see the park and ride has been built. This is the original drawings that
were shown here. There is commercial then that would be along Highway 101 and then on the south is
the townhouse projects. There’s been a few people looking at the townhouse projects over the years and
from owner to rental and now that Ryland’s picked up, actually the number of units pretty much mirrors
what the original intent was. Some of the things that were included in the PUD would be the buffer on
the east side, which created that nice transition between the lots immediately to the east. Again getting
access to this property off of Lyman Boulevard and coming back out onto 101 as you circulate through
the project. So this proposal then includes the preliminary and final plat. This project and the project next
as we’re getting towards the end of our construction season, want to proceed quickly so they’re coming
forward with both the preliminary and final plat. When this item did appear before the Planning
Commission there was nobody in attendance raising objections on this and there was little site grading to
kind of get going before they can actually pull a permit and they’re hoping to do that as soon as they can
get their development contract approved. So again the final part of this would be site plan approval and
then that development contract so you’re actually doing three actions then tonight. This is an aerial view
of the site. Kind of how it lays out. Again this buffer area here that was part of the original PUD, again
we did modify this PUD a number of years ago allowing the units to come closer to the street. It’s more
urban type project. A little different than what we’ve done in this city in the past but again being next to
the transit hub it was intended to have that urban feel and then you’ve got commercial across the street.
This project also contemplated and incorporated the sidewalks within the project. As you can see here
this is one of the elements, staff put a lot of time and consideration and that was trying not to put too
many sidewalks in but they do serve different purposes. For example in this middle area, try to show this
as more of a green common space and eliminated the sidewalks going all the way across creating that
envelope. Some additional green buffer there. In addition there are sidewalks internally for the users and
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
then there’s the larger sidewalk trail that would be on 101 and on Lyman Boulevard as well as the
internal. There is guest parking in the middle of the project that does meet the city ordinance. This was a
question that the Planning Commission asked too. There is parking in the driveways. They’re large
enough that they could provide additional guest parking but if there was overflow there is this area here.
There is street lights. That was one of the questions we did receive from the neighbors in the area.
There’s pack lights on the units themselves and then there’s additional street lighting for the projects so
this would be the rendering. I’ll show you the materials here. Thank you. You’re fine. I’ll just zoom out
here. So the materials here again, the highly articulated. We’ve got the standing seam siding. We’ve got
the bricks on the bottom. Shingles, shutters to articulate. You can see the rhythm in the building itself.
The change between the different units. There’s also be street lighting on these two. I think again the
neighbors had concern about but the lighting would be very low. There’s street lighting again from the
commercial project. What this project also does, as was brought up when we talked about the Kraus-
Anderson project that’s under construction right now, this building would actually block some of that
lighting coming into the neighborhood, to the Springfield with the heights of the buildings and so that
should help provide some of the noise and light attenuation that would be going into that neighborhood.
This project also incorporates some of the amenities that we put in place in this PUD. Kind of those
corner pieces where there’s architectural features. Kind of those things that make traffic calming. As we
look forward into the future coming over the river crossing, the new river crossing, 101’s going to carry a
lot more traffic so I think having these amenities in place to provide that queuing that there’ll be someone
crossing the streets and that was one of the things the Planning Commission also talked about too is to
make sure that there was an adequate crossing for this pedestrians at this location. And then to get across
to the conveniences across the street and to the transit hub which were incorporated so again showing the
lighting plan. This lighting is similar to what we put in the entire project, including the Southwest Station
parking too so it’d be similar. Very architectural. Again this is the subdivision of itself. We’re creating
the 38 lots which was the original proposal. We had attempts to put in quite a few more but I think this
really serves the site the best in providing not only the guest parking but some of that green space. As we
know there will be a lot of trips going around between the traffic and the buses so I think this works out
very well. So this is the subdivision itself. So with that, Planning Commission did recommend approval
and the staff is recommending approval and I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Questions for staff. No questions? Okay, thank you. Is the applicant here?
Representative. Good evening.
Mark Sonstegard: Good evening Mayor, members of the City Council. My name’s Mark Sonstegard.
I’m representing Ryland Homes this evening. I just have a few comments and then I’d be happy to
answer any questions that you may have. First of all Ryland’s pleased to be back working in the city of
Chanhassen on a new development. Chanhassen’s always been one of the areas that we like to work in.
Great market. Great city. I’ll add great schools so it’s nice to be here. And also to add to that, great staff.
When we first were starting to look at this project, one of the first things we do is we call your staff and
then sit down and just have a real nice, easy conversation about what’s anticipated for the site. What’s
doable and see if it’s a good match for Ryland so it helps in the process extremely well that you guys have
a great staff to work with. The site plan that you see before you is consistent with I believe the original
PUD. Ryland has a row townhome that matched the original footprint fairly nicely so the layout came
rather easily. Part that we worked with staff on again is you know good layout for pedestrian traffic.
Some green space. It’s a tight neighbor, it’s a tight little area but we were able to create two nice pieces
of green space and then flow through the neighborhood. Especially pedestrian flow. There’ll be some
sight lines as you walk through here that will be, that were created with the building orientations. The
green spaces and then the hardscapes that we’re adding. Our timeline, we started working on this with
staff in June. We have our application in. We’re anticipating with your approval tonight to be under
construction by the end of the month. We have contractors lined up and ready to go. We’ll hope to have
it developed during the month of October and then have a townhome building started so we can be open
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
for Spring Preview in March, 2014. Development or build-out is going to take about 20 months from the
time we start to the time we close our last home which will put us in the summer of 2015. Size of our
townhomes, they start around 1,640 square feet and they go up to 2,250 feet. All the townhomes are two
car garages. 3 bedrooms. 2 1/2 baths. 9 foot ceilings and then a number of amenities, or options that you
can purchase. Usually you’re interested in sale price so I’ll just kind of let you know where we’re
looking. Base price on the smaller homes is going to be in the 190’s. The larger homes with a number of
options, we’re looking into the 280’s. With that I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, thank you. Any questions? Councilman Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: Thank you Mr. Mayor. Mark, nice to have you in front of us again too.
We’re always pleased with your developments. Can you, with this on the screen, just talk a little bit about
traffic flow into and out of the development?
Mark Sonstegard: Yeah. Can I get right here so I can point? I can slide it over.
Councilman Laufenburger: There you go.
Mark Sonstegard: Okay. Traffic into the neighborhood, if you’re coming from the north it will be down
101 this way and then in this way. If you’re coming from north on 101, it’s in here. There’s no left turn
in here.
Councilman Laufenburger: Oh yeah, okay.
Mark Sonstegard: So the majority of the traffic into the neighborhood would be to the southern, or that
southeast corner. And then you loop around and then into the neighborhood that way. This street is a
street that is basically we’ll share the maintenance on with Southwest Village, or with Southwest Station
and then the streets inside here will be solely the responsibility of our homeowners association.
Councilman Laufenburger: So those two roads will also be accessed for the parking at Southwest Station,
is that correct?
Mark Sonstegard: Yeah, those roads are already in.
Councilman Laufenburger: Already in place.
Mark Sonstegard: Yep.
Councilman Laufenburger: Cool. I had just one more question. You said you’ll be ready to show a
townhouse by, did you say early next year?
Mark Sonstegard: Our, what we, yeah we’re anticipating development work in October. Start our, this
will be our model home right here. We anticipate starting that towards the end of October, early
November and having that model right there open for Spring Previous March, 2014.
Councilman Laufenburger: Wow, nice. This question may be for Ms. Aanenson. I noticed on one of
your original overheads you actually showed 3 different areas. There’s the station itself. This residential
and then there’s a commercial area which is right on 101 between the station and 101. Do you have any,
have you had any interest or any looking at that area yet?
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Kate Aanenson: There’s a representative from Southwest Transit here that maybe he’ll speak to that but
they’ve been looking at that. Trying to get that leased so.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay, so it’s still available is what you’re saying?
Kate Aanenson: That’s correct.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay, alright. Thank you Mark.
Mayor Furlong: Other questions? Councilwoman Tjornhom.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Looking at the drawing in front of us, is there enough parking? Public
parking. It looks like there’s what, how many spots? Like 8.
Kate Aanenson: Yes there is. It does, you need like a quarter per unit. This question was also asked by
the Planning Commission. It does meet the city ordinance. As I stated there are 2 parking spaces in the
driveway, and the driveways are long enough to accommodate guest parking and so there is enough for
guest parking.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Is this typical of the amount of spaces we would reserve for?
Kate Aanenson: Yes, it’s the same ratio we apply for a project anywhere. For an attached project, yeah.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Okay, thank you.
Mayor Furlong: Other questions? Distances. Help us understand. From the, from that building in the
upper left portion of the screen to 101. How close is the building to the trail or to the road there? Do you
know what the setback is and maybe Ms. Aanenson if you know that. And then I’m curious about the
distances and setbacks as well on the south, in the southern buildings as well. From Lyman.
Kate Aanenson: Try and see if it’s in the staff report here. So the setback from Lyman is 15 feet. Is that
correct?
Mark Sonstegard: That is correct.
Kate Aanenson: And then from 101 I’ve got 47 feet.
Mayor Furlong: 47?
Kate Aanenson: Right-of-way from 101 to here.
Mayor Furlong: I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re pointing at.
Kate Aanenson: Oh I’m sorry.
Mark Sonstegard: Oh I can get it.
Mayor Furlong: Okay. That’s from the right-of-way or from the?
Kate Aanenson: From the property line.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong: Property line, okay.
Kate Aanenson: Correct.
Mark Sonstegard: So Lyman is 15 correct?
Kate Aanenson: Correct.
Mark Sonstegard: So here’s the property. There’s the property line and then the homes are set back 15
feet. And then over here is the 47.
Kate Aanenson: Correct.
Mark Sonstegard: From this property, for at least 47 feet there.
Mayor Furlong: And I guess my questions or comment here is, from a safety of the occupants standpoint,
especially on those southern buildings with 15 feet. That’s fairly close to, I mean the trail’s inbetween
that and the road but fairly close to that road. Is that typical of a setback requirement or is that just part of
the PUD?
Kate Aanenson: We put that, we made that modification to the PUD. Again this is a more urban look so
we talked about that gap inbetween and you get that no man’s zone so we get 15 to the property line but
there’s another 15 feet to actually the right-of-way and we’ve got the right turn in there.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, is the trail within the right-of-way?
Kate Aanenson: This trail is.
Mayor Furlong: Along Lyman.
Kate Aanenson: No, it’s outside the right-of-way. The sidewalk is inside of, oh excuse me the property
line. The trail is in the right-of-way, I’m sorry. Yes.
Mayor Furlong: Okay.
Kate Aanenson: So you actually have another 15 feet.
Mayor Furlong: So what’s, and maybe you’re answering my questions. From the curb there Mr. Oehme,
maybe you have a sense. We’ve got the distance from the curb to the trail and then the trail to the, what’s
the distance between the property line I guess and the road itself and the curb.
Paul Oehme: Sure. Mayor, City Council members. There’s on the 101 side there’s approximately a 10
foot green space between the right-of-way line and the trail. Then the trail’s about 10 feet and then I
think there’s another 8 feet or so.
Mayor Furlong: Between the property line and the curb?
Paul Oehme: Correct.
Mayor Furlong: And how about on the Lyman side?
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Paul Oehme: On the Lyman it’s approx, it varies a little bit with the turn lane there but I think it’s, I think
the green space between the back of the curb and the trail is roughly about 5 feet. The trail’s another 10
feet to 15 and then I think it’s another 8 feet to the right-of-way so 20 feet.
Mayor Furlong: So 20 plus and then the 15 setback. 23 from the curb to the end…
Paul Oehme: Correct and I believe that’s from the narrowest location in the turn lane area.
Kate Aanenson: And that was the rational basis we gave to moving those forward a little bit because we
already had that in the right-of-way. That additional green space to make this project lay out better.
Mayor Furlong: Is there a, it’s hard to see from that with the trees laid over the top. Is there a sidewalk
that runs in front of those homes within that 15 foot?
Mark Sonstegard: Yes.
Kate Aanenson: Yes.
Mayor Furlong: That runs laterally across.
Mark Sonstegard: Parallel with the trail.
Mayor Furlong: Okay. So there’d be a sidewalk running in front of the homes and then a little bit of
green space for the rest of the property.
Mark Sonstegard: And then the trail.
Mayor Furlong: And then the green space, then the right-of-way which includes the trail.
Mark Sonstegard: Yeah, and then boulevard and then the road.
Mayor Furlong: Okay.
Kate Aanenson: Yeah so there’s an internal trail. Excuse me, internal sidewalk around the entire project
so this would be for the residents of that. If someone was to use guest parking and wanted to get on the
sidewalk to come around to one of the units to the front door. So that internal sidewalk goes around the
entire project. And then the public trail is within the right-of-way here, both streets. That was the
challenge. In the design itself was trying to not duplicate. They have different functions and we spent a
lot of time with park and rec trying to resolve that and I think really you know Ryland did a great job
trying to figure out a way to create that green space and yet make it, have the mobility, because this is a
different type of product. You may somebody moving in here that only has one car so you’re kind of
going to a different market here. So we worked hard to try to provide that continuity of being able to
walk and then also give it that urban feel.
Mayor Furlong: And with regard to the, along the internal roads here where the driveways are. I saw
some comment about some separating the driveways with some green space or some landscaping.
Kate Aanenson: Correct.
Mark Sonstegard: Yeah.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong: Is the plan.
Mark Sonstegard: Yeah, the driveways will be grouped together.
Kate Aanenson: I’ve got a map.
Mark Sonstegard: Yeah. The driveways will be grouped together in two’s and then there’s, or maybe
here you can see it better but yeah, we’ll have green spaces inbetween the driveways with a tree or some,
a little bit of lawn so you’re not seeing just a row of asphalt. That was something we worked on with
staff.
Kate Aanenson: Yeah, no I think that, again the challenge and I think trying to mimic what we have
going on on the other side. Creating that seating area showed some of those amenities which I think
really add a lot to whether people here, and to get the commercial can enjoy someone sitting here.
Having that public space. Making it safer that there’s, that those amenities matching up what’s going on
across the street and in this corner too. So trying to really create that buffer here on this side. That’s with
that additional landscaping. That greater setback is for the noise attenuation on that side. And yet making
it feel good with landscaping and the like.
Mayor Furlong: Great, thank you. Any other questions at this point?
Mark Sonstegard: Okay, thank you.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you very much. The public hearing was held at the Planning Commission. My
review of the minutes indicated that no one spoke. I don’t know if anybody’s interested in providing
public comment this evening on this. If they are we’d certainly welcome it at this time. Otherwise seeing
none, let’s just bring it back to council then for discussion and action. Thoughts and comments from
members of the council. Councilwoman Ernst.
Councilwoman Ernst: Mayor I actually think this is a very…site and it sounds like all the issues have
been talked about and discussed and so, and I would definitely support this proposal.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any other comments or discussion? Okay. I think it’s a worthwhile
proposal. I know that this is one that has been worked on for a while with a number of different
participants and so I want to thank certainly Ryland Homes and Southwest Transit for their diligence here
on this project and thank you to staff too for working with these and the many other applicants or
potential applicants that have come through so this will be a nice addition to that area of our city and
provide more homes for people looking to move to Chanhassen, which we always welcome. With that be
happy to entertain a motion.
Councilwoman Ernst: I’ll make a motion.
Mayor Furlong: Councilwoman Ernst.
Councilwoman Ernst: I make a motion that Chanhassen City Council approve a preliminary and a final
nd
plat to replat Outlot C, Southwest Village into 38 lots and one outlot, Southwest Village 2 Addition and
site plan approval for construction of 38 townhomes, Southwest Village Townhomes subject to the
conditions of approval and adoption of the attached Findings of Fact.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Is there a second?
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Councilman McDonald: I’ll second.
Mayor Furlong: Motion’s been made and seconded. Any discussion on the motion?
Kate Aanenson: Can we get one clarification? We are approving the development contract also.
Mayor Furlong: Yes, Councilwoman Ernst do you want to include this as part of your motion?
Councilwoman Ernst: Oh, and the development contract.
Mayor Furlong: And development contract, okay. And Mr. McDonald you’ll second that addition?
Councilman McDonald: I’ll second.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, motion’s been made and seconded. Any other discussion? Hearing none we’ll
proceed with the vote.
