CC WS 2019 05 28CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 28, 2019
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
McDonald, and Councilwoman Coleman
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Campion
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Chelsea Petersen, Kate Aanenson, Jason Wedel, Greg
Sticha, and Todd Hoffman
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Mary Freeburg Osborn 1111 Francesca Court, Chaska
Paula & Jack Atkins 220 West 78th Street
Sally Atkins 222 Chan View
Nancy Simpson 3980 Country Oaks Drive
DISCUSS PROPOSAL FOR RENTAL OF OLD VILLAGE HALL TO CHANHASSEN
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Chelsea Petersen and Todd Gerhardt provided background information on tenants that have
occupied the Old Village Hall, and maintenance done to the building and site.
Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of rental numbers. Jack Atkins presented
background information on how the Historical Society was started through St. Hubert’s Church
and highlights of what’s being proposed by the Chanhassen Historical Society to lease the Old
Village Hall rent free for 3 to 5 years. Paula Atkins reviewed her visits to other Carver County
historical societies. Hours of operation are planned for Saturdays 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. with the
use of the city’s parking spaces located at Goddard School. Jack Atkins discussed the Prince
Challenge with the winning quilt going on tour. Mayor Ryan asked what would be needed from
the City to bring the building up to code for public use. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if the
City has received interest from any other entities. Staff explained that they are currently working
through the bankruptcy process and have not marketed the property. Councilman McDonald
asked about potential future maintenance issues before asking if the historical society could
cover electrical costs from their revenue stream. Jack Atkins explained that the Society lost $200
last year. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the funding source to maintain the building.
Councilwoman Coleman and Mayor Ryan concurred with wanting to see a 3 to 5 year plan for
building a revenue stream but discussed obstacles involved with that. Mayor Ryan explained
that this item could be a part of the big picture with the 2020 budget process.
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KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: DISCUSS ESTABLISHING AN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION.
Todd Gerhardt explained that after discussions with Councilman McDonald and Councilwoman
Tjornhom they felt the commission should be comprised of 5 members. Greg Sticha explained
highlights of the ordinance establishing a Economic Development Commission. Mayor Ryan
asked Councilwoman Tjornhom and Councilman McDonald for their desired make up between
residential and commercial members. Councilwoman Tjornhom suggested 2 business members,
2 residents and 1 council member and suggested making the background requirements more
general. Mayor Ryan asked about the role of a council member in this commission (voting or
non-voting member) leaning towards keeping the commission as 5 members with the council
member being a non-voting member. Councilwoman Coleman suggested 3 business members, 2
residents and 1 council member liaison. Todd Gerhardt explained it is up to the council to
determine the make up of the commission. After discussion it was determined the make up will
be decided after applications are received. Greg Sticha asked about term limits. After discussion
it was decided to have a combination of 2 and 3 year terms. Councilman McDonald pulled out
specific items in the ordinance that he had concerns with.
1. Section C-Officers and By-laws. City Council needs to set those terms.
2. Section C regarding the same rules regarding conflict of interest used by City Council.
3. Section D-1. This section is redundant to what is already done by staff and he feels it will be
too time consuming.
Mayor Ryan explained that D-1 is at the heart of this commission to use with the Downtown
Vision Study.
4. D-2. Long term strategies for economic development is in direct conflict with what staff
currently does.
5. Section E. Residential and commercial development reports. Redundant with work currently
done by staff.
Councilman McDonald explained that his overall feeling is that this commission is in direct
conflict with what city staff currently does and if council feels staff isn’t doing their job it should
be brought to the council’s attention to change. He noted he will provide staff with a copy of his
notes to be included in the record. Todd Gerhardt explained the next steps for bringing the
ordinance back to City Council at their June meeting.
DISCUSS APPLEBEE’S SITE REDVELOPMENT.
Todd Gerhardt introduced Jay Scott with Solomon Real Estate Group who discussed possible
users and associated parking issues involved with a restaurant. Todd Gerhardt discussed details
of a grant applicant with the CDA for construction of a parking ramp associated with a proposed
restaurant. Kate Aanenson discussed details of a possible site for a parking ramp and the work
that has been done with the County’s CDA. Jay Scott explained the needs of a restaurant
operating as Whiskey Inferno which is a new model operating in other communities. He
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explained he is looking for feedback from the council on how to proceed with the parking
situation. Todd Gerhardt explained how the City would handle funding for a parking ramp and
redevelopment of the Applebee’s building. Councilman McDonald discussed congestion issues
with the intersection at Market Boulevard and West 79th Street and would not favor this parking
ramp plan. Councilwoman Tjornhom also had concerns with a pedestrian crossing other than
constructing a bridge and asked what happens with the parking ramp if the restaurant goes out of
business. Councilwoman Coleman also expressed concern with the pedestrian crossing situation
and would like to see more engineering details. Mayor Ryan would like to see a pedestrian
crosswalk design, would like to see employees use a majority of the parking ramp, explained
that parking has always been an issue with this site and would like to see a parking ramp move
forward with redevelopment of the Applebee’s site. Jason Wedel suggested the possibility of
moving the ramp further east and crossing at the southern edge of West 79th Street. Jay Scott
explained that they will continue working to address parking and pedestrian crossing safety
issues.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim