WS 2006 01 09
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 9, 2006
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m..
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Labatt, and Councilman Peterson
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Lundquist
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Jill Sinclair,
and Todd Hoffman
PCA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE OPEN GRANT, WIND TURBINE.
Jill Sinclair presented a power point presentation, along with Marcus Zbinden and Ron Olsen
from the Environmental Commission outlining the grant application which is looking for
matching dollars. Peter Mohr was present representing the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
who has agreed to partner with the City in providing a site to build the wind turbine. Todd
Gerhardt asked for clarification on the cost savings generated from a wind turbine. Ron Olsen
passed out a handout showing payback numbers. Councilman Peterson asked for clarification
on the Arboretum’s intent for use of the wind turbine and how much Arboretum and city staff
time will be involved with the project. He also asked if the Arboretum would go ahead with the
project without the City’s assistance. Mr. Mohr explained that they would not be interested
without city assistance, as there are numerous other projects the Arboretum can do now.
Councilman Peterson stated his feelings that the City has a lesser obligation to educate the public
and philosophically is unsure of using city dollars. Jill Sinclair walked through time and money
that would be asked for from the City and stated that no money has been budgeted for 2006.
Marcus Zbinden explained the county’s grant application process. Todd Gerhardt stated staff
can investigate other entities that have grant money available but that this item was being
brought before the council because of the preliminary grant application deadline of February 1,
2006. Councilman Labatt asked how the proposed wind turbine compared in size to the one at
Elk River. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked for clarification on the use and permanence of the
structure. Mayor Furlong stated the Arboretum is the most logical site, especially from a
learning standpoint, and felt it was a good idea to move forward with the process.
2006 KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES.
Todd Gerhardt thanked City Council and Justin Miller for their input and putting together the
format. He reviewed the priority rankings for 2006 and discussed items that will be brought
back to future work sessions. Mayor Furlong asked that the council concentrate on items ranked
with 1 and 2’s. Todd Gerhardt asked City Council members to comment on 3 or 4 rankings
where all other council members ranked items at 1 and 2. Councilman Labatt asked where the
new fire station site ranked. Todd Gerhardt explained that staff is always looking for
opportunities that become available and explained what staff is doing currently and what is
City Council Work Session – January 9, 2006
planned for 2006. Mayor Furlong asked staff to explain what the city is doing specifically to
educate the public regarding the city’s growth. Todd Gerhardt explained how staff will proceed
with the Key Financial Strategies in 2006.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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