WS 2006 01 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 23, 2006
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m..
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Peterson and Councilman Lundquist
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilman Labatt
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Kate Aanenson, Greg Sticha, Paul Oehme,
and Mark Littfin
CITY CODE AMENDMENT PROHIBITING COOKING AND FUEL STORAGE ON
DECKS AND PATIOS OF VERTICALLY STACKED MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING
UNITS.
Mark Littfin reviewed state law and current city ordinance as it pertains to this item. Due to a
response to an apartment fire last summer at Lake Riley, staff is requesting this amendment to
the city code which affects only vertically stacked multiple dwelling units, not horizontally
stacked. He recalled his experience with balcony fires that have occurred in Eden Prairie.
Councilwoman Tjornhom asked if this ordinance covered electrical. Councilman Lundquist
asked how this amendment would affect ground level apartments. Councilman Peterson asked if
the market and apartment leases take care of the problem, why get the City involved. Todd
Gerhardt explained the difference between blocking issues and fire code issues. Councilman
Lundquist asked why multi-unit townhome complexes aren’t covered in this amendment, and
stated he felt the lease should be enough to cover enforcement. Mayor Furlong questioned
stacked versus side by side units and questioned enforcement. Councilman Peterson questioned
enforcement of storage versus use of grills. Councilman Lundquist asked for feedback from
apartment dwellers. Mark Littfin stated he had received two letters in response to the mailings
sent by the city regarding this issue. Mayor Furlong asked which apartment complexes in the
city have inside fire protection. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will do a survey of what apartment
buildings are currently doing regarding regulating grills on decks in their leases and will bring
the item back on a future agenda.
CONSIDER INCREASE IN FIRE RELIEF PENSION.
Randy Wahl and Jack Atkins were present from the Fire Relief Association. Todd Gerhardt
reviewed the staff report. Randy Wahl explained past practices and state regulations. Mayor
Furlong asked for clarification on how the formulas work with the vesting schedule. Todd
Gerhardt explained that this proposal isn’t a new precedence for the city. Jack Atkins gave
historical background on negotiations that have occurred in the past with retired charter members
of the fire department. Councilman Lundquist asked for clarification of the annuity versus lump
sum. Randy Wahl reviewed the pension language submitted by the attorney’s office regarding
pension balances. Todd Gerhardt presented a comparison with key financial cities. Councilman
City Council Work Session – January 23, 2006
Peterson stated he was comfortable with the recommendation, but a little “squishy” with the
annuity increase. Councilman Lundquist agreed with Councilman Peterson. Mayor Furlong
stated he wasn’t quite there with the annuity increase, but didn’t want to get too hung up on
where the money comes from. Councilman Peterson stated he did not support the annuity
increase. Mayor Furlong stated he was still willing to listen. Councilwoman Tjornhom did not
have a firm decision at this time. Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on who decides how
assets should be invested. Todd Gerhardt stated staff will get together with the Fire Relief
Association and do additional research before bringing this item back before the council.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 6:45 p.m..
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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