WS 2017 01 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 9, 2017
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, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman,
MacKenzie Walters, Greg Sticha, and Roger Knutson
DISCUSS AMENDMENTS TO CITY CODE:
Kate Aanenson provided background information on the City’s process to amend the following
ordinances.
A. ON-SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOOD TO LIQUOR SALES
RATIO.
Todd Gerhardt thanked MacKenzie Walters who prepared the issue paper on liquor licenses
throughout the Twin Cities metro area. He reviewed the requirements for micro breweries
noting that the City of Chanhassen currently has a food to liquor sales ratio of 50/50 which micro
breweries would have a hard time meeting. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the benefit of
requiring the 50/50 food to liquor ratio. Mayor Laufenburger asked about the consequences of
having no restrictions. Todd Gerhardt explained that the American Legion currently is the only
establishment having a hard time meeting the 50/50 ratio. MacKenzie Walters explained the
regulations associated with tap rooms such as the Excelsior Brewery. Council members
discussed the fact that Chanhassen currently does not have any tap rooms or micro breweries and
the changes needed in City Code to allow them. Council asked staff to remove the 50/50 food to
liquor ratio and prepare an ordinance to allow tap rooms. Mayor Laufenburger asked about the
state requirements pertaining to the number of on-sale liquor licenses that are allowed in
communities.
B. HARDCOVER ON FLAG LOTS.
MacKenzie Walters discussed the issue of hardcover calculations used in flag lots noting that
staff is recommending that the code be amended to omit the neck portion for the impervious
surface calculations and require that the neck area be included in the street stormwater system
calculations.
City Council Work Session – January 9, 2017
C. MULTIPLE BUILDINGS AS A CONDITIONAL USE.
MacKenzie Walters provided background information noting a conditional use permit is seldom
requested for multiple buildings on a lot and would recommend amending Section 20-902 to
establish one principal building per lot for all zoning districts which would require any parcel
wishing to have multiple buildings to use a PUD, CIC or seek a variance.
D. RECLASSIFICATION OF STREETS.
MacKenzie Walters explained that amending Section 20-5 “Identification of Arterial and
Collector Streets” is a housekeeping item to more accurately reflect the City’s inventory and to
improve the accuracy of listed roads. Councilwoman Ryan asked for clarification of why
Yosemite Avenue and Apple Road, which is the same road, have different names.
E &F. SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT AND TEMPORARY EVENTS CLEAN UP.
MacKenzie Walters discussed that the City has seen an increase in the number of organizations
interested in hosting races or large events in Chanhassen and would recommend amending the
existing ordinance to differentiate between different types of temporary events and revise
permitting requirements, and conditions and criteria used for approval or denial. Mayor
Laufenburger discussed that he would like Chanhassen to be an easy place to do business but that
fees are commensurate with activities needed for the special events. Councilman McDonald
asked for clarification on what the City currently does with events like Tour du Tonka and
Miracles of Mitch. Councilman Campion asked about the current regulations of the City’s key
financial strategy cities. MacKenzie Walters explained that he would use Stillwater and Cottage
Grove as good models to follow. After comments and discussion from council members it was
asked that staff provide more information on the number of events and associated city costs.
G. STABLES.
MacKenzie Walters explained that this was a housekeeping item and that staff is recommending
that City Code allow stables in the Rural Residential and Agricultural Estate Districts but not in
Single Family Residential Districts.
KEY GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR 2017.
Kate Aanenson discussed the schedule for updating the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor
Laufenburger discussed the process on how council members will proceed with ranking the list
of key goals and strategies. Councilman Campion asked about an update on the City’s
involvement with solar gardens. Mayor Laufenburger asked that the following three items be
added to the list prepared by staff:
1. Review of cable services provided by Mediacom.
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City Council Work Session – January 9, 2017
2. Consider reducing preparation of the Connection from 4 times a year to 3 times.
3. That the City Council hold a discussion regarding a public tribute to Prince to form a
consensus of all council members.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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