WS 2004 05 10CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 10, 2004
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:40 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Furlong, Councilman Ayotte, Councilman
Labatt, Councilman Lundquist and Councilman Peterson
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson and
Matt Saam
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Planning Commission members present were Rich Slagle, Steve Lillehaug, Dan Keefe
and Craig Claybaugh. Mayor Furlong asked the commissioners how things were going
with the Planning Commission. Steve Lillehaug stated his concern that sometimes the
Planning Commission is going a little over the edge with "feel good" items rather than
holding to the letter of the code. Craig Claybaugh asked for clarification on how the
hierarchy works with the city code, comprehensive plan, etc. Councilman Peterson stated
he was looking to the summary comments made by the Planning Commission to see what
their "feel good" issues were. Kate Aanenson concurred that staff likes the summary
comments as well. Councilman Lundquist asked for feedback on how the Planning
Commission feels when the City Council overturns their votes, expressing a concern with
burn out by commissioners. Craig Claybaugh stated he felt those issues were few and far
between, but would be interested in knowing the City Council's reasoning when they do
vote contrary to the commission. Councilman Ayotte asked for commissioner's feelings
on residents with special interest and if that is a major issue for the Planning
Commission. Commissioners stated they feel they provide a different perspective on
issues. Steve Lillehaug expressed his frustration from the last city council meeting when
he wasn't able to speak and it was unclear as to what City Council action was on the
Plowshares development. Kate Aanenson stated staff could have done a better job of
explaining the proposed changes. Craig Claybaugh reiterated that lack of communication
is what creates frustration and possible burn out. Councilman Labatt asked for
clarification on the abstention votes on the Plowshares development and if the Planning
Commission understands how and when to use an abstention vote. He stated if the
commission is uncomfortable with information, they should vote no and provide their
reasons for voting no. Rich Slagle talked about recent concerns with traffic safety and
development in the southern part of the city and asked for clarification on who has
jurisdiction over issues like traffic and private wells. Kate Aanenson explained how the
AUAR process will work with traffic and road construction. Craig Claybaugh asked
about enforcement of standards and guidelines for private roads and size of lettering on
signs.
City Council Work Session- May 10, 2004
HIGHWAY 41 RIVER CROSSING DISCUSSION.
Paul Oehme provided highlights of the four sites under consideration stating Option E2
has the most impacts for the City of Chanhassen. Councilman Lundquist stated all four
alignments have issues and none are in MnDot's 20 year plan yet. He explained the
traffic counts and how MnDot will use that information. Councilman Labatt asked what
the City Council needs to do prior to the meeting on May 26, 2004. Todd Gerhardt said
staff will draft a letter stating the city's concern with E2, and incorporate any comments
from the DNR. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on what the benefit is for the City
of Chanhassen with this river crossing. Council discussed whether to include the issue of
Highway 101 upgrading into the letter to MnDot.
HIGHWAY 5 EXPANSION FROM HIGHWAY 41 TO VICTORIA DISCUSSION.
Paul Oehme explained that the County is looking for input from the city on what they
would be looking for with an upgrade, i.e. turn lanes, traffic signals, etc. Mayor Furlong
stated in meetings with the Southwest Coalition, they were looking to get this section of
roadway onto MnDot's schedule for study. Todd Gerhardt discussed the Arboretum's
expansion plans and moving their entrance to coincide with Minnewashta Parkway. He
will be inviting Peter Olin to address the City Council in the near future. Councilman
Labatt expressed concern with the number of traffic signals on Highway 5 and the
possibility of adding lights at Minnewashta Parkway and Crimson Bay.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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