WS 2014 10 27
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 27, 2014
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 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, and Todd Hoffman
Mayor Furlong asked Todd Gerhardt to provide information regarding the 2016 Ryder Cup planning
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process that was tabled to the November 10 work session.
DOWNTOWN VITALITY: EXPAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNTIES.
Kate Aanenson reviewed businesses that have come to downtown, Chanhassen Great Plains Center, The
Shops at Chanhassen, Dakota Retail Center, Village Shops at Chanhassen, due to the new economic
development changes. Todd Gerhardt provided an update on a grant application process associated with
clean up at the Dakota Retail Center in which the City needs to be a Livable Community. Councilman
McDonald asked what being a Livable Community entails. Councilman Laufenburger asked about risk
associated with becoming a Livable Community. Kate Aanenson reviewed a map of downtown
properties that are developing, vacant City owned properties, potential for redevelopment and vacant
properties. Mayor Furlong asked about the vacant parcel located at the southwest corner of Highway 5
and Market Boulevard. Staff explained the challenges associated with development of that site.
Councilman Laufenburger asked about vacancy percentages at the CSM site. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked if the City is losing businesses by not offering incentives that other cities are offering noting it’s
important to draw companies to move here so families move here. Todd Gerhardt explained the
difference between office/commercial uses being competitive versus retail being market driven. Council
and staff discussed potential development for remaining lots in the city. Todd Gerhardt explained the
opportunities to improve current sites with redevelopment, i.e. Noodles site.
DISTRIBUTE CITY MANAGER’S WORK PLAN AND DISCUSS SCHEDULE.
Todd Gerhardt handed out his 2014 work plan and review schedule. Mayor Furlong explained changes to
this year’s review process being expanded to 3 meetings as opposed to 2. Councilwoman Ernst asked
about combining the last two questions. Mayor Furlong explained the difference between the two items.
Todd Gerhardt used the Lyman Boulevard project as a major accomplishment. Councilman McDonald
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volunteered to gather council information by November 17.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:30 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim