CC WS 2019 02 25CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 25, 2019
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Campion, and Councilwoman Coleman. Councilman McDonald arrived during the fire
department presentation.
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Andrew Brotzler, Todd Hoffman, Greg
Sticha, Chief Don Johnson, and Lt. Eric Kittelson
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Steve Smith Fire Department
Don Amorosi Wayzata
Kara Amorosi Chanhassen
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: CONSIDER INCREASE TO STAFFED FIRE
DEPARTMENT HOURS (DUTY CREW PROGRAM).
Chief Don Johnson introduced Captain Troon Dowds prior to reviewing highlights of a power
point presentation regarding 2002-2014 duty crew calls for service and response times, 2018-
2019 calls for service using duty crew and non-duty crews, and reviewed a graphic showing
trends in total calls for service from 2004 through 2018. Mayor Ryan asked what caused the
large increase in calls in 2018. Chief Don Johnson continued with review of impacts on call
loads for staffing non-duty crew hours, duty crew versus general alarm calls response times,
positive impacts on duty crew expansion, and recommendations and expansion costs for
additional duty crew shifts in 2019 and 2020. He reviewed estimated capital costs associated
with increasing the duty crews shifts. Mayor Ryan asked for clarification on the legal rules
associated with the capital costs. Councilwoman Coleman asked how this request would affect
good standing service requirements. Councilman McDonald asked about the status of capital
costs for Station 2 and the possible addition of a third station. Mayor Ryan asked for
clarification on the schedule for implementing additional duty crews, does this request change
the number of firefighters needed in the future, comparisons to surrounding communities and the
schedule for next steps. Councilmembers were in agreement to expand recommended duty crew
shifts for 2019.
CHANHASSEN/CARVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE YEAR END REPORT.
Lt. Eric Kittelson discussed his future endeavors in investigations for Carver County before
reviewing the 5 year data for 2014-2018 highlighting crime numbers, medical/mental health
City Council Work Session – February 25, 2019
2
numbers and training requirements for mental health response. Mayor R yan asked for
clarification on how mental health calls are determined. Todd Gerhardt asked how Chanhassen
numbers compare to state numbers. Lt. Eric Kittelson continued with data showing
burglary/robberies. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the difference between a burglary and
robbery. Lt. Eric Kittelson continued with theft/vehicle theft numbers, assault/sex crimes,
DUI/drug violations, arrests/citations, misdemeanor investigator FTE closed/cleared, total
activity/calls for service, 2018 KFS police operating budget comparisons, and changes from
using the summary based reporting (SRS) to incident based reporting (NIBRS). Elliott Knetsch
with the City Attorney’s office introduced himself as the lead prosecutor for Chanhassen. Todd
Gerhardt explained how the City changed from using Carver County Prosecutors to Campbell
Knutson and cost comparisons. Mayor Ryan asked about the mental health initiatives being
pursued by the Carver County sheriff’s office.
INITIAL REVIEW OF 2020 BUDGET ESTIMATE.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed issues associated with starting the 2020 budget estimates. Greg Sticha
discussed issues identified by staff regarding their analysis of estimated changes for the 2020
general fund budget which results in a deficit of approximately $421,700 and options available to
council as either cutting services or looking for additional revenue streams. He explained his
belief that it is not a good idea to use reserves as a funding source and that 2020 will be one of
the more difficult budget years. Mayor Ryan asked if Todd Gerhardt has provided this
information to department heads on how to address these deficit numbers. Todd Gerhardt
explained that staff will look at the debt service funds. Councilwoman Coleman asked about
other options other than reducing personnel which will reduce service. Councilman Campion
asked about reducing consulting fees as a possible area of cost savings.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
The City Council held interviews for vacant commission positions.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim