WS 2014 01 13
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 13, 2014
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, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd Hoffman and
Chief John Wolff
DISCUSS CITY CODE AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 18, SUBDIVISIONS AND CHAPTER 20,
ZONING.
Kate Aanenson reviewed the list of proposed City Code amendments under Chapters18, regarding
approved tree list and Chapter 20-904 regarding accessory structures (docks); Section 20-908
architectural elements of principal structure; and the definition of what is considered expansion for non-
conforming uses. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the definition of pasture area under Sec 5-104.
Councilman McDonald asked how the minimum acreage number for horses was determined. In
discussing Section 19-99 regarding bond amounts for utility work, Mayor Furlong asked about the
possibility of consolidating bonding costs for utility companies doing multiple jobs in the city and the
need to better understand what problem the City is trying to solve. Councilman Laufenburger asked for
clarification of the as-built surveys.
DISCUSS 2014 KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the ranking results for the 2014 key financial strategies and discussed the items
where there were discrepancies on rankings. After discussing updating solicitor’s permits it was decided
to change that to a priority. Regarding the Emerald Ash Borer program, it was suggested to begin
discussion on alternative management programs. In discussing lighting of athletic field costs and benefit
analysis, Councilwoman Ernst and Councilman McDonald defended their rankings of 4 and 2 as not
being a high priority but that the item does need to be investigated. Council members discussed the
prioritization for City Center Park utilization plan including a seasonal shade structure for the
performance plaza, changing city street lights from high pressure sodium to LED, fire department duty
crews, Comprehensive Plan update, Southwest Transit update, downtown vitality, and ongoing items.
Mayor Furlong directed staff to bring this item back with the proposed changes.
DISCUSS 2014 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the list of 2014 legislative priorities regarding upgrades to TH 101 from Pioneer
Trail to County Road 61. Mayor Furlong suggested changing the ranking for number 9, State Bonding
Authority. Todd Gerhardt suggested incorporating it with item 1. Mayor Furlong suggested adding
wording emphasizing that as an integral component to the regional transit system, why Chanhassen
supports the opt-out for suburban transit agencies. Todd Gerhardt discussed Aquatic Invasive Species
and the need for the State of Minnesota to assume primary responsibility for financing and protecting
natural resources and discussed how Terry Jeffery keeps up to date on the permitting processes for
environmental items. Mayor Furlong asked about streamlining the process to make more sense out of the
environmental updates. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked where the Metropolitan Council fits in with
local controls. Mayor Furlong asked if the council wanted to include changes to the Met Council under
legislative priorities as a concept initiative. Councilman Laufenburger suggested placing Met Council
City Council Work Session – January 13, 2014
changes under local controls. Mayor Furlong suggested changing local control to local governance and
planning and moving it up to item 3 and unfunded mandates to item 5. It was decided to keep items 7,
Project 5 Improvements west of TH 41 to Norwood-Young America and 8, Highway 212 as is.
Todd Gerhardt discussed a handout regarding Councilman Laufenburger’s request requesting to serve on
the Transportation Advisory Board which will be discussed under new business on the regular agenda.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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