WS 2017 06 26
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 26, 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, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, Greg Sticha, and MacKenzie Walters
2018 BUDGET EXPECTATIONS.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information for the 2018-2019 budget expectations. Greg
Sticha discussed the new growth number of 1.10 percent provided by Carver County. Todd
Gerhardt explained the pie chart showing the value distribution between residential,
commercial/industrial, apartments and others. Mayor Laufenburger asked about the tax burden
on residential properties. Greg Sticha continued discussing percentages for new growth and
market value increases, projections for law enforcement, wage increases, wage changes for
various positions, and health insurance. Councilwoman Ryan asked for clarification on the
increase associated with legal costs. Greg Sticha continued discussion of the trail map printing
costs, and insurance before presenting 3 possible scenarios showing tax impacts for average
valued homes. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on the reallocation of wages. Greg
Sticha reviewed the budget calendar and asked for direction to department heads prior to the
August work session. Councilwoman Ryan expressed concern with the costs associated with
printing the park and trail maps and how much is spent on consultants. Todd Gerhardt stated
staff should do a better job of explaining fees for service for each department during the budget
process. Mayor Laufenburger asked for a 5 year history of what’s been spent on consultants and
associated results. Todd Gerhardt explained that because of the number of projects coming
through the city there will need to be 2 meetings per month throughout the summer.
Councilman McDonald asked for a 5 year picture on the number of employees in each
department.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY-PERMEABLE PAVERS:
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on the changes that have occurred for the use
of permeable pavers. Paul Oehme discussed the results of the research done by engineering and
MacKenzie Walters from planning on the allowance of permeable pavers in the equation for hard
cover. Currently the City of Chanhassen considers permeable pavers as hard cover. He
discussed new advances in materials and installation techniques and staff’s concern with
inspecting these pavers after installation. MacKenzie Walters discussed his findings from review
of other communities’ policies for residential use. Generally cities with abundant aquatic
City Council Work Session – June 26, 2017
resources tend to be more restrictive. Smaller cities tend to be less restrictive. Issues to
consider are lot coverage and impervious surface, regulating through conditional use permits,
being careful to consider unintended consequences, and definitions. Mayor Laufenburger asked
how other cities consider Sport Courts. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked how pools are
categorized. MacKenzie Walters stated they were exempt. Paul Oehme discussed the following
options for council to consider:
1. Continue to define pervious pavers as impervious surface with engineering and literature
to support that policy.
2. Allow the conditional use permit of pervious pavers with engineering and literature to
detail the conditions of use.
3. Allow the use unconditionally
MacKenzie Walters explained how the conditional use permit process would be more like a
building application and associated inspections. Councilman Campion asked about percentages
of impervious surface for residential properties. Councilman McDonald asked about costs
associated with having these paver systems engineered and the use of certified PICP contractors.
After discussion by council members it was the consensus to modify current regulations but
ensure that there is not a impact on staff time. Kate Aanenson explained that staff is
recommending changes because now people have to go through the variance process and the
burden that creates. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on the technology changes.
Paul Oehme explained that staff direction from council, as he heard it is to prepare an ordinance
taking into account items discussed.
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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