Councilwoman Ernst moved, Councilman McDonald seconded that the Chanhassen City Council
approve the Preliminary and Final Plat to replat Outlot C, SouthWest Village into 38 lots
nd
and one outlot, SouthWest Village 2 Addition as shown in plans dated received August 2,
2013, subject to the following conditions and adoption of the attached Findings of Fact:
Park Conditions
1.In lieu of parkland dedication and/or trail construction, full park dedication fees shall be
collected at the rate in force at the time of final plat approval. At today’s rate, 2013, these fees
would total $144,400 (38 townhomes x $3,800 per unit).
Engineering Conditions
1.The existing gas line and fiber optic line must be relocated to the drainage and utility
easement.
2.The developer must submit a soils report with boring logs, indicating soil conditions,
permeability.
3.The survey benchmark and elevation must be indicated on the topography plan.
4.The grading plan must show the proposed grades for all driveways.
5.An erosion control escrow is required in the amount of $14,850 (110% of the estimated
erosion control cost).
6.The developer’s engineer must revise the labels of the watermain lengths in the profile view
so that they match the plan view.
7.The developer’s engineer must revise the watermain and sanitary sewer profile street name
label to match the plan view.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
8.The developer’s engineer must revise the service connection tables with the correct block and
lot numbers.
9.Partial water and sewer hook-ups are due at the time of final plat. The hook-up fees will be
assessed at the rate in effect at that time.
10.The developer must submit written confirmation with the final plat application indicating that
the MnDOT pond located in the south loop of the Highway 101 ramp has been sized to
accommodate runoff from this development.
11.Hydraulic calculations must be submitted with the final plat submittals and must include
storm sewer inlet capacity analysis to verify that 100% of the runoff from a 10-year event can
be captured and evaluate downstream conveyance for capacity.
12.The utility plan must be revised to show the following:
a.Show the proposed water service to the bus station.
b.Due to differential settlement, the three valves and the sanitary sewer manhole
must not lie within the proposed paver-block circle at the intersection of the access road
at the western private driveway intersection. The valves can be relocated outside of the
paver-block circle. Sanitary sewer manhole 503 can be installed to the north of the
paver-block circle and an additional manhole can be installed to the west of the paver-
block circle.
c.Sanitary sewer manhole 501 must not lie within the sidewalk.
d.Eliminate the 90-degree bend in the watermain at the Highway 101 intersection
and replace with two 45-degree bends.
e.The final utility plan must show the sewer and water services to the townhome
units.
13.MnDOT will be invoicing the City for a portion of the utility improvements for this
development. The developer must pay for 100% of the invoices that the City receives for
this work.
14.Each new lot is subject to the sanitary sewer and water hookup charges. These fees are
collected with the building permit and are based on the rates in effect at the time of building
permit application. The party applying for the building permit is responsible for payment of
these fees.
15.Encroachment agreements are required for the two drainage and utility easements due to the
extensive landscaping and sidewalk proposed.
Building Official Conditions
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
1.The developer must submit a list of proposed street name(s) and an addressing plan for
review and approval prior to final platting of the property.
2.Each lot must be provided with separate sewer and water services.
3.A final grading plan and soils report must be submitted to the Inspections Division before
permits can be issued.
Water Resources Conditions
1.The Surface Water Pollution Prevention Plan shall include all elements as required under the
General Permit Authorization to Discharge Stormwater Associated with Construction
Activity under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System
Program MN R100001. This includes, but is not limited to:
a.Impervious surface coverage pre- and post-development;
b.Total disturbed area
c.Soils Map
d.Training Documentation
e.Chain of responsibility
f.Map indicating surface waters or acceptable alternative
g.Narrative, design and calculations as to how part III.D of the permit will be met or
written authorization from the MPCA exempting this site from the current permit rules.
h.Other required elements as listed in the permit and/or Chapter 19 of Chanhassen City
Code.
2.Street cleaning of soil tracked onto public streets shall include daily street scraping and street
sweeping as needed.
3.Surface Water Management trunk storm sewer fees due payable to the City at the time of final
plat recording, is $38,472.50.
4.The applicant shall apply for and obtain permits, as necessary, from the appropriate regulatory
agencies (e.g., Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District, Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (NPDES Phase II Construction Site Permit), Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (for dewatering), Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota Department of
Transportation, Minnesota Department of Health) and comply with their conditions of
approval.”
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Councilwoman Ernst moved, Councilman McDonald seconded that the Chanhassen City
Council approve the site plan for 38 town homes for Planning Case 2013-19 for SouthWest
Village Townhomes as shown in plans dated received April 13, 2006, and amended
landscape plan dated received August 2, 2013, subject to the following conditions
:
Landscaping Conditions
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
1.Increase bufferyard plantings along Lyman Boulevard to include a minimum of 14 trees and
24 shrubs.
2.All of the trees located on Highway 101 and Lyman Boulevard between the trail and the
curbline shall be moved to the other side of the trail. The trees will be located within the
County Right-of-Way. The applicant will be responsible for all long-term maintenance and
irrigation of the landscaping within the Right-of-Way.
Engineering Conditions
1.On-street parking is not permitted on the private streets.
2.Any landscaping or structures proposed to be located within the right-of-way must be
approved by the regulating agency.
Building Official Conditions
1.Accessibility must be provided to all portions of the development and a percentage of the
units may also be required to be accessible or adaptable in accordance with Minnesota State
Building Code Chapter 1341. Further information is needed to determine these requirements.
2.Buildings over 9250 square feet of floor area are required to be protected with an automatic
sprinkler system. For the purposes of this requirement property lines do not constitute
separate buildings and the areas of basements and garages are included in the floor area
threshold.
3.The buildings will be required to be designed by an architect and engineer as determined by
the Building Official.
4.Demolition permits must be obtained before demolishing any structures on the site.
Application for such permits must include hazardous substances investigative and proposed
mitigation reports.
5.Walls and projections within five feet of property lines are required to be of one-hour fire-
resistive construction.
6.Retaining walls over four feet high require a permit and must be designed by a professional
engineer.
7.The developer and/or their agent shall meet with the Inspections Division as early as possible
to discuss plan review and permit procedures.
Fire Marshal Conditions
1.A three-foot clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
2.“No Parking Fire Lane” signs will be required as well as yellow painted curb. Contact the
Chanhassen Fire Marshal for exact location of signs and curbing to be painted.
3.Submit proposed street names to Chanhassen Fire Marshal and Chanhassen Building Official
for review and approval.
4.Prior to combustible construction, fire hydrants must be made serviceable.
5.Prior to combustible construction, fire apparatus access roads capable of supporting the
weight of fire apparatus shall be made serviceable.
6.Temporary street signs shall be installed prior to and during time of construction.”
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Councilwoman Ernst moved, Councilman McDonald seconded that the Chanhassen City Council
nd
approve the Development Contract for SouthWest Village 2 Addition conditioned upon the
applicant shall supply the City with a cash escrow or letter of credit for $546,045.50 and pay a cash
fee of $293,891.97. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you everyone. Appreciate it. Look forward to seeing it come together.
LAKE ST. JOE’S COVE, SUBDIVISION OF 4.04 ACRES LOCATED EAST OF THE CITY
LIMITS AND SOUTH OF CIMARRON SUBDIVISION BETWEEN KINGS ROAD ANDMILL
CREEK LANE, APPLICANT: STEVE KROISS, STS PROPERTY, LLC:
A. PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT APPROVAL.
B. APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT AND PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS.
Kate Aanenson: Thank you Mayor, members of the City Council. This item appeared at the Planning
th
Commission on August 20. Again this is similar like the last project, we have a developer that wants to
proceed yet this fall and get underway with construction and grading. The applicant STS Properties,
LLC. So they’re requesting for tonight would be for preliminary and final plat. You’re also approving a
development contract with this project and with the plans and specifications. The project includes 8 lots
and one outlot and public right-of-way. This project was actually kind of preliminary platted when we
did the Cimarron project. This project’s at the end of Kings Road. It was platted in 2004 and the other
project, Cimarron. It had 10 lots and included a stormwater pond. When this project was platted we had
them what we call ghost plat how they would lay this out so when this project came forward, really the
framework was put in place for this project to go forward today. So this project is located again behind
the Cimarron at the end of Kings Road. This is at the kind of the terminus of the city limits. Access to
this Kings Road goes into Victoria. There are lots served in Victoria which I’ll go into a little bit more
detail later. The property to the south of the Kortgard’s property is actually the large wetland expanse of
Lake St. Joe and so this property will be the continuation of those two streets, as I had mentioned before
so pretty straight forward as far as that goes. So the city limits and access was an issue when we actually
did the Cimarron so we kind of kept that same framework in place. One of the issues with this
development is at the end of the Kings Road, as it terminates, there are homes that are served off of that
so one of the issues you’ll see on the plat was they had to continue to provide driveway easements off of
the extension of Kings Road. So the Park and Rec Director and myself actually on National Night Out
was up in this neighborhood here and just one of the issues that those neighbors would like to see is be
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
able to get connection over to the LRT line over here. The Hennepin County trail line, excuse me, and
it’s pretty much landlocked so I think it’d be pretty difficult which I know Todd Hoffman, our Park and
Rec Director communicated back to that neighborhood but just wanted to bring that up. No one from
those neighborhoods did come to the Planning Commission meeting. We did have a chance, as I say to
visit with the neighbors up there and see if they had any questions. So this is the extension that needs to
be, this will be a requirement that they provide a driveway easement so there’ll be an easement form that
will be recorded with the development contract that those homeowners in Victoria will continue to use the
Kings Road to get into their subdivision. So this preliminary plat then conveys the 8 lots and it is a
residential single family. Our standard residential zone so all the lots will be minimum of 15,000 square
feet and some are larger than that. So it does meet all the requirements of the zoning district. So this is
what the project looks like as shown. This stormwater plan was actually constructed with the Cimarron
development so that was in place. Just being upgraded so there are a couple of recommendations
regarding driveway grades and the like but overall the plat is, like I say, well conceived as it was kind of
pretty much laid out in how it would be developed moving forward. So with that I’d be happy to answer
any questions you have. It’s a pretty straight forward subdivision. We are recommending approval as did
the Planning Commission. Thank you.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any questions for staff on the Lake St. Joe’s Cove plan? Okay. Thank you.
Is the applicant here? Is there anything you want to address to the council? Good evening.
Todd Simnig: Good evening. Mr. Mayor, council members, Todd Simnig with STS Properties. Steve
Kroiss, my partner is back here also. We were here, boy were just figuring that out. In March or April
with the Wynsong project and again just another smaller development that we’re actually planning on
developing and building in and I’m just open up to any questions you guys might have.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, thank you. There are a number of conditions in the report that are being
requested. Any concerns about those?
Todd Simnig: No. Met with the homeowners off of Kings Road. Actually prepared all the easement
documents and everything so I think I went through that pretty thoroughly and didn’t have any issues with
anything. And my engineer didn’t have any issues with some of the small tweaks that we ended up
having also so.
Mayor Furlong: Alright, good. Any other questions from members of the council? No? Thank you.
Todd Simnig: Thank you.
Mayor Furlong: Appreciate seeing you again. That’s good. Bring it back to council then for discussion.
Oh, I don’t know if anybody here from the public is interested in making any comments but they’re
certainly welcome. Seeing no one, council. Discussion. Comments on this development. Another nice
one. Thoughts? Mr. Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: Thank you Mr. Mayor. I agree. I just think what we’re seeing here is a result
of what appears to be, I don’t want to call it a rebound but certainly appears to be a trajectory of housing
development in Chanhassen that we can be very proud of. You can call it, you know there’s space
available. This is wonderful that this now contributes to the inventory of building opportunities that
people have coming into the community so I think this is just another example of why people like
Chanhassen because there’s good housing and building opportunities here so I will support this project.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, any other thoughts? Comments. Happy to entertain a motion Mr. Laufenburger.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Councilman Laufenburger: Be happy to. Mr. Mayor I move that Chanhassen City Council approves the
Lake St. Joe’s Cove preliminary and final plat subject to the conditions of the report, the development
contract plans and specifications and we adopt the Planning Commission Findings of Fact.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Is there a second?
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Second.
Councilman McDonald: I’ll.
Mayor Furlong: Councilwoman Tjornhom got the second. We got to make sure she gets in the Minutes.
She’ll be in the Minutes with comments later. No, that will be fine. With that motion’s been made and
seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none we’ll proceed with the vote.
Councilman Laufenburger moved, Councilwoman Tjornhom seconded that the Chanhassen City
subject to the following
Council approves the Preliminary and Final Plat for Lake St. Joe’s Cove
conditions and adoption of the attached Planning Commission Findings of Fact and
Recommendation:
Building Official:
1. Provide a 1:200 “clean” plat drawing.
2. Demolition permits are required for the removal of any existing structures.
3. Submit proposed street-name(s) to Building Official and Fire Marshal for approval.
4. Buildings may be required to be designed by an architect and/or engineer as determined
by the Building Official.
5. A final grading plan and soils report must be submitted to the Inspections Division before
permits can be issued.
6. Retaining walls over four feet high require a permit and must be designed by a
professional engineer.
7. Each lot must be provided with separate sewer and water services.
8. The applicant and/or their agent shall meet with the Inspections Division as early as
possible to discuss plan review and permit procedures.
Engineering:
9.Access to the properties in Victoria must be maintained.
10.The plat delineates the 10-foot easement at the front and back of the lots, and a 5-foot
easement at the sides of the lots, but the plat must call them out as a “drainage and utility
easement.”
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
11.Plat must dedicate driveway access easement on Lot 4, Block 3 for access to the property in
Victoria.
12.The easement between Block 1, Lot 1 and Block 1, Lot 2 must provide enough room to
excavate the pipe for maintenance at a 1:1.5 slope.
13.The easement at the northeast corner of Block 3, Lot 1 must provide enough room to
excavate the pipe for maintenance at a 1:1.5 slope.
14.The plat document must be amended to include Outlot B, which is shown in the plans.
15.The survey of the existing property shows contour lines in the Cimmaron development north
of Lake St. Joe’s Cove, but it must also show all existing buildings and driveways 100 feet
beyond the property boundary.
16.The grading plans must show the benchmark elevation used for the survey.
17.In the relatively flat areas, such as the swale that directs water to Catch Basin 6, the grading
plan must show spot elevations and flow arrows to indicate the direction of the water.
18.The 15-inch storm sewer pipe from CBMH1 to the existing structure shall be constructed
with a minimum 0.70 % slope.
19.The existing storm sewer manhole on Outlot A, Cimmaron Addition must be replaced to
include a 3-foot sump.
20.The property owner at 7040 Mill Creek Lane must agree to any work being done on his or
her land. The proposed grading on this property must also be included in the grading plan.
21.The slopes must be less than 3:1. The developer’s engineer must revise the grading on
Outlot A and Block 3 to meet this standard.
22.The contours show water flowing to the northeast corner of Block 1, Lot 1. The developer’s
engineer must revise the grading or mark the elevation at the building corner to direct water
flow away from the structure.
23.The driveway grades on Block 1, Lot 2 and Block 3, Lot 3 must be revised so that the grade
does not exceed 10% at any point on the driveway.
24.An escrow (110% of the estimated erosion control for this development) is required before
site grading begins.
25.The following materials are prohibited for retaining wall construction: smooth face, poured-
in-place concrete (stamped or patterned concrete is allowed), masonry, railroad ties or
timber.
26.Walls taller than 6 feet shall not be constructed with boulder rock.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
27.The grading behind the retaining wall must be modified so that water will not drain down the
face of the wall.
28.A Homeowners Association shall be created to take ownership of the retaining wall.
29.The plans must annotate the width of the roadway, sidewalks, and the right-of-way.
30.The plans must show the station where the new construction ties in to the existing road as
well as the limits of construction.
31.The plans must include erosion control measures to the limits of construction.
32.The developer’s engineer must revise the grades of the driveway at Block 1, Lot 2 and Block
3, Lot 3 to be between 0.5 and 10.0% at any point on the driveway.
33.The driveway on Block 3, Lot 4 must be moved out of the 10-foot side yard setback.
34.In the submitted plans, the pipe length in the profile view does not match the length of pipe
in the plan view. This must be revised so the plans are consistent.
35.The watermain will connect the stubs at Kings Road and Mill Creek Lane to create a loop.
36.At the time of the final plat, the assessment for Minnewashta Parkway improvements plus the
additional accrued interest must be paid or reassessed.
37.Water and sewer hookups are due at the time of final plat. The hookup fees will be assessed
at the rate in effect at that time.
Fire Marshal:
38.Proposed fire hydrant(s) location is acceptable.
39.No burning permits will be issued for tree/brush removal. They must be chipped or hauled
away.
