WS 2014 04 14
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 14, 2014
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ernst,
and Councilman Laufenburger
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman, Jerry Ruegemer,
and Krista Spreiter
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Cole Kelly, Steve Scharfenberg, and Rick
Echternacht
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Patrick Johnson 26350 Alexander Lane, Shorewood
Todd Neils 990 Saddlebrook Curve
Richard Crawford Chanhassen Villager
DISCUSS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PICNIC SHELTER INITATIVE.
Laurie Hokkanen introduced the item. Todd Hoffman reviewed the Park and Rec comprehensive plan
which discusses the installation of 14 covered picnic shelters in neighborhood parks. He reviewed the
existing shelter inventory and the schedule for proposed new shelters to be built through 2018. Mayor
Furlong asked about the use of the current structure at Roundhouse Park. Councilman Laufenburger
asked which parks cannot accommodate shelters, clarification on the usage for these shelters and
suggested installing bulletin boards at all these shelters would be a good Eagle Scout project. Mayor
Furlong asked about the size and usage for the Bandimere Park shelter. Todd Hoffman reviewed current
capital improvement program funding. Council members asked for clarification of how the construction
and bidding process will proceed.
ATHLETIC FIELDS NEEDS ANALYSIS.
Todd Hoffman reviewed current usage of lighted ball fields in regards to capacity. He reviewed the
current inventory of lighted fields, fields scheduled for future lighting and recommendation for a phasing
plan with a schedule of 2016 through 2022 and associated estimated costs. The park dedication fund does
have an allocation of $175,000 for 2014 CIP dollars with the Chanhassen Athletic Association pledging
additional dollars. Councilwoman Ernst asked about current requests not being fulfilled. Councilman
Laufenburger asked if surrounding communities are not fulfilling capacity as well. Councilwoman Ernst
asked about charging businesses to use fields. Todd Hoffman reviewed graphs showing adult softball,
youth soccer, youth lacrosse and youth baseball/softball use trends and the schedules for usage. He
reviewed the cost benefit analysis for lighting fields versus building new fields. Councilwoman Ernst
asked for clarification of what the cost benefit is and clarification on the recommendation to light 4 fields
at Bandimere Park prior to Lake Susan Park. Todd Hoffman continued with review of Chanhassen’s
numbers versus national averages before reviewing staff’s conclusion that building more fields is not
recommended. Installing lights to increase game time with a cost of $73.50 per game is recommended.
Councilwoman Ernst asked staff for further clarification on lighting 4 fields at Bandimere Park prior to
City Council Work Session – April 14, 2014
Lake Susan Park. Councilman Laufenburger asked what additional needs to be done at Lake Susan Park
besides lighting fields. Mayor Furlong discussed that he does not necessarily agree with building beyond
demand at Bandimere Park, adding 340 game capacity when demand is half of that, and suggested
modifying the phasing plan. Councilman Laufenburger asked about extra usage on fields creating
damage and asked for an estimated cost to build a turf field and dome. Councilwoman Ernst asked about
numbers for additional costs associated with lighting fields.
UPDATE ON WATER WISE PROGRAM.
Paul Oehme provided an update on the Water Wise program. Krista Spreiter provided background
information on the work that’s been done since 2008 in education for residential usage, and irrigation
meters associated with commercial and institutional users. In summary she explained that most high
users are not taking advantage of the program and suggested ways to expand the program through
education and irrigation audits. Councilwoman Ernst asked about providing information to new residents
or businesses. Paul Oehme discussed stormwater re-use strategies and projects. Krista Spreiter described
the 101 River crossing stormwater re-use project as an example.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
Assistant City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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