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City Council Recap: October 27, 2025
CHANHASSEN CITY HALL, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
Summary
5:30 P.M. - WORK SESSION (TRAINING ROOM)
Presentation of Capital Fund Budgets and 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
The City Council held a work session to review the proposed 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan, which outlines major projects and funding strategies across the city’s capital funds. Finance Director Kelly Grinnell presented details on vehicle and equipment replacements, facility maintenance, transportation infrastructure, pavement management and park improvements. Highlights included a projected $1.4 million fund balance for the Vehicle and Equipment Fund in 2026, a $4.8 million budget for annual street reconstruction and plans for a $350,000 levy by 2030 to support future park renovations. Discussion also covered upcoming playground replacements at Lake Ann Park and Bandimere Community Park, completing the Lake Ann Park Preserve project and continued reliance on grants and park dedication fees for park development. Discussion centered on how best to balance ongoing neighborhood park updates with upcoming major playground projects at Lake Ann and Bandimere Parks, with council planning to gather feedback from the Park and Recreation Commission before finalizing the budget in December.
Highway 7 and Highway 41 Update
The City Council received an update from Public Works Director and City Engineer Charlie Howley on ongoing and upcoming transportation projects along Highways 7 and 41. The discussion covered the Hwy 5 reconstruction project beginning in 2026, a planned restriping effort by MnDOT to add dedicated turn lanes at Longacres and Lake Lucy intersections, and the temporary traffic signal at MMSW. Howley also outlined future roundabout projects near the middle school (programmed for 2028) and at Lake Lucy, which could be constructed together if funding aligns. On Highway 7, the update clarified the roles of three parallel efforts—a safety coalition, a new transportation management organization and MnDOT’s corridor study—each focused on improving safety and traffic flow through coordinated planning and the upcoming 2029 MnDOT rehabilitation project. Robust resident communications for the Highway 5 project is expected to begin once bids are awarded later this fall
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:
-Approve City Council Meeting Minutes dated October 13, 2025
-Approve City Council Work Session Minutes dated October 13, 2025.
-Approve Special City Council Meeting Minutes dated October 20, 2025
-Receive Environmental Commission Minutes dated September 10, 2025
-Receive Economic Development Commission Minutes
-Approve Claims Paid dated October 27, 2025
-Award 2026-2028 4th of July Fireworks Contract
-Approve an Encroachment Agreement between the City of Chanhassen and the property owner at 824 Lone Eagle Drive.
-Approve a Site Plan Agreement for Eden Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care located at 1620 Arboretum Boulevard
-Resolution 2025-XX; Call for Public Hearing to Order the Great Plains Boulevard/Lake Drive East Improvement Project
-Resolution 2025-XX; Approve vacant land purchase from Carver County
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Invitation to City Hall Open House on November 1
The City Council invited residents to attend the Public Open House for Chanhassen’s new City Hall and Senior Center on Saturday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the city’s multi-year Civic Campus project, which replaces the former City Hall with a modern facility designed to serve as a welcoming community hub. The open house will feature building tours, opportunities to meet city staff and family-friendly activities, marking a major milestone in the city’s continued investment in its downtown core.
Old National Bank Recognition from the City of Chanhassen
The City Council recognized Old National Bank for its partnership and cooperation during the construction of the new City Hall and Civic Campus project. Located adjacent to the construction site, the bank worked closely with city staff throughout the project, demonstrating flexibility and patience during an extended period of disruption. The recognition highlighted the city’s appreciation for Old National Bank’s collaboration, which helped ensure the project’s success and exemplified the strong community spirit that continues to shape downtown Chanhassen.
Southern Valley Alliance: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The City Council heard remarks from Savage Police Chief Grady Juell, who also serves as president of the Southern Valley Alliance (SVA), in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Chief Juell highlighted SVA’s ongoing work to support victims and families affected by domestic abuse across Carver and Scott counties, noting an increased demand for services and the importance of continued community support. Council members expressed appreciation for the organization’s advocacy, collaboration with law enforcement and commitment to promoting safety and awareness throughout the region.
PUBLIC HEARING
Resolution 2025-XX: Certification of Delinquent Utility Accounts and Code Enforcement Charges to the County Auditor
The City Council held a public hearing to consider certifying delinquent utility accounts and unpaid code enforcement charges to the Carver County Auditor for collection with property taxes. Each fall, the city reviews unpaid balances and, after providing proper notice to affected property owners, may certify those amounts as allowed under state law and city code. Staff confirmed that all notification and publication requirements had been met, and no public comments were received. The council unanimously approved the resolution, completing this routine annual process that allows the city to recover unpaid service costs while maintaining fairness to residents who pay on time.
Resolution 2025-XX: Accept Feasibility Study, Conduct Public Improvement Hearing, and Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the Market Boulevard Improvement Project
The City Council held a public hearing to review the feasibility study for the Market Boulevard Improvement Project, a rehabilitation effort extending from Highway 5 to Chan View. The project supports several citywide strategic priorities, including asset management, redevelopment, financial sustainability and operational excellence. Improvements include pavement and sidewalk reconstruction, ADA upgrades, utility replacements, stormwater management features and a new downtown water reuse system supported by a $1.1 million MPCA Climate Resiliency Grant. The total project cost is estimated at $7.7 million, with funding from city, state and external sources. Staff noted prior engagement with affected property owners and minimal new feedback since previous outreach efforts. No public comments were received during the hearing and the council unanimously approved a resolution accepting the feasibility study, ordering the improvements and authorizing preparation of final plans and specifications. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 following final design and bidding early next year.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Adopt Ordinance XXX: Amending Chapter 20 Zoning Regulations for Accessory Structures
The City Council amended Chapter 20 to update accessory structure size allowances following resident feedback. Staff presented three alternatives, each including an agricultural‐building exemption for qualifying A2 parcels used for farming. The Council approved Alternate A, a parcel-size framework that sets maximums of 1,000 sq ft for lots up to 1.00 acre, 1,200 sq ft for 1.01–2.50 acres, and 1,500 sq ft for 2.51 acres or more. The motion passed unanimously.
