11-18-2024 City Council Regular Meeting MinutesCHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 18, 2024
Mayor Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember McDonald,
Councilmember Schubert, Councilmember von Oven, and Councilmember Kimber.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Charlie Howley, Public Works
Director/City Engineer; George Bender, Assistant City Engineer; and Jenny Potter, City Clerk.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Randall Raddatz, 6340 Elm Tree Avenue
Rob Olson, Crimson Bay Road
Rose Mastricola, Crimson Bay Road
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Farewell and Thank you: Lt. Lance Pearce, CCSO
Mayor Ryan thanked Lieutenant Pearce for his service as a CCSO in Chanhassen.
Lieutenant Pearce read a statement thanking the city for the opportunity to work in Chanhassen.
He thanked his family for their support throughout his career.
Mayor Ryan presented flowers to Lisa Pearce. The City Council took a photograph with the
Pearce family.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember McDonald moved, Councilmember Kimber
seconded that the City Council approve the following consent agenda items 1 through 11
pursuant to the City Manager’s recommendations:
1. Approve City Council Minutes dated October 28, 2024
2. Approve Commission on Aging Minutes dated September 20, 2024
3. Receive Planning Commission Minutes dated September 17, 2024
4. Receive Park and Recreation Commission Minutes dated September 24, 2024
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5. Approve Claims Paid dated November 18, 2024
6. Adopt 2025 City Meeting Schedule
7. Adopt AI Policy
8. Award Contract for Lobbying Services to Lockridge Grindal Naeun
9. Approve an Encroachment Agreement between the City of Chanhassen and the property
owner at 1500 Pembroke Pass
10. Approval of Microsoft Office365 License Renewal
11. Public Works Fuel Company
All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
Randall Raddatz, 6340 Elm Tree Avenue, stated concerns about the referendum for the
Chanhassen Community Center. He commented that he had asked the city about the revenue
structure but did not receive a plan. He said that the city did not include language about a sales
tax and property tax increase. Mr. Raddatz stated that if any portion of the project was about a
property tax levy, it needed to be on the ballot. He reviewed information he received from a City
Council Member and city staff and asked why they did not inform people they were voting for a
property tax increase. He recommended honesty in the future to help citizens.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
1. Resolution 2024-XX: Conduct Public Improvement Hearing and Authorize Preparation
of Plans and Specifications for the Crimson Bay Road Improvement Project
George Bender, Assistant City Engineer, provided background about the Crimson Bay Road
Improvement Project. He discussed the project needs and strategic priorities, presented photos
demonstrating the project improvements, and summarized the Highway 5 improvements. He
reviewed the public engagement effort for the project, including property owner meetings, public
open houses, and assessment notification efforts. He presented the schedule and next steps for
the project.
Councilmember Schubert asked since there were a small number of lots and they are larger lots,
if they had considered allowing individuals to keep well and septic rather than extending the
sewer. Mr. Bender responded that some lots looked forward to connecting since their septic
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system was older. A couple of lots had recently replaced their septic, so those properties can
decide to connect when it makes sense for them.
Councilmember Kimber asked why there were no assessments for the University of Minnesota
on the west side of the road. Mr. Bender answered that the University of Minnesota had no
access, so they did not directly benefit. They considered assessment in multiple ways.
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer, said that the feasibility study included the
arboretum side, and he noted that obtaining the easement to put the road in was a massive
benefit. He commented that the city was the University of Minnesota Arboretum for allowing
them to install the road.
Mr. Bender said the County experienced reasonable negotiations with the University of
Minnesota Arboretum to move forward.
Mr. Howley explained that assessments for the five residents are unchanged. The residents are
not paying the arboretum’s share.
Councilmember Kimber asked if there would be a connection charge for residents. Mr. Howley
confirmed this information.
Mayor Ryan requested answers to the questions received during the community meeting. Mr.
Bender answered that the most major impact was that the route to the network would change and
explained the updated route. He said natural tree cover would need to be opened up to build the
road, so a retaining wall would need to be constructed. He explained residents were concerned
about the existing retaining wall and the maple trees were planned for removal. He said the
existing retaining wall was outdated, and the city was the owner. He said the access could be
eliminated, and they could plant trees here.
Mr. Howley commented that they normally put in a cul-de-sac for emergency vehicles to turn
around, but instead, they put in a hammerhead design to minimize impacts to lots. He talked
about the Crimson Maples that were being removed, which caused residents’ concerns. They will
replant Crimson Maples. He explained how the retaining walls were minimizing impact since
there was a large grade. He discussed how some of the properties were Chanhassen and some
were Excelsior. He noted that some of the properties would have an address change, but not a
post office box change.
Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing.
Rose Mastricola lives on Crimson Bay Road. She stated that she waited twenty-two minutes to
exit her road. She asked about stop signs to alleviate the frustration of getting off 78th Street to
Highway 41. She said that several residents enjoy bike riding, but if the intersection is controlled
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appropriately, they can bike from their driveway to the bike path. She asked how the funding
would be determined if a resident decided to sell their house.
Rob Olson, Crimson Bay Road, said that this project had been a long time coming. He
commented that the City Engineers were trying to make the project work, even when the
residents did not agree with the original proposals.
Mr. Bender said that the terms of the assessments would be discussed at the second assessment
hearing. He said that the assessment policy allows for a ten-year term associated with the pay-off
period, but they can work with the finance department to discuss these options. He commented
that the letter would be mailed after the bid opening. There would be time for residents to explain
their thoughts before the assessment hearing.
Mayor Ryan asked about Highway 41. She said it was a frequent comment from residents. Mr.
Bender answered that they are working on an activated pedestrian crossing at this intersection.
He discussed how this project is a part of the larger Trunk Highway 5 Project.
Mayor Ryan asked if the pedestrian crossing would take place when the intersection was
redesigned. Mr. Bender answered that this project was a part of the Trunk Highway 5 Project,
but there are still steps for this project to be approved. He thought the pedestrian crossing would
occur before the intersection was completed.
Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing.
Councilmember von Oven moved, Councilmember Schubert seconded that the City
Council adopts a resolution ordering the improvements, and authorizing preparation of
plans and specifications for the Crimson Bay Road Improvement Project No. 23-02. All
voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
2. Resolution 2024-XX: Approve Vacation of Public Drainage and Utility Easements
within Lot 1 and Lot 2, Block 1 Rook Place (6630 and 6660 Horseshoe Curve)
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer provided a summary of the resolution for
the vacation of public drainage and utility easements with Lot 1 and Lot 2, Block 1 Rook Place.
He reviewed the survey of the project and noted that the staff recommended approval.
Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing.
Councilmember von Oven moved, Councilmember McDonald seconded that the
Chanhassen City Council adopt a resolution approving the vacation of public drainage and
utility easements over the shared lot line of Lot 1 Block 1, and Lot 2 Block 1, Rook Place,
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according to the recorded plat thereof, Carver County, Minnesota; subject to the condition
of re-establishing similar easements along either side of the adjusted lot line and adopt the
Findings of Fact. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to
0.
GENERAL BUSINESS. None.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS.
1. Receive the Third Quarter 2024 Economic Development Activity Report
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION. None.
Councilmember Kimber moved, Councilmember Schubert seconded to adjourn the
meeting. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The
City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk