WS 2014 08 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 11, 2014
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Laufenburger, Councilwoman Ernst,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman,
Greg Sticha, and Lt. Jeff Enevold
PUBLIC PRESENT:
DISCUSS THE PROPOSED 2015 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
Paul Oehme reviewed purpose and need, pavement condition index per 2013 survey, project scope, and
phasing for the proposed 2015 street improvement projects in the Carver Beach neighborhood.
Councilwoman Ernst asked if there were any plans to construct holding ponds. Councilman
Laufenburger asked about plans to treat storm water runoff and timing for other projects proposed for
2015 which are being postponed to focus on Carver Beach. Paul Oehme reviewed the budget for streets,
storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water main construction. Councilwoman Ernst asked about potential
assessment amounts. Paul Oehme handed out a map showing proposed street improvement plans for
2014 through 2020. Councilman McDonald asked if it was possible to widen the streets in the Carver
Beach area. Paul Oehme stated it would be very difficult. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the
expected life span for streets. Mayor Furlong asked staff to look at what improvements can be done to
improve stormwater runoff. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification on funding sources.
REVIEW SECOND QUARTER REVENUE ACTIVITY TO DATE; 2015 PRELIMINARY
BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION; AND 2015 BUDGET, DETAILED DEPARTMENT
PRESENTATIONS FROM ADMINISTRATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, FINANCE,
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND RELATED BUDGETS.
Greg Sticha reviewed year to date numbers for revenue and expenses, noting the numbers are on budget.
Councilman Laufenburger asked about the City Hall allocation being at 95%. Greg Sticha discussed the
City’s investment portfolio which is positioned well. Mayor Furlong asked about the risk profile for the
investment portfolio. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the City’s debt structure. Moving onto the
proposed 2015 budget Mr. Sticha reviewed assumptions used for the three scenarios being presented to
the council which result in #1 being $40,000 above new growth, #2 being consistent with new growth,
and #3 is $100,000 below new growth. Greg Sticha reviewed debt levies, and the revolving assessment
fund. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification on the proposed 3% wage increase impact on the
general fund and comparisons with other federal and state data and key financial strategy cities. Mayor
Furlong asked for clarification on how staff determined the different scenario numbers. Councilman
Laufenburger asked for a history of levy change versus new growth over the last 10 years. In reviewing
the detailed department budget, Lt. Jeff Enevold reviewed services provided with no changes in staffing
in the police administration budget before passing out a handout outlining future staffing levels and
budget increases that need to be considered in the future. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification
on the difference between obligated and unobligated time. Councilman Laufenburger asked where the
recommendations come from for traffic time and unobligated time. Councilman McDonald asked about
unobligated time impacts on crime statistic numbers. In reviewing the Legislative Funds 1110, Laurie
Hokkanen reviewed services provided with no significant changes proposed for 2015. In Administrative
Chanhassen City Council Work Session – August 11, 2014
Fund 1120, changes include workers compensation numbers to reflect actual increases. Finance Fund,
1130, Greg Sticha reviewed services provided noting there were no significant changes proposed. Legal
Fund, 1140, Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided, with an increase to reflect actual spending
with an offsetting revenue and noted that prosecution services accounts for $70,000 of the total budget.
Property Assessments are contracted with Carver County. MIS Fund 1160, Greg Sticha reviewed the
services provided by this department, with an adjustment within the account to reallocate expenses but no
significant changes in total budget from the previous year. City Hall Fund 1170, Laurie Hokkanen
reviewed the services provided noting all copier costs are recorded in this department. In elections Fund
1180, Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided with no significant changes from prior years but
outlined items on the horizon that may increase costs in the future. The Library Fund 1190, Laurie
Hokkanen reviewed services provided with no significant changes proposed. Fire Department Fund 1220
Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided with the fire chief position now being fully funded, a
reduction in the City’s contribution to fire pension fund, and additional equipment. Community Service
Fund 1260, Laurie Hokkanen reviewed services provided with reductions. Planning Commission Fund
1410, Kate Aanenson reviewed services provided associated with the Planning Commission with no
significant changes proposed. Planning Administration Fund 1420, Kate Aanenson reviewed services
provided, examples of current projects noting there were no changes proposed. Senior Center Fund 1430,
Kate Aanenson reviewed services provided with no significant changes proposed. Code Enforcement
Fund 1250, Kate Aanenson reviewed services provided with $2,000 allocated for new code books. Todd
Gerhardt discussed potential service level/levy reduction ideas regarding the sealcoating levy, revolving
street reconstruction levy and building permit revenue adjustment that would bring Scenario #1 to
Scenario #3. Mayor Furlong asked about inflationary costs associated with road projects. Greg Sticha
explained that the engineering/public works and park and rec budgets will be reviewed in detail at the
next work session. Councilwoman Ernst asked if there were any legislative changes that might affect the
budget between the preliminary and final levy. Councilwoman Ernst asked for a breakdown of the
potential service level/levy reduction ideas and new construction.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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