MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025
CHANHASSEN CITY HALL, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
Summary
6:15 P.M. - WORK SESSION (Fountain Conference Room)
Interview Youth Applicant for Economic Development and Environmental Commissions
The City Council held a work session to interview a youth applicant interested in serving on one of the city’s advisory commissions. As part of Chanhassen’s practice of including youth perspectives in local government, the Council considered the application of Tanvi Akuthota, who applied for a seat on either the Economic Development Commission or the Environmental Commission. This discussion continued the city’s ongoing effort to engage students in civic life and provide them with hands-on experience in local decision-making.
North Lotus Lake Stormwater Improvement Project
The City Council received an update from the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District on the proposed North Lotus Lake Stormwater Improvement Project. The concept focuses on improving water quality in Lotus Lake by reducing phosphorus and stormwater runoff through features such as filtration basins, prairie restoration and pollinator lawns. The project also has a focus on public education and watershed awareness.
Council learned that external phosphorus loading is a major concern, with both watershed runoff and in-lake sediment release contributing to excess nutrient levels. Previous treatments, such as aluminum sulfate applications, have helped lock phosphorus in the lake sediment, but additional proactive measures are needed. The watershed district presented North Lotus Lake Park as one of the few available locations to treat stormwater before it enters the lake.
Because the project would be constructed on city-owned parkland, an agreement between the city and the watershed district will be required. Costs related to water quality improvements would be borne by the district, while the city would retain ownership of the park improvements. The preliminary schedule anticipates design work beginning in 2026, with construction targeted for 2027–2028.
7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL MEETING (City Council Chambers)
Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved the following items on the Consent Agenda. They were:
Resolutions 2025:XX and 2025:XX: Hold Public Hearing & Adopt Resolution Approving Property Tax Abatements, Adopt Resolution Providing for Issuance and Sale of $10.205M GO Tax Abatement and CIP Bonds, Series 2025B
The City Council held a public hearing regarding property tax abatements for the Civic Campus project and unanimously approved two resolutions: adopting the abatements and authorizing $10.205 million in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025B. The financing includes $3.535 million in CIP Bonds for City Hall improvements and $6.67 million in Tax Abatement Bonds for site and park amenities.
Tax abatement does not create a new taxing district but designates capacity within the existing tax base to support repayment. The bonds carry an estimated interest cost of 4.56 percent, with debt service peaking at $681,000 annually. The City’s AAA bond rating is expected to remain unaffected. A competitive sale is scheduled for September 8, with closing anticipated in early October.
Resolution #2025-XX, Approving Public Right of Way and Drainage and Utility Easement Vacations Necessary for the Avienda Apartments Plat
The City Council held a public hearing regarding right-of-way and easement vacations tied to the Avienda Apartments development. At the July 28, 2025, meeting, the hearing was opened and continued to August 25 so the Council could consider both the vacation of a portion of Avienda Parkway right-of-way and the vacation of an existing drainage and utility easement over Outlot B of the Avienda Rowhomes plat. These vacations are necessary to align with the new Avienda Apartments plat, and new easements will be dedicated in their place as part of the project. The resolution passed unanimously.
Santa Vera Phase II Planned Unit Development Amendment and Site Plan Review
The City Council unanimously approved the Santa Vera Phase II project at 621 Santa Vera Drive, amending the Saratoga 3rd Addition PUD and site plan. The plan calls for two new apartment buildings with 28 units and renovation of the existing 18-unit building, totaling 46 units, the maximum allowed under the original 1998 ordinance.
The development will also add sidewalks, stormwater management improvements, and resident amenities, with building heights, traffic impacts and utilities all found to be consistent with city standards. Council emphasized minimizing tree loss, especially along Santa Vera Drive, and encouraged softened landscaping, buffers for neighbors and meandering sidewalks to preserve mature trees.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS
Councilmember Haley Schubert shared her family’s positive experience at the recent Community Day and praised city staff for their hard work in making such a fun event possible and successful.
