WS 2005 05 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 9, 2005
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Labatt, Councilman Peterson and Councilman Lundquist
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Kate Aanenson, Lori Haak, Sharmeen Al-
Jaff, and Susan Bill
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SENIOR COMMISSION.
Senior Commission Members Present:
Curt Robinson, Pat McGough, Barbara Headla, Jean
Mancini, Marilyn Luthy, and Mel Kurvers
Mayor Furlong reviewed the goals and objectives for 2005 that were prepared by the Senior
Commission. Chairman Robinson thanked the City Council for the opportunity to meet and for
the support they’ve given the senior center and staff. He noted that the main issues of discussion
for 2005 are education, transportation and the senior center. Pat McGough noted that with
computer training, they hope to get intergenerational kids involved. Chairman Robinson noted
that the senior commission will be concentrating on senior volunteerism in the community and
will be looking for opportunities within the city and county. He also noted that Chanhassen has
been recognized from other communities in Carver County for it’s strong senior programming
and senior center. Councilman Lundquist asked what the reception has been from local
businesses regarding senior parking signage. Mayor Furlong suggested that when new
developments come in for approval, that senior parking signage be included . Sharmeen Al-Jaff
informed the council that the city has submitted an application in a national competition entitled
“Livable Community for All Ages”. Todd Gerhardt noted that the key point if the city wins the
competition is assistance with obtaining grants. Councilman Peterson asked Sue Bill to explain
how the senior center uses it’s space in the senior center. Councilman Lundquist asked if the
senior commission would like to get involved with heritage preservation issues. Todd Gerhardt
stated that he and the mayor have been discussing a memorial/historical plaque near Old City
Hall showing the early settlers plat of the area. Chairman Robinson asked for any assistance the
City Council can provide with senior transportation issues.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Environmental Commission Members Present:
Marcus Zbinden, Dotti Shay, Jo Mueller, Ron
Olsen, Kim Grant and Lee Scholder
Jo Mueller touched on highlights of the Environmental Commission’s 2004 accomplishments.
Ron Olsen talked about his interest in wind energy and asked for City Council feedback in
looking at opportunities in Chanhassen to construct a wind turbine on city owned property,
noting potential for revenue generation after a 10 year payback and the opportunity for
City Council Work Session – May 9, 2005
Chanhassen to be a leader in this field. Councilman Labatt suggested the commission look at the
turbine located off Highway 169 in Elk River. Councilman Lundquist suggested the commission
keep an eye on the federal government in terms of incentives and grants which will be coming
with new legislation in the next 10 years. He expressed a concern with the payback projections
and asked the commission to keep exploring information on that. Chairman Zbinden reviewed
the program called “Caught Recycling” and explained how the program could be implemented.
Ron Olsen talked about the commission’s desire to see the city pick E85 or hybrid cars as
options for city vehicles. Dotti Shay talked about recycling and waste collection options and the
challenges facing the city. She explained how the commission is monitoring the major haulers in
the city and stated the commission would like to work with the haulers to see if the city can
recapture some of the money earned from recycling.
NPDES DISCUSSION: EXISTING AND PROPOSED MINNESOTA STORM WATER
REGULATIONS.
Lori Haak gave a power point presentation reviewing the three large storm water related
initiatives underway in the State of Minnesota. NPDES Phase II MS4 Permit, Impaired
Waters/TMDL and Clean Water Legacy Act. Chanhassen is 1 of 30 growing communities
picked to meet the nondegradation standards. Councilman Peterson asked staff to clarify if the
work will be done in-house or outsource the work. Todd Gerhardt explained the current
legislation action being discussed regarding enforcement and funding.
The City Council recessed the work session at 7:00 p.m. The work session was reconvened
at 9:50 p.m..
STRATEGIC PLAN: LOCATING A LICENSE SERVICE CENTER IN THE CITY.
Justin Miller and Kate Aanenson presented an update on legislative action that’s being
introduced by Senator Ortman and Representative Hoppe. The council discussed possible size,
locations and parking requirements needed for a service center.
STRATEGIC PLAN: REVIEW CURRENT HOUSING TRENDS.
Kate Aanenson gave a power point presentation showing the current trends of building permits
for different housing types in the city. Councilman Peterson asked for clarification on what land
use classification the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is. Kate Aanenson reviewed projections
for future residential developments and the Livable Communities Act and how the city is
meeting the goals established by the city and Metropolitan Council.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 10:35 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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