CC SUM 2021 09 27CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 27, 2021
Mayor Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Rehm, Councilwoman
Schubert, Councilman McDonald.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Campion.
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Charlie Howley, Public Works
Director/City Engineer; Kelly Strey, Finance Director; Ari Lyksett, Communications Manager;
Don Johnson, Fire Chief; Richard Rice, IT Manager; Kate Aanenson, Community Development
Director; Lt. Lance Pearce, Carver County Sheriff’s Office; Jerry Ruegemer, Park & Recreation
Director; Kim Meuwissen, City Clerk; and Andrea McDowell Poehler, City Attorney.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Mack Titus, 2747 Century Trail
Bryan Blommel, 6870 Utica Lane
Alyson Montplaisir, Mental Health Co-Responder, Carver County Sheriff’s Office
Brian Villella, 2711 Longacres Drive
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
1. Celebrate Money Magazine #1 Best Places to Live
Mayor Ryan noted they are all very excited about being named the #1 Best Place to Live, they
have some banners to hang downtown, and it is a huge honor for the community, previous and
current City Councils, as well as Staff and speaks to the tremendous effort Staff has done over
the years. She is very excited and said congratulations to the City.
2. Celebrate Chanhassen Firefighter Doug Foote’s MN Fire Initiative Accomplishment
Mayor Ryan read a proclamation declaring today Doug Foote Day, noting the City proudly
salutes him as friend and firefighter and noted his commitment to the City of Chanhassen and
other firefighters. She stated his courageous 200-mile journey from Marietta, MN to St. Paul,
MN raised awareness for health issues such as cardiac, emotional trauma, and cancer in
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firefighters and raised $20,000 in support of Minnesota Fire’s mission of supporting firefighters
and those who care about them.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman McDonald moved, Councilwoman Schubert seconded
that the City Council approve the following consent agenda items pursuant to the City
Manager’s recommendations:
1. Approve City Council Minutes dated September 13, 2021
2. Receive Planning Commission Minutes dated September 7, 2021
3. Receive Senior Commission Minutes dated August 20, 2021
4. Approve Claims Paid 09-27-2021
5. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement with Verizon Wireless for Water Tower
No. 3
6. Resolution 2021-52: Approve contract for the purchase and installation of a tank mixer for
Water Tower #2
7. Resolution 2021-53: Approve Cost Share Agreement with the City of Shorewood for West
62nd Street Paving Project
8. Resolution 2021-54: Approve Purchase of Fire Department Command Vehicle
9. Resolution 2021-55: Appoint Data Practices Compliance Officer
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
1. Mack Titus Citizen Action Request
Mack Titus noted two weeks ago he brought up some issues regarding the engineering
department and was asked to fill out a Citizen Action Request form. He is asking the City
Council to adopt and enforce an engineering department mission statement that protects the
health, safety, and general welfare of Chanhassen residents. Mr. Titus shared that there is a 3-
page attachment that goes into great detail, referencing letters from prior and current Staff.
2. Bryan Blommel, Carver County Republicans
Mr. Blommel sent a note of congratulations on behalf of the Carver County Republican Party,
noting Senator Dave Osmek, Senator Julia Coleman, and Representative Greg Boe would like to
congratulate the City of Chanhassen for being named the Best Place to live in America in 2021.
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The recognition speaks loudly of the strengths and values of the community, clean air, water,
streets, strong family values, and solid work ethic that has made the City a coveted place to live
for a very long time. Mr. Blommel noted the letter was sent to each of the City Councilmembers
via email, and he thanked the City Council for their leadership.
FIRE DEPARTMENT/LAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATES
1. Fire Department Update
Chief Johnson shared that a fire captain of 8 years resigned and they currently have 38
firefighters, with one firefighter on leave and one on extended military leave. They responded to
105 calls for service in August, and he put a breakdown of the calls in the update for the City
Council. Of those calls, 60 were rescue/EMS calls with four car accidents, one citizen burning
complaint. They had a banquet and bestowed Firefighter of the Year on Harold Jerome Coyne
III. Chief Johnson noted fire department participated in CPR and EED training at Paisley Park.
The Fire Relief Board met and approved the funding of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV-
drone) purchase they discussed at the last City Council meeting.
