WS 2017 04 24
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
APRIL 24, 2017
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Laufenburger, Councilman McDonald,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilwoman Ryan
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dan Campion
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Sharmeen
Al-Jaff, and Jill Sinclair
SENIOR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Barbara Nevin, Dorina Tipton, Jackie
Engel, Cheryl Ayotte, and Barbara Chadwick
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Don Vasatka, Wayne
Benbow, Bill Chappell, Charlotte Chappell, and Keith Butcher
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Aller, John Tietz, Nancy
Madsen, and Mark Randall
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Gary & Maryanne Halama 670 Creekwood Drive
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SENIOR COMMISSION.
Council members and commission members introduced themselves before Barbara Nevin started
with review of the Senior Commission’s 2017 goals, one of which is addressing the issue of
senior isolation, and noting how much they enjoyed being involved with the multi-commission
tour of the city. Cheryl Ayotte discussed getting more seniors involved with the STRIVE
program. Jackie Engle discussed the issue of transportation, specifically with Southwest
Transit Prime and WeCAB. Cheryl Ayotte discussed her experiences with having moved her
mother into their home and associated issues. Dorina Tipton discussed the ACT on Alzheimers
program. Barbara Chadwick discussed the commission’s goal of attracting younger senior
citizens.
JOINT MEETING WITH ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION.
Council and Commission members introduced themselves before Charlotte Chappell reviewed
highlights from the Sustainability Report, and the 2017 Work Plan. Don Vasatka presented a
City Council Work Session – April 24, 2017
power point presentation reviewing the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked for clarification on why the City should be involved with the GreenStep Cities.
Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to provide additional information on how much staff time and
money it will cost the City to join the GreenStep Cities program.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Council and commission members introduced themselves before Andrew Aller thanked the City
Council for reappointing current members that have knowledge moving forward with the
Comprehensive Plan and large projects coming forward this year, specifically noting the
Avienda development, United Properties and the joint tour with the other commissions. Mayor
Laufenburger asked if commission members are hearing any input from residents that certain
things are not being addressed by the City staff and/or commissions. Kate Aanenson discussed
highlights from the Annual Report before thanking planning commissioners for all the hard work
they do in helping make staff’s job easier. Todd Gerhardt notified commissioners that a
downtown study will be coming their way and reminded them that the AUAR review is not only
for Avienda but the whole southern part of the city.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 6:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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