WS 2015 03 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MARCH 23, 2015
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom,
Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen and Todd Hoffman
The City Council interviewed the following candidates for the Park and Recreation Commission
from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.: Jennifer Hougham, and Robert Macuna. From 6:00 to 6:45 Todd
Hoffman gave a presentation on the Specialized Services Agreement with Carver County for
watercraft inspection. From 6:45 to 6:55 the City Council interviewed Lauren Dale for the
position of youth representative on the Park and Recreation Commission.
The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:50 p.m.
CONTINUE DISCUSSION OF SPECIALIZED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
CARVER COUNTY FOR WATERCRAFT INSPECTION.
Councilwoman Tjornhom stated it was good to hear public comments at the City Council
meeting. Councilman Campion asked for more information on funding sources from Carver
County and the State and comparison of allocations to other cities. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked for clarification on when a decision needs to be made on this agreement. Todd Hoffman
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explained that hopefully before May 9 and clarified how funding is allocated to lakes
throughout the county. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on how Chanhassen stands in
the rankings. Councilwoman Ryan asked for clarification on where the money from the State is
being allocated. Councilman McDonald asked what it would cost the City to administer an
inspection program in Chanhassen. Mayor Laufenburger explained that he believes working
with Carver County the City will receive the same level of inspections as last year and asked if
the County’s proposal meets the council’s expectations. Councilwoman Ryan expressed concern
with the amount of money the City is giving the County for inspections and would like additional
time to talk to city and county staff and county commissioners to pursue different options before
moving forward. Todd Gerhardt suggested he and Todd Hoffman meet with the watershed
district and county to come up with a partnership for additional inspection hours. A majority of
the council would prefer to shift funding towards the 500 hours that were lost from last year and
to lessen the burden on the Lotus Lake Conservation Alliance in funding additional inspection
hours. Councilwoman Ryan asked that Carver County treat Chanhassen the same as other cities
in the county. Mayor Laufenburger suggested directing Todd Gerhardt to have further talks with
other funding sources to bring more hours to Chanhassen, and directed Todd Hoffman to bring
back information so the council can better understand the fairness that the county is using in the
distribution of their funds. Councilwoman Ryan asked for a better understanding of the formula
used in their prioritization ranking. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to provide information on
the City’s plan of action if and when zebra mussels are found in a city lake.
City Council Work Session – March 23, 2015
REVIEW CONCEPT PLAN FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT MONUMENT.
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Doug Foote provided background information on the Fire Department’s upcoming 50
anniversary and reviewed plans for construction of a permanent and publicly accessible
monument honoring Chanhassen Firefighters. He thanked Todd Gerhardt and Sharmeen Al-Jaff
for their feedback on design. Councilwoman Ryan asked about a lighting plan. Doug Foote
continued the presentation discussing funding strategies. Mayor Laufenburger asked if
fundraiser names will be recognized on the monument. Doug Foote noted the Chanhassen Fire
Department would welcome any recommendations and input from the council and reviewed the
next steps in completing this project by 2016. Councilman McDonald was curious why
placement of the monument isn’t near the Veterans monument. Mayor Laufenburger asked if
there are any reasons not to use City resources. Council voiced full support of the project.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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