WS 2014 04 28
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 28, 2014
Mayor Furlong called the meeting 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, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, and Todd Hoffman
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cole Kelly, Steve
Scharfenberg, Elise Ryan, Brent Carron, Jim Boettcher, Rick Echternacht, Luke Thunberg, and Tyler
Kobilarcsik
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Todd Neils, CAA 990 Saddlebrook Curve
SOUTHWEST TRANSIT UPDATE, LEN SIMICH.
Len Simich reviewed Southwest Transit’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Metropolitan
Council, explaining it was not the final document. Once Metropolitan Council approves the
Memorandum of Understanding, he will bring it back to Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska for their
approval. Mr. Simich explained why Southwest Transit agrees with the new parking and building layout,
that current operations will stay as is, and local services will continue with the 3 cities. He stated shared
costs are still under negotiation and future agreements may take up to a year to be finalized. The BRT
(Bus Rapid Transit) discussions are off the table for now and will be brought up at a future date.
Councilman McDonald, speaking as Chairman of the Southwest Transit Commission, clarified the
BRT’s. Mayor Furlong asked about Met Council’s authority over BRT’s. Councilman Laufenburger
asked about Met Council changing the agreement when new members are appointed. Councilwoman
Ernst asked about bus service to the airport. Len Simich passed out a rendering of Southwest Transit’s
proposed new office building at the Southwest Village location in Chanhassen. Dave Jacobson reviewed
the 2013 State of Agency Presentation which showed general highlights for 2013. Mayor Furlong asked
about shoulder service on 494 in Bloomington. Mr. Jacobson continued reviewing 2013 Community
Outreach programs. Councilman McDonald asked about the new drop location at the Minnesota State
Fair. Mr. Jacobson finished with a review of 2014 major initiatives. Mayor Furlong asked about
expanding service west of the LRT station in Eden Prairie.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Chairman Cole Kelly discussed the Bluff Creek Drive trail extension project between Bluff Creek Drive
and CSAH 61 which will coincide with the road project, and the pedestrian trail under Highway 41 to the
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum which will be dependent upon receiving grant dollars. In discussing the
master park plan at Bandimere Park, lighting of ballfields was discussed. Chairman Kelly explained that
most neighbors are concerned with lighting of Soccer Fields #2 and #3. He discussed CAA’s offer to
assist in lighting the ballfield at Lake Susan Park. Councilman Laufenburger asked Todd Neils to
explain why CAA supports lighting the field at Lake Susan Park as opposed to Bandimere Park and asked
staff to explain what other improvements need to be done at both parks along with ballfield lighting.
Councilwoman Ernst asked for cost estimates for field improvements. Todd Hoffman explained that
information would be available during the upcoming CIP discussions. Councilman McDonald asked
City Council Work Session – April 28, 2014
about the use of turf on fields. Commissioner Scharfenberg asked for council feedback on a phasing plan
at Bandimere Park. Mayor Furlong explained that he would like to see phasing meet demand and asked
for a long range phasing plan for development of Bandimere Park which would assist in meeting demand
and when funding becomes available. Chairman Kelly reviewed the Park and Rec budget numbers and
funding for future projects. Councilwoman Ernst asked when the CAA offer for Lake Susan Park would
expire. Todd Neils stated it would expire December 31, 2014. Councilman Laufenburger asked the Park
and Recreation Commission to discuss demand for all facilities, i.e. soccer, hockey, tennis, baseball and
softball before thanking CAA for their efforts and assistance with youth programming in the community.
Councilman McDonald asked about demand for lacrosse fields. Councilman Laufenburger asked if staff
had heard any feedback from schools regarding the safe to school pedestrian crossings. Chairman Kelly
discussed development of Pioneer Pass Park and Riley Ridge Park. Todd Hoffman commented on the
success of the 3 mile trail loop at Rice Marsh Lake.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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