CC WS 2018 05 29
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 29, 2018
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, and Todd
Hoffman
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Mike and Candi McGonagill 2451 Hunter Drive
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on different incentives that have been used in
the past to provide economical development in the city and reviewed a graph showing economic
benchmarks and how Chanhassen ranks with key financial strategy and surrounding
communities. He showed comparison between tax rates and total taxable market value.
Councilman Campion asked for clarification on how the tax capacity rate relates to total taxable
market value and how economic development affects redevelopment of downtown. Mayor
Laufenburger discussed possible incentives to developers to bring up taxes on developed land
versus vacant land. Todd Gerhardt stated he would lean towards using tax abatements or grants
as incentive. Mayor Laufenburger asked if there is state legislation affecting abatements.
Councilman McDonald asked how abatements differs from tax increment financing districts.
Mayor Laufenburger asked if staff would use abatements in the future as an incentive and if the
council wants to change incentives or continue with current practices. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked if requests can be reviewed on a case by case basis versus creating a policy of treating
every business the same. Todd Gerhardt expressed favoring an overall policy in treating all
businesses the same. Councilwoman Ryan asked for clarification on how tax incentives would
be used after a policy is made. Mayor Laufenburger
deciding how long and what type of incentives should be used. He stressed that it makes sense
to decide on a consistent policy moving forward. Councilwoman Ryan stated she would like to
see more clearly how the policy would look and would favor that projects be looked at on a case
by case basis. After questions and concerns it was decided that more information was needed
before a decision is made. Mayor Laufenburger asked staff to look at policies being used by
other communities.
City Council Work Session May 29, 2018
GALPIN BOULEVARD STUDY UPDATE.
Jon Horn with Kimley-Horn and Associates and Darin Mielke with Carver County were present
to review highlights of the Galpin Boulevard reconstruction planning, background information,
study area, and results of traffic study with proposed construction beginning in 2022. Jon Horn
reviewed comments received at the open house held on March 22, 2018 and how those issues
will be addressed regarding the use of roundabouts, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, storm
drainage improvements, improvements needed north of Lake Lucy Road, and the schedule
moving forward. Mayor Laufenburger asked that council members receive a copy of the
proposed cost estimates being presented to the Carver County Board. Councilmembers asked
Mayor Laufenburger asked how the
$10.3 million dollar estimate compares to previous cost estimates and clarification of the
C
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 7:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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