40.Prior to new home combustible construction fire hydrants must be made serviceable.
41.Prior to new home construction fire apparatus access roads capable of supporting the weight
of fire apparatus shall be made serviceable.
42.A three-foot clear space must be maintained around fire hydrant(s).
Natural Resource Coordinator:
43.The trees should be field located as to allow for a 20-foot wide access to the pond. The
applicant shall work with staff to delineate a clear zone to the pond.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
44.Tree protection fencing shall be installed at the edge of grading limits near preserved areas of
trees.
Parks and Recreation:
45.In lieu of parkland dedication and/or trail construction, full park dedication fees shall be
collected at the rate in force at the time of final plat approval. At today’s rate, these fees
would total $46,400 (8 lots x $5,800 per lot).
Water Resources Coordinator:
46.Wetland must be shown at the 948 foot contour and the 25-foot buffer and 30-foot setback
must be shown accordingly.
47.All wetland and buffer areas not within an outlot must be contained within a drainage and
utility easement.
48.Wetland buffer signage must be shown on the plan and installed concurrently with the
erosion prevention and sediment control practices.
49.The applicant must apply for and receive a General Permit to Discharge Stormwater
Associated with Construction Activity Under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System/State Disposal System
50.The applicant must provide a standalone Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
containing the required elements as detailed in the above permit to the city prior to any earth-
disturbing activities.
51.A dewatering plan must be provided to the city and at least 48-hours notice given prior to
drawing down the existing pond for the purpose of installing the infiltration bench. This
dewatering plan shall be incorporated into the SWPPP.
52.The details must be changed to reflect the most up-to-date city standard details.
53.The invert elevation at the downstream end of the storm sewer pipe from CBMH 1 to the
existing manhole shall be lowered to an elevation that allows for a greater slope than the
immediately upstream pipe run.
54.The applicant’s engineer shall move the filtration bench to the west side of the pond outlet
for improved maintenance access. If this is not practicable from an engineering perspective,
supporting documentation must be provided to and agreed upon by the city.
55.A twenty (20) foot wide maintenance access which allows cross slope meandering shall be
shown on the plan and provided for during construction.
56.SWMP Fees totaling $15,646.50 shall be provided to the City with final plat.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Councilman Laufenburger moved, Councilwoman Tjornhom seconded that the Chanhassen City
Council approve the Development Contract and the construction plans and specifications for Lake
St. Joe’s Cove conditioned upon the following:
1. The applicant enter into the Development Contract and supply the City with a cash escrow or
letter of credit for $513,766.64 and pay a cash fee of $95,318.38.
2. The applicant’s engineer shall work with City staff in revising the construction plans to meet City
standards.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
CONSENT AGENDA: CAMDEN RIDGE, 1500 PIONEER TRAIL:
A. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL.
B. APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT AND PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS.
Mayor Furlong: Ms. Aanenson, our conversation, there were a couple of clarifications that needed in the
condition and in the plat drawing itself.
Kate Aanenson: Yes. Thank you Mayor for catching that. Typically when we do the final plat we show
for tracking purposes the conditions that were recorded with the plat and as it’s stated in here it said that
the roads for the Camden Ridge needed to be 60 foot wide and it said that condition has been met and as
they are shown on the plat they are 55 foot wide. In working through that project, in order to get the
change in grade to make that work we felt that the 55 foot would be more appropriate. In addition and we
talked about a road extending to the north for emergency access, that that also be shown as a public street
and that wasn’t identified on the plat so what we would recommend, and I’m on page 15 of the staff
report that said the right-of-way be shown at 65 feet. That condition should say, has not been met. Or has
been modified. It should say has been modified so I would.
Mayor Furlong: Has been modified to 55.
Kate Aanenson: To 55 but it should actually, this is just a tracking thing. What we really want to do is
add another condition to the, under engineering and that would be on page 23. Page 23 under engineering
condition you want to add condition number 11. Because the first one’s just a tracking item that would
say this condition has been modified. So the condition under number 11 would state, all street right-of-
way shall be shown at 55 feet including the street extending to the north. Therefore the mylar would then
have to be modified to meet that.
Mayor Furlong: By street to the north, the street, the stubbing out, the stub street to the property.
Kate Aanenson: Correct.
Mayor Furlong: To the Fox property.
Kate Aanenson: That’s correct.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you.
Kate Aanenson: So with that we’re consistent with the original recommendation.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong: From the preliminary, thank you.
Kate Aanenson: Correct.
Mayor Furlong: Any questions on that? If not then would somebody like to make a motion of approval
subject to that additional condition 11 under engineering?
Councilman Laufenburger: I’ll get there in just a second Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, Councilman Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay. Mr. Mayor I move that the Chanhassen City Council approves the
final plat for Camden Ridge subject to the conditions of the staff report as stipulated plus changing page
15, item 12. Kate I need your help on that wording.
Kate Aanenson: Stating this condition has been modified.
Councilman Laufenburger: This condition has been modified to read 55 feet.
Kate Aanenson: Correct.
Councilman Laufenburger: And page 23, adding item 11 under engineering that all streets will be 55 feet
including the stub street to the north into the Fox property.
Kate Aanenson: That’s correct.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Is there a second?
Councilwoman Ernst: Second.
Mayor Furlong: Mr. Knutson, is that okay?
Roger Knutson: Development contract?
Mayor Furlong: And approval of the development contract.
Todd Gerhardt: B.
Councilman Laufenburger: B, oh excuse me. And item B. 3B. Including the approval of the
development contract.
Councilwoman Ernst: Second.
Mayor Furlong: Motion’s been made and seconded for items 3A. Or item A modified and then B as
presented. Any discussion? Seeing none, motion’s been made and seconded. We’ll proceed with the
vote.
Councilman Laufenburger moved, Councilwoman Ernst seconded to approve the Final Plat for
Camden Ridge subject to the conditions in the staff report, with the following changes: Page 15,
item 12 has been modified to 55 feet; and Page 23, condition 11 under Engineering would read, All
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
street right-of-way shall be shown at 55 feet including the street extending to the north. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Councilman Laufenburger moved, Councilwoman Ernst seconded to approve the development
contract and the construction plans and specifications for Camden Ridge conditioned upon the
following:
1. The applicant shall enter into the development contract and supply the City with a cash escrow or
letter of credit for $2,043,442.42 and pay a cash fee of $664,589.16.
2. The applicant’s engineer shall work with City staff to revising the construction plans to meet City
standards.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
PROPOSED 2014 BUDGET: RESOLUTION APPROVING CERTIFYING PRELIMINARY
LEVY TO THE CARVER COUNTY AUDITOR.
Mayor Furlong: Mr. Sticha, good evening.
Greg Sticha: Good evening Mayor, Council members. The first meeting of September every year, as the
City Council’s aware, we pass a preliminary levy that is used for essentially Truth in Taxation statement
purposes that our residents will be receiving the middle of November. This evening, as in previous years,
you’ll be passing a preliminary levy that is a not to exceed number between now and setting a final levy
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on December 9. The levy that you pass this evening will be part of the Truth in Taxation statements that
will be received by our residents here, like I said, mid November and then we’ll set the final levy on
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December 9 when we can only go down from this number. We cannot increase the final levy based on
what we set this evening for preliminary levy so I’m just going to go through a brief power point that kind
of talks about some of the items that impacted this year’s budget discussions so far for those people at
home who haven’t had the opportunity to take in some of the budget discussions we’ve had. Before I go
too far I’m going to go over the budget calendar for the remainder of the year in case people want an
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opportunity to discuss any of the budget items between now and setting the final levy on December 9.
