01-13-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
January 13, 2025
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember von Oven, Councilmember
Kimber, and Councilmember Schubert; Councilmember McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, Charlie Howley, Public Works
Director/City Engineer; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager, Jerry Ruegemer, Parks Director;
Kelly Grinnell, Finance Director; Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager; Andrew Heger, Fire
Chief; Jenny Potter, City Clerk
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Discussion: Market Boulevard Improvement Project
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer, summarized the City Council's history with
the Market Boulevard Improvement Project and asked council members for any questions or
feedback.
A majority of the council members voiced their support for a Market Boulevard Improvement
design named "Alternative 1," which was one of the designs originally presented by Mr. Howley
to the Council in the summer of 2024. Alternative 1 would feature a two-lane section with a center
median and multiple mini-roundabouts. The goals of the project include the replacement of public
infrastructure, coordinating with new development (Civic Campus and Hotel/Cinema
Redevelopment), and improvements to pedestrian/bicycle safety and mobility.
During the discussion, councilmembers shared their perspectives on the project and identified a
few important areas to focus on as the project moves forward:
• The City Council and city staff should work hard to ease any burdens faced by businesses
located within the Market Square shopping center, which would be most acutely affected
by the Market Boulevard Improvement Project.
• The City Council and city staff would continue to discuss the two roundabouts proposed
in Alternative 1.
• The City Council would continue to pay attention to the project’s effect on traffic
congestion on nearby Great Plains Boulevard.
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• Councilmembers stressed how important it will be for the city to fully communicate details
of the project to Chanhassen residents and businesses.
• A councilmember inquired about a stoplight at the Market Street intersection and another
councilmember drew a comparison to the successful roundabout and single-lane road in
front of Costco in Chaska.
Discuss 2025 Legislative Priorities
The City Council briefly discussed the City's 2025 Legislative priorities and talked about future
plans to discuss such priorities with state and national elected officials, including Rep. Tom
Emmer.
Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center - A&E Services RFQ
Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager talked with Council about the City's Request for Proposals (RFQ)
for an architectural firm for the future Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center, which was approved
by Chanhassen voters during the 2024 General Election. Anyone is welcome to submit proposals
and interviews will likely begin during a special Council session on February 19.
Discussion: Pleasant View Road RAISE Grant Submittal
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer discussed with the City Council the city's
plans to apply for a RAISE Grant in order to help fund the city's future reconstruction efforts on
Pleasant View Road. The city hopes to upgrade to as near city standards as feasible, add a multi -
use trail, conduct stormwater management, and rehabilitate (or replace) sewer & water utilities.
The RAISE grant is part of the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA). The application is due by January 30, 2025. The project is currently estimated at ~$20.7M,
and, as such, the City's Municipal State Aid and other Pavement Management Program funding
will not cover all of the needs. The Council has a resolution supporting the grant application on
the consent agenda at the regular council meeting.
Discussion: No Parking Designation in 2024 Street Improvement Project Area
Charlie Howley Public Works Director/City Engineer and Fire Chief Andrew Heger discussed a
petition signed by 24 residents living on or around Kiowa Avenue, Iroquois Street, and Huron
Avenue (between Chan View and W 76th Street). The petition seeks to remove established No
Parking areas on those streets. The one-sided No Parking restriction was put in place as a result of
the recent 2024 Street Improvement project whereby all of the streets and utilities were fully
reconstructed. Both Mr. Howley and Mr. Heger expressed their preference to leave the No Parking
designation in place for these streets due to the narrower street width, Fire Code compliance, winter
snow narrowing concerns, improved safety for pedestrians and bicyclists and the benefits of traffic
calming, stormwater management and reduced costs.
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Mayor Ryan stated that while this petition was limited in scope, it highlighted the need for a
broader discussion by the Council to establish a city-wide vision and policy for parking rules and
regulations. The Council agreed to have a more in-depth conversation on the topic in February.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:55 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk