CC WS 2019 05 13CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 13, 2019
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
McDonald, Councilman Campion, and Councilwoman Coleman
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, Jason Wedel, Greg
Sticha, and Todd Hoffman
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: ADDRESS TRAIL GAPS AND TRAIL CROSSING
SAFETY ISSUES.
Todd Hoffman provided background information on how the Comprehensive Trail Plan was
initiated in the 1970’s and currently where trail gaps and trail crossing safety issues are located.
Mayor Ryan asked for clarification of trail gaps identified in the Park Master Plan. Todd
Hoffman noted trail gap projects are categorized by short term, long term and combined with
future street projects before reviewing individual trail projects. Jason Wedel discussed trail
crossing safety concern locations and challenges addressing those concerns. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked about the use of flashing lights at pedestrian crossings, criteria used to
determine when flashing lights are used and funding sources. Todd Gerhardt discussed safety
measures used in the Lake Drive East/Dakota Avenue intersection improvement project. Todd
Hoffman continue with discussion of trail crossing safety concern locations, safety initiatives and
partnership opportunities. Mayor Ryan asked for clarification of the downtown vision study
related to pedestrian safety in the downtown area and discussed different colored crosswalks
used by other cities.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: ESTABLISH AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMISSION.
Todd Gerhardt provided background information on this item, how this commission would
operate and outlined the possible work plan and rules to be used by the Economic Development
Commission which would have 7 members made up of residents, business owners, and council
member. Mayor Ryan explained that this commission would be a recommending body to the
City Council and a liaison to downtown businesses. Todd Gerhardt explained that Greg Sticha
would be the staff contact with assistance from Kate Aanenson, the Community Development
Director. Mayor Ryan reviewed the process of setting up this commission and possible
timeline. Councilwoman Coleman asked for clarification if business owners would have to be
Chanhassen residents. Todd Gerhardt explained that would be decided by the council.
Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed her disappointment with the ranking process for making this
item a priority which she does not support and her concern with the initiation of this commission.
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She asked that creating the commission be given more time to review each item line by line,
sentence by sentence to be read and thoroughly understood by council. After discussion it was
decided to change the order of the agenda to discuss item 3 and then return to this item for
further clarification and discussion.
REVIEW PROPOSALS FOR THE SALE OF LAND LOCATED AT 195 WEST 79TH
STREET.
Kate Aanenson provided background information on interest in this piece of property which
prompted the City putting out Request for Proposals, noting two proposals were submitted by the
deadline of May 6, 2019. Todd Gerhardt reviewed what was included in the City’s Request for
Proposal application. Matt and Laura Rosati with Frontier Brewing Company reviewed their
vision, how the name of Frontier Brewing Company and logo was established, discussion of their
background, explained that Tammy Magney is the architect working on the design, site plan
layout, possible activities and events, private room for meetings and parties, and their desire to
make this operation family friendly. Matt Rosati continued discussing financial models, and
their research of other breweries. Councilwoman Coleman asked about names using
Chanhassen. Mayor Ryan asked where Frontier Brewing Company is in the financial process.
Councilman Campion asked about the timeline for opening the brewery. Jillian Link with Big
Bear Brewco discussed their vision for this property being a brewery and winery with an
emphasis on being family and dog friendly, the history of beer making, and the history of how
they came up with their business plan. Nate Bergeland discussed their vision, information
included in their RFP, how they chose this piece of property, site plan design, introduced Mark
Laufenburger with Bell Bank, and architect Brian Grafton, possible educational opportunities,
background on grapes being used to make wine, people involved with their team and proposed
floorplan. Mayor Ryan asked about financing and timeline for opening. Councilman McDonald
asked if the City will do a traffic study with development of this site. Councilman Campion
asked for clarification of the “I Pour It” system. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will be in contact
with the applicants once council has made a decision.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 7:00 p.m. It was reconvened at 7:55 p.m.
CONTINUATION OF KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: ESTABLISH AN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION.
Councilman McDonald explained why he does not see a reason for establishing an Economic
Development Commission and does not see the need to go line by line since it will decided with
a 3-2 vote. Mayor Ryan explained the work done by staff and the purpose for establishing an
economic development advisory commission, explained that the Planning Commission has
become a reactionary commission and the need for a commission to create an economic plan for
growth and development of the city. Councilman McDonald reiterated that he does not see the
need for establishing this commission. Mayor Ryan asked if Councilwoman Tjornhom still
wanted to review this document line by line and encouraged all council members to participate in
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the process no matter the outcome of the vote. She suggested bringing the item back at a future
meeting giving council members a chance to talk with city staff. Councilwoman Coleman stated
she was in favor of the document with clarification of business owners and setting terms.
Councilman Campion stated he was supportive of the document as presented to address concerns
raised in the Downtown Vision Plan with the change that business owners should have been in
Chanhassen for at least 2 years. Mayor Ryan explained how the council will proceed with
establishing the role of the Economic Development Advisory Commission. She encouraged
council members to share comments or questions with Todd Gerhardt.
CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF PROPOSALS FOR THE SALE OF LAND
LOCATED AT 195 WEST 79TH STREET.
Mayor Ryan asked if staff was looking for council feedback on this item. Todd Gerhardt
explained staff would prefer a decision at this time so the applicants could begin the site plan
review process and would continue working with the other applicant to see if another site could
fit their needs. After discussion it was the consensus of council members to support Frontier
Brewing Company because of it’s family friendly feel and local residents wanting to retain the
small town focus on Chanhassen. Councilman McDonald and Mayor Ryan expressed concern
with the financial situation associated with Frontier Brewery Company. Todd Gerhardt
discussed the selling price of $460,000 for the property and funding options. Mayor Ryan asked
if staff could express the council’s concern with the financial situation associated with Frontier.
Todd Gerhardt explained that regardless of which applicant is chosen the need to have control of
owning the property. After further discussion council directed staff to contact Matt and Laura
Rosati with Frontier Brewing Company with the possibility of using a Contract for Deed to
purchase the property. Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed concern over setting a precedent of
picking one applicant over the other.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 8:25 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim