CC WS 2021 06 28CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
JUNE 28, 2021
Mayor Ryan called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Rehm, Councilwoman Schubert, and
Councilman Campion.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman McDonald.
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Charlie Howley, Public Works
Director/City Engineer; Jake Foster, Assistant City Manager; Kelly Strey, Finance Director;
Jerry Ruegemer, Park & Recreation Director; and Kate Aanenson, Community Development
Director.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
REFERENDUM DISCUSSION
• Ruegemer provided an overview of recent work done to receive feedback on Chanhassen
park system and potential projects/priorities that have been heard through that feedback.
• Reviewed park improvement funding sources. Current unencumbered balance of the park
dedication fund is $14,000. The city budgets $250,000 per year for the park equipment fund
and $70,000 annually is dedicated to trail and park parking improvements.
• Reviewed feedback received during 2019 National Community Survey, 79% were supportive
of tax increase to add $250,000 per year for dedicated park funding. 78% of residents
indicated they would support a ballot question to make improvements to community parks.
• Shared referendum history. Most recent referendum was June 1997.
• Provided state statute info for referendums.
• Overview of Task Force concept used in past.
• City Council comments included:
o Noting that the parks and trails are the lifeblood of Chanhassen.
o Asked for more detail on the costs involved, desire to revisit scope, possible packages
to consider.
o Inquired about who pays for the referendum and promotional literature and the
structure of a possible task force.
o Inquired about the build-out status of The Park development. Ruegemer shared the
development has been going fast.
• Strey provided a general example that $10M bond over 10 years would cost $1.2M per year,
which is an $8/month impact to the average value home ($400,000). (Based on current, low
interest rates.)
• Mayor Ryan asked the next steps and Ruegemer said the Park and Rec Commission would be
a good place to start the scoping of the discussion and then come back to the City Council.
The Council indicated support for this approach to continued consideration.
City Council Work Session Minutes – June 28, 2021
2
BUDGET
• Strey said this is a high-level, overview conversation to share and receive information.
• Strey reviewed strategic priorities and approach – staff wants to provide the information and
understanding needed to provide confidence to make budget decisions.
• Strey reminded Council of AAA Bond Rating from S&P. Best rating you can get, recognizes
good financial position of Chanhassen.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. to the regular meeting. Work Session to be resumed
after regular meeting.
Work Session resumed at 7:51 p.m.
• Strey reviewed Pavement Program. City Council discussed and asked questions regarding the
proposal to bond for special assessments that will be repaid to the City. (i.e. the 40% assessed
to property owners).
o City Council reiterated their desire to make prudent investments while retaining AAA
Bond rating.
o City Council discussed an interest in accelerating the number of road projects that can
be completed in each year to make additional progress on our goals of improving our
street infrastructure. PW Director Howley will review and provide additional
information at a future budget meeting.
• Strey reviewed Utility funds. Need to change approach to provide overhead cost
considerations.
• Council stated a desire for transparency and being able to demonstrate where funds are going
when using ARPA funds.
• Strey reviewed the 2020 General Fund results and trends and challenges for 2021 in the
General Fund.
• The City Council inquired about the city’s participation in the community solar garden and
its performance.
• The City Council inquired about the staffing and equipment needs of the fire department.
• The City Council designated additional time at the July 12 Work Session for further
discussion on the financial management policies.
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 pm.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Kim Meuwissen