WS 2015 08 10
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 10, 2015
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilman McDonald,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman, and Greg
Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
None.
REVIEW SECOND QUARTER REVENUE ACTIVITY AND INVESTMENT UPDATE.
Greg Sticha introduced Jennifer Curtis with Wells Fargo Investment Services who reviewed the
state requirements that regulate municipal investments before reviewing highlights of the City’s
investment portfolio. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on how much direction is
given by city staff on their investments. Greg Sticha explained the City’s policy is to not chase
yields and believes the city’s portfolio is very sound. Councilwoman Ryan asked about the other
firms that manage the other two-thirds of the City’s investments. Greg Sticha discussed second
quarter revenue activity. Mayor Laufenburger asked about solicitor licensing revenue and asked
for clarification on the City’s policy regarding solicitor permits. Councilman Campion asked
staff to comment on what would trigger changing investments based on the marketplace.
DISCUSSION ON DECERTIFCATION OF TAX INCREMENT DISTRICT #4,
DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT.
Greg Sticha reviewed what is included with a tax increment district, why a TIF district was
issued for the downtown entertainment district and why staff is recommending decertification at
this time. Todd Gerhardt provided background information on how this area was developed and
how tax increment was used. Mayor Laufenburger asked about other tax increment districts in
the city. Greg Sticha noted there is a resolution on the consent agenda authorizing redemption
of 2004-C General Obligation Tax Increment Financing Bonds for TIF District #4. Councilman
Campion asked for clarification on what triggered decertification at this time.
PRELIMINARY 2016 BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha reviewed work that’s been done to date to establish the 2016 preliminary budget and
tax levy, the 3 scenarios that are being presented to council, assumptions used by staff and
impact on property owners. He noted that the details by department will be reviewed at the
th
August 24 work session. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked what the county and school districts
City Council Work Session – August 10, 2015
are doing with their budgets and the impact of the police contract. Mayor Laufenburger asked
staff to review the process for setting the preliminary and final levy. Councilwoman Ryan asked
if there will be a public hearing when the preliminary levy is set. Mayor Laufenburger asked
about the impact of the $30,000 from decertifying TIF District #4.
The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:35 p.m.
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES CONFERENCE UPDATE FROM COUNCILMAN
CAMPION.
Councilman Campion discussed the memo he presented to staff regarding apps available to
cities, and GreenStep cities and asked staff to prepare a cost benefit analysis of becoming a
GreenStep city. Mayor Laufenburger suggested discussing this item at the key financial strategy
meeting in January. Councilman Campion continued with discussion of the use of solar panels
on city-owned buildings. Mayor Laufenburger asked if there are city ordinances governing
residential use of solar panels. Councilman Campion reviewed his notes from specific sessions
he attended and suggested other council members attend the next conference for the ability to
attend more special sessions. Mayor Laufenburger asked about Metro Cities’ support of the
Minnesota League Conference. Councilman Campion commented on the speech given by Steve
Gross entitled, “How Joy & Optimism Ignite the Best in All of Us.”
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 8:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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