WS 2003 01 13CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 13, 2003
Mayor Furlong called the work session meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Furlong, Councilman Lundquist, Councilman
Peterson, and Councilman Ayotte. Councilman Labatt arrived later in the work session.
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Justin Miller, Todd Hoffman, Teresa Burgess, Kate
Aanenson, Bruce DeJong and Mark Littfin
DISCUSSION OF RECOMMENDED 2003 BUDGET CUTS.
Todd Gerhardt presented the staff recommendations for 2003 budget cuts and increased revenues.
Mayor Furlong questioned the revenues being suggested from Park and Recreation, i.e. charging
for parking at the 4th of July fireworks. Councilman Ayotte asked if the City could get corporate
sponsorship for the fireworks. Todd Hoffman explained how the corporate sponsorship program
currently works, but stated he could ask for sponsorship strictly for the fireworks. It was
suggested to ask both the Senior Commission and Park and Recreation Commission for their
input on revenue generating ideas.
There was lengthy discussion regarding shutting off street lights as a way to save up to $100,000
in the budget. Teresa Burgess had a handout showing numerous cost saving options.
Councilman Ayotte wanted to receive input from the Carver County Sheriff's office regarding
public safety implications. Councilman Lundquist asked about costs associated with shutting the
street lights off. Todd Gerhardt suggested that the council members drive down West 78th Street
between Powers Boulevard and Highway 41 to see the difference between having street lights on
and off. Councilman Lundquist suggested he would like to see action happen sooner than later to
maximize a cost savings for the street lights.
Justin Miller presented a handout for additional proposed cuts and revenues. Todd Gerhardt
asked that the individual department head explain the proposed cuts for each department. Todd
Hoffman, Kate Aanenson and Mark Littfin went over their department's requests. There was
discussion regarding the thermal imaging cameras requested by the Fire Department. $20,000
was budgeted for one camera, and the fire department had found a deal for two cameras for
$10,000 each. Todd Gerhardt asked that this item be placed on the Consent Agenda for approval.
The work session meeting was recessed at 6:55 p.m. for the regularly scheduled City
Council meeting. The work session was reconvened at 8:35 p.m. to continue discussion on
the 2003 budget.
Teresa Burgess and Justin Miller presented their proposed cuts. Councilman Ayotte expressed
concern over cutting back on employees and the impact that would have on staff. Councilman
Peterson stated it was noble of Fire Chief Wolff to offer to cut his $2,500 salary but said he did
not want to see that happen. He asked that the Fire Chief instead find cuts of $2,500 from
somewhere else in the Fire Department budget. Mayor Furlong wanted to make as many cuts as
possible now, but to delay additional cuts until mid-year when the City would know exactly the
impact from the State. There was discussion over different options for revenue generation, i.e.
Fire Department charging for house and car fires that are reimbursed from insurance companies,
City Council Work Session - January 13, 2003
gambling revenues from the American Legion, admin fees charged to TIF districts, excluding the
downtown TIF district, animal licenses, fees charged to waste disposal companies on a per
company basis versus per vehicle basis, and charging for vehicle lock-out's. There was
considerable discussion over whether to provide or not provide the lock-out service for vehicles,
and if so, what should be the fee charged for such a service.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim