CC WS 2019 06 24CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 24, 2019
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
McDonald, and Councilwoman Coleman. Councilman Campion arrived during the Applebee’s
presentation.
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Jason Wedel, Greg Sticha, Todd Hoffman,
Roger Knutson, and Lt. Lance Pearson
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Ryan Klingelhutz 6801 Utica Circle
Taylor Meuwissen 865 Pleasant View Road
Carrie Barclay 6545 Gray Fox Curve
Donna Burt 6645 Horseshoe Curve
Jeff Gustafson 7405 Chippewa Trail
Dan Malone 5830 Strawberry Lane
Jack Goggins 7636 South Shore Drive
Dan Goggins 1760 158th Avenue NW., Andover
Curt Goggins Anchorage, Alaska
Charlie Montang 631 Ramsey Circle
Mason Kubies 3189 Mulligan Lane
Erik Forsbery Excelsior/Rogers/Bay Port
Jill Sims Minneapolis
Greg Fletcher 7616 South Shore Drive
Darren Envall Minneapolis
Greg Blasko Orono
Adam & Kari Fletcher 6551 Fox Path
Andy Larson 3705 South Cedar Drive
APPLEBEE’S SITE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE.
Kate Aanenson introduced Andy McCarville and Dan Parks with Westwood Engineering who
prepared the plans for additional parking across West 79th Street associated with a restaurant
being located on the Applebee’s site. Jason Wedel reviewed changes made to construct a one
way parking lot and additional pedestrian crossing. Dan Parks discussed changes made since the
last time they were in front of the council in February where they heard the council would prefer
to see a restaurant user and the additional parking needed. Councilman McDonald still had
concerns with the pedestrian crossing on the west end of the building and asked for clarification
City Council Work Session – June 24, 2019
2
of sight lines for traffic coming from Highway 5. Jason Wedel discussed the possibility of
adding a turn lane into the parking lot. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about lighting and
flashing lights for the pedestrian crossing. Councilman Campion and Councilwoman Coleman
voiced support for the project moving forward. Mayor Ryan asked for additional information
on lighting and the pedestrian crossing when the project comes back before the City Council.
DISCUSS WATER SURFACE USE AND HIGH WATER OCURFENCES ON LOTUS
LAKE.
Mayor Ryan explained how the work session works and asked that people in attendance be
respectful of the information shared. She discussed that two individuals, JoAnn Syverson and
Laurie Susla will be given time to give their presentations. JoAnn Syverson, Frontier Avenue
reviewed highlight from her previous visitor presentation. She explained that she was asking for
regulations for wake surfing to address safety concerns and erosion to shoreline around Lotus
Lake. She explained she has resigned from the Lotus Lake Conservation Alliance and is
currently affiliated with Safe Wakes for Small Lakes Coalition before discussing the results of a
survey from the Lotus Lake Conservation Alliance, (LLCA) which support regulation for wake
surfing. She passed out a set of possible ordinances from other cities for the council to consider.
Laurie Susla, speaking as President and on behalf of the LLCA, reviewed results of a survey
conducted by the LLCA regarding wake surfing and associated dangers and erosion concerns by
boat owners and lakeshore owners. Key take aways were many people were unaware of current
boating regulations on Lotus Lake, one-third of respondents do not want to see new regulations,
a majority would like to see some changes in wake surfing activities, and that the main concerns
were shoreline erosion, recreation and safety, boating etiquette on Lotus Lake could use
improvements on all fronts. She suggested new signage, educational materials, and all marker
buoys at 100 feet from shore, and that the City consider trading amenities with Frontier Trail and
Sunrise Hills Association regarding their unmanned ramps. Councilman McDonald asked about
the number of wake surfing boats that are present on Lotus Lake at one time. Lt. Pearce
discussed his experience with water patrol presence in Chanhassen. Councilwoman Tjornhom
asked how Lotus Lake compares to other lakes regarding speed limits and buoys at the 100 foot
mark. Mayor Ryan asked how the sheriff’s department determines where buoys are placed
before asking the City Attorney Roger Knutson if any watercraft have been banned on any lakes
in Minnesota and how an ordinance would be enforced, an increase in water patrol hours,
feedback regarding speed, and who is responsible for educating boaters of boating regulations.