This evening we’ll pass a preliminary levy. Our first meeting in October will be a very intensive budget
discussion meeting in particular during the work session. We’re going to be reviewing our enterprise and
special revenue fund budgets. We’ll also be reviewing the 2014 through 2018 CIP along with how we’ve
done so far throughout 2013 in terms of revenue and expense data through 3 quarters and then we’ll also
be presenting our utility rate study for 2014 presented by our financial advisors, Ehlers as we do every
thth
year. November 12 and 25 we have some time set aside in each of those work sessions if we need
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additional discussion time on any of those previous items that we’ll be discussion on October 14.
nd
December 2 we’ll be holding the public budget meeting formerly known as the Truth in Taxation
hearing. This meeting or hearing will be giving our residents that opportunity to come and speak to the
effect of the budget. Again we’ll be discussing the budget at that meeting based on the preliminary levy
and that’s what the discussion will revolve around at that point and they can give feedback to the City
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Council that would help direct them for setting a final levy on December 9 where we will also adopt a
2014 to 2018 CIP and set our utility rates for 2014. The budget assumptions used for preparing the 2014
budget were 3% wage increase for city employees. Now keep in mind the City pay system is a merit
based pay system which is different than some communities. It incorporates a couple components which
other communities typically have step increases as well as cost of living. Our pay system is a complete
merit based pay system. We have 15% included for an increase in health care costs. If you’ll recall from
earlier meetings, and those of you at home that were not able to attend those, Carver County has told us
that there’s approximately 1.8% new construction dollars in the City of Chanhassen which would be,
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
equate to about $180,000 in additional levy dollars available that would not impact the overall individual
home in the city of Chanhassen. Building permit revenue we budgeted the same as 2013, which was our
practice when we set last year’s budget as well. And as we get to the couple, three scenarios that we have
in this presentation, under both Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, all city service levels will remain the same.
Taking a look at Scenario 1 that we’ve discussed with City Council at previous meetings. This would be
an increase in the levy from the previous year by $254,000 or 2.49%. The impact of Scenario 1 is
essentially all service levels remain the same. The residential impact would be approximately, now this
takes into account that your home increased by the average in Chanhassen which was about 4% for taxes
payable in 2014 and your home was about a $300,000 home in the city of Chanhassen. Scenario 1 would
impact that residential bill on the city portion of the property tax line by somewhere between $2 and $4
dollars. An increase. Scenario 2 would be an increase in a total levy from the previous year by $228,500.
2.24%. This incorporates the new growth that Carver County told us about as well as the new growth of
the TIF district. TIF District #8 that is now coming off the tax rolls at the end of this year so total new tax
dollars available would be the $228,500. Potential budgeting impacts again, service levels remain the
same under Scenario 2. The residential impact, again with the same assumption that your home increased
in value by 4% is around $300,000 would be approximately no change in your property tax bill on your
city portion of your property tax statement so it might fluctuate a little bit between zero and one dollar or
minus one dollar but it’d be right around zero for Scenario 2. Scenario 3 would be a total levy of
$10,334,140. An increase of about $138,000 or 1.36%. In order to achieve Scenario 3 the City Council
and staff would have to find about $70,000 in either new revenues or expenditure reductions. The impact
on the residents for Scenario 3, again same assumptions under Scenario1 and 2 on the value and size of
your home would be about a $7 or $8 to possibly $9 decrease in the city portion of your property tax bill.
As we do every year we give additional information to City Council to compare how the City of
Chanhassen is doing as compared to our KFS cities. Our cities that we compare ourselves for a number
of facets. This particular spreadsheet shows the budgeted expenditures for 2012 versus 2013 as reported
with the State Auditor’s Office. You can see Chanhassen’s increase from 12 to 13, 1.55% with the
average being about 2.88%. As I discussed earlier with the City Council, our number from year to year is
relatively consistent. Relatively flat. We range usually in that 1 to 2 percent change from the previous
years. Other communities take a different approach and some years they might decrease their levy a little
bit and then increase it a little more significantly in other years. This City Council has been from year to
year pretty consistent with keeping right around the same increase or change from the previous year and a
number that’s flat and consistent. This spreadsheet shows our budget expenditure comparison between us
and some other cities within Carver County. Some of our neighboring cities. Again our increase from 12
to 13 was 1.55% with the average of the other cities being just over 3 percent. This graph shows the per
capita spending as comparing Chanhassen to our KFS cities. We have remained at or near the very top of
the list in this item the last several years. I don’t think we’ve ever been number one on this list but we’ve
always been number 2 or 3 so again we’re the second lowest per capita spending among our KFS cities
with only one city being lower than us. With the average being $472 per capita. As comparing us to our
neighboring Carver County cities, we are the highest ranking in terms of spending and per capita
spending at $416 with the average being $450. Taking a look at Carver County tax rates as compared to
all the other cities within Carver County the average tax rate in Carver County is 61.2-61.3. Our tax rate
being 28.428. Very comparable to the City of Chaska. What staff is recommending this evening is
setting a preliminary levy of Scenario 2 which is a $228,000 increase from the final levy in 2013. About
a 2.2% increase in the levy from the previous year. Staff believes there are a number of factors that still
have yet to be determined. We need additional information on a couple of items, including health care
costs. We’re still also evaluating the sales tax law change that took place this past year. The Department
of Revenue has been very slow at getting solid information to the cities on exactly what items will and
will not be exempt from sales tax next year so we’re still kind of working on that number as well so there
are a few items that make it difficult to estimate a couple of the line items within the budget. Therefore
staff is recommending setting a preliminary levy at Scenario 2 of $10,424,390. I’d be happy to take
questions.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Questions for Mr. Sticha or other staff members. Mr. Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: Thank you Mr. Mayor. Greg, nice job in preparing this again. Just a
comment that I have while I’m thinking of this, and this really relates to CIP which I know is not on the
agenda tonight but let’s make sure that we carry over to 2014 CIP anything that’s approved for 2013 CIP
but doesn’t get done this year so we have visibility on that. I know there were a couple incidences of that
last year.
Greg Sticha: We’ll make them very apparent and in the presentation. We’ll let you know what those are.
Councilman Laufenburger: Thank you very much.
Greg Sticha: If we’re estimating that we will be pushing any over into the next year.
Councilman Laufenburger: That’s what I needed. Okay. Do you have any indication on where the
County tax levy will be?
Greg Sticha: I have not heard.
Councilman Laufenburger: Up or down.
Greg Sticha: Todd maybe knows more than I do on that.
Todd Gerhardt: I don’t.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay. Any other council member heard?
Mayor Furlong: I know they approved their preliminary but I don’t know what it was.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay. That’s it for now. Thanks Greg.
Mayor Furlong: Other questions for Mr. Sticha? Mr. Sticha, tonight we’re doing the preliminary levy.
There’s a preliminary aggregate number that goes along from a spending preliminary budget that goes
with that, is that correct?
Greg Sticha: Correct.
Mayor Furlong: But as far as the items, and even the assumptions that you listed, we’re not adopting,
approving or taking any action as a council on any of those this evening, is that correct?
Greg Sticha: That is correct. The $10,424,390 in levy dollars can be used in any way that the City
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Council deems between now and December 9. They could change the general fund spending number.
You could change any of the other levies. The capital replacement equipment levy. The sealcoating levy.
The one levies you could not change would be your debt levies. Those are structured and so those would
have to remain what we’ve budgeted for this evening so, but the other levies you could split up the
remaining amounts any way you wanted. Can’t increase but you can certainly decrease or change which
ones you want to spend more or less.
Mayor Furlong: Where the money goes.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Greg Sticha: Yep.
Mayor Furlong: As we talked about before, the size of the pie can change. It can go down as well as how
that pie is divvied up.
Greg Sticha: Yep.
Mayor Furlong: Alright, thank you. Are there any other questions at this point? Councilwoman Ernst.
Councilwoman Ernst: Well Greg, I want to thank you for all your information and preparation as well as
staff in general. With the presentations and also answering, being available to answer all the questions.
So I would like to propose the following, which does not support Scenario 1, 2 or 3. Todd indicated we
can make some reductions without significant impacts and some of those reductions were as follows.
$10,000 in conferences, i.e. seminars. $40,000 building inspector. $15,000 police car and $6,800 in
copier expenses which roughly amounts to $71,800. I would like to make a motion to reduce expenses
with that amount, $71,800 as well as reductions with the following. $25,000 with a CSO for a one year
test and evaluate how that worked and I believe that this was Councilman Laufenburger’s idea. I think
it’s a great idea and I think it’s a way to test it to see if it is something that we really need or not. $30,000
for the lifeguard, which is the same scenario mentioned with the CSO. And then reduce the salary
increase from 3% to 1%, which would be roughly $80,000. That gets us to roughly 200 and I think,
$206,000. Something to that extent. And then the difference in this case of $30,000 take from surplus
which in Greg’s estimation would be at least $200,000 is your guesstimation and potentially of a half a
million but we don’t know that yet. I get that. So that’s my motion. And that gets us to the $228,000
that was a difference between 2013 to 2014 in the general fund as well as the general, the levy amount so
that’s my motion.
