WS 2016 02 22
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 22, 2016
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilman McDonald,
Councilwoman Tjornhom and Councilman Campion: Councilwoman Ryan arrived late to the
work session.
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, and Greg Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Gayle Degler, County Commissioner 541 Pineview Court
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Michelle Matthews, US Solar 4053 21 Avenue So, Minneapolis
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Brian Ross, Great Plains Institute 2801 21 Avenue, Minneapolis
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Trevor Drake, Great Plains Institute 2801 21 Avenue, Minneapolis
Rollie Neve 7635 Nicholas Way
Dan Defere 1351 Thrush Court
Tracy & Christ Haelterman, Seattle Sutton 18617 Jasper Way
Lynn Murphy, Chan Historical Society 905 Kelly Court
Tom Pauly, Chan Historical Society 7721 Frontier Trail
Ron Roeser, Chan Historical Society 222 Chan View
Claire Mitchell, Chan Historical Society 8430 Stone Creek Road
SOLAR ENERGY DISCUSSION.
Mayor Laufenburger asked if there was any action that needed to be taken by the City Council.
Greg Sticha stated this was an educational item only before introducing Trevor Drake and Brian
Ross with Great Plains Institute and Michelle Matthews with US Solar who were present to
answer any questions. Greg Sticha discussed questions asked by council members at a previous
work session regarding administrative costs associated with facilitating solar projects, future
energy usage per year, and historical data on rate increases by Xcel Energy. Todd Gerhardt
clarified that the City of Chanhassen is not building any solar gardens. Greg Sticha explained
that historical data on city energy usage for the last 10 years is very difficult to accomplish with
limited information provided by Xcel Energy. Trevor Drake and Brian Ross addressed the
following questions. Councilwoman Tjornhom’s question regarding worst case scenario.
Councilman Campion asked what would happen if US Solar goes insolvent. Councilman
McDonald asked for clarification on how US Solar establishes bill credits, the 25 year length of
the contract, subsidies and at what point is the City at risk of losing money. Mayor Laufenburger
City Council Work Session – February 22, 2016
asked about Great Plains Institute’s role with the Met Council, and the pros and cons of changing
the percentage amount of energy usage by the City. Councilman Campion asked why Xcel
Energy doesn’t invest in solar gardens on their own. Councilman McDonald asked for
clarification on staff’s administrative costs associated with these projects. Greg Sticha asked for
council feedback on the subscription percentage that the council would like to see going forward
and if there are any questions regarding the US Solar contract. Consensus of council was a
threshold of 30 percent moving forward.
DISCUSS METROPOLITAN GOVERRANCE REFORM.
Mayor Laufenburger asked if there were any questions on this item. Councilwoman Ryan asked
about the geographic imbalance which was raised by Patricia Nauman and appointments made
by the Governor. Mayor Laufenburger explained that he will add this item to the agenda.
INTERVIEW COMMISSION APPLICANTS:
The following applicants were interviewed for the Planning Commission: Incumbents Steven
Weick and Nancy Madsen. Charles (Chuck) Ehlers was interviewed for the Park and Recreation
Commission.
UPDATE ON OLD VILLAGE HALL LEASE.
Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on the action being taken on the lease for Old
Village Hall. Chelsea Petersen provided historical background and financial information with
the leasing of the Old Village Hall and moving forward. Todd Gerhardt summarized the action
being taken by City Council for assignment of the current lease to Seattle Sutton Health Eating
South Metro noting that the Chanhassen Historical Society is also interested in using the Old
Village Hall. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification on the historical society’s
proposed usage of the building. Councilwoman Ryan asked for clarification of wording in the
current lease. Mayor Laufenburger asked if it’s reasonable to consider a dual lease option.
Tracy Haelterman with Seattle Sutton stated concern with liability issues associated with food
being stored on site but would be open for dual usage of the building. Todd Gerhardt stated this
could be an opportunity for Seattle Sutton and the historical society to meet and decide how to
move forward in December when the lease expires. Mayor Laufenburger asked Chelsea Petersen
to guide the two groups moving forward.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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