WS 2017 04 10
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 10, 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, Paul Oehme, and Todd Hoffman
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Steve Scharfenberg,
Brent Carron, Jim Boettcher, Rick Echternacht, Jennifer Hougham, Karl Tsuchiya, Grant
Schaeferle, Meredith Petouvis and Lauren Dale
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Laurie Susla 7008 Dakota Avenue
Cathie Zimmerman 6291 Near Mountain Boulevard
Joe Shneider 1035 Holly Lane
REVIEW SPECIALIZED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CARVER COUNTY FOR
WATERCRAFT INSPECTORS.
Todd Hoffman provided background information on work that’s been done since 2012 when the
City initiated the watercraft inspections program and reviewed the proposed 2017 inspection
schedule, expenditures, and agencies that contribute to the inspection funding. Mayor
Laufenburger asked for clarification on the amount contributed by the State and how funding is
affected if the total budget is not used. Councilwoman Ryan asked about guidelines from the
State on how the County uses the State funding. Todd Hoffman continued showing a breakdown
of inspection hours by lake, historical information on watercraft inspection expenditures before
recommending the City Council approve the specialized services agreement with Carver County
for watercraft inspectors. Councilwoman Ryan asked about State funding into the near future
and what is the City’s long-term vision. Jim Boettcher explained what is being discussed at the
State and County level regarding future funding. Mayor Laufenburger asked if the county is
considering centralized inspection, and what consideration is being given to the request by
Christmas Lake for a $5,000 contribution from the City of Chanhassen for watercraft inspection
services. Todd Hoffman explained how inspection services work with Christmas Lake, Lake
Riley and Lake Minnewashta. Councilwoman Ryan stated she would like to hear from whoever
is requesting the money from Christmas Lake. Mayor Laufenburger asked that Todd Hoffman
circulate the email from Joe Shneider to council members regarding that request.
City Council Work Session – April 10, 2017
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Brent Carron thanked the council for inviting the commission and expressed his excitement for
the new commissioners coming onto the Park and Recreation Commission. Steve Scharfenberg
reviewed projects that were completed in 2016 and noted collaborations with CAA, Dugout
Club, and Chanhassen Lions Club. Brent Carron discussed proposed projects for 2017, which
don’t include a lot of projects due to the amount of money spent in 2016, and explained that the
commission is waiting for the results from the park system plan and survey. He explained that
the survey results so far show requests for an updated or new recreation center, aquatic center
and permanent restrooms. Jim Boettcher discussed requests for additional pickleball courts and
that a recreation center include a pool, and walking tracks similar to what Chaska and Eden
Prairie have. Jim Echternacht also has heard about a recreation center with a pool, but also
concern for trails in the southern part of the city. Steve Scharfenberg explained that people are
very interested in preservation of Prince’s property around Lake Ann. Lauren Dale stated she’s
heard interest in a pool. Meredith Petouvis discussed nature play areas and unpaved nature trails.
Councilman McDonald stated that when the park system plan was initiated there was a request
for more ballfields, ballfield lighting and artificial turf and explained his surprise on how the
requests are being redirected. Steve Scharfenberg explained that a study shows the city currently
has sufficient ball fields. Mayor Laufenburger explained that the Park and Recreation
Commission need to make clear recommendations on what is needed for the city to move into
the future. Councilwoman Ryan discussed how the council should proceed with the information
received from the survey and public feedback to do more in-depth facility studies. Todd
Gerhardt explained the need to educate the public on how to pay for construction, operations and
long-term maintenance that go along with a recreation center, pool and other requested items.
Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed her disappointment with the results of the $70,000 study
being conducted by Hoisington-Koegler Group and the proposed recommendations that have
resulted from the public. Councilman Campion, Councilwoman Ryan and Mayor Laufenburger
stated their belief that the $70,000 is money well spent to get public feedback. Councilwoman
Ryan thanked Brent Carron for his time spent on the Park and Recreation Commission.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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