WS 2016 08 22
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilman McDonald,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilwoman Ryan
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd
Hoffman, and Greg Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Mark Wagner 6945 Lake Harrison Circle
Bob Kline 2175 Lake Harrison Road
Todd Allard 7168 Fawn Hill Road
WEST WATER TREATMENT PLANT: PRESENT 90 PERCENT PLAN DESIGN.
Paul Oehme introduced Greg Johnson with WSB and Associates before reviewing the purpose
and need and west water treatment plant design overview. Greg Johnson reviewed highlights of
the main level floor plan. Paul Oehme continued with review of the site plan including
landscaping, the park and trail plan, and exterior building design elevations. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked for clarification of the park plan and parking lot configuration. Mayor
Laufenburger asked about the scale of the building, topographic considerations and storm sewer
plans. Paul Oehme reviewed the architectural detailing, landscape plan, and utility
improvements before reviewing the analysis done by staff for alternate sites which were
considered to be cost prohibitive. Greg Johnson reviewed the preliminary cost estimate of
$19.72 million dollars which includes utility piping, noting that figure is on budget.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the additional costs needed to make the building look
residential. Councilwoman Ryan asked about the status of using the aeration system, concerns
with power outages, and the possibility of purchasing Prince’s property. Paul Oehme reviewed
the review and construction schedule with a proposed start up date of April, 2018. Mayor
Laufenburger asked how the size and elevation of the building compared to what was presented
in June and what’s left of the 10 percent before City Council approves the final plans. He then
opened up the work session for public comments. Robert Kline, President of one of the
homeowners associations in the area stated there are lots of concerns which he submitted to the
council in a one page document. Mark Wagner expressed concern with progressing with
decisions that were made in 2005 and felt that alternative sites had not been fully explored. Todd
Allard stated a building similar to the east water treatment plant would be less expensive and
City Council Work Session – August 22, 2016
asked about terrorism threats which could include fencing around the plant. Councilwoman
Ryan asked if it makes sense to push the project back 6 to 8 months to explore purchasing
Prince’s property. Mayor Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom and Councilman McDonald
agreed that they would not favor pushing the project back because it would cause a disservice to
the residents to not solve the water issues in the high zone as planned. Councilwoman Ryan
stated she would like to have the residents questions answered as soon as possible.
DISCUSS PROPOSED 2017 STREET PROJECTS.
Paul Oehme reviewed the purpose and need, historical background, proposed street construction
designs and budget projections for the proposed 2017 street projects in the Minnewashta Manor,
Park Road and Lake Susan Hills neighborhoods. Mayor Laufenburger asked about use of bridge
bonding funds for the Park Road project. Paul Oehme reviewed the schedule for approvals and
construction for the three projects.
UPDATE ON 2016 CITIZEN SURVEY.
Chelsea Petersen providing background information on the work that’s been done to date, noting
that surveys are scheduled to be mailed out in September. Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed
support for asking more questions related to issues related to the park master plan. She also
questioned the need to ask the question about closeness to fruits and vegetables. Chelsea
Petersen reviewed possible park questions that could be added to the survey. Councilwoman
Ryan asked about the number of questions and methods used for the survey i.e. mail, email, etc.
The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
PRELIMINARY 2017 BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha reviewed all the significant levy and budget documents with the City Council. Greg
Sticha and the Council discussed three preliminary levy scenarios, one would show a small
increase (.42%) in the average home in terms of city property taxes, one showed no impact on
the average home and the third showed a small (.42%) decrease in property taxes on the average
home. Currently the most significant remaining item that has an impact on the budget is the
results of the healthcare contract bids that will be received in early September. Also discussed
with council at the next meeting in September staff would be going over its detailed department
by department presentations of the budget.
The work session was adjourned.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim and Greg Sticha
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