WS 2016 06 27
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 27, 2016
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, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, Greg Sticha Kim Meuwissen, Richard Rice, and Chief Don Johnson
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Pat & Marsha Theis 6520 White Dove Circle
Greg Johnson WSB & Associates
Erin Heydanger WSB & Associates
Jeff Peshek 6480 White Dove Drive
ILEGISLATE PAPERLESS AGENDA AND ANNOTATION APPLICATION
TRAINING.
Kim Meuwissen reviewed how council members can use the City’s Granicus website center for
agendas, minutes and videos. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on how residents can
access live meetings and how this system differs from the previous Good Reader software.
Councilwoman Ryan asked how items can be organized. Councilman McDonald asked how to
access information between Good Reader and Granicus. Councilman Campion asked about
public comments. Kim Meuwissen explained that the City does not have that module purchased
yet. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about violating the open meeting law by emailing messages
to all council members. Todd Gerhardt clarified to email only one council member at a time.
Kim Meuwissen continued reviewing different features of the Granicus system and video
options. Mayor Laufenburger clarified that tonight’s City Council meeting will be using both
Good Reader and Granicus. Next City Council meeting will be using only Granicus. Mayor
Laufenburger suggested promoting this new technology in the Villager and asked what other
communities in Carver County are using for technology. Todd Gerhardt thanked Kim
Meuwissen, Rick Rice and Chelsea Petersen for their hard work on setting up this program.
Mayor Laufenburger stated he’s heard comments on the low volume of cable recordings.
WEST WATER TREATMENT PLANT: PRESENT PLAN UPDATE.
Mayor Laufenburger reminded residents in the audience that this item is informational only and
that no action will be taken tonight. Paul Oehme reviewed the preliminary design of the west
water treatment plant, purpose and need, overview of the west water treatment plant as compared
City Council Work Session – June 27, 2016
to the east water treatment plant, and modifications made since the City Council work session in
May noting that the building length has been reduced from 178’4” to 138’4”. Councilwoman
Ryan asked Greg Johnson to explain why the building has decreased in length and if this design
will meet future needs as the city builds out. Paul Oehme continued with review of the elevation
drawings. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification on the use of chemicals without the
use of the aeration system and associated costs. Mayor Laufenburger asked about the effects of
taking out the aeration system and associated costs if the need arises to install an aeration system
in the future. Councilman Campion asked if it is possible to move the aeration system to the east
side of the building so it’s not visible to the public. Greg Johnson explained the need for a
gravity system. Mayor Laufenburger noted the council was struggling with designing a system
that’s smaller now but may not meet future needs. Todd Gerhardt clarified that the east water
treatment plant does not have this type of aeration system. Greg Johnson explained that the east
water treatment plant has a different aeration system. Todd Gerhardt clarified that these drawings
are not the architectural drawings, just engineering drawings. Councilman Campion asked if it
would be possible to look at other aquifers to test their water. Paul Oehme reviewed the process
used for building exterior design and landscaping plans, proposed architectural plan of a prairie
style building, and window and lighting design. Councilwoman Ryan asked about elevations
from other sides. Greg Johnson explained that the final designs will have elevations from all
sides. Paul Oehme continued reviewing an aerial view of the site. Councilwoman Ryan asked
for clarification on the size of trucks that will service this facility. Paul Oehme reviewed the
preliminary construction cost estimate of approximately $19.5 million which includes
approximately $2 million to construct raw water lines from the west wells to the plant and the
schedule for future meetings, approval process and construction with anticipated completion and
start up in April, 2018. Councilwoman Ryan asked how the park construction and costs will
coincide. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to explain what’s anticipated for the July 11, 2016
neighborhood meeting that has been added to the schedule, asked that a video be prepared for
that meeting and asked for resident feedback on what’s been presented at the work session.
There were no concerns voiced by anyone present.
The work session was recessed at 6:50 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:28 p.m.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: TWO YEAR BUDGET PROCESS DISCUSSION AND
2017 BUDGET EXPECTATIONS.
Greg Sticha reviewed staff expectations for the 2017 budget process and using a two year budget
process. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if staff has used the 2 year budget process in the past.
Staff stated they have not specifically done it line item by line item. Councilman McDonald
stated his belief that council had already decided to use the 2 year budget process. Staff stated it
had not been adopted at this point. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked staff to explain how a 2 year
process will help and expressed her concern of creating false expectations. Councilman
Campion discussed possible benefits of using a 2 year budget. Council members discussed
voting on 2 years worth of budget versus voting on a one year budget. Councilman McDonald
stated he would prefer voting on amendments with a 2 year budget if something changes in the
2
City Council Work Session – June 27, 2016
second year. Councilwoman Tjornhom did not agree with voting on a 2 year budget.
Councilman McDonald suggested changing health insurance, police, etc. for 2 year contracts be
included with a 2 year budget. Mayor Laufenburger asked if it is possible to have a book that
provides 2017 budget information and not 2018 as a public document. Todd Gerhardt reiterated
that a second year estimate is used as a guide. Mayor Laufenburger stated he would not favor
voting on a second year budget. Councilman Campion favored using a 2 year budget as a guide
but only voting on one year at a time. Todd Gerhardt suggested changing the wording from 2018
budget to estimated 2018 budget. Greg Sticha explained how staff will be presenting significant
changes for 2017 and 2018. Mayor Laufenburger explained that it may be difficult to have no
tax levy increase for this year because of the new growth numbers. Councilman McDonald and
Councilwoman Ryan asked staff to provide a list of possible service cuts. In discussing
increasing credit card fees Greg Sticha explained that the only way to charge for the service fees
is to include them in utility fees
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 9:20 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
3