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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 28, 2005
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:40 p.m..
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Lundquist and Councilman Peterson
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Labatt
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman and Paul
Oehme
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SENIOR COMMISSION.
Curt Robinson, Mel Kurvers, Jean Mancini and Marilyn Luthy were present representing the
Senior Commission. Curt Robinson provided an update on the Senior Center open house which
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was held on October 21 with approximately 60 attendees. Jean Mancini noted how other
communities in the region look to Chanhassen as an a model for their senior center. The
commission noted that transportation continues to be a pressing issue that needs to be addressed
but the commission does not have any recommendations at this time. Kate Aanenson stated that
staff continues to work with Southwest Metro to address transportation needs in high density
developments. Councilman Peterson, who is also Chairman of Southwest Metro Transit, noted
that demand isn’t there yet. It was noted that the senior center continues to have very good
attendance and still growing. Sue Bill is working on establishing a Tuesday coffee at the senior
center which would give seniors a chance to meet in the old portion of the senior center on an
informal basis. Councilman Lundquist asked if there are any programs that are not being offered
at the senior center. Jean Mancini stated that there really wasn’t anything lacking. The
commission asked for an update on the status of a service center being located in Chanhassen.
Regarding the issue of a veterans memorial, the commission was looking for feedback from the
City Council on how to proceed. Mayor Furlong stated the council felt it was a worthwhile
project to begin and suggested the senior commission work with staff to prepare goals and
objectives. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about the status of seniors volunteering at local
schools and library. Regarding senior parking at public buildings, Curt Robinson gave an update
on responses from area businesses. Jean Mancini asked for an update on the community
gardens.
2006 BUDGET & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
Todd Gerhardt presented a summary of the 2006 budget expenditures and revenues. Councilman
Lundquist asked for clarification of the wage numbers from 2005 compared to 2006. Todd
Gerhardt clarified the numbers associated with health insurance. Justin Miller explained what
other revenues consist of and presented a handout of the General Fund expenditure history.
Todd Gerhardt discussed tax capacity levy changes, debt service, what factors changed the
budget for 2006, net tax levy effects and the effect on homeowners. Councilman Lundquist
City Council Work Session – November 28, 2005
asked if there were any unforeseen projects that the City Council should be aware of. Todd
Gerhardt talked about some potential road projects that will be coming up in the future.
Councilman Lundquist stated he would prefer to be cautious with the CIP and take the $48,000
which is being held over from 2005 out of the 2006 budget. Councilman Peterson noted he
didn’t want to get into the “if you don’t spend it, lose it” scenario. The council discussed the
pros and cons of rolling over the use of excess money from one year to the next.
COUNCIL TRAVEL POLICY.
The City Council stated they were okay with the policy as presented. Councilman Peterson
suggested that the City have representation at the League of Minnesota Cities meetings.
The work session was recessed at 6:55 p.m.. It was reconvened at 7:35 p.m..
RETAIL MARKET STUDY, MCCOMB GROUP.
Linda Walton, Mary Kay Rasmussen, Vernelle Clayton and Mark Sass were present representing
the Chamber of Commerce. Todd Gerhardt presented background information on the request for
a retail market study. Kate Aanenson explained how she met representatives from the McComb
Group at the State Planning Conference and explained their references and qualifications for
conducting retail market studies. Todd Gerhardt explained how the study would benefit the
Chamber to help existing businesses become stronger. Councilman Lundquist expressed concern
about a public document being used for private use. Kate Aanenson explained how the
information obtained from the study will assist with the comprehensive plan update and zoning.
Councilman Lundquist expressed concern that the study not go beyond the city’s scope. Kate
Aanenson reviewed the main points of the McComb Group proposal. Linda Walton stated that at
the Chamber’s strategic planning session where Kate Aanenson presented this proposal,
everyone on the board embraced the idea and the Chamber of Commerce is willing to donate
$5,000 toward the cost of the study. Vernelle Clayton gave a historical perspective of the
planning that was done in the past for the downtown area and the use of planning versus market
driven projects. Todd Gerhardt explained that the key point of the study will be to see the impact
of Highway 312/212 on the downtown area and future MUSA areas. Councilman Lundquist
asked about the shelf life of the data. Kate Aanenson explained how the information will be used
for the comprehensive plan update and outlined the schedule for completing that update.
Councilman Peterson asked about funding sources for the study. Kate Aanenson stated staff will
bring back a report outlining funding sources and schedule for public input. Todd Gerhardt
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noted staff will invite representatives from the McComb Group to speak at the December 12
City Council meeting. Linda Walton stated the issue could be included on the January, 2006
luncheon agenda for the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Furlong suggested that Chamber
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representatives be present at the City Council meeting on December 12.
COMPREHENSVIVE PLAN UPDATE PROCESS.
Kate Aanenson gave a power point presentation explaining how the city needs to conform to the
Metropolitan Council’s system statement. She reviewed issues such as transportation, sewer
system and park and trail plan. Mayor Furlong asked about the schedule for the comprehensive
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City Council Work Session – November 28, 2005
plan update process. Kate Aanenson stated she would provide the council with a schedule that
would begin the update process in 2006 and finishing in 2007.
CONTINUATION OF THE 2006 BUDGET & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
Councilman Lundquist stated he was encouraged with the direction of the pay compensation plan
but noted the need to define objectives to measure performance. Justin Miller explained how the
system currently works. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about response from employees and
supervisors. Councilman Peterson asked to see an update in the middle of the year to gauge how
the system is working. Councilman Lundquist talked about how the system can benefit the city
and managers. Justin Miller explained how the new system will affect the city’s filing of the pay
equity report to the State. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification of the 5 ½% increase in salaries.
He credited Todd Gerhardt and the department heads for being able to implement and manage
the pay compensation system.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF CITY MANAGER’S PERFORMANCE.
Councilman Lundquist asked that City Council members get their information to him before the
Truth in Taxation meeting. Mayor Furlong requested that this item be discussed at a work
session on the night of the Truth in Taxation hearing. Justin Miller stated he would review the
legalities of what items can be discussed on the night of the Truth in Taxation hearing.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:20 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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