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WS 2013 10 28 CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 28, 2013 Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Furlong, Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ernst, and Councilman Laufenburger STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman, and Greg Sticha 2013 WATERCRAFT INSPECTION PROGRAM REPORT. Todd Hoffman reviewed highlights of the 2013 AIS report including the volunteer inspection program, funding sources, inspection hours, and recommendations for 2014. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the number of violations between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Councilman Laufenburger suggested continuing with inspections starting at 5:00 a.m. on weekends. Councilwoman Ernst asked about allocating more hours from Lake Ann and Lake Susan to Lotus Lake and if the DNR plans to contribute more to these type of projects in the future. Todd Gerhardt explained that it will be a challenge for government agencies to sustain current levels of contributions but has no reason to believe they will back off at this point. Todd Hoffman recommended moving to cellular based inspections which will cost $8,085. Councilman McDonald and Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the benefits of using cellular data and asked if there was a cheaper phone option. Councilman Laufenburger and Councilwoman Ernst asked if the apps are currently available and where they are being used elsewhere. Staff was asked to compile true costs for the cellular program which will be discussed further. Mayor Furlong asked about what type of data the DNR is looking for. Councilman Laufenburger asked how Chanhassen’s inspection data compared with other communities and noted that reports indicate long term impacts of zebra mussels may not be as ominous as originally thought. He asked if Jim Jabs had any insights on other areas of the country that have been dealing with zebra mussels, i.e. New York and Michigan. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the public’s response to the inspection program. Todd Hoffman explained that most of the boating public was understanding and cooperative with no refusals. REVIEW SPECIAL REVIEW AND ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGETS. Greg Sticha reviewed the special revenue funds, explaining that 10% of the funds have been used to supplement the fire department training budget which can and does fluctuate. Mayor Furlong asked since the funds fluctuate, when the money is spent. Greg Sticha explained that there is a fund balance available of about $40,000. Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification on what these training funds can be used for. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of the state statute requiring that 10% of funds be used for public safety training. Todd Gerhardt stated he would send a copy of the statute to council members. Mayor Furlong stated he would like to see spending match revenues and not see the fund balance exhausted noting the fire department needs to know that the current level of spending is not sustainable. Regarding the cable TV fund, Councilwoman Ernst asked for clarification that the franchise fees can be spent however the council wants. Mayor Furlong explained that the City is working towards elimination of the PEG fee. Councilman Laufenburger asked about attorney fees for the franchise renewal. In discussing the water fund, Paul Oehme explained the affects of the drift aquifer on Well 11 not coming back and seasonal fluctuations connected with the Jordan aquifer. Mayor Furlong asked if the City has seen any changes in water treatment needs since the new water tower came online. Paul Oehme explained how Met Council charges for sewer flow. In regards to the surface water fund, Mayor City Council Work Session – October 28, 2013 Furlong suggested eliminating the budget number for connection fees because it has been inaccurate and volatile over the years. The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m. It was reconvened after the regular council meeting. BEGIN DEVELOPMENT PLANNING FOR THE AREA SURROUNDING THE NEW RIVER CROSSING; DEVELOP A SHARED LAND USE VISION FOR COUNTY ROAD 61; AND UPDATE ON THE TH 101 RIVER CROSSING PROJECT. Kate Aanenson presented a power point presentation on the Highway 61 upgrades. Todd Gerhardt summarized the Highway 5 corridor plan. Councilman Laufenburger asked that a copy of that plan be sent to council members. Kate Aanenson and Paul Oehme discussed current uses for this area noting their goal would be to achieve the highest and best use for the property. Councilman McDonald asked about working with the EPA. Mayor Furlong asked about timing for this planning. Councilman Laufenburger asked about development potential using septic versus sewer. Todd Gerhardt explained that $90 million is being invested in infrastructure and the City’s need to capitalize on that investment and have a vision before those improvements are completed. Councilman Laufenburger asked about development plans for Bluff Creek Golf Course. Kate Aanenson explained the need for land use plan, zoning and comprehensive plan changes and maybe the use of a development moratorium. Council members were in general agreement with giving staff the go ahead to begin the planning process for the area surrounding the new river crossing and County Road 61. Paul Oehme provided an update on Highway 101 improvements connected with the lower Y and bridge crossing project, noting that MnDOT has added more lighting along the bridge to improve safety but not on the trail section. He discussed interpretative signage associated with the trail overlook area, and proposed entry monument associated with the roundabout. Council members preferred the second, more low key option to the entry monument. DISCUSS PROCESS FOR CITY MANAGER’S PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. Mayor Furlong outlined the process in the packet and asked if council members were comfortable with the process and schedule. Councilwoman Tjornhom volunteered to collect and assimilate the evaluation forms. All council members expressed comfort with the details and schedule. SOUTHWEST TRANSITE UPDATE. Councilman McDonald explained the need for council comments at upcoming meetings with Southwest Transit Commission and Met Council regarding co-existence, and their position regarding the proposed alignment. He explained that the Governor wants the light rail to end at Mitchell Road which changes some of Southwest Transit’s plans and ideas. From the City’s standpoint Mayor Furlong explained the need for assurance of express bus service continuation to Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska, noting light rail will have multiple stops to downtown. Councilwoman Ernst expressed concern with Target Field being the only downtown destination, which does not get commuters where they need to go. Councilman Laufenburger explained he would like to see service continue to operate as an opt-out with local control over transit services. Councilman McDonald clarified that opt-outs are currently funded by Met Council where they used to be funded by property taxes. Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 8:55 p.m. Submitted by Todd Gerhardt City Manager Prepared by Laurie Hokkanen and Nann Opheim 2