2019 03 05-pc-sumCHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
MARCH 5, 2019
Chairman Aller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Aller, Steve Weick, Nancy Madsen, Mark
Randall, and Michael McGonagill
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Undestad and John Tietz
STAFF PRESENT: Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director; Erick Henricksen,
Project Engineer; Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; and Andrew Brotzler, Interim Public
Works Director
PUBLIC MEETING TO REVIEW CHANGES TO THE GALPIN PROPERTY
SUBDIVISION.
Kate Aanenson presented the staff report update on this item. Joe Jablonski reviewed the
previous meetings and revisions made to the plan. Commissioner McGonagill asked for
clarification on changes to the grading plan and how traffic concerns will be addressed.
Commissioner Weick asked about a phasing plan for buildout of the project. Commissioner
Madsen asked for clarification of the tree preservation areas. Chairman Aller opened up the
meeting for public comment. Alan Nikolai, 6570 Galpin Boulevard, stating he has lived in
Chanhassen since 1962, discussed preserving the wildlife corridor between Lake Ann and Lake
Minnewashta and strongly recommended that the City Council approve the PUD. Marnie Wells,
CEO of Camp Fire Minnesota discussed the natural environment associated with Camp
Tanadoona which is 103 acres and 2,000 feet of shoreline on Lake Minnewashta. She discussed
that it is her belief that all kids deserve access to nature and voiced her support for the density
transfer plan. Craig Mertz, speaking as a resident of Chanhassen for 40 plus years, explained he
was speaking on behalf of and in support of Lennar’s plan for the density transfer. Jennie
Skancke, area hydrologist for the Minnesota DNR, spoke in support of the density transfer plan
and the preservation of land surrounding Lake Ann. Brenda Darkow, 2198 Red Fox Circle,
acknowledged that development of this property is going to happen and that she does support the
density transfer plan. Josh Kimber, 2060 Majestic Way, having had good discussions with Joe
Jablonski with Lennar, feels good about the drainage plan onto his property but still believes this
is a poor use of the land. There must be other options and suggested the City put together a
bonding proposal to purchase the park land. He discussed traffic and speed concerns on Galpin
Boulevard and the need for safety improvements. Tijuana Burton, Minneapolis, being a fan,
supporter and volunteer at Paisley Park discussed her belief of what Prince would want to see
happen with this property which would be no development. Matthew Myers, 7421 Windmill
Drive suggested the City buy this property, put in a stage and have music concerts to honor
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Prince. Steve Scharfenberg, 1470 Lake Susan Hills Drive, speaking as Chairman of the Park and
Recreation Commission, spoke in favor of the revisions to the proposed Galpin property and
density transfer. John Garry, 1460 Knob Hill Lane, being the owner of one of the biggest
ecological restoration companies in the Midwest and having worked with developers and cities
in the past described his full support for getting 50 acres of parkland for free. Todd Simning,
2145 Wynsong Lane, speaking from the perspective of being a developer of the Wynsong
development and other developments in the area, he discussed not needing to take all 50 acres of
land. He described how he developed Wynsong Lane and took a 10 acre parcel and subdivided it
into 4 lots believing something similar can be done with this parcel of land. It doesn’t just have
to be a straight density transfer, there can be a balance. John Yanta, 365 Pleasant View Road,
having seen his taxes increase every year would recommend the City not buy this piece of
property. Scott Dewing, 6735 Mulberry Circle stated he was very much in favor of this new
plan. Cheree Theisen, 2072 Majestic Way, having lived in the Royal Oaks development for 25
years voiced concern over the loss of trees, how far it will be for her to access the trail around
Lake Ann, and that it’s not fair what the surrounding residents are losing. Barb Klick, Utica
Lane stated she was a huge supporter of the density transfer as a way to save nature. Laurie
Susla, 7008 Dakota Avenue expressed concern with the density transfer of the 54 homes from
the east to the west property and her concern with the increase in hard cover affecting stormwater
runoff. Shane Waskey, 1925 Topaz explained that he has hiked this property for years and does
not believe all the parkland property is buildable and would not support a park all around Lake
Ann. Greg Stewart, 1893 Topaz Drive explained that this area will suffer from noise pollution,
air pollution, traffic and noise during the 2 to 4 year build out as well as devaluing property
values. He also asked that provisions be put in place to ensure that there truly is a conservation
of trees and additional buffer line built into the north. Jeri Sorensen, 8121 Maplewood Terrace
stated that her family loves and uses Lake Ann Park all the time and suggested a compromise
could be the City buying smaller neighborhood parks. Greg Andrews, 6895 Ruby Lane,
acknowledging that this property is going to be developed because the heirs of Prince want their
money and asked what happens if the City tells Lennar they can’t develop. Joe Myss, 2419
Hunter Drive explained that he is pro development but anti development of this project in it’s
current state. He also discussed the issue of safety from increased traffic. Kurt Oddsen, 7325
Moccasin Trail cited the Red Oak development on County Road 19 that Lennar developed and
his belief that they murdered the land. He also had a concern with increased cut through traffic
from this development through Longacres. Mark who lives on Hill Street, which is about 4 miles
away from this project, explained that for 6 months the residents of Chanhassen have been
asking for a third option. Dan O’Connor, 7124 Northwood Court expressed concern with
increased traffic from this development cutting through Longacres to Highway 41 and doesn’t
understand the rush to pick one plan over another. Peter Polingo, 1981 Topaz Drive representing
Ashling Meadows expressed safety concerns with increased traffic through their neighborhood.
Jessica Landon, Fox Hill Drive stated her main concern is the impact on schools and traffic. Alan
Nickolai asked not to waste taxpayer’s dollars with the upgrade of Galpin Boulevard and doing
things twice like the installation of turn lanes. Judy Bolstad, 1101 Lake Lucy Road expressed
concern with pollution to Lake Lucy and asked about plans to address increased traffic. Jean
Burke, 225 West 77th Street stated she was not in favor of adding onto Lake Ann Park. Art
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Roberts from the Vasserman Ridge development suggested a third alternative could be enlarging
the lots in the middle from 65 to 80 foot wide lots. Sharon McCotter, 7000 Utica Lane stated in
looking at the bigger picture and what’s good for Chanhassen as a whole she would favor the
density transfer. Paul Theis, 6520 White Dove Circle stated support for the density transfer.
Chairman Aller closed the public comment portion of the meeting. After comments from
commission members the following motion was made.
Commissioner McGonagill moved to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The Planning Commission meeting was
adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson
Community Development Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim