CC WS 2018 07 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JULY 9, 2018
Mayor Laufenburger called the work session to order at 5:05 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Laufenburger, Councilman McDonald, and
Councilwoman Ryan, and Councilman Campion
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilwoman Tjornhom
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Greg
Sticha, Danielle Washburn, and Roger Knutson
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Dan McCormick Carver County Public Works
Jacob Bongard Bolton & Menk Inc.
David Mol Redpath CPA
REVIEW OF 2017 AUDIT.
Greg Sticha introduced Dave Mol with Redpath and Company who presented highlights from the
2017 audit regarding the Opinion of Financial Reporting, Internal Controls, Excellence in
Financial Reporting and Minnesota Legal Compliance. Mayor Laufenburger asked for
clarification on the term Conflict of Interest. Dave Mol continued with reports on
communication to those charged with governance, changes in the audit process in the future
using inputs rather than outputs, summary of financial activity, general fund budget items,
property taxes by jurisdiction, and in summary that there were clean opinions on all items.
Mayor Laufenburger thanked Greg Sticha, Danielle Washburn and Dave Mol for their work done
on the 2017 Audit.
POWERS BOULEVARD PEDESTRIAN CROSSING STUDY.
Paul Oehme introduced Jake Bongard with Bolton & Menk who discussed the findings from the
study that was done for the intersection of Powers Boulevard and Lake Lucy Road. He reviewed
existing conditions, and proposed pedestrian crossing improvements. Councilwoman Ryan and
Councilman McDonald stated concerns with the proposed removal of the southbound right turn
lane at the Lake Lucy Road intersection. Dan McCormick with Carver County Public Works
explained the issues associated with widening the pavement width in that location and stated that
the County is looking for feedback from council members on how to proceed. Councilman
McDonald suggested using the enhanced pedestrian crossing lights similar to the one on
Highway 101 and Pleasant View Road. Councilwoman Ryan suggested removing the medians.
Paul Oehme reviewed cost estimates for the proposed improvements. Jake Bongard discussed
City Council Work Session – July 9, 2018
the existing conditions, proposed improvements and associated costs for the Powers Boulevard
and Park Road intersection.
LONG TERM ROAD FUNDING NEEDS FOR MSA, LOCAL ROAD AND COUNTY
PARTNERSHIPS.
Todd Gerhardt explained that the City is wanting to look at long term goals on how to fund
upcoming road projects. Paul Oehme reviewed highlights of the study outlining city collector
roads, local street projects, associated costs and possible funding sources before discussing the
county road project for Lyman Boulevard and associated costs. Todd Gerhardt explained his
belief that the Lyman Boulevard project is over engineered and needs to be reduced to decrease
costs. Councilman McDonald expressed concerns with installing roundabouts. Mayor
Laufenburger asked the City Attorney on the terms of the Municipal Consent Agreement with
Carver County. In discussing the Galpin Boulevard improvement project Paul Oehme discussed
conversations with Lyndon Ronjent from Carver County regarding cost share estimates and
possible funding sources. Council members stated their belief that Galpin Boulevard is a higher
priority than the Lyman Boulevard project. Greg Sticha discussed funding options to fund the
proposed road projects using MSA dollars, franchise fees, property taxes, and/or assessments.
Mayor Laufenburger clarified the assumptions used by staff to calculate the numbers presented
and asked for feedback on possible changes to those assumptions. Councilwoman Ryan
expressed her concern about the franchise fees being used for roads other than local roads
because the first presentation on the need for franchise fees was for local road funding. Mayor
Laufenburger explained that the key factors to think about include the decision for the need to
raise money for local roads, improvements to Galpin Boulevard and Lyman Boulevard and the
schedule of upcoming meetings. Todd Gerhardt explained that staff is recommending the use of
franchise fees and continuation of the current assessment policy. Council members expressed
support of Todd Gerhardt sending a letter to Carver County that the City of Chanhassen does not
agree with their proposed improvements to Lyman Boulevard.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPDMENT-CONSIDER
ECONOMIC DE ELOPMENT PRACTICES POLICY.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on how this item was put on the council’s key
financial strategy. Councilwoman Ryan stated she liked the format used by Shakopee. Mayor
Laufenburger asked Roger Knutson about state statute regulations on TIF before suggesting
wording to continue with the existing practice. Councilwoman Ryan and Councilman Campion
favored having a document similar to Shakopee but would agree with Mayor Laufenburger’s
suggestion of continuing with the current city practice. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will draft a
one page document outlining the city’s practice on this matter.
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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