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

Fire Department Space Needs Assessment Follow Up 

The City Council discussed next steps related to long-term fire department space, staffing and service needs following a February presentation that outlined multiple facility scenarios without recommending a preferred option. Fire Chief Andrew Heger said those issues remain closely connected, with staffing levels, service delivery and facility capacity all affecting one another. He shared updated call data showing continued growth in demand and noted overlapping calls remain an ongoing operational challenge. 

Chief Heger outlined several short-term options, including pursuit of a federal SAFER grant that could help fund additional staffing and a proposed Community Risk Assessment to help evaluate hazards, growth trends and response coverage. He said those efforts could help guide future staffing and facility decisions. 

Council members expressed appreciation for the department’s work and strong support for public safety, but several said they were not yet convinced additional studies should be the immediate next step. Much of the discussion focused on first defining the city’s future staffing model, particularly as many calls are medical rather than fire-related, and exploring whether alternative or hybrid service approaches should be considered. 

The general direction from Council was to continue evaluating staffing and service delivery needs, support pursuit of the SAFER grant opportunity if available, and revisit additional studies after gaining more clarity on the city’s long-term operational approach. 

Permitted Burning Discussion 

The City Council discussed proposed updates to the city’s permitted burning ordinance as a follow-up to previous conversations that began in September 2025.  

Fire Chief Andrew Heger said the proposed revisions are intended to strengthen safeguards, reduce wildfire risk and update portions of the code that had become outdated or unclear. Staff proposed replacing older location-based restrictions with clearer approval criteria tied to setbacks, site conditions and safety requirements. 

Potential changes discussed included setbacks from buildings and public roadways, restrictions related to sensitive natural areas, weather-related safety requirements and limits on what materials may be burned. Proposed language would also set size limits for brush piles and require emergency access to burn sites if needed. 

Staff also proposed a $25 short-term permit for burns lasting less than 30 days and a $100 long-term permit for permits up to six months. Chief Heger said the overall goal is to reduce community risk while still allowing burning in appropriate situations. 

Council members discussed concerns they had heard regarding some of the proposed requirements, how permits would be evaluated and the importance of additional public input. The general direction from Council was to move the proposed ordinance amendments forward for future consideration, where residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback before any final action is taken. 

2026 Park Renovation Fund Allocation Discussion 

The City Council discussed 2026 Park Renovation Fund priorities following a recommendation from the Park and Recreation Commission, which reviewed available funding and long-term park needs earlier this year. The Park Renovation Fund provides ongoing funding for park improvements throughout the community. 

For 2026, the commission recommended focusing this year’s allocation on a replacement playground at Stone Creek Park and supplemental playground equipment at Carver Beach Park. Staff said the Stone Creek playground was installed in 1998 and has exceeded the city’s typical replacement cycle, making it a priority for reinvestment. 

Additional improvements were also recommended for Carver Beach Park following resident feedback after upgrades were completed last year. Staff said the added equipment would help continue enhancing the park experience for families and neighborhood users. 

If approved, staff said neighborhood engagement meetings would be held this spring to gather feedback on equipment options before final recommendations return to the City Council. Installation of both projects is anticipated later this year, depending on equipment availability. 

Council members expressed support for the recommendation and appreciation for the effort to balance long-term replacement needs with recent resident feedback.  

The City Council held a public hearing and approved an easement acquisition agreement and vacation related to stormwater improvements completed in conjunction with the 2025 Street Improvement Project at 7480 Frontier Trail. The existing pond on the property helps manage runoff from nearby neighborhoods before water ultimately flows into Lotus Lake, and recent upgrades were designed to improve treatment capacity and flood mitigation. 

Staff explained that additional permanent easement area was needed because portions of the pond’s updated 100-year flood elevation and related drainage area were not fully covered by the existing easement. The city had previously completed the work through a temporary right-of-entry agreement and was returning to finalize permanent easement boundaries and long-term maintenance access. 

As part of the agreement, a small portion of an older drainage and utility easement that no longer serves a public purpose was proposed for vacation. Staff said the change effectively adjusts the easement configuration by adding needed public easement area while removing a section no longer necessary for pond operations. 

The required public hearing was duly noticed, and staff reported no public comments had been received in advance of the meeting. No residents spoke during the hearing. 

Following the public hearing, the City Council unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the permanent easement acquisition and partial vacation of the existing drainage and utility easement. 

