02-11-19-cc-wsCHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
FEBRUARY 11, 2019
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilwoman Tjornhom, Councilman
Campion, and Councilwoman Coleman. Councilman McDonald arrived during Mr. Jablonski’s
presentation.
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Paul Oehme, and Todd Hoffman and
Andrea Poehler, City Attorney
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Josh Kimber 2060 Majestic Way
Andrew Aller 6661 Horseshoe Curve
Rick Echternacht 8746 Flamingo Drive
Melissa Murrujo 1973 Topaz Drive
Liz Hoffman 6891 Utica Lane
Shelley Berken 6820 Diamond Court
Michelle Treptau 6935 Ruby Lane
Jim Freebersyser 6935 Ruby Lane
Tim & Sharon McCotter 7000 Utica Lane
Steve Scharfenberg 1470 Lake Susan Hills
Jon Rausch 5229 Minnetoga Terrace
MB and Jon Hebeisen 2150 Majestic Way
Don Parks Westwood
Andy McConnell Solomon Brothers
Lyndon Robjet Carver County
GALPIN PROPERTY SITE PLAN UPDATE.
Mayor Ryan explained how the work session operates for the residents in attendance before
giving an update on the Galpin property site plan. Joe Jablonski with Lennar reviewed changes
made to the site plan now consisting of 181 lots after addressing questions and concerns raised
by commission and council members. He addressed transition to the southern properties,
wetlands, lot size, entry gatehouse monument, landscaping, cross section showing views from
existing neighbors, and discussed an opinion letter from wetland specialists regarding access to
the wetland pertaining to density transfer. Mayor Ryan asked if the wetland opinion had been
verified. Joe Jablonski explained the process used and discussed the units per acre density
comparisons with surrounding neighborhoods. Steve Ach with Lennar discussed the work that
was done since the last work session and the different style of homes being offered. Mayor Ryan
City Council Work Session – February 11, 2019
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asked about the location of the villa style homes. Councilwoman Coleman asked if the fire
department had seen this plan. Todd Gerhardt explained that the fire department had not seen
this plan yet but the roads meet city standards. Councilman Campion asked if additional
engineering work has been done to determine density in the parkland area. Mayor Ryan thanked
Lennar for listening to their concerns before addressing issues related to lot size, transition to the
south, landscaping and tree loss due to mass grading, drainage concerns along the southern
boundary, setting up a conservation easement along the south boundary, removal of the one lot
on the north boundary adjacent to the wetland and tree buffers, and concerns from residents
regarding the street connection with the Ashling Meadows neighborhood. In reviewing the
2040 Comprehensive Plan she highlighted important points for the developer to keep in mind
regarding the use of a PUD to obtain innovative design, preservation of natural environment,
land use and nature conservation, and she voiced her continued concern with the overall density
of the development. Councilwoman Tjornhom thanked Mayor Ryan for bringing up information
from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and asked what happens in a worst case scenario of Lennar
using a straight subdivision and losing the parkland if the council cannot come up with granting
approval of Lennar’s PUD plan. Joe Jablonski reviewed what can occur with Lennar using a
straight subdivision. Councilman McDonald addressed the history of the City wanting to
preserve the parkland around Lake Ann and the trade off’s that will be needed. He expressed his
preference for the use of a PUD. Councilwoman Tjornhom agreed with Councilman McDonald
about the need to get feedback from the community as a whole on dedication of this parkland
and asked for additional time to get that feedback. Steve Ach asked for clarification on Mayor
Ryan’s concerns with the buffer and loss of trees along the south boundary and density. Mayor
Ryan continued with her concern over the premise used for density transfer numbers.
Councilman Campion asked for clarification on what is necessary to do the engineering to
determine density transfer numbers. Councilwoman Tjornhom and Councilman McDonald
reiterated the importance for the need to hear from the entire community on preservation of
parkland versus density transfer. Todd Gerhardt explained the timeline associated with this site
plan. Mayor Ryan asked about the possibility of sending this new plan back to the Planning
Commission for a public hearing. Steve Ach addressed the issue of meeting the 60 day deadline
and their need for a decision by City Council on March 11th. City Attorney Andrea Poehler
clarified the legal process associated with sending this item back to the Planning Commission for
a public hearing. City Council directed staff to send this item back to the Planning Commission
to hold another public hearing at their March 5th meeting.
APPLEBEE’S SITE REDEVELOPMENT.
Kate Aanenson introduced Andy McConnell from Soloman Brothers. Andy McConnell outlined
the options and restrictions for redevelopment of the Applebee’s property and parking issues
associated with the site that a bank would help improve. Don Parks explained the desire to have a
drive thru associated with a bank. Mayor Ryan ask for comments from council members
regarding the possible uses for this property. Councilman Campion explained the feedback he’s
heard from residents is the need for a unique use in town. Mayor Ryan asked if there was
anything the City can do to help entice uses into town other than a bank or something different