CC WS 2020 05 11CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MAY 11, 2020
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
McDonald, Councilman Campion, and Councilwoman Coleman
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Charlie Howley, and Todd Hoffman
DISCUSS 2020 PARKS, RECREATION PROGRAMMING AND 4TH OF JULY
ACTIVITIES.
Todd Hoffman discussed the item on the consent agenda cancelling Chanhassen park and rec
events, youth and adult programs, group facility reservations including use of athletic fields, the
Chanhassen Recreation Center and the Chanhassen Senior Center until further notice. All public
parks, trails and limited facilities including tennis and pickleball courts and the skate park remain
open to individuals and groups of 10 or less for recreation and fitness. He noted city beaches
will remain open without lifeguards and the concession stand and permanent restrooms will not
be available. Councilman McDonald asked how social distancing in public spaces will be
enforced and his concern with people taking enforcement into their own hands. Councilwoman
Tjornhom asked about the City’s plan to reopen recreation programs in the future. In discussing
athletic fields Councilman Campion asked about the possibility of putting baseball bases and
soccer goals on fields. After discussion it was the consensus of council not to encourage play on
athletic fields by installing baseball bases and soccer goals and to continue discussion of this
item at the next council meeting in May after Governor Walz has issued his orders. Mayor Ryan
asked about signage for no lifeguards on duty and closure of the concession stand and permanent
restrooms at Lake Ann Beach and her desire to see the restrooms remain open. In discussing
playgrounds, Mayor Ryan asked about signage stating the facilities are currently closed and not
being sanitized. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about public feedback regarding the status of
playgrounds. After discussion from council members it was consensus to change the signage to
state only that the playground equipment is not being sanitized. Todd Hoffman presented the
staff report on the 4th of July activities and what items are proposed to be cancelled and which
events can safely occur including the fireworks using social distancing protocols. Mayor Ryan
noted this item will be discussed at the regular City Council meeting. Councilman McDonald
asked about the latest possible time staff needs to cancel events. Todd Hoffman explained that a
decision needs to be made at this meeting. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the cost
difference in changing the size of shells for the fireworks and what public parking lots can be
used to view the fireworks. Councilman Campion and Councilwoman Coleman asked about the
ability to change decisions at a later date for certain activities to occur. Councilwoman
Tjornhom suggested celebrating together as a community at the Night to Unite event in August.
Mayor Ryan asked staff to help local businesses who benefit from the 3 day 4th of July event.
City Council Work Session – May 11, 2020
2
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim