CC WS 2018 06 25
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 25, 2018
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Laufenburger, Councilwoman Tjornhom,
Councilman McDonald, and Councilman Campion
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilwoman Ryan
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Todd
Hoffman, Jill Sinclair, and Greg Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Don Vasatka 9120 Degler Circle
Greg Hawks 1806 Colonial Lane #1
Jim Boettcher 7476 Crocus Court
Cole Kelly 1556 Bluebill Trail
Meredith Petouvis 7041 Mill Creek Lane
Rick Echternacht 8746 Flamingo Drive
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on why this program was established. Jill
Sinclair presented information on the research that has been done by staff and environmental
commissioners to assist in determining if the City should move forward with participation in the
GreenStep Cities program. Mayor Laufenburger and Councilman McDonald asked for
clarification on the comments made by staff that there is no costs associated with this program.
Todd Gerhardt highlighted projects that the City has already done that would qualify for credits.
Keith Butcher continued highlighting success stories of cities who are currently using this
program and reasons and steps needed to participate in the program. Mayor Laufenburger asked
for feedback from Councilman Campion, who brought this item to the council after attending a
League of Minnesota Cities conference. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the funding
source for the GreenStep program, who will administer this program in the city, clarification on
the benefits of the terms visibility, consistency, and transparency. Councilman McDonald
expressed concern with hidden costs associated with getting into this program. Mayor
Laufenburger reiterated that the City will not do anything different than it currently does other
than being recognized and asked for clarification on 1) how much time staff will spend on
administering this program, and 2) if is it worthwhile to join. He stated the next step is for
council members to spend more time thinking about this program and asked staff to provide the
list of 175 actions, what 41 items have been achieved, and projects that will be done in the
City Council Work Session June 25, 2018
future. Councilman Campion stated he did not understand the push back from council members
on this program.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: PARKS REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on how this item became a key financial
strategy. Adam Beer reviewed the proposed park replacement schedule of projects for 2019
through 2023. Mayor Laufenburger asked what changes will be used in future replacements and
liability for the city having unsafe equipment. Greg Sticha explained potential funding options
that can used to fund these projects. Mayor Laufenburger asked for clarification on how the levy
will be established and the use of surplus funds. Council members agreed that they are not in
favor of doing anything until after the public hearing is held on the use of franchise fees to fund
roads. Todd Gerhardt stated that this item will move forward with the budget process.
2019 INITIAL BUDGET DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha reviewed initial estimates for 2019 budget items, new growth percentages, and asked
for feedback from council members moving forward. Mayor Laufenburger asked if there were
any concerns about reducing services or increasing services. Councilman Campion asked if
large projects such as Avienda, Aldi/Venue, and Panera have been considered in the proposed
budget numbers. Greg Sticha asked council members to email staff with any comments or
questions.
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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