Mayor Furlong: Okay. We’re still in questions but if you want to make the motion I’ll certainly, is there
a second? Failing a second the motion dies. Are there any other questions? Get to comments now or
thoughts. Mr. Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: Thank you Mr. Mayor. Councilwoman Ernst is correct. There were a
number of areas of cost savings or potential cost savings for the City that have been discussed in work
session and council members have been there and I certainly am very interested in exploring the
execution of such cost savings and the impact on service levels over the next, how many weeks do we
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have before December 9 Greg?
Greg Sticha: 3 months.
Councilman Laufenburger: We have 3 months, okay so I’m very interested in exploring that but I am not
prepared at this time to speak with certainty that each and every one of those will be coming out of the
budget. I do see a potential for savings but I think there’s great wisdom in ensuring that we as a City
Council are not, I’m going to use the word ham strung to achieve a number that because of some things
that are uncertain, including health care rates and some of those things that you mentioned Mr. Sticha,
could potentially prevent us from making the best possible decision for the citizens of Chanhassen so I’m
looking forward to the discussion that will result from a number of the things that Councilwoman Ernst
just spoke of but I think it’s premature at this time to speak with certainty that each and every one of those
will come out of the budget. Thank you Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Other thoughts and discussion? Mr. McDonald.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Councilman McDonald: Thank you Mr. Mayor. This is always kind of a difficult time and the reason
why is that I do believe that the City needs to control it’s spending but at the same time one of the things
I’ve learned from my years on the council and I’ve talked to a number of people about this is that there is
an insistence that Chanhassen must maintain it’s services and that’s parks. That’s trails. That’s roads.
That’s everything. It’s the full gamut and there is a lot of pressure upon the City to maintain those
services because each year they grow. They get bigger. There are new services. New ballfields. Lights
on ballfields that need to be put in place so there’s a lot of pressure to increase the amount of spending
that the City does and I think as long as we stay within those kind of criteria as to what we spend money
on, that we give value back to the public, that there is not a, I don’t want to say out roar but there is not a
dissatisfaction when people pay their taxes because they feel they’re getting their money’s worth and I
think it’s one of our jobs on council is to make sure that the citizens do get their money’s worth. I went to
the Night Out and I asked the questions there and that’s the answer I was told was that, okay I know what
my taxes buy. I’m very comfortable with that. I like what we have. There are some things I would like
to improve upon and that’s part of council’s job to direct staff to do those things and that’s where trails
and you know fixing roads and adding to parks and putting these lights into ballfields so that we can now
use then 2 or 3 times during a cycle instead of just once kind of come into play. My big concern about
this budget that I’ve voiced in council before and again it wasn’t part of what we were going to do
tonight, was some of the individual items and while I can agree that you know Councilwoman Ernst has
set a good goal for us, it’s not to say we can’t get there by December but there are too many unanswered
questions right now and some of those are pretty big. I think we do need to go through those. We need
answers to those. I think our goal should always be, as it has been in the past is to lower what we set as a
preliminary budget tonight to make it lower by the time we get to December. I’m comfortable with
Scenario 2. I think there’s enough flexibility in there that there are some unknowns that are some pretty
big ones I think this year that we do need answers to. I would hate to see us to get into a position where
we have definitely gone too close to the bone and then suddenly, how do we make up those differences so
I think I just need some more time. That’s the way the system was put together. I have no objection to
you know any of these that Councilwoman Ernst has brought up. I think all of them need to be looked at
but again the criteria I look at is what’s the impact upon services and I think that’s something that we
need to maintain throughout the community so I am more than willing to look at these reductions and I
really look forward to it and it will be some good discussions but I can definitely support Scenario 2 as it
is currently put before the council. Thanks Mr. Mayor. Any other discussion? Councilwoman
Tjornhom.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Yes. I was just counting, I think this is probably my ninth, actually that’s
almost embarrassing to say. The ninth preliminary budget hearing and you know each one is different.
Each one has it’s own challenges and I’m always pleased at the end. It always seems to work out and we
all kind of can come to the meeting of the minds. Mr. Gerhardt did I think at the last meeting propose
several new options and strategies as to where we could probably make some budget cuts. Councilman
Laufenburger did talk about the CSO officer. I think Mr. McDonald also had some suggestions about
how to decrease spending and so I think that as a whole the council is on the right path or track of
investigating everything. I mean we just discussed tonight at work session that this is a start and we still
have other options we don’t even know about yet. We still have expenses we don’t know about yet and
so this is I think actually, this night is symbolic of what’s going to come for the next 3 months. This is
where we’re going to start and this is where our journey begins and this is where now as a council we will
start trying to figure out what is the best case scenario for the people of Chanhassen. You know what is
important to this council? Is public safety important because we do have some increases or requests for
increases in public safety. We’ve always said as a council that we are, we are dedicated to making sure
that we keep our infrastructure up, whether it’s our streets. Whether it’s our parks. Whether it’s our
tennis courts. Whatever it is, that’s one of our goals also and that I think is a responsibility that we take
seriously. People pay their taxes and they live in this town for a reason because we do have excellent
services and so usually I think staff is starting with Scenario 1 and we’re already off to a good start with 2
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
so I mean that really is a good starting spot this year. I’m a little nervous about that. Not sure what’s
going on with that but I’ll take it so like I said I do look forward to starting now and to figure out what
our path is going to be and what services we are going to really care about and how we’re going to make
sure that this budget is responsible and that the people of Chanhassen can maintain their lifestyles and the
reason why they’re here. So I will also be supporting Scenario 2 along with staff.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any other comments?
Councilman Laufenburger: Just one.
Mayor Furlong: Mr. Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: Yeah I think that it may be construed that, and now this is my opinion. It
may be construed by some people that because Councilwoman Ernst’s motion for a levy that reflects no
to all of the, or yes to all of the tax. Excuse me, that reflects yes to all of the cuts that she proposes
because that didn’t even get a second, that this council doesn’t support it. That’s not my view. My view
is that I support many of those and I want the opportunity to have a very good dialogue about where those
cuts will or should and will occur in the city budget so I think that I said this earlier. I’m looking forward
to the dialogue over the next few weeks that gives us a good opportunity to decide how we can be smart
about using the money that we ask the citizens of this good city of Chanhassen to pay to support city
government. Thank you.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any other comments? I guess I will share similar thoughts of some of my
fellow council members. I think that this is a starting point and the starting point is no increase on
average for the, for residents in Chanhassen. That’s a darn good starting point and it’s one we’ve been at
many times before as part of our policy or practice I should say over the last several years and part of that
practice is also spending time between now and when we approve the final levy to evaluate, gather more
information and also evaluate options in terms of prioritizing spending and we will be doing that. I would
agree with Mr. Laufenburger and Councilwoman Ernst so you know too, there was, I didn’t second your
motion because I don’t know and have enough information to determine whether or not those cuts at this
point are reasonable and appropriate but we’ll be discussing all those and that’s part of the process too as
we move through this but as has been our practice, I’m fairly confident at this point, where there are
plenty of uncertainties still and we don’t have all of the information, I’m confident that our final levy will
be less than this preliminary levy that we’re moving towards the Scenario 2 preliminary levy which is a
no growth in taxes. It captures real growth in the tax base but not inflationary growth and as such I would
expect that even if we ended up here at the end, which I think we’re going to be at a lower level, my
opinion, even if we stayed here we would likely see a reduction in our property tax rate because we’re not
capturing that inflationary growth in the tax base and so, and that’s been a result of our policies over the
years as well as a generally declining tax rate. Not each and every year. It’s a function of market values
but on a general trend that’s been the practice so you know, when we look at spending per capita relative
to the other cities, when we look at our tax rates, when we look at all the other factors, we’re tracking
pretty well. Are there a number of items that have been identified in these early discussions that we need
to talk about more? Absolutely and we’ll do that and I too look forward to that and I suspect that as a
council we’re going to agree on many of the items as we move towards the final levy so, with that I can
certainly support Scenario 2 at this point in time and look forward to working with the entire council and
staff as we move to finalize that over the coming weeks and months. With that is there a motion? Do
you have a motion Mr. Sticha for a resolution?
Greg Sticha: There is.
Councilman McDonald: It’s on the screen.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong: Okay, would somebody like to make a motion please?
Councilman McDonald: I’ll do it.
Mayor Furlong: Mr. McDonald.
