WS 2006 06 12
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 12, 2006
Mayor Furlong called the work session 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, Paul Oehme, Todd Hoffman and Kate
Aanenson
INFILTRATION/INFLOW STUDY, PW254B: DRAFT REPORT DISCUSSION.
Paul Oehme introduced Todd Hubmer with WSB and Associates who prepared the draft
feasibility report in response to the Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) Surcharge Program implemented by
the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). Mr. Hubmer provided background
information on his company, WSB and Associates and their work in this field. In the power
point presentation he outlined the following issues. Definitions of infiltration and inflow and
reviewed the MCES policy on the I/I reduction plan. He showed a map which identified I/I
sources in the city of Chanhassen. Mayor Furlong asked about the possibility of Chanhassen
getting off the MCES surcharge list. Paul Oehme showed photos of examples of problems in the
city’s infrastructure. Todd Hubmer reviewed the current I/I Reduction Program and what is
proposed in the city’s I/I Reduction Plan such as revising city ordinance regarding point of sale,
building permit inspections, expand educational programs, record and enforce non-compliant
systems. Maps were shown of the city’s street reconstruction program and the schedule for
televising the city’s infrastructure in the coming weeks. Councilwoman Tjornhom asked about
the possibility of the city getting fined again if a 100 year rain event happens before the
reduction program is implemented. Mayor Furlong asked why new developments such as Pulte
are being proposed to be televised. Mr. Hubmer showed a map of the proposed sanitary sewer
visual inspection, repair and replacement program. He reviewed financial implications such as
anticipated costs, costs eligible for surcharge credit, financing sources and future savings to the
city. Councilman Lundquist asked for an explanation of the city’s cost savings versus CIP cost
and the number of cities facing the MCES surcharge. Mayor Furlong asked how much money
the city needs to spend to meet the MCES’ I/I goal. Councilman Lundquist asked for further
clarification on the city’s paying the surcharge versus the cost of improvements. Mayor Furlong
stated the key to this project is prioritizing which items should be done first to get the biggest
bang for your buck and manage those projects efficiently. The city also needs to begin working
on obtaining revenue to pay for solving the I/I program as soon as possible.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGY: DOWNTOWN PARK & RIDE UPDATE.
Len Simich, Executive Director of Southwest Metro Transit reviewed the progress on the design
and planning which will be implemented over the next couple years for the park and ride facility
City Council Work Session – June 12, 2006
in the downtown location and outlined steps Southwest Metro has gone through to find financing
and a location for the downtown parking ramp. The current park and ride site is currently at
capacity and Southwest Metro has an agreement with Bloomberg Companies to expand the
number of stalls to accommodate demand prior to the ramp’s completion. Mayor Furlong asked
for clarification of the funding options and timeline for construction. Clayton Johnson with
Bloomberg Companies provided an update on the status of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, the
history of the theater in Chanhassen and the economics involved with the current facility, noting
a parking ramp is essential to the economic viability of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. He
reviewed critical design issues involved with redesigning the theater and incorporating the
parking ramp into that design, noting that construction cannot interrupt the Dinner Theater’s
business and therefore the need to stage the new construction. He reiterated that Bloomberg
Companies is working on the assumption that the Chanhassen Dinner Theater will stay in
Chanhassen and that the parking ramp is a key ingredient to it’s success. Councilman Peterson
asked about the goal for timing on the design approval process. Mayor Furlong noted he has
hope that things will get worked out with Southwest Metro Transit and the Chanhassen Dinner
Theater working together. Todd Gerhardt stated that the $5.5 million dollar grant obtained by
Southwest Metro Transit is key to the success of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater.
KEY FINANCIAL STRATEGIES: UPDATE ON LICENSE SERVICE CENTER IN THE
CITY.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed the work done by Carver County, and Mark Lundgren in particular to
secure State funding for Carver County for the service center. He listed the pros and cons
associated with each of the perspective sites in Chanhassen, those being the east end of the water
treatment plant, Southwest Metro/Lake Ann property, and the Emerson Rosemount Triangle
Parcel. Councilman Peterson asked about other possible site locations in the city. Mark
Lundgren stated that Hennepin County is supportive of the County locating a service center in
Carver County and Chanhassen. Steve Taylor reviewed the planning and design process the
county is undertaking and the need to locate a site. He noted that the Carver County Board is
interested in purchasing a site, not leasing, with high visibility from Highway 5. Mark Lundgren
stated the Board is interested in the site being more of a service center, and not strictly a
licensing center. The only questions being how big and how soon. Steve Taylor stated he has
been given direction from the Carver County Board to investigate ways of sharing costs with
other governmental agencies. Mark Lundgren reiterated that the County has a big problem with
size and space in it’s current location. Mayor Furlong asked where this project sits on the
County’s priority system. Mr. Lundgren noted it is a high priority for the County.
Mayor Furlong recessed the work session at 6:55 p.m. The work session was reconvened at
9:45 p.m.
VETERAN’S MONUMENT UPDATE.
Todd Gerhardt noted that based on discussions with the City Council and Senior Commission,
staff has been working with the Senior Commission and Damon Farber and Associates to
develop concepts for a veteran’s monument and memorial at City Center Park. He reviewed
each of the concepts, outlining the pros and cons of each proposal and asked for City Council
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City Council Work Session – June 12, 2006
direction on which concept they prefer. The council members agreed that Option 3.3 was the
best option. Councilman Peterson asked if names were going to be incorporated onto the
memorial. Todd Gerhardt stated that the Senior Commission recommended against using names
because of maintenance and error problems involved. Councilman Peterson stated the
monument needs some sort of wording or phrase incorporated into it. Mayor Furlong stated he
was happy to see this item being pursued and making progress. He liked Option 3.3 as well but
noted a missing component of incorporating flag stands to be used during special events.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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