2. Law Enforcement Update
Lieutenant Lance Pearce shared August activity with 806 patrol activity calls, 48 were Type A,
12 Type B, 276 traffic-related calls, and 469 non-criminal events. There was an increase in
domestics overall with a total of 12 calls and one arrest. There were 100 medical calls, 16 mental
health calls, and 20 theft or fraud-related calls. Now that school is in session, deputies are
focusing on child and pedestrian safety. Deputies are working on hands-on use-of-force training
and body camera training begins the first week of October. Lieutenant Pearce thanked Lt. Eric
Kittleson for his service as he is moving on to Bloomington.
Mayor Ryan asked to clarify that all Carver County officers will have body cameras after
December 1.
Lieutenant Pearce stated that is the goal for all Sheriff’s office deputies.
Mayor Ryan asked to give their best to Mr. Kittleson, he is a great guy, and they wish him all the
best.
Allison Montplaisir, the Carver County Crisis Co-responder Therapist, gave a presentation. She
shared the position is in collaboration with the Mental Health Crisis Program through Carver
County. Ms. Montplaisir noted it is a 40 hour/week position and when she is unable to respond to
calls, law enforcement can call the Carver County Mental Health Crisis Program and they are
able to respond. She typically works Monday – Thursday or Tuesday – Friday from 12:30 p.m.
to 11:00 p.m. The position serves all of Carver County and is funded through the Sheriff’s office.
Ms. Montplaisir responds to 911 calls related to mental health, can provide assessment of the
situation and whether someone needs to go to an emergency room for evaluation. If the client is
unable to remain safe in the community an inpatient psychiatric hospital admission may be
recommended and discussed. She noted she prefers to keep people in the least-restrictive care as
possible. Ms. Montplaisir noted from January through July 2021 she had had 214 total contacts
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with 93 individuals throughout the County; 67 of the 93 individuals did not have prior contact
with the Carver County Crisis Team. She clarified this is a good thing as people may not need to
call 911 for things that the crisis program is able to manage. Ms. Montplaisir shared this position
reduces transport to the emergency room, clearing law enforcement from the scene as soon as
safely possible so they can get to other calls, reducing emergency room transports, and bridging
the gap between law enforcement and mental health providers. She shared the mental health
crisis program phone number: 962-442-7601, noting they provide mobile crisis response services
to Carver County 24/7.
Mayor Ryan is so proud to have Ms. Montplaisir available, she appreciates all that is being done,
and thanked her for all she is doing.
Councilwoman Rehm asked if someone calls the Crisis Program hotline after hours, what does
that look like.
Ms. Montplaisir replied there is someone available 24 hours per day and a mobile provider that
can go out to the scene with law enforcement, to the hospital, to someone’s home, or wherever
they are at. It will look very similar to a daytime phone call.
Councilwoman Schubert asked if they work with the Carver County Veteran’s office as they can
be a higher-risk demographic.
Ms. Montplaisir replied she does not and asked her supervisor in the audience. The supervisor
stated they work with them if they need attention and can help them get resources.
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Approve a Request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Drive-Thru Pick-Up
Window at 530 West 79th Street, Unit 100 (Crisp & Green)
Community Development Director Aanenson gave a presentation on the item. She shared
regarding traffic stacking that it is a pick-up window only, rather than an order window. The
Planning Commission discussed the CUP and had some concerns regarding traffic that the
Applicant addressed in detail; Planning Commission recommended 7-0 to approve the CUP.
Staff recommends that City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow a drive-
through pickup window subject to the conditions of the Planning Commission staff report and
adoption of the Planning Commission Findings of Fact and Recommendation.