Ms. Susla clarified that the LLCA is asking the City to install signage regarding boating
etiquette. Mayor Ryan asked if council wants to review ordinance changes requesting a change
for placing buoys from 100 feet to 150 feet from shoreline. Councilman McDonald stated he
needed additional information before making any changes. Mayor Ryan discussed the DNR’s
effort to educate boaters regarding owning your wake and expressed she would like to wait to see
what the DNR does to address the issues associated with wake surfing. Councilman Campion
stated he would support increased water patrol and additional signage for Lotus Lake.
Councilwoman Coleman stated she would not support signage that is not consistent with
ordinances. Councilwoman Tjornhom expressed concern with making any changes at this point.
City Council Work Session – June 24, 2019
3
Mayor Ryan asked that staff bring this item back at a future work session regarding language for
educational signage.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: PAVEMENT MANAEMENT FUNDING DISCUSSION
FOLLOWUP.
Greg Sticha discussed work done since the last time council saw this item regarding the OCI
number graphs for street reconstruction versus mill and overlay costs and financial impacts
noting the need to fund $3.6 million per year to maintain an OCI of 70. In order to proceed staff
needs to know the amount of funding the council would like to set, and direction on a revenue
stream for a potential funding source, i.e. franchise fee or property tax levy. He asked if council
would like the use of debt as a potential funding source, and how staff should proceed with
educating the public. Councilwoman Coleman asked for clarification of the pavement condition
index. Todd Gerhardt explained the life expectancy of streets is 50 to 60 years and the
maintenance needed during their life cycle. Jason Wedel discussed the street reconstruction
graph which shows the amount of roads that will need to be replaced. Mayor Ryan asked about
gradually transitioning the annual funding increase rather than jumping in at the $3.6 million
number and the effect on the overall budget. Greg Sticha explained that past franchise fee
agreements usually are for 20 years. Councilman Campion asked if it is possible for a built in
escalator in a franchise fee agreement. Roger Knutson stated he has not seen an escalator clause
in other cities. Todd Gerhardt cautioned the council not to fall into Excelsior and Shorewood’s
dilemma of poor road conditions. Councilwoman Coleman asked about the amount of levy
increase with the different scenarios.
The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m. It was reconvened at 9:35 p.m.
CONTINUATION OF THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT FUNDING DISCUSSION.
Greg Sticha reviewed the options available to council. Mayor Ryan again discussed
implementing a gradual increase in the levy amounts building up to the $3.6 million.
Councilman Campion suggested a possible increase to the franchise fee amount. Todd Gerhardt
asked council to provide staff direction on the amount of franchise fee and tax levy they are
comfortable with establishing beginning for years 2021 and 2022. Mayor Ryan felt she needed
more information on what’s needed to get an accurate amount for a franchise fee and levy.
After discussion it was the consensus of council not to use debt as a funding source. Greg Sticha
asked for feedback regarding a funding level and how the council wants to pay for it, franchise
fee and/or tax levy increase. Councilman Campion stated he would favor a combination of
franchise fee of $2 and increased tax levy of $3.6 million. Councilwoman Tjornhom stated she
could not set a number at this time. Councilman McDonald explained that he would favor a $5
franchise fee. Councilwoman Coleman stated she would favor a combination of franchise fee
and tax levy increase but could not set a number at this time and would like to see townhomes
charged less because they maintain their own streets. Mayor Ryan explained she was struggling
with all the numbers but would like to begin franchise fee discussions with the public. Greg
City Council Work Session – June 24, 2019
4
Sticha suggested having the public listening session after the budget discussions have taken place
in October. Mayor Ryan suggested having a listening session in August to get public input.
Councilman McDonald asked for an update on the pothole maintenance issues. Jason Wedel
provided an update with costs and timeline to fill potholes using city staff with completion set for
September-October.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 10:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim