WS 2005 05 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 23, 2005
An executive session was held from 5:40 to 6:05 p.m. regarding litigation with Kraus Anderson
concerning the library delay claim.
Mayor Furlong called the work session meeting to order at 6:05 p.m..
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Lundquist, Councilman
Peterson, and Councilwoman Tjornhom
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Labatt
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Paul Oehme, Greg Sticha, Richard Rice, and
Todd Hoffman
FINANCIAL SOFTWARE DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha reviewed the work that has been done to date in planning for the purchase of an
integrated financial software package. Based on submitted proposals and a demonstration of the
software at city hall, staff is recommending ACS/Springbrook as their preferred vendor. Jim
Nelson and Kevin Lefebvre were present from ACS/Springbrook and Mr. Nelson presented
background information on the company and software package. Councilman Peterson asked for
a list of competitors to ACS/Springbrook. Mayor Furlong asked Mr. Nelson to explain how long
the software package has been on the market and the transition process. Richard Rice stated he
has reviewed the software package and explained what aspects he liked about the program.
Mayor Furlong asked if the cost savings identified by the former Finance Director were still
accurate and if there was a way to track the savings down the road. Todd Gerhardt explained
that the system should be fully operational by January, 2006 and it will take about 18 months to
get reliable data on cost savings. Councilman Peterson asked for feedback from other cities
currently using the program. Greg Sticha stated he had talked with Roseville and Savage and
both cities were pleased. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked staff to explain what will happen to
the people hours that will be saved with this new package. Todd Gerhardt stated this item will
be on the City Council agenda at their next meeting for approval.
DISCUSSION OF SPEED LIMIT ON HUNTER DRIVE.
Paul Oehme presented the results of the speed studies conducted on Hunter Drive and showed
pictures of the street and intersections. The study did not find any evidence of significant cut
through traffic. Speeds averaged 27 miles per hour. Mr. Oehme stated based on the curviness of
the street and number of driveways, staff could recommend lowering the speed limit to 25 miles
per hour. Councilman Peterson expressed concern that if it’s been shown not to have a speeding
problem on Hunter Drive, the precedence with lowering speed limits in other neighborhoods.
Mayor Furlong stated he did not feel the data would support lowering the speed limit and
discussed the merits of subjective versus objective data. Councilman Lundquist also concurred
City Council Work Session – May 23, 2005
that lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour would not have a positive impact. Mayor
Furlong clarified that the 27 miles per hour was actually the 85 percentile number, not average.
Paul Oehme stated he would draft a letter to the President of the Homeowners Association
presenting the results of the study and the council’s recommendation to keep the speed limit as
posted.
DISCUSSION OF MEMORIAL POLICY.
Todd Hoffman presented the background information on what led to the Park and Recreation
Commission’s recommendation, basically stating it gives staff a tool to use when people come in
with requests for memorials in the city. Councilman Lundquist asked if the city’s costs were
covered for the trees and benches. Todd Hoffman stated they were. Mayor Furlong asked that
this item be reviewed annually with the budget.
STRATEGIC PLAN: UTILIZATION OF CITY RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY
WIDE EVENTS.
Justin Miller presented background information on events held in the city and associated costs.
He passed out a sheet showing the city costs associated with the recent American Legion Parade
and presented options. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about other cities policies. Councilman
Peterson suggested the Chamber of Commerce benefits to a great degree and that maybe they
could help offset costs. Mayor Furlong concurred that it would be interesting to see what the
policy is in other cities. Councilman Lundquist expressed concern with using taxpayer’s money
on events that don’t benefit the city as a whole. Mayor Furlong directed staff to gather additional
information on city events and collect data from other cities.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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