WS 2014 06 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 23, 2014
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Ernst, Councilwoman Tjornhom,
and Councilman McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Laufenburger
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Todd Hoffman, Greg Sticha, and
Kate Aanenson
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Cole Kelly, Jim
Boettcher, and Rick Echternacht
DISCUSS BANDIMERE COMMUNITY PARK EXPANSION MASTER PLAN.
Todd Hoffman provided background information on the park planning process in the city with Lake Ann,
Lake Susan, and City Center Park noting that Bandimere Park is probably the last community park to be
developed in Chanhassen. Mayor Furlong asked for a breakdown of park and preserve area for Lake
Susan Park. Todd Hoffman explained how the west parking lot was acquired using MnDOT funds and
explained the current and proposed improvements to both the east and west parking lots. He noted that
feedback from the community was generally positive with expressed concerns with lighting, screening
and runoff. Rich Koechlein with WSB and Associates, who prepared the Bandimere Park Master Plan
reviewed the lighting plan, improvements to the existing playground area with installation of a splash pad,
playground, shelter and restrooms, the location of a hockey rink with warming house, sport court area and
issues associated with the Magellan pipeline that runs through the property. Councilwoman Ernst asked
about the location of the holding pond that neighbors were concerned with. Rich Koechlein reviewed the
overall estimated budget numbers, noting that lumping projects together would result in prices going
down. Todd Hoffman explained that the council was not approving the budget today but using those
numbers as the master park plan moves forward. Councilwoman Ernst asked if any of the proposed
numbers were in the current CIP and expressed concern with the large dollar amount being proposed. She
asked if a scaled down version was possible. Todd Hoffman reviewed how park dedication dollars will
work into the future as the remainder of the city develops. Councilwoman Ernst asked what was involved
with a referendum option. Todd Gerhardt explained that staff is looking for the City Council’s vision on
the final build-out of Bandimere Park. Councilman McDonald stated that overall he likes the plan but
would like to see a phasing plan and asked that lighting near the neighborhood be revisited. Todd
Gerhardt asked if consideration had been given to the splash pad interfering with the ballfields.
Councilwoman Tjornhom thanked the Park and Recreation Commission for the work they’ve done on the
future vision of the park but expressed concern with the overall cost, hockey usage, and suggested moving
the splash pad to Lake Susan with the picnic shelter and making Bandimere Park more of a ballfield park.
Mayor Furlong asked about the difference between tennis and sport courts. Chairman Kelly explained his
opposition in general to tennis courts and stated he would prefer to see that area left as open space.
Mayor Furlong suggested pickleball could go in the hockey rink area and asked for clarification of the
Park and Recreation Commission’s motion regarding the picnic shelter and restrooms. He agreed that a
concession stand was not necessary. He also discussed issues involved with having a water element i.e.
splash pad and that two buildings (warming house and picnic shelter) was too much for this park, (like
putting 3 pounds in a 2 pound box). Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if shade trees had been considered.
Mayor Furlong asked about the life span of the playground equipment and discussed that phasing of
City Council Work Session – June 23, 2014
lighting should be on a supply and demand fashion. Todd Hoffman stated staff had clear direction from
City Council and would bring something back in the future.
2015 BUDGET: DISCUSS BUDGET EXPECTATIONS AND REVIEW EFFICIENCIES.
Greg Sticha reviewed numbers associated with new construction, market values, police contract, health
care costs, and PERA increases. He reviewed the budget calendar and asked for feedback on service level
concerns that the council would like staff to investigate further. Councilwoman Ernst asked that the
options presented by staff be more realistic. Councilman McDonald asked to see long term costs
associated with cutting services. Todd Gerhardt explained that the basic breakdown costs for police,
street lighting, personnel and street maintenance make up the majority of the general fund. Mayor
Furlong asked if any services were going out for bid. Greg Sticha explained that banking will be bid next
year and that audit prices have remained the same. Laurie Hokkanen explained that insurance quotes are
bid every year.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:00 p.m.
UPDATE ON LAKE DRIVE AND DAKOTA AVENUE TRAFFIC STUDY; AND CONTINUE
DISCUSSION OF CONTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATES.
Paul Oehme provided updates on the Kiowa Trail and Minnewashta Shores street construction projects,
noting they were running 1 to 2 weeks behind schedule due to weather. The Highway 101 project from
Lyman Boulevard to Pioneer Trail was closed due to weather. He discussed the ground breaking
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ceremony being held on Tuesday, June 24 for the Highway 101/County Road 61 reconstruction project
that is scheduled through to a mid-July start date. Mayor Furlong asked if the current flooding conditions
have been addressed with the proposed design for the roundabout and stormwater ponding. Paul Oehme
explained that the bridge was designed taking into account the 1965 flood elevation numbers. In
discussing the Highway 101 project from Pioneer Trail to Flying Cloud Drive, Paul Oehme explained that
staff is working to secure funding for environmental documentation and preliminary design and asking
MnDOT for assistance to provide in-kind services for that study. Councilman McDonald asked about the
impact on the log cabin/strawberry farm that will be impacted by this project. Paul Oehme explained that
the building was not on the National Historical Registry as of yet. Todd Gerhardt asked staff to explain
the application process with Carver County and MnDOT. In discussing the Dakota Avenue/Lake Drive
traffic study, Paul Oehme explained the work done by staff to complete the study, and remove trees and
shrubs. In reviewing the crash history of the intersection staff explained that no safety improvements are
warranted at this time. Councilman McDonald asked about installing a 4 way stop. Paul Oehme
explained that data does not warrant installation of a 4 way stop or signal noting operation of service
would back up onto Highway 5. He explained that staff evaluated a 3 way stop which also does not meet
warrants. Mayor Furlong suggested putting a stop sign out of the neighborhood on Dakota Avenue might
help. Councilman McDonald suggested the need to paint lines to better define travel lanes. Paul Oehme
reviewed alternatives for a full sized roundabout, mini sized roundabout and extension of the median as
being the best alternative. Mayor Furlong asked about the cost of extending a sidewalk from the
neighborhood and the possibility of the neighborhood contributing to that cost. Paul Oehme explained
that the next step is to meet with the neighborhood to share the results of the study before bringing it back
to the City Council.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim
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