WS 2015 04 13
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 13, 2015
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom,
Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman, and
Paul Oehme
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Barry Warner SRF, One Carlson Parkway
Scott Carlston 18315 Cascade Drive
Kendra Lindahl 105 South Fifth Avenue, Minneapolis
Rick Dorsey 14215 Green Vincent, Eden Prairie
Darren Lazan Level 7 Development
Jeff Fox 5270 Howards Point Road, Excelsior
DISCUSS VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE LIFESTYLE CENTER.
Todd Gerhardt introduced Barry Warner with SRF Consulting Group who reviewed their
proposed visioning process to facilitate review of a lifestyle center. Councilman McDonald
asked how the AUAR process is related to the visioning process. Todd Gerhardt explained
Barry’s task is to get feedback from business owners, public and people involved with the project
separate from the AUAR. Mayor Laufenburger discussed feedback he has received from
residents and council members regarding acceptable uses. Councilman Campion asked relative
to defining uses, where in the process does that need to happen. Todd Gerhardt referred to the
Villages on the Ponds as a similar type development using a PUD. Councilwoman Ryan asked
about timing for determining what should be done with the proposed property and suggested a
separate work session for council to decide their plan of action without a facilitator before
proceeding with the visioning process. Mayor Laufenburger explained that the comp plan calls
for a regional lifestyle center but did not think the specific uses have been discussed enough at
this point. He noted that is what is being proposed with the visioning process. Councilman
McDonald commented on getting input from the community but believes the council needs an
independent third party to facilitate the entire process and continue on with the AUAR process
running parallel. Councilwoman Tjornhom discussed what council members should consider in
using the comp plan as the guide and making sure that whatever is done is complimentary to
downtown. She explained that she would favor the use of a third party in the process.
Councilman Campion stated he believes the AUAR process can run parallel with the visioning
process. Mayor Laufenburger suggested that the visioning process should be changed to a
listening process and supports the AUAR and vision process moving forward. Councilwoman
Ryan reiterated that she does not favor the use of a third party before the council has determined
their vision. Barry Warner explained that the proposed process is not set in stone and can be
City Council Work Session – April 13, 2015
revised along the way. He also explained that they are not advocates of the project but a
facilitator and perhaps a meeting with the council is the first step in the process. Mayor
Laufenburger recommended that each council member communicate with staff what they would
like included in the Professional Services Agreement that the council will act on in 2 weeks.
Darren Lazan with Level 7 Development expressed concerns with the scope of the AUAR and
with the AUAR being involved with the visioning process. Barry Warner stated he had enough
information to move forward.
INTERVIEW APPLICANTS FOR COMMISSIONS:
The City Council interviewed the
following applicants for the Park and Recreation and Environmental Commissions: Jim
Boettcher, and David Hess.
DISCUSS PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY ADJANCENT TO THE
WATER TREATMENT PLANT, GATEWAY.
Kate Aanenson introduced Randy Scholl before reviewing the piece of property being purchased
by RBSC Chanhassen LLC for development of an office building. Councilwoman Ryan asked
what occurred that the process took a while to get going. Randy Scholl explained that it was on
their part answering a lot of questions but they are now ready to move forward. Todd Gerhardt
provided background information on how the City acquired this piece of property from various
property owners. Mayor Laufenburger clarified that the item before them is the purchase
agreement which will occur before moving forward with Planning Commission and City Council
review. Councilman Campion asked about specific users for the building. Randy Scholl
explained that he was unable to disclose that information at this time but there is adequate
interest to move forward and reviewed the items that make this parcel attractive for development.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the pros and cons associated with development of this site before
discussing the purchase amount and associated conditions.
DISCUSS APPOINTMENTS TO PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Mayor Laufenburger asked for comments from council members noting Mark Herzog and PJ
Williams were unable to attend the interviews. After discussion by council members the
consensus was to following the rankings by the Park and Recreation Commission.
The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m. The work session reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
Councilwoman Tjornhom did not return to the work session.
INTERVIEW APPLICANTS FOR COMMISSIONS:
Council members interviewed Dan
Willing, Don Vasatka and Joe Shneider for the Environmental Commission.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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