WS 2005 01 24
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 24, 2005
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Peterson, Councilman
Labatt, Councilman Lundquist and Councilwoman Tjornhom
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Jill Sinclair,
and Todd Hoffman
INTERVIEW DEBRA LARSON FOR A POSITION ON THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.
City Council interviewed Debra Larson and then held a discussion on the candidates interviewed.
An appointment to the Planning Commission will be made at the regular City Council meeting.
REVIEW 2004 RECYCLING COUPON PROGRAM.
Jill Sinclair reviewed the staff report on the 2004 recycling coupon program. Kate Aanenson
stated the goal of the recycling program is to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible
so residents will use it again. Councilman Lundquist stated this program was a good example of
staff and a commission working together and finding creative ways to save costs. Jill Sinclair
stated the County is using the City of Chanhassen as a model in trying to get other cities in the
county to do the same program. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification on advertising.
Mayor Furlong explained the costs associated with the program and the $10,000 the city receives
from the County is basically a grant. He stated the quality of what’s being generated out of the
program is great but the city needs to watch the management as it gets more popular. He asked
staff to commend the Environmental Commission on a job well done. If additional money is
needed he asked to bring the results of the program to the County.
UPDATE ON TH 101 GAP PROJECT 04-06.
Paul Oehme showed a drawing of the project area and reviewed the reasons for the gap project
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and why there won’t be access to the old 101 from 86 Street. Councilman Labatt expressed
concern with the length of the cul-de-sac for old 101. Mr. Oehme discussed the need and
locations for additional access into the Mission Hills development. He presented the funding
options and schedule for plans and construction. Mayor Furlong asked about funding source
options and if assessments were involved.
NEW ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN POSITION.
Kate Aanenson provided justification for this new position in assisting both Lori Haak, Water
Resource Coordinator and Jill Sinclair, the City Forester. Councilman Peterson asked city staff
to explain what work won’t get done if this position is not approved and asked what other cities
City Council Work Session – January 24, 2005
do. Councilman Lundquist asked where this position ranked among other new positions being
requested versus contracting the service out. Councilman Labatt asked for clarification on who
this person would work with.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. for the regular City Council meeting. It was
reconvened at 8:35 p.m.
CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION ON THE NEW ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN
POSITION.
Councilman Peterson stated he was comfortable with the position, as the money would be spent
on contractual services anyway. Councilman Lundquist clarified his concern with ranking of this
position in relation to other new positions stating he’s not a big proponent of adding new staff
but can support this position. Justin Miller clarified that this type of job isn’t usually a long term
position and the City Council can relook at it when it is vacated to see if warrants being
continued or not. Todd Gerhardt explained that this position will allow the Water Resource
Coordinator to concentrate more on coordinator work rather than tech work. There was
unanimous consensus with the council to support the new Environmental Technician position.
No action was needed as it is already in the 2005 budget.
COMMUNITY SURVEY.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the two options for conducting the community survey with ICMA or
Decisions Resources. Justin Miller discussed the comparisons between the two companies and
recommended ICMA. Mayor Furlong asked staff if they knew any cities locally who had used
ICMA. Justin Miller stated he would provided a list and comments from local cities i.e.
Minnetonka, Eagan and will ask what policy questions other cities are asking. Councilman
Peterson asked if the City could ask more than 3 policy questions. He relayed his feelings about
Decision Resources which had been used by Southwest Metro Transit Commission and stated he
would recommend going with ICMA. Mayor Furlong stated advantages to limiting the survey to
3 policy questions. He asked to get input from staff and commissions on possible policy
questions, and then prioritize. He agreed that ICMA was a better value. Councilwoman
Tjornhom suggested maybe the election polling places as a good place to conduct a survey.
Mayor Furlong suggested creating awareness for the survey with ads on Channel 8 and ads and
articles in the Chanhassen Villager.
2005 STRATEGIC PLANNING.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the draft for 2005 strategic planning and asked for additions and
deletions by council. Mayor Furlong asked that the Park and Recreation Commission follow-up
with their review of allowing wine and bottles in city parks. Council members discussed
priorities and rankings. Mayor Furlong discussed how to address the gaps in ranking between
council members. Todd Gerhardt clarified what’s being done regarding traffic management.
Mayor Furlong stated one of his high priorities is coordination of zip codes within the city and
explained the affects on local businesses. Councilman Peterson stated his priority was to
develop relationships with outside agencies such as State and County legislators. Todd Gerhardt
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City Council Work Session – January 24, 2005
stated the need for the City Council to develop a strategic plan to interact with outside agencies
effectively, for example with the Lyman Boulevard upgrade and costs associated with that
project.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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