WS 2017 07 24
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JULY 24, 2017
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom,
Councilman McDonald, Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Todd
Hoffman, Greg Sticha, and Roger Knutson
PUBLIC PRESENT
Bill Coffman 1000 Boone Avenue No., #400, Golden Valley
Cathie Zimmerman 6291 Near Mountain Boulevard
ND
REVIEW 2 QUARTER REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACTIVITY AND
INVESTMENT UPDATE.
Greg Sticha reviewed mid year revenues and expenditures. Reed Christenson with Wells Fargo
reviewed a summary of the investment portfolio. Greg Sticha explained how the City chooses
it’s investments. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on who decides on investments and
when council will see this item again. Greg Sticha stated it will come back at the end of each
quarter.
DISCUSS AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 14 OF THE CITY CODE CONCERNING
PUBLIC SWIMMING BEACHES.
Todd Hoffman discussed issues that the Park department has experienced at the City’s public
beaches, explaining that the beach laws are non-enforceable. Mayor Laufenburger asked why
the City has rules that cannot be enforced. Todd Hoffman discussed issues with people fishing
within the Lake Ann Beach swimming area saying the Carver County Sheriff’s office suggested
creating a public swimming beach ordinance that can be enforced. Mayor Laufenburger asked
for the difference between ordinance and rules. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification
on the prohibition of air mattresses and inner tubes. Mayor Laufenburger asked about liability
for the City if someone uses an illegal device in the ordinance. Roger Knutson stated the City
would not be liable because the City has discretionary immunity. Todd Hoffman continued with
discussion of the 8 new proposed items to be included within an ordinance. Mayor Laufenburger
asked for clarification of each item and discussed how these items can be enforced.
Councilwoman Tjornhom stated her belief that she does not feel comfortable with trying to
micromanage bad behavior of a few individuals. Councilwoman Ryan stated her belief that the
items are subjective and not easily enforced and would like to see no use of tobacco in city parks.
City Council Work Session – July 24, 2017
Councilman McDonald asked about just saying no fishing in a designated swimming area.
Councilman Campion agreed to just address the no fishing in designated swimming areas but did
not want to address the rest of the items. Mayor Laufenburger stated it was the consensus of
City Council to address the no fishing in a swimming beach area as a city ordinance but not the
other items.
FOXWOOD TRAIL CONNECTOR: APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT.
Todd Hoffman introduced Bill Coffman with Gonyea Homes, the developer of Foxwood, before
reviewing the recommendation from the Park and Recreation Commission for a budget
amendment for the proposed trail connections and discussing the comprehensive trail plan in this
area. Mayor Laufenburger asked about the council’s options besides approving the bid. Todd
Hoffman stated staff was looking for council to change the CIP. Councilman Campion suggested
options of installing a pedestrian crossing at Highway 101 or using a different trail route.
Councilwoman Ryan explained her concern with depleting the park fund. Mayor Laufenburger
asked how the $400,000 was established and what has changed to bring the amount of $805,000.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the timeline for approval. Councilwoman Ryan asked
why a feasibility study was not performed for this project.
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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