Summary   
5:30 P.M. - WORK SESSION (TRAINING ROOM) 

Environmental Commission Interviews 

The City Council conducted interviews for applicants seeking appointment to the Environmental Commission, with two three-year terms available. This process is part of the City’s regular board and commission appointment cycle. Final appointments will be announced soon.  

Avienda Update 

The City Council discussed a proposed revised sketch site plan for the retail portion of the  Avienda development, continuing a conversation that began at a January 26, 2026 work session. At that earlier meeting, council members expressed concerns that the project had shifted away from its original vision as a high-end, walkable destination. In response, the development team returned with updated plans to better align with those expectations and move the project forward. 

The revised concept centers around a traditional retail layout anchored by a grocery store, along with a mix of retail, restaurant and service uses. The site is organized into three general areas: a northern retail zone, a central “entertainment zone” built around a pond and public gathering space and a southern area focused on quick-stop retail and drive-through uses. The central area is designed to serve as a focal point, with walking paths, boardwalk elements, and flexible plaza space intended for events and everyday use. 

A significant portion of the discussion focused on stormwater management challenges. The development team identified a substantial shortfall in required stormwater capacity, requiring a larger pond system and additional green space to manage runoff from both the site and surrounding properties. Councilmembers asked questions about the scale of the issue and raised questions about feasibility, parking layout and how these constraints may shape the overall design.  Councilmembers also noted the proposed location of a carwash and questioned if that was an appropriate location within Avienda for a car wash due to the large amount of space it occupied as well as whether or not a car wash was appropriate for Avienda.   

The development team plans to refine the proposal and submit a formal application in early April. 

Lake Ann Park Preserve - Next Steps 

The City Council discussed next steps for the Lake Ann Park Preserve, focusing on the southwest trail corridor between boardwalks A and B. This discussion followed a February 24 meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission, where commissioners reviewed the project and provided input on how the corridor should move forward. The work session provided an opportunity for staff to share updates and gather Council direction as planning for this portion of the preserve continues. 

Staff outlined several options that had been evaluated, including pursuing a Phase III analysis to attempt to build through the identified archaeological site, adjusting the trail alignment, or paving up to the site and leaving a gap. Each option presented challenges, particularly related to cost, long-term maintenance and uncertainty around gaining approval. Cost estimates for additional study and analysis ranged widely, and there is no guarantee that further investment would result in an approved trail connection. 

The Park and Recreation Commission ultimately recommended delaying construction of the southern trail segment and leaving the existing natural trail in place. Commissioners expressed a preference to avoid additional spending on Phase III analysis, supported maintaining a mix of paved and natural trails and emphasized the importance of continuing progress on completed portions of the project, including the northern trail and parking improvements. 

Council discussion reflected similar themes, including concern about continuing to invest in an uncertain approval process. Members also discussed potential alternative uses for remaining project funds, such as wayfinding signage, natural play features or other park improvements. Staff noted that the natural trail would remain as it exists in its current state today, but would not be maintained in the winter. 

Overall, the Council indicated support for pausing further investment in the southern segment at this time, while leaving open the possibility of revisiting the connection in the future as conditions change. The northern trail segment and Greenwood Shores parking lot remain on track for completion 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 March 9, 2026 

• Approve City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes dated March 9, 2026 

• Receive Planning Commission Minutes dated March 3, 2026 

• Receive Environmental Commission Minutes dated January 14, 2026 

• Receive Economic Development Commission Minutes dated February 10, 2026 

• Approve Claims Paid dated March 23, 2026 

• City Commission Appointments - Environmental Commission 

• 82nd Street West Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Chaska 

• Market Boulevard - Twin City Western Railroad Agreement 

• Award Contract for 2026 Pothole Patching 

• Consider a Conditional Use Permit Request for Screened Outdoor Storage at 2100 Stoughton Avenue 

• Resolution 2026-XX: Call for the Assessment Hearing for the Market Boulevard Rehabilitation Project 

• Resolution 2026-XX: Approval of $66,871.71 Donation and Award Bid for Lake Ann Park Ballfield 1, 2, and 3 Improvements 

Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation and Maple Leaf Awards to Outgoing Commissioners 

The City Council recognized several outgoing commissioners for their service to the community, presenting Certificates of Appreciation and Maple Leaf Awards to members of the Park and Recreation, Environmental and Economic Development Commissions. These recognitions are part of the city’s regular practice of acknowledging volunteer commissioners whose terms have concluded and celebrating their contributions to Chanhassen.  

