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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION MEETING
NOVEMBER 8, 2004
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Furlong, Councilman Ayotte, Councilman
Labatt and Councilman Peterson
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Lundquist
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Roger Knutson, Bruce Dejong, Paul
Oehme, Matt Saam, Richard Rice and Chief Greg Geske
Mayor Furlong explained the time line for the evening's meetings, beginning with the
work session, the Canvassing Board, regular City Council meeting, and then back to the
work session.
A. UPDATE ON 2005 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 05-01.
Paul Oehme introduced Dave Roedel with HTPO, the consultants working on this
project, who presented the findings from their review of the streets in the city and
recommendations for cost of repairs and assessment amounts. Councilman Ayotte asked
ifHTPO has data that can be provided to the residents to justify the difference in
proposed assessments. Matt Saam stated that data will be available in the feasibility
study. Councilman Labatt stated Lake Lucy Road has been discussed every year he's
been on the council, and how do the current numbers compare to previous numbers.
Todd Gerhardt explained the cost difference for different roads based on the amount of
maintenance involved. Mayor Furlong suggested helpful information to provide to the
public would be to address questions such as, why now? Why not wait? If these are the
recommendations, what are the alternatives? He asked that the consultant have
information to justify their recommendations. Dan Roedel reviewed the proposal for the
Lake Lucy Road project. Todd Gerhardt requested that PCI data be available to show the
difference in numbers from 2 years ago. Councilman Labatt asked if you take the sewer
and water numbers out, how do the current numbers compare to the numbers from 2
years ago and how the consultant will justify the difference to the public. He asked for
clarification on the construction of the road and trail section. Mayor Furlong asked for
clarification of what's shown on the color coded map, asking what lots are included for
assessment and the need for a policy discussion to determine who's assessed and who's
not. The Council discussed different options for assessments. Todd Gerhardt stated staff
will look at lots that appear to be questionable and bring that information back to council.
Dan Roedel then reviewed the streets in the area by City Hall and clarified who will be
assessed. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for January, 2005.
City Council Work Session - November 8,2004
B. DISCUSSION REGARDING CHANGING THE MAYOR'S TERM OF
OFFICE FROM 2 YEARS TO 4 YEARS.
Todd Gerhardt passed out a handout showing other cities terms for mayor, stating the
City Council has the authority to determine the length of the mayor's term as ordinance.
He asked Roger Knutson to explain the legalities involved with changing the ordinance.
Councilman Ayotte stated he was in favor of a 4 year term for mayor because it brings
more stability to the council, but had concerns that the pace of the mayor's position might
be too much for 4 years. Councilman Labatt stated 2 years makes sense if voters can
look at history and vote out someone. Councilman Peterson stated he would like to hold
a public hearing and vote on this issue before the end of the year. There was discussion
on whether to hold the public hearing on December 6th at the Truth in Taxation hearing or
at the regular City Council meeting on December 13th. Consensus was that it be held at
the regular City Council meeting on the 13th.
The work session was recessed at 6:45 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:15 p.m.
C. 2005 BUDGET: FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Chief Geske gave a power point presentation for the Fire Department's proposed 2005
budget. Mayor Furlong asked about projected turn over numbers for 2005. Councilman
Labatt asked for clarification of training requirements, cost comparisons for equipment
by different manufacturers, and the use and application of grant money, city vs. county
grants. Mayor Furlong asked Chief Geske to look at the items in the CIP proposal for
possible grants. He asked for clarification on how the priority dispatch procedure works,
and since the number of calls are down, if that has helped with burn out of fire fighters.
Councilman Peterson asked for numbers when the fire department, sheriff s office and
ambulance all respond to the same call. Todd Gerhardt explained the reasoning behind
the priority dispatch procedure. Mayor Furlong asked about the number of new hires and
incentive base call pay. He asked what the goal the fire department is trying to achieve in
asking for a pay increase. Councilman Labatt asked if the number of new hires would go
up with a pay increase. Todd Gerhardt asked the Finance Director to explain why the
retirement numbers have increased.
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT.
Justin Miller gave the power point presentation for the Administration Department.
Councilman Ayotte asked how the legal prosecution services with Elliott Knetsch from
Campbell-Knutson compared with the services provided by the County. Todd Gerhardt
stated that before the new prosecution contract is approved, he will invite Elliott Knetsch
in to make a presentation to the City Council. Councilman Peterson asked for the
rationale of having 2 part time CSO's versus 1 full time CSO. The council discussed the
pro's and con's of part time versus full time, franchise fees for utilities, and whether or
not to do the citizen survey in 2005. The consensus was to keep the citizen survey in the
2005 budget and do it as early in 2005 as possible. Mayor Furlong asked to do the city
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City Council Work Session - November 8,2004
manager review before voting on the 2005 budget so it can be included. He outlined a
proposed time schedule with an executive session on December 6th.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
Bruce DeJong gave the power point presentation for the Finance Department. Mayor
Furlong asked about the opportunity for direct pay for utility bills and looking into
outsourcing financial services as a way to increase revenue. Councilman Peterson asked
for clarification on the numbers related to consulting fees versus hiring new employees.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
Bruce DeJong reviewed the staff report that outlined the numbers in the 5 year capital
improvement program. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the numbers with the
assessment bonds, and additions and deletions to the 5 year CIP. Councilman Ayotte
asked for clarification on what's changed from last year. Mayor Furlong asked for
additional time to review the proposal to allow council members an opportunity to ask
questions. There was still confusion with the numbers. Bruce DeJong suggested the
council look at setting up a "revolving improvement fund" to help with off-setting
unforeseen costs that may arise. Councilman Peterson asked that the additional
information asked for by council be available prior to the Truth in Taxation hearing.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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