CC Work Session Minutes 12-01-2014
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL/
PLANNING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION
DECEMBER 1, 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
COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECT:
Elise Ryan and Dan Campion
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Aller, Mark Undestad,
Maryam Yusuf, Steve Weick, and Lisa Hokkanen
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Greg Sticha, and the new Assistant City
Manager, Chelsea Petersen
DISCUSSION OF COUNTY ROAD 61 CORRIDOR STUDY.
Todd Gerhardt introduced Barry Warner with SRF who prepared the final draft of the CR 61
Corridor study. Kate Aanenson provided background information on the timeline for the study.
Barry Warner reviewed the purpose of the report, project area, study purpose and intent with the
planned infrastructure improvements that may encourage development in this area. Councilman
Laufenburger asked for clarification of the term highest and best land use. Barry Warner
reviewed the project schedule, the planning process which included two open houses and
reviewed a map of the current land uses such as automobile sales, auto salvage, small motels,
multi-tenant commercial building, storage, contractor’s yard, the Gedney facility, pet boarding
facility and golf. In reviewing the 2030 sewer district and waste water flow conveyance he
provided recommendations to service the area with potential associated costs and reviewed a
map showing the constraints of the area for development such as steep slopes, park and open
space, and water features. He discussed issues associated with access from County Road 61 for
the west, central and east segments of the area and showed a map of potential land uses with and
without city services provided and possible land uses taking into account existing conditions
associated with the Assumption Creek, Gateway, and Moon Valley planned restoration areas.
Councilman Laufenburger asked about Eden Prairie’s plans for the property to the east of Moon
Valley. Barry Warner discussed providing utilities to the eastern side of the corridor noting the
Moon Valley property seems the most ready for development and discussed variables that affect
land transition include timing and phasing of city utilities, development timing and phasing,
parcel assembly, and property owners desires and long term intent. Future steps include an
updated land use plan, securing Highway 101 realignment funding in the near term, extending
city services and securing the auto salvage yard. Kate Aanenson talked about the process and
schedule for the comprehensive plan update using the 2030 rules noting the Planning
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Commission will hold a meeting on Feb 3 to begin discussion on the Comprehensive Plan
update. She explained how the public information gained from the open houses will assist in the
Comprehensive Plan update process. Mayor Furlong clarified that city services are feasible to
City Council/Planning Commission Work Session – December 1, 2014
this area. Councilman Laufenburger asked for clarification on using the 2030 rules versus 2040
rules. Dan Campion asked for clarification of what’s included with the 2040 rules. Todd
Gerhardt discussed that this plan provides a vision planning document for property owners in this
area when utilities are provided. Councilman Laufenburger asked about development south of
CR 61. Barry Warner explained the constraints associated with properties to the south i.e. open
space and water features. Todd Gerhardt asked Kate Aanenson to review again the future steps
in the planning process. Steve Weick asked for clarification of what’s included with the
gateway property. Todd Gerhardt discussed the key issues involved with extending utilities to
this area before thanking Barry Warner for his work on this study and providing a vision for
potential development in the southern area of the city.
DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL SALARIES.
Todd Gerhardt reviewed his recommendation to increase City Council salaries in comparison to
key financial strategy cities. He stated that history has shown increases occurring about every 10
years and explained the last time there was a change was in 1994 with the addition of special
meeting compensation in 2004. He explained that the mayor and council members deserve
compensation for their time. Councilwoman Ernst asked about the average compensation rate
compared to population for key financial strategy cities. Todd Gerhardt explained that
Chanhassen is a growing community with continued development over the next 10-20 years.
Mayor Furlong explained that any change wouldn’t occur for 2 years, January 1, 2017 and
suggested approving staff’s recommendation but eliminate the fee for special meetings.
Councilman Laufenburger asked about council salaries for cities in Carver County. Todd
Gerhardt recommended doing what Edina does using CPI with automatic increases.
Councilwoman Ernst asked what is spent on special meeting costs per year. Mayor Furlong
proposed staff’s recommendation but eliminate special meeting fee. Councilman McDonald
discussed why he was not in favor of eliminating the special meeting fee and due to political
reasons he was on the fence for the increase. Mayor Furlong asked council members to at least
consider it. Councilman Laufenburger suggested sometimes the council has to be pragmatic
about changes like these.
Mayor Furlong adjourned the work session meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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