Councilman McDonald: I recommend that the City Council takes the staff’s recommendation of setting a
preliminary levy using Scenario number 2 of $10,424,390 to allow for flexibility in planning before
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setting a final levy in December 9.
Mayor Furlong: And adoption of the resolution?
Greg Sticha: Yeah. The title of the resolution is right on the resolution that’s in the front of my memo I
believe. But it is on the resolution included in the attachment but the only additional item that it has on
there is the actual planned expenditures for the general fund.
Mayor Furlong: And I’m trying to get there.
Greg Sticha: Which would be 10 million.
Mayor Furlong: Can you just hand that to Mr. McDonald please?
Greg Sticha: Yep.
Mayor Furlong: So in addition to what you said Mr. McDonald, adoption of that resolution?
Councilman McDonald: Adoption of this resolution adopting the preliminary 2014 general fund budget
of $10,004,199 and establishing a total preliminary levy of $10,424,390 for 2014, and establishing Truth
in Taxation public hearing dates for 2013, collectible in 2014. That’s the title of the resolution.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Is there a second?
Councilman Laufenburger: Second.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Second.
Mayor Furlong: I’ll let the recorder figure out who got that. Alright, motion’s been made and seconded.
Any discussion on the motion? Hearing none we’ll proceed with the vote.
Resolution #2013-42: Councilman McDonald moved, Councilman Laufenburger seconded that the
City Council approve a Resolution adopting the preliminary 2014 general fund budget of
$10,004,199 and establishing a total preliminary levy of $10,424,390 for 2014, and establishing
Truth in Taxation public hearing dates for 2013, collectible in 2014. All voted in favor, except for
Councilwoman Ernst who opposed, and the motion carried with a vote of 4 to 1.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. More to come on that item clearly. With that, that completes our items of
new business this evening.
Todd Gerhardt: Mayor?
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Mayor Furlong: Mr. Gerhardt.
Todd Gerhardt: Just, our internet expert here to my left found Carver County’s levy was 4.2% above last
year’s which totaled $1.9 million increase.
Mayor Furlong: So 4.2%?
Todd Gerhardt: Yes.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you.
Councilman Laufenburger: Thank you Senor Sleuth.
Todd Gerhardt: And also a big thanks to the Chaska Herald for reporting that. Chanhassen Villager may
have but we used the Herald.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS.
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS.
rd
Todd Gerhardt: Just a notice that our, what is it? September 23 meeting will be cancelled. Both work
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session and regular City Council meeting and our next meeting will be October 14 at 7:00. Work
session at 5:30. And that’s all I have.
Mayor Furlong: Any questions for Mr. Gerhardt and his staff? Mr. Oehme, update on some of the street
and road projects?
Paul Oehme: Absolutely. This year’s street improvement project is, all the streets have been paved.
We’re still working on a little bit of restoration. Top soil and seeding so wrapping that project up here in
the next few weeks. Good to see. The 101/Pleasant View intersection improvements, all the
improvements on the Eden Prairie side, the east side of 101 have been completed now. The traffic has
now been shifted to the east side of the roadway so now we’re going to start in on the utilities.
Stormwater and some of the retaining wall improvements on the west side of 101 so that’s, we’re going to
be gearing up for that in the next week, or this week and hopefully make good progress here.
Mayor Furlong: Do you have current estimate on completion?
Paul Oehme: Yeah, we’re about another 5 weeks out before we think we can complete it so.
Councilwoman Tjornhom: May I say that the new trail is awfully pretty. It was fun to watch it.
Mayor Furlong: Along Pleasant View there?
Councilwoman Tjornhom: Yep. It really is a good addition so.
Paul Oehme: Yep, great so we’re looking forward to the connection up to, is it Town Line Drive too so
that will be a great asset to the community and the region as well so. The pedestrian crossing at 41, that’s
going in. I think most of the concrete work is in now. I think they still have to do a little paving on the
trail and then some restoration and I think next week they anticipate putting up the pedestrian crossing too
so that’s coming together real nicely. So and then the one big project is the 101 south project, south of
Lyman, we’re just moving a lot of dirt right now. So that one’s going well with the dry weather that we
38
Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
th
had. A lot of storm sewer is going in right now so we’re grading up to 96 Street from Kiowa down to,
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getting down to 96 Street so that area is being graded out as we speak.
Mayor Furlong: Is that the third phase of the project?
Paul Oehme: Yeah, the third phase. We actually combined the second phase and the third phase together
because of the dirt balance.
Mayor Furlong: Okay.
Paul Oehme: So we’re making good progress there. And all the retaining walls are in now. The
underpass is in. We’re finishing up the retaining walls. The poured in place retaining walls against the
underpass so we’re almost done with that portion of the project now as well so.
Mayor Furlong: Alright, good. Mr. Laufenburger?
Councilman Laufenburger: Mr. Oehme, could you just speak to the high district water tower at
Minnetonka Middle School West. Is that fully functional right now?
Paul Oehme: Absolutely. It’s been functional for about the last month.
Councilman Laufenburger: Okay. And when do you anticipate taking down the old one?
Paul Oehme: To be determined. We’re working with some cellular providers right now to remove that
equipment off the old tower and move it to the new tower. One is, one carrier is fairly far along. The
other is lacking a little bit. We’re encouraging them to.
Councilman Laufenburger: Are you thinking that it will still come down yet this year or would it be
pushed to next spring? What are your thoughts?
Paul Oehme: Well we’d really like to take it down this winter if we’re going to take it down, just
because, we have to get in through the school district property and we’d like to have the property froze to
get the heavy equipment in there so we’re working towards that goal. You know March timeframe right
now.
Councilman Laufenburger: Is there water in that tower now?
Paul Oehme: No there’s not. And we actually disconnected that tower hydraulically. We cut the pipe
basically so.
Mayor Furlong: That was a non-technical term.
Todd Gerhardt: Capped it.
Paul Oehme: Yeah we have been actually talking to another city, another community about their interest
in purchasing or actually getting that water tower for their use so they might want to, actually I think next
week they’re going to come out and take a look at it.
Councilman Laufenburger: That would unplanned revenue right?
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Paul Oehme: Well I don’t know if we’re going to get too much dollars off it but instead of scraping it out
and we’d actually end up probably end up cost us something to take it down but we might get it at a no
cost deal. They take it away and.
Councilman Laufenburger: Thank you Mr. Oehme.
Mayor Furlong: Thank you. Any other questions for staff? No? Thank you.
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION.
Todd Gerhardt: Just a note that the survey timeline is in there, in the correspondence packet so if you
have any questions. Looks like more towards the end of November, beginning December when we’ll
have the final results.
Mayor Furlong: Okay. Alright.
Laurie Hokkanen: Those surveys go out tomorrow so if a resident is being selected to participate in the
survey, they’ll get a notification postcard in the next few days and then they’ll receive their first copy of
the survey sometime next week. If they accidentally throw that one away or misplace it, they’ll get a
second one a few weeks later. They’re asked to only fill it out once so if they’re diligent and take care of
it the first time, they can recycle the second copy. And we’ll also have a version…on the website so if for
instance you’re not selected to be part of the scientific sample, but they’re like to give us feedback, we’d
love to have that and they can visit our website. We’ll have that prominently featured in the news flash
section right on the home page to make it easy to find and we’d love to see a lot of people participate that
way.
Mayor Furlong: Okay, thank you. Mr. Laufenburger.
Councilman Laufenburger: One last question Mr. Oehme. Where are you on the completion of the new
water meter radios?
Paul Oehme: We are getting close. We have, I think we’re about 85% complete now so I think we’re
anticipating at the end of next month to have all the substantially completed water meters installed.
There’s going to be some properties that are going to have to still install that either we’re having difficulty
getting access to the properties so there’s probably going to be another 40 or 50 of those properties but
we’re going to have to finish up by the end of the year but we’re moving right along. We’re averaging
about over 360 installs a week right now.
Councilman Laufenburger: And Mr. Sticha are you already seeing benefits in the utility area from that?
Greg Sticha: Sure. We’re able to, on occasion if we need to bing the tower to find out a current read on a
closing of a property, it’s proving useful in those instances right away.
Councilman Laufenburger: Perfect. Okay, thank you. Thank you Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Furlong: Certainly. Any other questions? If not, if there’s nothing else to come before the
council this evening, is there a motion to adjourn?
Councilwoman Ernst moved, Councilman Laufenburger seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The City Council meeting
was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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Chanhassen City Council – September 9, 2013
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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