CC Work Session Minutes 11-10-2014
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Mayor Furlong called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Furlong, Councilman Laufenburger, Councilwoman Ernst,
Councilwoman Tjornhom, and Councilman McDonald
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, Karen Engelhardt, and Greg Sticha
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Councilmembers Elect Elise Ryan and Dan Campion
CANVAS LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS.
Mayor Furlong called to order the Election Canvassing Board meeting. Karen Engelhardt reviewed the
results of the local election broken down by precinct. Councilman Laufenburger asked if absentee ballots
had increased for this election and the numbers for new registrations. Councilwoman Ernst asked about
recruiting election judges. Karen Engelhardt declared that Denny Laufenburger won votes for the Mayor
position and Elise Ryan and Dan Campion for city council members. Mayor Furlong asked about the
percentages for election turnout. Councilman Laufenburger asked about the electronic voting poll books
that were supposed to take place and ended up not being used. Mayor Furlong asked if there were any
discrepancies in paper ballots to the numbers on tabulators and if there were any problems at any of the
polling places.
Resolution #2014-69: Councilwoman Ernst moved, Councilman McDonald seconded to adopt the
resolution accepting the results of the election. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
UTILITY RATE STUDY WITH EHLERS AND ASSOCIATES.
Jessica Cook with Ehlers and Associates reviewed key findings from the annual rate study which
proposed increases for water, sanitary sewer and storm water. She noted that hookup fee increases are
consistent with last year and discussed that adequate revenue and cash balances in utility funds are
important to maintain the City’s AAA bond rating and avoid sudden increases in rates. She explained the
key assumptions used in the study including growth and the water CIP which results in a water rate
increase of 3% annually for 2015 through 2021 and 4% annual increases needed in 2022 and beyond to
pay for a second water treatment plant. She reviewed the proposed rate increases by tier, and graphs
showing water connection fees. Mayor Furlong asked how what’s being proposed compares to other
cities. In reviewing the sanitary sewer fund, she explained proposed increases for 2014 through 2018
which are 4% annual rate increase as compared to 3% in prior projections. Capital sewer CIP costs were
reviewed. Greg Sticha discussed the letter from Met Council regarding Inflow and Infiltration surcharges
and explained that staff is recommending $200,000 per year for 2016 through 2019 and $100,000 per year
to address I/I improvements. Paul Oehme discussed grant opportunities that exist to help offset I/I
improvements. Jessica Cook reviewed graphs showing the sewer operating fund ending cash balance
amounts and sewer trunk fund cash balance through 2025. Mayor Furlong and Councilman McDonald
asked that the number of months used for target reserves as compared to ending cash balances be
reviewed further. In reviewing storm water rates Ehlers is recommending a quarterly fee increase in
2015 and beyond and showed a graph for storm water fund ending cash balance comparing target cash
reserve and ending cash. Mayor Furlong asked that the target cash balance compared to inflation
numbers be reviewed further to see if the City is charging more than needed. Jessica Cook reviewed what
City Council Work Session – November 10, 2014
a utility bill for the average customer would look like with the proposed increases in water, sewer and
storm water and sewer and water hook-up fees. Mayor Furlong noted that this information will come
back as part of future budget discussions.
FINAL DESIGN, CHANHASSEN PIONEER CEMETERY.
Kate Aanenson discussed actions taken with the final design of Pioneer Cemetery including survey
boundaries, tree removal in association with the landscaping plan, pervious pavers for the driveway,
neighborhood meetings, and locating the columbariums. Councilwoman Ernst asked what other
cemeteries do when locating columbariums. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification that access
into the cemetery will be off Galpin Boulevard, if there is pent up demand, and the possibility of
including a memorial wall at Pioneer Cemetery.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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