Summary
5:30 P.M. - WORK SESSION (TRAINING ROOM)
Sports Facilities Companies: Review Management Options for Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center
The City Council held a work session to further discuss potential management options for the future Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center, including a detailed presentation from Sports Facilities Companies, which has assisted the project during earlier planning phases. The discussion was informational and focused on how the facility could be operated once it opens.
Sports Facilities Companies outlined an outsourced management model in which the city would retain full ownership and control while SFC manages day-to-day operations. The firm highlighted its experience managing more than 100 similar facilities nationwide and emphasized a community-first approach that balances local access, financial performance and economic impact.
The presentation outlined a potential framework for pre-opening support and ongoing management, including a performance-based approach tied to financial results and sponsorship activity. SFC also highlighted conservative financial assumptions, operational technology and preventative maintenance practices designed to support long-term success.
Next steps include continued staff coordination with Sports Facilities Companies and review of potential contract terms by the city attorney, with any agreement returning to the City Council for future consideration.
City Council Roundtable
During its quarterly roundtable work session, the City Council discussed potential topics for future review, including snowplowing, winter parking, and how the city might educate residents on law enforcement roles and procedures.
Councilmembers noted that the city consistently receives positive feedback for its snow plowing efforts, while also hearing periodic questions from residents about how plowing priority routes are established, how they are applied during different weather events and whether those priorities remain fair and aligned with current community needs. Council discussed the value of taking a fresh look at both plowing priorities and winter parking regulations together, recognizing that the two issues are closely related and frequently raised by residents. Following discussion and general agreement among councilmembers, the topic was supported for further staff review and consideration at a future work session.
Council also discussed how best to improve the public’s understanding of the respective roles of local and federal law enforcement agencies. Although Council did not support a proposed resolution related to information sharing and coordination between local and federal law enforcement agencies, councilmembers did express agreement with the broader goal of maintaining public trust in local law enforcement through clear, accurate information. Councilmembers also supported the idea of individual councilmembers engaging directly with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office in a fact-finding and partnership role to explore an educational effort led by the sheriff that explains what the law states, the sheriff’s role and what residents can expect during law enforcement activity. Council noted that the city would be supportive of re-sharing county-led educational materials through its communication channels if developed.
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 December 15, 2025
-Approve City Council Work Session Minutes dated December 15, 2025.
-Receive Environmental Commission Minutes dated November 12, 2025
-Approve Claims Paid dated January 12, 2026
-Adopt 2026 Legislative Priorities
-Appoint Acting Mayor
-Appointments to the Fire Relief Association Board of Trustees
-Designate Official Newspaper
-Appointments to the SouthWest Transit Commission
-2026 Fleet Purchases
-Resolution 2026-XX: Accept donation from the Cynthia Bongard Trust in the amount of $2,000.
-Resolution 2026-XX: Declaring Official Depositories for City Funds
-Resolution 2026-XX: Authorization of Electronic Transfer of Funds
-Resolution 2026-XX Accepting Public Streets and Utility Improvements within the Avienda Development Phase 1
-Resolution 2026-XX Accepting Public Streets and Utility Improvements within the Avienda Townhomes Development
-Resolution 2026-XX - Approve Contract for 2026 City Tree Contractor with Pro Tree Expert Arborists
-Resolution 2026-XX: Designating Official Authorized to Declare Official Intent Under Reimbursement Bond Regulations
-Resolution 2026-XX: Accept a $2,000 Donation from T-Mobile Fiber
-Ordinance XXX: Amending the Chanhassen Business Center Planned Unit Development Ordinance (PUD)
Commission Vacancies
The City Council highlighted upcoming vacancies on several city advisory commissions, with the mayor encouraging residents to consider applying and getting involved in city service. The discussion noted that multiple commissioner terms will expire on March 31, 2026, creating opportunities for residents to contribute to boards and commissions that help guide city policy and initiatives. Council emphasized the importance of community participation in these roles and outlined the upcoming application, interview and appointment timeline.
Resolution #2026-XX, Approve vacating a portion of the Right-of-Way of Crimson Bay Road
The City Council held a public hearing and approved a resolution authorizing the vacation of a portion of the Crimson Bay Road public right-of-way, a follow-up action related to the recently completed Crimson Bay Road improvement project. Staff explained that the roadway was originally platted in 1987 and that a small segment of right-of-way is no longer needed following construction of a new cul-de-sac that disconnected the street from Highway 5, which was completed last fall as part of the Arboretum Area Transportation Plan.
As a condition of the vacation, public drainage and utility easements will be retained over existing infrastructure to preserve ongoing access and maintenance responsibilities. Staff also noted that a related lot line adjustment application is scheduled for City Council consideration on February 9.
The public hearing was duly noticed and no public comments were received. Following the hearing, the City Council approved the resolution unanimously.
