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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 28, 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, and Terry Jeffery
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Erin Adler Star Tribune
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT CITY CODE UPDATE.
Terry Jeffery reviewed changers made at the federal, state and regional levels that have affected
the second generation Surface Water Management and Wetland Protection chapters of the
Chanhassen City Code. He reviewed in detail Section 303D of the Federal Clean Water Act
Impaired Waters chart which included lakes in Chanhassen, minimum impact design standards
(MIDS) which staff believes are too low for the City and are addressed in Section 19-141. Mayor
Laufenburger asked what a resident does if they meet the City requirements but not the Riley-
Purgatory-Bluff Creek watershed district guidelines. Terry Jeffery explained they would have to
meet the requirements of the watershed district. Councilwoman Ryan asked for clarification on
who is responsible for enforcement and the impact on city staff. Mayor Laufenburger asked why
the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek watershed district is making their requirements more restrictive.
Terry Jeffery continued with discussion of changes made in climatological datasets for surface
water management design explaining staff will be using the Atlas 14 numbers and how restricted
sites will be addressed. He reviewed the city’s wetland protection process changes regarding
buffer and setback regulations. Councilman Campion asked about permeable pavers in regards
to buffer and wetland impacts. Terry Jeffery reviewed the schedule for public hearing and the
approval process for the comprehensive plan update. Mayor Laufenburger asked if staff needs
council authorization to send the changes to agencies for review and asked staff to do whatever
to not make the process onerous on residents.
2017 BUDGET:
A. FINAL BUDGET DISCUSSION.
B. REVIEW OF COMPENSATION PLAN FOR 2017.
City Council Work Session – November 28, 2016
Greg Sticha discussed budget items that have changed since setting the preliminary levy
regarding health insurance, employee elections for health insurance, maintenance costs
associated with the roundabout in southern Chanhassen, and a significant increase in workman’s
compensation insurance. Chelsea Petersen reviewed details of options to save money with
workman’s compensation increase. Greg Sticha reviewed adjustments to the general fund to
address these changes which result in a $59,000 increase in spending. Council asked for
clarification of how that $59,000 will be handled in the future. Todd Gerhardt discussed doing a
study on the use of utility franchise fees. Greg Sticha reviewed the results of the utility rate
study that was prepared by Ehlers and Associates which shows no new information.
Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed disappointment that utility rates continue to increase each
year.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m. The City Council met in
Executive Session at 9:50 p.m. to compile data for the City Manager’s Performance
Evaluation.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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