WS 2017 02 13
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 13, 2017
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilman McDonald,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Todd Hoffman, and Greg
Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Cole Kelly, Chairman Park and Recreation Commission
Gayle Degler Carver County Commissioner
David Hemze Carver Count Administrator
Jon Gilbert 1641 Jeurissen Lane
Tom Workman Carver County Commissioner
Balakrishna Chanhassen
Lyndon Robjent Carver County Engineer
Randy Maluchnik Carver County Commissioner
PARKS AND RECREATION SYSTEM PLAN PROGRESS REVIEW.
Rita Trapp with Hoisington-Koegler Group provided an update on the work that’s been done
with the Parks and Recreation System Plan. She asked for feedback to confirm they are heading
in the right direction as they move forward before reviewing specifically the system evaluation,
gap and distribution analysis, peer community comparison chart, community engagement recap,
questionnaire results, and the National Citizen Survey results pertaining to parks and recreation
items. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification on how this information helps the council
make a decision regarding the need for additional infrastructure at Lake Susan Park and/or
Bandimere Park and voiced confusion that now the study has suggested building or remodeling a
new recreation center. Todd Gerhardt explained how this study will serve as a working
document to help make future decisions. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to get data from the
Chaska Community Center on the number of Chanhassen residents using their facility. Rita
Trapp continued with review of the key findings regarding parks, facilities, open spaces,
programming, trails, and management/operations. She reviewed the guiding principles that will
be used with Task 3 in creating a vision framework in relation to connectivity, engagement,
adaptability, and stewardship. Next steps will be development of goals, policies and initiatives,
with a draft coming to the council in the summer. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked how the
survey was advertised and expressed concern that the general public wasn’t involved in the park
City Council Work Session – February 13, 2017
survey. Rita Trapp explained that the survey conducted by the National Citizen Survey is
statistically accurate.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: CARVER COUNTY WHEELAGE AND SALES TAX –
REVIEW AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO CARVER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AND STAFF REGARDING THE PROPOSED WHEELAGE AND SALES TAX
INCREASE.
Todd Gerhardt introduced Lyndon Robjent and Dave Hemze with Carver County who discussed
the possibility of using a wheelage and sales tax to help fund future road projects. Lyndon
Robjent discussed the potential of new local revenue with a half percent increase in sales tax on
items that are currently taxed and an increased wheelage tax. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to
look into proposed legislation regarding the wheelage tax being given to cities and counties.
Lyndon Robjent discussed regional highway projects which show very little funding in Carver
County. He reviewed changes that have been made in federal funding which have resulted in
less money being offered to Carver County and discussed the County’s investment goals. He
reviewed a map showing the 2017-2022 road and bridge plans which already have county
funding available and unfunded high priority projects. Lyndon Robjent reviewed revenue
projections for the next 24 years showing how the sales tax and wheelage tax can help with
funding those unfunded projects. Mayor Laufenburger asked members of the Carver County
staff and Carver County Board members what’s being done at the State level for possible
funding of projects such as upgrading Highway 101 and what are the chances of Chanhassen
receiving any of that revenue. Lyndon Robjent continued with discussion of the allocation
strategy for state and county highway projects using wheelage and sales tax. Mayor
Laufenburger asked how the funding of high priority projects will be prioritized. Councilwoman
Ryan asked why Chanhassen should support the tax when only 1 project out of 22 benefit
Chanhassen. Todd Gerhardt explained that the reconstruction of Galpin Boulevard would be the
nd
City’s 2 priority after Highway 101. Lyndon Robjent reviewed how to find information on
Carver County’s website. Dave Hemze reviewed the next steps to be taken by the Carver
County Board for public hearings with the earliest potential adoption in early May. Mayor
Laufenburger asked how the scoring rules have changed for TAC and TAB funding allocation
before asking for comments from council. Councilwoman Ryan reiterated the little amount a
sales tax would help Chanhassen. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification on what the
County is asking the council to do. Dave Hemze explained they are looking for council support
of their resolution moving forward to the County Board. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she
would like to see the City working together with the County to find a solution to this problem.
Gayle Degler explained that the County Board is looking to the City to be another layer to
educate residents about the transportation problem. Councilman Campion discussed the
disproportion between where the revenue from sales tax is coming from Chanhassen to where
it’s being spent and asked for a map associated with proposed projects. Dave Hemze stated his
appreciation for the council’s time and explained they will continue to work with City staff and
council.
2
City Council Work Session – February 13, 2017
(The Council took a short recess at this point in the meeting.)
2017 CARVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE POLICING PLAN.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information before introducing Lt. Eric Kittelson who
reviewed the Carver County Sheriff’s 2017 Policing Plan. He showed a picture of the
Chanhassen team and their assignments in Chanhassen, mission, goals, and review of the 2016
work plan. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification of dashboards. Lieutenant Kittelson
continued discussing the effectiveness of the school resource office and misdemeanor
investigator positions. He noted that they will continue to promote pedestrian and cycling safety,
review traffic crash and DUI statistics, officers will be focusing on engaging in neighborhoods in
2017 and reviewed the map showing how the city is broken up into 5 zones. Lieutenant
Kittelson explained the weights and scales enforcement plan which will go into effect on Friday
when road restrictions begin. The sheriff’s office will evaluate and redesign the law enforcement
portion of the City’s website as it gets redesigned. Councilwoman Ryan discussed her concern
with the opioid abuse epidemic that is going on nationwide and asked what Carver County
Sheriff’s department is doing to address that problem. Councilman McDonald discussed the
scam targeting senior citizens and asked Lieutenant Kittelson to reach out to retail establishments
to educate them regarding this scam.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: 2018 BUDGET OUTLOOK.
Greg Sticha presented early estimates for revenues and expenses that will affect the 2018 budget
and asked for council’s feedback between now and June when the budget process begins.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: CHANHASSEN 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY –
ESTABLISH A COMMITTEE FOR PLANNING A CELEBRATION OF
TH
CHANHASSEN’S 50 ANNIVERSARY OF INCORPORATION AS A CITY.
Todd Hoffman showed a rendering of the artwork that will be used to promote the city
celebration. Council members suggested staff talk to Vernelle Clayton, Jena Rawlins, Paula
Atkins, Conrad Friskiness, and the fire department. Todd Hoffman suggested a celebration may
th
happen as early as May 8. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to reach out to former mayors, City
Council members, and family members of Gene Coulter, the first Mayor.
CORRESPONDENCE: AVIENDA REVIEW TIMELINE.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the schedule for review of Avienda. Mayor Laufenburger asked about
feedback from the Avienda people.
th
Mayor Laufenburger announced that March 6 he will deliver the State of the City Address at
Life Time Fitness.
3
City Council Work Session – February 13, 2017
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
4