WS 2013 11 25
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 25, 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,
Greg Sticha, and Lt. Jeff Enevold
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Scott Smith 30 Hill Street
Ron Kleve 7307 Laredo Drive
Tom Devine 7640 South Shore Drive
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON UTILITY RATE STUDY.
Greg Sticha highlighted changes made to the utility rates due to previous discussion regarding tiers and
connection fees. Due to concerns expressed with using the apartment complex on Galpin Boulevard in
their assumptions, staff recommended taking those numbers out of the assumptions. Mayor Furlong
asked for clarification on zoning of the apartment complex property and how development of Powers
Pointe affected the rates.
DISCUSS UPDATED 2014 GENERAL FUND BUDGET.
Greg Sticha reviewed work to date on the budget, upcoming schedule and updated information on the
new sales tax law. Councilman Laufenburger and Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on sales tax
changes. Laurie Hokkanen provided an update on the health care cost increase of 13.7% . Greg Sticha
discussed the effect of hiring a full time fire chief for 2014 and possible expenditure reductions to get to
Scenario #3. Councilman Laufenburger asked for information on how the scenarios were established.
Todd Gerhardt provided history of lifeguards at Lake Ann Park and the impact of eliminating the
lifeguard contract from the budget. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the City’s liability if lifeguards are
not present at Lake Ann. After discussion council members agreed to continue with the lifeguard contract
at current service levels. Todd Gerhardt and Laurie Hokkanen discussed the effects of reducing CSO
hours. Council members asked for clarification of the responsibilities, hours, training, availability of
future candidates, costs associated with contracting with the sheriff’s office, and the impact of reduced
CSO hour. After discussion Councilman Laufenburger and Councilwoman Ernst stated support for
reducing CSO hours as outlined in Option 2. Councilwoman Tjornhom and Councilman McDonald
stated support for keeping the CSO hours as they are currently. Mayor Furlong expressed support for
keeping the CSO in-house at the current hours. Councilman Laufenburger asked if 60 hours a week for
CSO coverage is enough. Greg Sticha explained staff will recommend scenario #3 for the budget on
thnd
December 9. Todd Gerhardt explained that the power point presentation on December 2 will include
the levy used in Scenario #2. Councilwoman Ernst commended staff on their work to find reductions.
The work session was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim