WS 2015 05 11
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 11, 2015
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
McDonald, Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman and Greg Sticha
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Aller, Mark Undestad, Lisa
Hokkanen, Steve Weick, John Tietz, and Nancy Madsen
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Amy Omann, Katie
Mahannah, Dave Hess, Don Vasatka, Bret Borth, and Glenn Kaufman
DISCUSSION REGARDING COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDENS.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on why staff is bringing this item forward to
the City Council at this time. Paul Oehme reviewed a power point presentation outlining
background information, how the program works, costs associated with city electrical use, and
reviewed the pros and cons with being involved with community solar garden programs.
Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of cost savings through this program. Councilman
Campion asked about funding sources and firms doing these solar gardens. Paul Oehme asked
for direction from council on how to proceed. Councilman McDonald asked what guarantees
that these CSG will be around for the next 20-25 years. Mayor Laufenburger stated the first
question is the company you contract with going to be successful. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked what other cities are doing, and the advantage of signing up now versus waiting.
Councilman Campion asked if any cities are doing wind power versus solar. Councilwoman
Ryan asked besides up front money what other costs are involved. Mayor Laufenburger asked if
it’s worth moving forward for the anticipated cost savings. Councilwoman Ryan asked if it’s
more of an image thing for the City being green. Councilman McDonald asked for a cost benefit
analysis for the next 20 years if the City uses program or does not use the program.
Councilwoman Tjornhom suggested looking at other available options. Consensus of council
was to direct staff to do what Councilman McDonald suggested, that a cost benefit analysis be
prepared.
JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION.
Chair Aller thanked the council for their new appointment choices before reviewing 2014
planning cases, 2015 work plan, code amendments, and asked for feedback from council on
work they would like the Planning Commission to undertake in the future. Mayor Laufenburger
asked about the timeline for completing watershed rules and what rules (city vs Watershed
District) are being used by developers or homeowners and asked Planning Commission to keep a
City Council Work Session – May 11, 2015
close eye on those issues prior to the rules being adopted. Councilman McDonald asked for
clarification on enforcement issues. Mayor Laufenburger explained that the Planning
Commission does a very valuable service for the City Council and thanked Chair Aller for his
leadership. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked the new commission members for their comments.
Mayor Laufenburger noted that the council has received the Planning Commission annual report
and rules.
JOINT MEETING WITH ENVIRONBMENTAL COMMISSION.
Mayor Laufenburger thanked commissioners for their participation in the Arbor Day celebration.
Chair Amy Omann reviewed their 2014 accomplishments and 2015 annual work plan. Mayor
Laufenburger asked about the work the Environmental Commission is doing with Seminary Fen.
Councilman Campion asked about possible collaboration between Park and Recreation
Commission and Environmental Commission regarding AIS issues. Mayor Laufenburger
suggested hearing from the County on what they’re doing with AIS besides inspections. Chair
Omann reviewed the 2015 Sustainability Report. Councilwoman Ryan suggested the article
written by a high school student regarding banning the use of plastic bags be put on the City’s
website. Councilman Campion asked about procedures people should take when they find
Emerald Ash Borer in trees on their property.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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