05-05-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
May 5, 2025
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember von Oven, Councilmember
Kimber, Councilmember McDonald,
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Schubert
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Charlie Howley, Public Works
Director/City Engineer; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager; Patrick Gavin, Communications
Manager; Jerry Ruegemer, Parks Director; Eric Maass, Community Development Director
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Santa Vera Development Proposal Discussion
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, revisited the Santa Vera development proposal.
Ryan Sailer (Headwaters Development), Josh McKinney (Measure Group), and members of the
Hansen family, who have partial ownership of the proposed development site, were in
attendance. This was a continuation of a discussion that began during a February 10 work
session. Since the initial review, the developer has held a neighborhood meeting to gather
resident feedback and submitted a formal land use application requesting to amend the site's
Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning and to receive site plan approval for a new 59-unit
apartment building. The project also includes a request for a 25% density bonus tied to
affordable housing, though specific affordability thresholds have not yet been defined. The
discussion focused on gathering additional council feedback as the application moves through
the formal review process. Ryan Sailer (Headwaters Development), Josh McKinney (Measure
Group), and members of the Hansen family who have partial ownership of the proposed
development site, were in attendance.
The City Council was asked to weigh in on several aspects of the Santa Vera proposal, including
the total number of housing units (ranging from 46 to 77 depending on zoning and bonuses),
preferred roof style, building materials, driveway placement, and potential funding sources such
as TIF, LAHA and LCDA.
The City Council provided general feedback on the total number of units proposed, roof design,
and proposed exterior materials.
City Council Work Session Minutes – May 5, 2025
2
ROW Ordinance Updates
Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager, and Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City
Engineer, presented updates to Chapter 17 of the City Code – Right of Way (ROW)
Management. ROW management ensures that public assets, such as streets and sidewalks, are
protected, safe to use, and free of unnecessary obstacles. There were challenges encountered last
year during the installation of new fiber-optic networks, where issues like property damage,
insufficient restoration, and inconsistent contractor practices arose. The city has already updated
its permitting process, which has been successful this spring. The proposed amendments to
Chapter 17, Article V, are intended to strengthen regulations for work in the public right-of-way,
improve contractor accountability, and protect city infrastructure. Beyond the code updates, the
city plans to enhance right-of-way management by adding more inspection staff and improving
contractor oversight through weekly meetings and a single point of contact. New state
certification training requirements will take effect in July, and the city will limit the number of
open permits and shift installations into existing right-of-way areas instead of front-yard utility
easements. The code updates are scheduled to be considered for adoption at an upcoming City
Council meeting.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:55 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk