CC Work Session Minutes 04-27-2015City Council Work Session – April 27, 2015
DISCUSS VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE LIFESTYLE CENTER.
Todd Gerhardt asked for discussion of the Charge Statement to receive feedback from the
council on how to proceed in the visioning process. He explained the need for flexibility in
proceeding with a project like this. Councilwoman Ryan explained that her goal is when the
visioning process is complete the council feels they had the time to explore all options, clearly
understands the needs of community now and in the future, and the development team’s vision of
what they would like to see on this parcel. Councilman Campion favored expanding the vision
for a lifestyle center without going into too much detail with a desired result of capturing
information from the public to determine a relatively short list of permitted and prohibited uses.
He explained how he would like to see the free market work. Councilwoman Tjornhom supports
moving forward with visioning process to obtain feedback from residents, developers, and
downtown business council. Councilman McDonald provided background information on how
this parcel was zoned and explained that he does not feel it’s the council’s job to design what
goes on this parcel. He would like the developer to present a plan to the council. Mayor
Laufenburger explained that he supports Barry Warner doing the work of obtaining information
from all parties involved, i.e. residents, developer, downtown businesses, etcetera. Councilman
McDonald reiterated his disconnect and the need for the developer to come up with a plan first
before spending time on visioning. Councilwoman Tjornhom agreed with Councilman
McDonald. Mayor Laufenburger stated he also agreed with Councilman McDonald but after
thinking about it would like to go through the visioning process to share with the developer what
the people of Chanhassen would like to see. He explained what the AUAR will entail and that
the developer will move forward on a parallel path. Councilman McDonald stated he would
support completion of the AUAR before moving forward with the visioning process. Council
members discussed receiving a vision from the developer to give to Barry Warner or getting a
plan from the developer before moving forward with the visioning process. Mayor Laufenburger
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stated he would like to see a final visioning report no later than July 24 with the goal of giving
the council clear understanding of what the residents want, architecture, and strategies outlined
in the consultant’s proposal. After discussion amongst council members and staff there was
consensus from council to move forward with Barry Warner’s proposal with one message that
the developer speak with as much clarity as possible on their vision. Todd Gerhardt explained
that staff will keep the council updated on the process.
Mayor Laufenburger adjourned the work session at 10:05 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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