WS 2015 05 26
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 26, 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, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, Karen Engelhardt, Beth Hoiseth, Richard Rice, Greg Sticha, Jerry Mohn, Lt. Eric
Kittleson, Chief Don Johnson, Assistant Chief Jim Van Asten, Assistant Chief John Murphy, and
Carver County Emergency Management Director Deb Paige
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: TABLETOP DISCUSSION REGARDING ROLES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
Todd Gerhardt explained the Council’s roles and responsibilities in the case of an emergency
hitting Chanhassen and referred to the booklet prepared for council members, noting some of the
information contained in that booklet is private and not to be shared with the public. Mayor
Laufenburger asked what methods of communication the City uses to get information out to the
public. Richard Rice asked Deb Paige to discuss what Carver County uses for communication.
Councilman McDonald asked how the City Manager will communicate with council members.
Mayor Laufenburger asked about using other emergency services i.e. National Guard after
exhausting all other entities. Richard Rice explained how mutual aid works with neighboring
communities. Beth Hoiseth explained how she will communicate with the public using press and
media releases. Todd Gerhardt explained the do’s and don’t when talking with the media and the
City Manager’s roles and responsibilities. Each department head discussed their roles and
responsibilities in the case of an emergency. Councilwoman Ryan asked how the City and
school districts will work together. Deb Paige explained how the County is working on a Family
Assistance Plan at the County level to work with school districts. Councilwoman Ryan asked
Paul Oehme to discuss the City’s role in debris clean-up. Todd Gerhardt reviewed a map
showing the sanitary sewer, sewer, and watermain distribution system which will be used to
assist staff. He also reiterated the importance of using one voice when getting information out to
the public and the need to work as a team. Deb Paige explained the thresholds needed in
obtaining federal funding and emphasized the use of volunteers. Councilman McDonald asked
how the use of Southwest Metro Transit fits into the process. Deb Paige finished with advice on
working with schools, volunteer resources, working with the County after the event, and the need
to start a long term recovery committee as soon as possible.
The work session was recessed at 6:50 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:35 p.m.
TH 101: REVIEW ALIGNMENTS AND DETERMINE PREFERRED ALIGNMENT
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REVIEW.
City Council Work Session – May 26, 2015
Todd Gerhardt discussed the work that’s been done by Paul Oehme, Jon Horn, the County and
State in brainstorming meetings trying to resolve issues related to this item. Paul Oehme
discussed work that’s been done with affected property owners and asked for feedback from City
Council on the preferred alignment. Jon Horn provided background information on meetings
and presented a matrix showing 5 road alignment options and associated costs noting he would
recommend Option 3. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she was philosophically opposed to
government taking private citizens property and asked about the process and costs involved.
Mayor Laufenburger asked about the effects of delaying a decision. Jon Horn discussed funding
options associated with a delay. After discussion from council members it was the consensus of
council that Option 3 was the best long term decision. Jon Horn discussed the next steps for the
Environmental Assessment Design process. Todd Gerhardt discussed reimbursement options for
families that are relocated.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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