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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 14, 2019
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
McDonald, Councilman Campion, and Councilwoman Coleman
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, and Todd Hoffman
PUBLIC PRESENT: None
SOUTHWEST METRO DRUG TASK FORCE OPERATIONS UPDATE.
Lt. Eric Kittelson and Deputy Amanda Grundeman described how the Southwest Metro Drug
Task Force operates. Lieutenant Kittelson reviewed the mission statement, showed a video on
working together with other agencies to address drug issues, joint powers agreement, and goals.
Deputy Grundeman discussed how pooling of money, quality of life crimes, theft, and burglary
are tied to drug trafficking. She explained that Carver County is considered an opioid county
and how the County deals with drug overdoses. Lieutenant Kittelson reviewed 2016 and 2017
statistics for different drug use and jurisdictions. Councilman Campion asked how legalization
of marijuana has affected drug use. Lt. Eric Kittelson discussed a case associated with a 20 year
male who overdosed of heroin and associated prosecution, and how communities contribute
funding to support the drug task force. Councilman Campion asked for clarification on why
Minneapolis is being targeted as a hub for drug trafficking. Councilwoman Coleman asked
about effects of fentanyl on law enforcement and first responders.
REVIEW KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES LIST FOR PRIORITIZATION.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the list accumulated by staff from the 2019 goal setting work session
and outlined the schedule for review and ranking. In discussing consideration of implementing a
lodging tax Councilman Campion asked where and how this item originated. Todd Gerhardt
continued with the goals outlined by staff including reconsideration of the pedestrian crossing
over or under Highway 5, performing a pavement management deep dive study, and mental
health awareness program. Mayor Ryan asked if Councilwoman Coleman and Councilman
Campion were okay with combining the two mental health awareness program items. Todd
Gerhardt continued with discussing goals including creating a commission reviewing city code,
and review of the commission appointment process. Staff explained how the commission
appointment process currently works. Todd Gerhardt continued with review to consider
establishing a EDA commission, storm and retention ponds, consultant contract review,
reconsider Tobacco 21 program, study and consider inflow and infiltration initiatives, review
practices for addressing citizen requests for traffic safety concerns, short term rental ordinance,
City Council Work Session – January 14, 2019
full classification and compensation study, study on increasing duty crew hours at the fire
department, address trail gaps and trail crossing safety concerns, and conduct a thorough review
of all utility fund fees before reviewing the ranking process.
DISCUSS APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MAYOR, APPOINTMENTS TO FIRE
RELIEF ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND OPTIONAL APPOINTMENT
TO SOUTHWEST TRANSIT COMMISSION.
Mayor Ryan stated she had asked Councilman Campion to act as Acting Mayor. Councilwoman
Coleman stated she would be honored to be on the Fire Relief Association Board of Trustees.
Councilman McDonald stated he would like to continue on the Southwest Transit Commission.
Denny Laufenburger is currently also on that commission. Council discussed whether to have a
public at large or council member appointed to this commission. Councilwoman Tjornhom
stated she would be interested in appointment to the Southwest Transit Commission.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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