CC WS 2020 09 28CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
SEPTEMBER 28, 2020
Mayor Ryan called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
McDonald, Councilman Campion, and Councilwoman Coleman
STAFF PRESENT: Heather Johnston, Kate Aanenson, Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Jake Foster, Greg
Sticha, Jerry Ruegemer, Charlie Howley, Chief Don Johnson, Richard Rice and Matt Kerr
JOINT MEETING WITH SENIOR COMMISSION.
Chairman Jerry Cerchia reviewed achievements of the Senior Commission over the past year
such as support of city events which have raised money, support of senior center activities,
STRIVE program at the Chanhassen High School, advocacy efforts regarding transit, Act on
Alzheimers programs including the opening of the Memory Café, partnerships with Carver
County and the Veterans Administration, communication efforts and specifically checking in
with senior citizens during COVID-19, and the primary goal for 2021 to educate senior citizens
to update their homes so they can age well at home. Mayor Ryan thanked members of the Senior
Commission for their advocacy on behalf of senior citizens. Councilwoman Coleman asked
about the response from seniors and if there are any gaps. Councilman McDonald thanked
members of the Senior Commission for all the work they’ve done and encouraged the
commission if they need any assistance with public transportation to contact him as a member of
the Southwest Transit Commission. Councilwoman Tjornhom thanked Chairman Cerchia for his
presentation and noted she is encouraged to see how the commission is helping the senior
community. Councilman Campion echoed the comments from the other council members.
UPDATE ON KFS GOAL: EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES FOR HIGH SPEED
INTERNET.
Jake Foster and Richard Rice presented highlights from a power point presentation regarding
options for high speed internet products offered by 5G, Star Link, city owned infrastructure
partnerships with private facilities, and the possibility of getting an internet provider through a
franchise agreement. Councilman Campion asked if this is being focused for the City or
residents. Jake Foster stated it was more focused on residents and businesses. Mayor Ryan
asked if permits are needed for 5G infrastructure. Charlie Howley explained that yes permits
will be required in the future. Jake Foster continue with updating the council on talks with
Metronet. Councilman McDonald asked about Metronet’s timeline for marketing.
City Council Work Session – September 28, 2020
2
DISCUSS CARES ACT FUNDING.
Greg Sticha discussed the proposed list of items outlined to be funded by CARES Act funding.
Mayor Ryan asked for clarification on the need or the want for funding additional turnout gear
for the Fire Department. Heather Johnston conveyed that city staff are expressing they are very
grateful for the improvements being approved by City Council. Councilman McDonald asked
about the November 15th deadline. Chief Don Johnson explained the need for additional turnout
gear for firefighters which other communities are using CARES Act funding for as well. Mayor
Ryan asked for a comparison of the previous list of funding options versus the list that’s being
presented now.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:35 p.m.
Submitted by Heather Johnston
Interim City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim