WS 2006 10 23
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 23, 2006
Mayor Furlong called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Peterson and Councilman Lundquist
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Laurie Hokkanen, Todd Hoffman, Greg Sticha, Richard
Rice and Paul Oehme
UPDATE ON OFF-LEASH DOG PARK, MINNEWASHTA REGIONAL PARK, MARTY
WALSH, CARVER COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR.
Todd Hoffman introduced Marty Walsh, Carver County Parks Director who provided
background information on the role of the Carver County Parks Agency and background
information on the topic of the desire for an off-leash dog park somewhere in the county. He
showed a map of the proposed off-leash dog park area in Lake Minnewashta Regional Park and
discussed funding issues at a county level which has been geared more towards land acquisition
than park development. Because of the financial situation, Mr. Walsh approached cities such as
Chanhassen, Shorewood, and Victoria looking for a financial partnership. He outlined the
proposal he will be bringing back to the cities with refined dollar amounts and agreements.
Councilman Peterson asked for clarification of the costs. Mr. Walsh explained that the $40,000-
$45,000 will cover the cost of fencing, parking lot and trail improvements. Labor will be
provided in-house by county park maintenance crews, with a total project cost of approximately
$80,000 to $85,000. Mayor Furlong clarified that Chanhassen's contribution of $30,000 would
be about 30% of the total project cost. Councilman Peterson asked about a possible cost savings
if the entire area is not fenced. Marty Walsh explained the problems associated with dogs
needing to be separated from people using the adjacent trail system and wildlife in the area.
Mayor Furlong asked for clarification on the number of parking spots and fees associated with
the park. Todd Gerhardt explained that Three Rivers Parks has dropped gate fees but
implemented user fees for activities such as boat launching, cross country skiing and off-leash
dog park. Mayor Furlong stated he would advocate free use by Chanhassen and Shorewood
residents. Marty Walsh explained the difficulties of enforcement. Todd Hoffman noted a plaque
will be installed recognizing the agencies involved with the project. City Council members
expressed support for moving ahead with the funding of $30,000, which has been in the budget
for the past 2 years. Mayor Furlong asked that the County continue to be cost conscious as they
more forward with the project.
2007 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:
City Council Work Session - October 23, 2006
PARK & RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
Todd Hoffman gave a power point presentation reviewing the proposed numbers for 2007 and
comparisons to 2006 for revenues and expenditures in the following areas: administrative,
recreation programming, Rec Center, Senior Center and park maintenance. Possible 10% cuts
would include eliminating summer discovery playground, rink attendants and warming houses,
Lake Ann lifeguard program, special event programs and/or winter snow removal on trails for a
total of $162,000. Councilman Lundquist asked what affect Lifetime Fitness has had on the Rec
Center's revenues. Todd Hoffman explained that it's down about 25% and staff is looking at
possible uses for unused space and reviewing meeting room demand. Mayor Furlong asked for
clarification of skate park dollars, (2006 versus 2007 numbers). He requested that in future
presentations the actual dollar amounts be included in the pie charts, and asked about the deficit
numbers associated with revenues at the Rec Center and self supporting programs. Todd
Hoffman reviewed the revenue and fee structure for the Rec Center in relation to other entities
such as the Chaska Community Center.
ADMINISTRATION BUDGET.
Laurie Hokkanen reviewed the proposed expenditures associated with the following divisions of
the Administrative Department: legislative, general administration, legal, assessing, MIS, City
Hall, elections, library building, Community Service Officer, crime prevention and police
administration. Possible 10% cuts would include eliminating one part-time CSO position and/or
the establishment of franchise fees on utilities. Richard Rice explained proposed upgrades in the
city's computer software and hardware.
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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