Chanhassen Athletic Association Recognition 

The City Council recognized the Chanhassen Athletic Association for its continued partnership and recent donation to support improvements at Lake Ann Park. The contribution represents the second phase of a two-part effort to enhance the park’s ballfields, specifically funding infield reconstruction on multiple fields to improve playability and the overall experience for youth athletes.  

Invitation to Easter Egg Candy Hunt 

The City Council received an announcement regarding the upcoming 43rd Annual Easter Egg Candy Hunt, a long-standing community event hosted by the City of Chanhassen. Scheduled for early April at City Center Park, the event invites children and families to participate in a seasonal tradition that includes candy hunts, prizes and visits with the Easter Bunny.  

Resolution 2026-XX: Accept the Bids and Award the Contract for the 2026 Great Plains Blvd/Lake Drive East Rehabilitation Project No. 26-02; and Resolution 2026-XX: Adopt Final Assessment Roll for the 2026 Great Plains Blvd/Lake Drive East Rehabilitation Project No. 26-02. 

The City Council conducted a public hearing and took final action on the 2026 Great Plains Boulevard and Lake Drive East Rehabilitation Project, including awarding the construction contract and adopting the final assessment roll for benefiting properties. The project is part of the City’s ongoing Pavement Management Program and includes approximately a half mile of roadway improvements, along with targeted sidewalk additions, ADA upgrades, and minor utility work. 

Staff reviewed the project scope and noted that Lake Drive East will undergo full-depth reclamation, while Great Plains Boulevard will receive a mill and overlay. Several sidewalk gaps will be filled to improve pedestrian connectivity and the intersection at Great Plains Boulevard and Lake Drive East will be converted from a two-way stop to a four-way stop based on a traffic study and cost considerations. 

Staff also summarized public engagement efforts, which included mailed notices, two open houses, an online survey, and ongoing updates through city communication channels. Feedback generally reflected support for the project, particularly after clarification that residential properties to the south would not be assessed. Additional input focused on pedestrian safety, access, and intersection operations, all of which were incorporated into the final design where feasible. 

Four bids were received, with Northwest Asphalt, Inc. identified as the low bidder, coming in under the engineer’s estimate. Staff noted the bid spread was extremely tight and that Northwest Asphalt has successfully completed similar projects in Chanhassen. The final assessment roll totals $474,000, approximately $200,000 lower than initial estimates, with all assessed properties seeing reductions from preliminary amounts. 

Following the public hearing, the City Council unanimously approved the resolutions to accept the bids, award the construction contract and adopt the final assessment roll. Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2026, with substantial completion expected in October. 

SouthWest Transit 
 
The City Council heard remarks from Councilmember Jerry McDonald regarding proposed state legislation that could impact SouthWest Transit and other suburban transit providers. 

Councilmember McDonald shared concerns about House File 4111, which would eliminate the current “opt-out” structure that allows communities like Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Chaska to operate their own transit systems. Under the proposal, service would transition to Metro Transit, which would assume responsibility for transit operations across the region. He noted that while the bill has been discussed in terms of potential cost savings, he believes those savings may be limited and could come at the expense of service levels. 

He highlighted the range of services currently provided by SouthWest Transit, including express routes to downtown, point-to-point service within the community and connections to destinations such as the University of Minnesota and the airport. He expressed concern that a shift to a regional model could reduce flexibility and responsiveness to local needs, particularly for riders who rely on these services for daily activities. 

Councilmember McDonald encouraged residents who value SouthWest Transit to share their perspectives with state legislators as the bill continues to move through the legislative process. 

Other Councilmembers echoed the importance of SouthWest Transit to the community and noted the potential impact any changes could have on residents who depend on the service.