CC WS 2020 08 24CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 24, 2020
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilman McDonald, Councilman
Campion, and Councilwoman Coleman
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilwoman Tjornhom
STAFF PRESENT: Heather Johnston, Kate Aanenson, Greg Sticha, Charlie Howley, Jake
Foster, Jerry Ruegemer, MacKenzie Walters, Richard Rice, Chief Don Johnson, and Lt. Lance
Pearce
POWERS RIDGE SENIOR HOUSING DISCUSSION.
Kate Aanenson provided background information on this item before introducing Todd Simning
who discussed the need for TIF assistance for 19 years to make this senior housing project
affordable. Kate Aanenson explained that there would be a follow up on this request with the
City’s financial advisor. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of the definition of
affordable housing. Councilwoman Coleman asked if TIF assistance is necessary. Councilman
Campion asked Greg Sticha to discuss the need for the TIF request. Mayor Ryan explained that
the next step for City Council is to decide whether they want to move forward with this project
so the applicant can proceed through the Planning Commission and work with a financial
advisor. After comments it was the consensus to move forward with the project.
DISCUSS POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS.
MacKenzie Walters reviewed highlights of the proposed city code amendments. Councilwoman
Coleman asked about liability insurance with owning a goat. Mayor Ryan asked for clarification
on the amendment to the nuisance ordinance and asked that due to recent events that this
amendment be fast tracked through the system.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF 2021 GENERAL FUND BUDGET.
Heather Johnston explained changes made to the budget presentation this year. Greg Sticha
discussed changes included in the budget and explained highlights of the 2021 detailed general
fund budget proposal. Jake Foster discussed accomplishments for the Administration
Department and 2020 KFS goals. Greg Sticha continued discussing accomplishments and 2020
KFS goals in the Finance Department before reviewing highlights of the legal, and property
assessment funds. Richard Rice discussed accomplishments in the MIS department. Greg Sticha
discussed the City Hall building, elections, and library funds. Mayor Ryan asked about the use
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of CARES Act funding for any of these items. Lt. Lance Pearce discussed 2020
accomplishments from the police administration department. Chief Don Johnson discussed 2020
accomplishments from the Fire Department. Kate Aanenson discussed 2020 accomplishments in
code enforcement. Greg Sticha discussed that there were no significant changes for the 2021
budget in community service. Charlie Howley discussed the KFS 2020 goals and
accomplishments in engineering, street maintenance, street lighting and signals, and the fleet
budget. Kate Aanenson discussed 2020 accomplishments for the Planning Commission,
planning administration, and Senior Commission. Jerry Ruegemer discussed 2020
accomplishments for the Park and Recreation Commission, park and recreation administration,
Recreation Center, Lake Ann operations, park maintenance, Senior Center, recreation programs,
self-supporting programs, and recreation sports. Mayor Ryan thanked Jerry Ruegemer for the
changes made in the park and recreation department during the COVID-19 pandemic shut down.
Greg Sticha discussed the chart showing KFS levy comparisons since 2012 before reviewing
three budget and levy scenarios being proposed by staff and associated impacts to service levels.
Councilman McDonald asked about the affect of reducing overtime at the Sheriff’s office.
Councilman Campion asked for clarification on cost reductions items. Councilman McDonald
asked for clarification on permit fees for technology improvements, and instituting a hiring
freeze for volunteer firefighters.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 6:50 p.m. It was reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
CONTINUATION OF DETAILED DISCUSSION OF 2021 GENERAL FUND BUDGET.
Greg Sticha continued with discussion of the 2021 budget by presenting Scenario #3 and impacts
to service levels before noting that it is staff’s recommendation that the City Council set the
preliminary levy using Scenario #1. Charlie Howley and Jerry Ruegemer discussed changes
made with snowplowing which will only occur for snowfalls of 1 inch or more and what roads
and public facilities will be priority and changes made to ice rink flooding and how trails are
cleared which will result in a reduction in overtime. Councilwoman Coleman asked about a
safety concern with not plowing at the current rates. Greg Sticha asked for feedback on the
proposed scenarios. Councilman McDonald asked for clarification of the different scenarios
impact on road reconstruction projects. Mayor Ryan asked staff to discuss the slide showing the
use of the library levy money for the revolving assessment construction fund and sealcoating
fund and the reduction of MSA funding. Greg Sticha discussed how Chanhassen budget and
levy compares to the KFS cities. Mayor Ryan discussed the need for a long term plan for
proceeding with the budget in the future to address ongoing needs. Councilman Campion
discussed comparing the budget scenarios like an ala carte menu and what to keep and what
could be reduced. Councilman McDonald discussed the reduction in services and stated he
would like to dismiss scenario #3 and find a budget and levy somewhere between Scenarios #1
and #2. Heather Johnston explained how departments heads presented budget cuts and the
impacts on service levels and that staff is working on making a long term financial plan. Charlie
Howley explained the process for determining how and when snowplowing occurs and how the
street and parks departments work together. Jerry Ruegemer explained the need to improve
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efficiencies in communication for rink flooding and snowplowing being mindful on the need to
reduce overtime. Councilman Campion expressed his concern with decreasing the level of
service for snow and ice removal. Councilwoman Coleman agrees with eliminating Scenario #3
and doing an ala carte discussion on items in Scenario #2. Councilman McDonald stated he
would like to see a number around 2.5 percent increase which is inbetween scenario #1 and #2
and the need to find a balance with snowplowing of roads and trails. Mayor Ryan summarized
the comments made from council members wanting to see specific numbers associated with
service levels and emphasized that she would not support a reduction in road funding.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 9:40 p.m.
Submitted by Heather Johnston
Interim City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim