WS 2005 11 14
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 14, 2005
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m..
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Lundquist, Councilman Peterson and Councilman Labatt
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Paul Oehme, Kate Aanenson, Greg Sticha,
Kelley Janes, and Todd Hoffman
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION INTERVIEW.
The City Council interviewed Shirley
McGee for a vacant position on the Environmental Commission.
JOINT MEETING WITH METROPOLITAN COUNCIL STAFF REGARDING
INFILTRATION/INFLOW.
Kyle Colvin and Bryce Pickart from Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES)
presented a power point presentation outlining their Preliminary Inflow/Infiltration Surcharge
Program and it’s impacts on the City of Chanhassen. Mayor Furlong asked for the results of the
previous studies that have been conducted and how many communities exceed MCES’ design
standards. Kyle Colvin reviewed the costs associated with excess peak flows and costs needed to
reduce Inflow/Infiltration at the source. Todd Gerhardt clarified that the system is currently
adequate and that it is future growth that is the concern. Kyle Colvin went on to explain the
Inflow/Infiltration surcharge program, metering system, implementation strategies and surcharge
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methodology. He noted the rain event on September 4 caused the city of Chanhassen to exceed
their design standard resulting in a $1.5 million surcharge. He explained how the numbers were
arrived at and how the appeal process works for the City. Mayor Furlong questioned why the
City of Chanhassen was being penalized for a rain event isolated to the city. Councilman
Lundquist asked for clarification on whether the system was sized for the region or community.
Bryce Pickard explained how the program is intended to work. Todd Gerhardt asked if MCES
has taken into account soil types, i.e. clay soils versus sandy soils, noting his fear that the City of
Chanhassen will have the same problems 10 years from now after investing the million dollars
because of the clay soils in the area. Councilman Labatt asked what the numbers would be if the
100 year storm events are taken out of the equation and using averages rather than peak numbers.
Todd Gerhardt asked what other options or program are available. Kyle Colvin explained the
City has the option to come up with it’s own work plan for review by MCES. He outlined the
schedule of public meetings being held on this program.
UTILITY RATE STUDY.
Greg Sticha reviewed that the City Council had asked Ehlers and Associates to study the city’s
current utility fees and future projects to determine if the current fees and hook-up charges are
appropriate for planning expansions, reconstruction and maintenance of the current water,
sanitary sewer and storm water systems. He introduced Jessica Cook who reviewed the results
City Council Work Session – November 14, 2005
of their study and outlined the responsibility and options available to the City Council, taking
into account assumptions and changes in rates through 2016. Councilman Peterson asked Ms.
Cook to explain when the last time the study was updated and what changes have occurred since
that time. Councilman Lundquist asked about the impacts of pushing the second water treatment
plant construction further out in the future.
The work session was recessed at 7:00 p.m.. It was reconvened at 8:35 p.m..
TH 212 PROJECT: DISCUSS MNDOT’S PROPOSED CHANGES AT BLUFF CREEK
DRIVE.
Paul Oehme showed drawings and discussed MnDot’s proposed realignment of Bluff Creek
Drive for the south project limit to Pioneer Trail. Mayor Furlong noted that this realignment was
a better design than the one previously proposed. Todd Gerhardt asked for clarification on the
proposed signalized intersections and the possibility of working with MnDot to locate a satellite
fire station in this area of the city.
2006 BUDGET PRESETNATIONS:
FIRE:
Chief Gregg Geske presented the highlights of the 2006 fire department budget and
comparisons to the 2005 budget. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on how the Relief
Association fund impacts the numbers. Chief Gregg Geske explained how the incentive base
call pay will be implemented next year. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on how that
system works. Todd Gerhardt complimented Chief Geske on the number of women in the
department.
ADMINISTRATION:
Justin Miller presented the Administration budget for 2006.
Councilman Lundquist commended staff on implementing the health benefits plan.
FINANCE:
Greg Sticha presented the 2006 proposed budget for the Finance Department.
Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the contractual service numbers and ACH for utility
bills.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Greg Sticha passed out a handout detailing all the
proposed projects for the 5 year CIP from 2006 through 2010. Councilman Lundquist asked to
see a priority ranking for 2006 projects. Mayor Furlong noted that he thinks the process is
working well with the 5 year capital improvement program. Councilman Peterson asked for
more time to study the handout. Greg Sticha asked City Council members to e-mail him with
any specific questions prior to the next meeting on this item.
The City Council discussed the time line for the City Manager’s review process.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:30 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager Prepared by Nann Opheim
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