CC Minutes 11-22-21City Council Minutes – November 22, 2021
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service, with one being Chief only, 18 day-only calls, 36 duty crew calls, and 31 general alarms.
Chief Johnson noted the department continued providing a two-person EMT crew for the high
school sectional and regional games. With the holiday coming, he encouraged people to be safe
while cooking and to use turkey fryers in the driveway, not near the house. He thanked the City
Council for their continued support of the Fire Department.
2. Law Enforcement Update for October
Lieutenant Pearce noted the City had 746 patrol activity calls for service during the month of
October: 52 were crimes including 27 theft-related crimes and one stolen vehicle. Non-criminal
activity was highlighted by alarms, medical calls, and suspicious activity calls. There were 165
traffic stops resulting in 39 citations and 3 DUI arrests. He noted they are seeing an increase in
domestics and domestics resulting in arrest. Mental health calls have been statistically consistent
with previous months and years. Lieutenant Pearce stated the body camera implementation is
ahead of schedule with everyone on patrol having them in October. On October 20th they held a
unity in community meeting at the Chanhassen Library with about a dozen people attending.
During holiday travel season, he encourages everyone to slow down, don’t drive impaired, and
buckle up for safety.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Minnetonka Middle School West (MMSW) Access Improvement Update
Charlie Howley, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, shared an informational update on the
intersection improvement which is meant to improve congestion during morning and afternoon
drop-off and pick-up outside the school. He showed a roundabout concept on screen supported
by MnDOT (a traffic signal or 4-way stop would not be supported by MnDOT). The overall
project cost is about $2.8 million dollars and the City would be acting on behalf of residents and
the traveling public, and would contribute staff time to lead and administer the project. Mr.
Howley noted the City has included $200,000 in the 5-year financial plans to contribute to the
project, and would use the project as an opportunity to replace an undersized trunk watermain
and set up the intersection to support future development to the west. He walked through the
breakdown of project costs, schedules, and potential next steps, noting if they can fill the
$400,000 funding gap the project can be designed and constructed in 2023 and 2024.
2. Approve a Request for Subdivision of Three Parcels into Three Lots and One Outlot
and Site Plan Review for Development of an Approximately 82,000 Square-Foot, One-
Story, Office-Warehouse Building Located at 2100 Stoughton Avenue (River Valley
Industrial Center)
City Council Minutes – November 22, 2021
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Bob Generous, Senior Planner, gave a presentation on the property location, noting the parcel is
located in both the City of Chanhassen and the City of Chaska. Access is via Stoughton Avenue
and Audubon Road and the Applicant will propose a septic system as part of the commercial
building. As part of the subdivision they will create three lots, with the site plan consisting of an
82,000 square-foot one-story building with a service bay on the east side. Mr. Generous noted
Staff wants the Applicant to provide enhanced landscaping on Stoughton Avenue to provide
additional screening. Regarding storm water management, the Applicant is proposing a
stormwater pond and infiltration basin. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on
September 7, 2021 to review the proposed development and voted 7-0 to recommend approval of
the project. Mr. Generous noted Staff is recommending approval of the project.
Mayor Ryan clarified that before anything can actually happen the City of Chaska must also
approve.
Mr. Generous replied in the affirmative and stated the Applicant will have to come back for the
final platting.
Councilwoman Schubert moved, Councilman Campion seconded that the Chanhassen City
Council approves Planning Case #2021-19 for preliminary plat and site plan for River
Valley Industrial Center, plans prepared by Westwood Professional services, Inc., dated
August 3, 2021 and Philip D. Johnson, Architect, dated August 3, 2021, subject to the
conditions of the staff report as modified, and adopts the Planning Commission’s Findings
of Fact. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS
Councilman McDonald stated the Rotary Club will host Breakfast for Santa at the Chanhassen
Recreation Center and invited everyone to come out to see Santa Claus.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS
Ms. Hokkanen congratulated Jerry Johnson, a utility employee who was named the Minnesota
Public Works Employee of the Year. He has worked for the City of Chanhassen for 27 years and
his primary role is taking care of the 32 lift stations. She noted Mr. Johnson is a great, dedicated
employee.
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION
1. Fringe Business (BF) District Reclassifying Conditional Uses as Interim Uses Next Steps