WS 2015 04 27
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 27, 2015
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom,
Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd
Hoffman, and Sharmeen Al-Jaff.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cole Kelly, Jim
Boettcher, Brent Carron, Steve Scharfenberg, Luke Thunberg, Rick Echternacht, Jennifer
Hougham, and Lauren Dale
SENIOR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Barbara Nevin, Dave Wisniewski, Dorina
Tipton, Jean Mancini, and Mark Nelson
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Darren Lazan, Level 7 Development
SOUTHWEST TRANSIT UPDATE.
Len Simich reviewed ridership numbers and operational
highlights noting a 99% on-time performance, road calls, accidents per miles, customer
satisfaction of 99%, and accomplishments in 2014. He reviewed items being done to strengthen
the financial situation of Southwest Transit and discussed upcoming issues, challenges and
opportunities. Councilman McDonald asked Mr. Simich to talk about a table talk discussion
Southwest Transit had with TSA before Len Simich outlined goals for 2015. Councilman
McDonald asked Len Simich to talk about the community interconnection program that is being
initiated.
JOINT MEETING WITH PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Chairman Kelly
reviewed upcoming projects for 2015 through 2018 and associated funding costs.
Councilwoman Ryan asked about possible financial assistance from various athletic associations
that use city facilities. Mayor Laufenburger asked about lacrosse usage on city facilities. Brent
Carron presented information he has gathered concerning the benefits of a community
amphitheater and asked for feedback from the council on how to proceed. Mayor Laufenburger
asked about possible locations. Brent Carron discussed pros and cons associated with sites at the
north location of City Center Park, Lake Ann Park, and the Powers and Lyman intersection.
Councilwoman Tjornhom explained that this has been a point of discussion for the 12 years she’s
been on the council but an amphitheater has never ranked very high in priority. Councilman
Campion thought it was an intriguing idea and would like to see associated costs.
Councilwoman Ryan discussed phasing opportunities. Mayor Laufenburger explained that this
idea hasn’t gained traction because there hasn’t been an articulated plan submitted so he would
favor the commission investigating whether the community wants it and possible private
City Council Work Session – April 27, 2015
donations. Councilman McDonald discussed needs versus wants. Chairman Kelly continued
with projects that had been completed in 2014. Luke Thunberg discussed usage of Pioneer Pass
Park, which is his neighborhood park. Chairman Kelly discussed the six new pickleball courts
being built and the neighborhood park picnic shelter initiative. Mayor Laufenburger thanked
commission members for their efforts.
JOINT MEETING WITH SENIOR COMMISSION.
Dorina Tipton discussed city events
and local organizations the Senior Commission will be supporting. Jean Mancini discussed
transportation issues she and Jackie Engel have been investigating with Southwest Transit’s
Senior Shopping Bus and WeCAB. Sharmeen Al-Jaff discussed meetings with Ridgeview
Clinics and Southwest Transit assisting with rides for seniors to the clinic. Councilman
McDonald asked about communication getting out to seniors. Chairman Nevin discuss programs
offered to prolong independent living in the home. Mark Nelson discussed the TRIAD program
which is a partnership between law enforcement, the community and senior citizens to keep them
safe from fraud, scams, and isolation. Chairman Nevin discussed a new topic for the Senior
Commission working with Carver County who is initiating a volunteer driven collaboration
regarding Alzheimer’s. Dorina Tipton discussed what’s being done by the Senior Commission
attract younger seniors (Baby Boomers). Mayor Laufenburger commented on Chairman Nevin
leadership and thanked the commission for their work.
UPDATE ON 2015 WATERWISE PROGRAM.
Paul Oehme provided background
information from the annual Water Wise program, and education programs being discussed for
future water conservation tools explaining that Met Council is using Chanhassen as a model for
their program. He reviewed how residential usage, city irrigation, and commercial irrigation is
monitored before reviewing education and incentives, tools and opportunities for stormwater re-
use, efficient irrigation practices, and recommendations. Councilwoman Ryan asked for
clarification on the partnership with Boulder Cove.
DISCUSS APPOINTMENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Mayor
Laufenburger discussed results from interviews for appointments to the Environmental
Commission. After discussion there was consensus to appoint David Hess and Don Vasetka.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
COMPLETION OF HOUSING ACTION PLAN.
Kate Aanenson reviewed the work that’s
been done by staff on the housing action plan associated with the Livable Communities Act.
Mayor Laufenburger asked about affordable housing requirements. Kate Aanenson explained
how the City is trying to meet the goal set by the Met Council for affordable housing stock in the
city. Councilman Campion asked the reason why the City opted out from the Livable
Communities from 2010 to 2014 and why it’s being reinstated now. Staff explained as part of a
grant for redevelopment of the Sinclair site it was a requirement that the City be part of the
Livable Communities. Councilman Campion asked for clarification of the affordable chart and
the City’s goal. Mayor Laufenburger asked what action is needed by council. Kate Aanenson
explained that the item will be brought back for formal action at the next City Council meeting.
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City Council Work Session – April 27, 2015
DISCUSS VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE LIFESTYLE CENTER.
Todd Gerhardt asked for discussion of the Charge Statement to receive feedback from the
council on how to proceed in the visioning process. He explained the need for flexibility in
proceeding with a project like this. Councilwoman Ryan explained that her goal is when the
visioning process is complete the council feels they had the time to explore all options, clearly
understands the needs of community now and in the future, and the development team’s vision of
what they would like to see on this parcel. Councilman Campion favored expanding the vision
for a lifestyle center without going into too much detail with a desired result of capturing
information from the public to determine a relatively short list of permitted and prohibited uses.
He explained how he would like to see the free market work. Councilwoman Tjornhom supports
moving forward with visioning process to obtain feedback from residents, developers, and
downtown business council. Councilman McDonald provided background information on how
this parcel was zoned and explained that he does not feel it’s the council’s job to design what
goes on this parcel. He would like the developer to present a plan to the council. Mayor
Laufenburger explained that he supports Barry Warner doing the work of obtaining information
from all parties involved, i.e. residents, developer, downtown businesses, etcetera. Councilman
McDonald reiterated his disconnect and the need for the developer to come up with a plan first
before spending time on visioning. Councilwoman Tjornhom agreed with Councilman
McDonald. Mayor Laufenburger stated he also agreed with Councilman McDonald but after
thinking about it would like to go through the visioning process to share with the developer what
the people of Chanhassen would like to see. He explained what the AUAR will entail and that
the developer will move forward on a parallel path. Councilman McDonald stated he would
support completion of the AUAR before moving forward with the visioning process. Council
members discussed receiving a vision from the developer to give to Barry Warner or getting a
plan from the developer before moving forward with the visioning process. Mayor Laufenburger
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stated he would like to see a final visioning report no later than July 24 with the goal of giving
the council clear understanding of what the residents want, architecture, and strategies outlined
in the consultant’s proposal. After discussion amongst council members and staff there was
consensus from council to move forward with Barry Warner’s proposal with one message that
the developer speak with as much clarity as possible on their vision. Todd Gerhardt explained
that staff will keep the council updated on the process.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 10:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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