Resolution 2026:XX and Ordinance XXX: Consider a Metes & Bounds Subdivision and Rezoning from Rural Residential to Single-Family Residential for the property located at 6651 Galpin Boulevard 

The City Council held a public hearing and approved a proposed metes & bounds subdivision and rezoning request for the property at 6651 Galpin Boulevard. The 2.5-acre property became eligible for additional consideration after city sewer and water service was extended during the 2024 Galpin Boulevard reconstruction project, followed by a Comprehensive Plan re-guiding in 2025. 

The approved request rezones the site from Rural Residential to Single-Family Residential and allows the parcel to be divided into two residential lots. Staff said the property is heavily wooded and includes a wetland area, while both proposed lots meet or exceed applicable zoning standards. 

The existing home would remain on the northern portion of the property, while the southern lot could accommodate a future new home. Staff noted the proposal includes grading, stormwater management and access to public utilities extended during the recent roadway project. 

As part of the review, staff said future driveway placement would be aligned with nearby driveways along Galpin Boulevard to support safe traffic movements. 

Staff recommended approval, noting the request is consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, compatible with surrounding land uses and meets applicable zoning and subdivision standards. 

No residents spoke during the public hearing. Following the hearing, the City Council unanimously approved the subdivision and rezoning request, subject to staff conditions. 

Approve Facility Management Agreement for the Chanhassen Community Center with Sports Facilities Companies 

The City Council approved a facility management agreement with Sports Facilities Companies for the future Chanhassen Community Center, continuing a partnership that began during the planning and design phases. Staff said the company has already provided guidance on layout, programming, staffing models and revenue opportunities, and the agreement now transitions that work into pre-opening support and long-term operations. 

A representative from Sports Facilities Companies said the firm has more than two decades of experience operating recreation and sports venues nationwide, including many publicly owned community centers and ice facilities similar in scope to Chanhassen’s project. They said their role is to help communities open facilities efficiently, maximize resident use and support long-term sustainability. 

The agreement includes pre-opening services focused on hiring and training staff, creating operating procedures, developing memberships and programs, marketing the facility, coordinating with user groups and preparing systems needed for a successful launch. Current Recreation Center Manager Jodi Sarles will serve as general manager of the new facility. 

Council members placed strong emphasis on clarifying the city’s relationship with Sports Facilities Companies and ensuring residents understand the Community Center will remain a city-owned, city-directed public facility. SFC said Chanhassen retains ownership of the building and final authority over budgets, pricing, policies and major decisions, while the company will handle day-to-day management under city oversight. 

Council members also asked how resident concerns would be handled. Representatives said users should continue to view the facility as their Chanhassen Community Center, with city staff and on-site management working together to provide a seamless experience. 

Council members said the partnership adds specialized expertise while maintaining local control and accountability. The agreement was approved unanimously. 

Report on City Manager's Annual Performance Review 

The City Council received a report on the City Manager’s annual performance review, which was conducted in closed session on April 13, 2026, in accordance with Minnesota law. Annual evaluations provide the Council an opportunity to review organizational leadership, discuss progress on priorities and goals, and offer feedback on overall performance in service to the community. 

During the public report, Council shared positive feedback regarding City Manager Laurie Hokkanen’s leadership and overall performance. Council members highlighted her professionalism, transparency and results-oriented approach, noting that her communication with Council, staff and residents is consistently clear, organized and responsive. 

Council also praised her strategic planning and follow-through, particularly in the areas of long-range financial planning and advancement of major city projects. Members noted her ability to present options, work through challenges thoughtfully and maintain steady progress on Council priorities. 

Additional comments recognized her role in fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability within the organization. Council said she is highly respected by staff and peers, empowers employees and leads with integrity, including during sensitive or challenging situations. 

Council members said her ability to balance immediate operational needs with long-term goals has helped position Chanhassen for continued success. They also noted that her impact is reflected in the city’s continued strength, growth and positive resident experience. 

Council Presentation 

The City Council heard a brief report from Council Member Jerry McDonald following his recent attendance at a Commission on Aging meeting. McDonald shared appreciation for the commission’s ongoing work and highlighted its involvement in supporting senior-focused initiatives within the community, including providing input on housing design features intended to better meet the needs of older adults. He noted the value of the commission’s efforts and recognized the positive impact its members continue to make on behalf of Chanhassen residents.