CC SUM 2021 03 22CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
MARCH 22, 2021
Mayor Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the Pledge to
the Flag.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Rehm, Councilman Campion,
Councilwoman Schubert, and Councilman McDonald.
Councilman Campion and Councilwoman Rehm joined via Zoom.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, Kate Aanenson, Community
Development Director, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Charles Howley, Lieutenant
Lance Pearce, and Fire Chief Don Johnson.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Bridget Reiter LMC Mayor for a Day Honorable Mention
Kelly Davidson 21 Basswood Circle, Chanhassen, MN
Ann Miller 6561 Fox Path, Chanhassen, MN
Nick Anhut Senior Municipal Advisor, Ehlers
Mayor Ryan asked the City Council if there were any modifications or additions to the agenda.
After the roll call vote there were no changes to the published agenda.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council welcomed the new City Manager, Laurie Hokkanen.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman McDonald moved, Councilman Campion seconded
that the City Council approve the following consent agenda items pursuant to the City
Manager’s recommendations:
1. Approve City Council Minutes dated March 8, 2021
2. Receive Environmental Commission Minutes dated February 10, 2021
3. Receive Economic Development Commission Minutes dated February 9, 2021
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4. Approve 2021 Liquor License Renewals
5. Ordinance No. 667: Approve Code Amendments to Chapters 18 and 20
6. Resolution No. 2021-10: Accept Bids and Awards Contract for the 2021 Sealcoat Project
7. Award Contract for Pothole Patching
8. Recreation Center Capital Improvement Wall Replacement
9. Approve Agreement with McGrath Consulting Group, Inc. for Compensation Analysis
10. Approve Agreement with Carver County and Chaska for a Dispatch Operations Study
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
KELLY DAVIDSON CITIZEN ACTION REQUEST
Kelly Davidson asked that the Council consider modifying Ordinance 639 to allow chickens on
properties of less than one acre. He cited other Minnesota cities who have a chicken ordinance
and their requirements.
Community Development Director Kate Aanenson provided background on developing the
Ordinance, which was passed in 2019. The City of Chanhassen surveyed 62 cities. During the
process of developing the Ordinance, the City noted some potential issues with chicken
ownership including noise, nuisance, and the attraction of predatory animals. The Planning
Commission recommended the one-acre limit. If the Council directs, staff can go back and look
at the rational basis and unintended consequences of this lot size as well as the history of
chickens in Chanhassen.
Mayor Ryan stated that the item will come to a future work session.
ANN MILLER CITIZEN ACTION REQUEST
Ann Miller outlined that the property owned by the city bordering Silver Lake and Pleasant View
Road is to be improved for drainage into Silver Lake. She proposed that the public be allowed
access to Silver Lake for non-motorized watercraft.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Charles Howley responded that there was a project in its
final stages of development for that area which would install catch basins on Pleasant View Road
to filter water before it enters Silver Lake. The property is designated as a park but has no
amenities, trails, or activity. There is no plan, at present, to make access to the lake but the topic
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could be revisited internally. The project will provide access to get down the slope for the
purposes of construction which would be a way to get down the hill from Pleasant View Road.
Ms. Miller stated she had come before the Council in 2018 as well. The neighbors feel there
should be a wooded path to access the lake and canoes allowed to harvest the wild rice.
Mayor Ryan asked Mr. Howley to discuss with Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Ruegemer
and provide the Council with information on access to the lake, history of the lake, and the
information on which portions of the lake are split between the cities of Chanhassen and
Shorewood so that the Council can gain a better understanding of the situation.
Mayor Ryan requested that Mr. Howley follow up with Ms. Miller.
Mayor Ryan added that, wherever there is a lake, people are requesting lake access. It would be
helpful if the Council had documentation on the process for requesting lake access and docks.
BRIDGET REITER - MAYOR FOR A DAY ESSAY CONTEST HONORABLE
MENTION DESIGNATION
Sixth grader Bridget Reiter was recognized by the Council as an Honorable Mention designee for
the League of Minnesota Cities Mayor for a Day essay contest.
Mayor Ryan read a letter from the Council congratulating Ms. Reiter.
FIRE DEPARTMENT/LAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATE.
FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Fire Chief Don Johnson gave a report on Fire Department Activity for the month of February.
The Fire Department responded to 66 calls for service including three responses for mutual aid.
The department continues to conduct trainings. Fire Chief Johnson was able to sit on an
interview panel to assist the City of Maple Grove in a new hire.
The Fire Department collaborated with Mr. Ruegemer to set up a Minnesota Department of
Health statewide COVID-19 testing site from March 11-13 and March 18-20.
Golf Zone has completed preliminary fire inspections for their remodel. Chanhassen Brewery
has completed fire and life safety inspections and the new owners of Olive Branch (now Elysian
Senior Homes) are looking to correct fire code issues within the next few weeks.
Mayor Ryan asked about fire danger due to the high winds and dry conditions. How can
residents determine if it is safe to burn?
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Fire Chief Johnson stated that the most current information about recreation fires and open
burning was available on the City website. If any major changes are necessary, the applicable
fire conditions and restrictions as they change will be updated.
LAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATE
Lieutenant Lance Pearce gave an update on law enforcement activities which included 720 patrol
calls, 38 of which were Felony (Group A) calls, 12 were misdemeanors, 318 were non-criminal,
and 352 were traffic related.
Theft dominated the Group A activities with Medical and Alarms highest in Group B activities.
Traffic-related activity included 17 driving complaints, 215 traffic stops, 30 crashes, and 107
citations.
February is historically the least busy month for law enforcement in Chanhassen. According to
the data, domestic calls are down from January 2021, arrests are slightly up, and mental health is
trending down and returning toward the average.
OLD BUSINESS. None.
PUBLIC HEARING.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-11: MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
FOR THE DOWNTOWN CHANHASSEN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 12
Ms. Aanenson gave an overview of the proposed Lakes of Chanhassen project and addressed
questions asked by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) during their March 8, 2021
meeting regarding the development of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.
The EDA had asked about other senior housing projects in Chanhassen. There has not been a
senior housing project since 2002. There are currently six projects including Moments of
Chanhassen, which is pending. Some of these senior housing developments are focused on
memory care, assisted living, and affordable housing. The developers of Lakes of Chanhassen
performed a market study and found there is a demand for affordable senior housing in
Chanhassen. The Lakes of Chanhassen developers is seeking a density bonus by designating 50
of their 110 units as affordable housing - housing designated at 60% of the median income.
Ms. Aanenson reviewed that these income limits were $43,440 for a single household, $49,460
for two-person household, and $55,860 for a three-person household.
Ms. Aanenson introduced Ehlers Senior Municipal Advisor Nick Anhut.
Mr. Anhut discussed the use of TIF for the Lakes of Chanhassen project.
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TIF is a financial tool to capture and utilize most of the increased property tax revenue from new
development to create a new tax revenue. The tool uses a portion to help finance construction of
the building and is used to encourage certain types of development which may not reasonably
occur without assistance - such as development of affordable housing.
A property within a TIF district does not have a difference in taxes paid; however, taxes are
separately remitted for a specific use. Taxes derived from a school operating referendum, fiscal
disparities or state property taxes are not remitted as TIF.
The process to create a TIF district includes preparation of a TIF plan which identifies the use of
financial resources, a budget, the property, and a document which is circulated to the County and
local School District. To date, there have not been any comments received from Carver County
or the School District. The Planning Commission reviewed the plan attesting that it complies
with land use regulations and the EDA recommended the plan and serves as the administrative
arm to administer financial resources. The public hearing portion of the process is an opportunity
to receive public comment and feedback. Should the Council choose to move forward with a
resolution the plan will go back to the EDA to administer over the life of the TIF district
according to the terms negotiated by the EDA.
The proposed TIF district is designed to assist in providing affordable housing. A TIF district
lifespan is 26 years total and requires that at least 40% of the units must be restricted for
occupancy at affordable levels. This will be tested annually. Revenues are limited to assist
affordable housing projects within the TIF district but also as “pooling” to assist throughout
Chanhassen, subject to EDA approval.
The TIF plan for District 12 specifies the purpose, geography, maximum term, timing, and the
number of affordable units is 45% of the available units. The recommended term is from 2023 to
2048.
Carver County assessors estimate an $18.7 million value for the property once it is built, which
equates to $5.6 million in TIF revenue over a 26-year life span. 90% will be budgeted for
affordable housing projects with up to 10% retained for potential administrative and reporting
costs incurred by the City. Any unused part of the 10% may also be budgeted for the affordable
housing projects.
The TIF plan finds that “but for” the use of public assistance this project would not be
reasonably expected to occur and would not proceed through private investment. Anticipated
rents, operating expenditures, and costs were reviewed and it was affirmed that this project
demonstrates a gap in financing. TIF will replace potential lost revenue to support the level of
mortgage necessary to build the $23 million development.
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The Chanhassen EDA serves as an administrative arm and requires the build to meet a certain
standard. The City does not contribute funds to create the development. If the developer provides
50 out of 110 units as affordable housing, the City of Chanhassen will administer the TIF district
and issue a $3 million pay-as-you-go TIF note. The TIF note is a promise that, should the
developer come through, the EDA will reimburse for up to $3 million of construction. This $3
million is generated from the 90% and there is no upfront funding required. Anticipated first
revenue should be received in 2023 with an estimated 16 years of collection before the note is
paid off.
After the $3 million is taken out, an anticipated $2 million is “pooled” and can be used for
affordable housing needs. This money is available after year 17.
Councilwoman Schubert asked if the $2 million in additional funding would require another
public hearing to use those funds.
Mr. Anhut stated that there was no requirement for a public hearing as long as the project met the
qualifications of affordable housing.
Councilwoman Schubert clarified that it just needs to be affordable housing but not necessarily
senior affordable housing.
Mr. Anhut confirmed that it needs to meet statutory requirements as affordable housing.
Councilwoman Rehm asked about the process of determining TIF boundaries.
Mr. Anhut stated that the boundaries are based on existing lot lines and are not combined with
property or subdivisions. The lines are consistent with County tax lines.
Councilwoman Rehm asked if the development is no longer required to have affordable housing
after the TIF note has been paid off.
Mr. Anhut confirmed that the project is required to provide affordable housing as long as it is
receiving assistance.
Mayor Ryan asked about the larger TIF map and what the boundary lines represented.
Mr. Anhut stated that the EDA has established an area signified by darker black lines
surrounding the Downtown Redevelopment project area - a specific area for redevelopment and
housing tools such as TIF. This project will not change the boundaries of that area.
Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing.
No comments were received prior to or during the meeting.
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Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing.
Resolution #2021-11: Councilman Campion moved, Councilwoman Rehm seconded that
the City Council approves the attached resolution adopting a modification to the
Redevelopment Plan for the Downtown Chanhassen Redevelopment Project area and
approves a Tax Increment Finance Plan for Tax Increment Financing District No. 12. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
NEW BUSINESS.
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Ryan acknowledged the 24 applicants who interviewed for the open Commission seats.
Councilwoman Schubert moved, Councilman McDonald seconded to appoint the following
commissioners: For the Planning Commission, Erik Johnson and Kelsey Alto for three-
year terms ending March 30, 2024. For the Park and Recreation Commission, Scott Fischer
for a two-year term ending March 30, 2023, and Heather Markert and Don Vasatka for
three-year terms ending March 30, 2024, and Chaehyun Lee for a one-year term youth
position. For the Environmental Commission, Leslie Elhadi for a two-year term ending
March 30, 2023, and Kristin Fulkerson, Greg Hawks, and Scot Lacek for three-year terms
ending March 30, 2024. For the Senior Commission, Dorina Tipton, Susan Kibler, and Jim
Camarata for three-year terms ending March 30, 2024. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS. None.
Councilwoman Rehm gave a presentation on Women’s History Month including the eight female
firefighters who worked for the City of Chanhassen, eight licensed peace officers in the Sheriff's
office, past and current Mayors, and past Councilwomen.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS. None.
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION.
2021 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY FEBRUARY YEAR TO DATE
REVIEW OF CLAIMS PAID 03-22-2021
Councilman McDonald moved, Councilwoman Schubert seconded to adjourn the meeting.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The City
Council meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
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Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Kim Meuwissen