Councilwoman Schubert stated Tide Dry Cleaning at the other end has a drive-up lane, as well.
She asked if there is concern and will it be one-way around the building?
Ms. Aanenson replied in the affirmative and stated it will be one way and they should not
conflict.
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Mayor Ryan asked regarding signage, will they be clearly indicating where people should go,
and have signs indicating that it is a pick-up only widow.
Ms. Aanenson replied that was a recommendation made and they will be queuing. Another
question was if someone gets to the window and the food is not ready; all those queuing of
signals and posting of signs will be in place to navigate.
Dean Villella, Applicant and owner of the Crisp and Green in Chanhassen, shared they had a
grand opening on September 9 and have served roughly 700 customers each day since then, and
the community has welcomed them. Because of the demand, the parking on the south side of the
building is getting a lot of pressure, especially during lunchtime so he is often out in the parking
lot helping to direct traffic. The curbside pick-up window is for online orders and gives the first
available time to pick-up; the app is smart so it will not overwhelm the staff. There is no ordering
or paying at the window and it should be quite quick to get through. He walked through signage
and striping plans.
Councilwoman Schubert moved, Councilman McDonald seconded that the Planning
Commission recommends the City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to
allow a drive-through facility for a pick-up window subject to the conditions of approval in
the staff report, and Adopt the Planning Commission's Findings of Fact and
Recommendation. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4
to 0.
2. Resolution 2021-56: Adopt the Preliminary Tax Levy and Establish the Truth-In-
Taxation Public Hearing Date
Finance Director Kelly Strey stated tonight the City Council is required to adopt a preliminary
tax levy for publishing on the Truth in Taxation notices that property owners will receive in
November. She gave a presentation and stated the amount adopted tonight cannot be increased
after this point but can be reduced. In November there will be a City Council Work Session to
review all funds, fees, charges, utility rates, and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). On November
22, a work session is tentatively scheduled for a follow-up budget discussion. The December 13
City Council meeting will be the Truth-in-Taxation meeting and residents will have an
opportunity to come and speak to the City Council, offering any opinions or suggestions on the
budget. Ms. Strey said in putting together a budget they keep in mind the City Council’s
priorities and outcomes which are financial sustainability, asset management, and operational
excellence. There is the option to keep the projected levy at 4.9% increase or to reduce it to a
4.5% increase and applying $50,000 in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money. She
walked the City Councilmembers through the 2021 levy and the 2022 proposed numbers, as well
as broad projections for the 2023 budget. Ms. Strey shared the impact on a $400,000 home
within the City, noting a 4.5% increase would be approximately a $25 increase per year while a
4.9% increase would be approximately a $29 increase. In comparison to other Cities, Chanhassen
is significantly less than neighbors and comparable cities.
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Councilman McDonald moved, Councilwoman Rehm seconded for a tax levy at 4.9%, and
that the Chanhassen City Council adopts the attached resolution establishing a preliminary
levy of $12,663,076 and sets a date for the Truth-in-Taxation hearing of December 13, 2021
at 7:00 p.m.
Councilman McDonald clarified he feels there are some areas of the budget that have not been
totally solidified and it is only fair to give Staff an opportunity until December 13 to come in
with some detailed planning in those areas. He feels he owes Staff the opportunity to show that
this would be money well spent, as everything directly affects the residents.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS.
Councilwoman Rehm shared the Crucial Conversations Group and Sheriff Jason Kamerud are
inviting residents of Carver County to a community discussion on policing on October 20, 2021
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Chanhassen Library in the Wilder Room. They are asking for
an RSVP and there is a Facebook post from the Sheriff regarding the discussion.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS.
Ms. Hokkanen shared that Staff has been working on a new space for a community garden. She
showed a photo of the site in progress.
Councilwoman Schubert moved, Councilman McDonald seconded to adjourn the meeting.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0. The City
Council meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Kim Meuwissen
City Clerk