WS 2016 04 25
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 25, 2016
Acting Mayor McDonald called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman Tjornhom,
Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion. Mayor Laufenburger arrived during discussion
of the first item.
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Greg
Sticha, Paul Oehme and Jill Sinclair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dave Hess, Matthew Myers,
Bill Chappell, Charlotte Chappell, Balakrishna Chintaginjala, and Wayne Benbow
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Aller, Mark Undestad, Nancy
Madsen, Steve Weick and Maryam Yusuf
JOINT MEETING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
Vice Chair Dave Hess provided background information on the change in the make up of the
Environmental Commission before reviewing urban forestry, water quality, water conservation,
and stormwater management noting their main focus will be on water conservation for this year’s
events. Jill Sinclair discussed an informational event that was held discussing Emerald Ash
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Borer. Dave Hess discussed upcoming events i.e. Arbor Day, and 4 of July celebration.
Mayor Laufenburger discussed Charlotte Chappell’s point on the need to educate the public on
the consequences of not conserving water. Matthew Myers discussed the study being done at
Chanhassen High School regarding water conservation. Councilwoman Ryan suggested putting
educational information on the City’s utility bills. Dave Hess noted the Environmental
Commission will be working on an article for the Villager. Jill Sinclair explained how citizens
can get reimbursed for the Smart Control device for water irrigation systems.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Kate Aanenson reviewed the Annual Report for the planning department and 2016 work plan.
Todd Gerhardt thanked Kate and her staff for putting together the annual report. Chairman Aller
discussed the visioning meeting with all commissions regarding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
update. He noted Chanhassen is still primarily a single family community with the need for
additional senior housing so the aging population can stay in Chanhassen. Kate Aanenson
explained how emerging trends will be identified in the comp plan update. Steve Weick asked
for clarification if the role of the Planning Commission is for present residents or future
residents. Todd Gerhardt discussed the need for coop type housing as a missing housing option.
City Council Work Session – April 25, 2016
Mayor Laufenburger asked for an update on the two building sites at Powers Ridge. Kate
Aanenson continued reviewing ongoing issues with code amendments, zoning for stable permits,
multiple buildings on individual lots, subdivisions using condominiums, removing council
approval for port a potties, and infill development. Chairman Aller discussed the joint
commissions tour in August of the lifestyle center and Highway 61 corridor. Councilwoman
Tjornhom suggested including the Senior Commission with their joint commission tour.
Chairman Aller discussed the resignation of Lisa Hokkanen. Mayor Laufenburger asked if there
were any decisions made by the council that the commission disagrees with. Chairman Aller
reversed the question asking if the council has any recommendations on information being
received from the Planning Commission.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: REVIEW DESIGNATION OF KFS CITIES.
Greg Sticha reviewed the spreadsheet created by himself and Ehlers and Associates on a variety
of possible key financial strategy cities. Todd Gerhardt discussed the Municipal Legislative
Commission and how Chanhassen has changed to more of an urban community. Staff asked
council members for feedback on changing any key financial cities noting staff will bring back a
potential list for approval in May. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification on how
services differ for larger communities than Chanhassen. Greg Sticha explained pros and cons
with comparing Chanhassen to larger communities. Councilman McDonald asked staff to
provide lists for different comparisons. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to come back with
recommendations and information to back up each community.
DISCUSS APPOINTMENT OF MARK RANDALL TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.
After discussion the consensus of the council was to appoint Mark Randall for the 2 years
remaining on Lisa Hokkanen’s term on the Planning Commission.
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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