WS 2016 05 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 23, 2016
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilman McDonald,
Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilwoman Tjornhom
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, and Jill Sinclair
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: EMERALD ASH BORER UPDATE.
Jill Sinclair discussed the Emerald Ash Borer management plan showing states currently
affected. Councilman Campion asked how Emerald Ash Borer compares to Dutch Elm disease.
Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification of the term “quarantined area”. Jill Sinclair
continued describing the signs, symptoms, life cycle, and damage of Emerald Ash Borer. Todd
Gerhardt asked why other trees such as maples and oak are not affected. Jill Sinclair explained
that now is the time to implement a management plan with an agreed upon strategy and how to
manage expectations. Mayor Laufenburger asked about the number of ash trees on public
property and the cost for treatment. Jill Sinclair continued with discussion of possible ordinance
and policy amendments, possible licensing and permitting of tree companies and what action is
needed to adopt a management plan, set guidelines for treatment, and permit and license tree care
companies. The to do list would include tree removal procedures, chemical options and
ordinance revision. Mayor Laufenburger asked about the City’s tree replacement plan. In
discussing a city contract for chemical pricing, Jill Sinclair noted that resident pricing could be
included. Councilman Campion asked if tree removal could be included in a city contract as
well. Councilman McDonald noted that permitting for tree treatment and removal would need
two different permits. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff if they would like the City Council to
adopt the proposed management plan and if council members are able to move forward with
adoption of that plan as outlined. Councilman McDonald asked to see additional information on
what other cities are doing before acting on the management plan. Councilman Campion asked
to include an incentive for residents to act quickly. Councilwoman Ryan asked for specifics on
educating residents. Mayor Laufenburger asked for specifics on budget numbers for treatment
noting he would like to have a plan in place by the end of the year.
City Council Work Session – May 23, 2016
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: MARKET BOULEVARD TRAFFIC/FEASIBILITY
STUDY.
Paul Oehme introduced Brandon Borden and Doug Arnold with Kimley Horn before discussing
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background information for improvements to Market Boulevard from West 79 Street to
Highway 5. Brandon Borden reviewed the project study area, and the existing conditions
analysis. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on criteria for determining level of service.
Brandon Borden continued discussing the crash analysis, future road analysis, future “no action”
analysis, and possible future alternative alignments. He reviewed benefits of using the
alternative alignments, construction cost estimates, and access control recommendations for
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West 79 Avenue. Councilwoman Ryan asked about the distance between Highway 5 and West
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79 with the use of a round about. Brandon Borden continued with recommendations for access
control at different intersections along Market Boulevard. Paul Oehme reviewed the next steps
to perform a feasibility study.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 6:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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