07-28-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
July 28, 2025
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Kimber, Councilmember
Schubert, Councilmember McDonald
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember von Oven
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager;
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Eric Maas, Planning Director; Samantha
DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager; Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager; Jerry
Ruegemer, Parks Director; Jenny Potter, City Clerk; Kelly Grinnell, Finance Director
PUBLIC PRESENT: Tessa Melvin, DDA Human Resources
2026 Budget Items
Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager, and Tessa Melvin, from DDA Human resources,
presented proposed adjustments to city staff compensation structure to continue in the city’s
efforts to support employee retention and remain competitive in the labor market. Staff indicated
the changes could be absorbed into the existing budget without affecting the previously projected
levy. The changes align with the city’s commitment to revisit the pay plan every 4–5 years and
reflect input gathered through employee surveys and strategic priorities identified in the City’s
2021–2024 Strategic Plan.
The City Council expressed general support for the proposed compensation changes and
encouraged staff to continue looking at the city’s overall approach to employee satisfaction and
retention. Comments focused on the importance of taking a well-rounded view, considering not
only compensation but also other factors such as internal growth opportunities, benefits, and
workplace structure. The City Council emphasized a desire to stay ahead of the curve and
affirmed their commitment to being a competitive and supportive employer that invests in its
people.
Avienda Regional Stormwater Discussion
Eric Mass, Planning Director, gave an overview of a proposed revision to the Avienda
development’s regional stormwater management plan. The newly proposed plan would relocate a
previously approved stormwater pond from the eastern edge of the site near Powers Boulevard to
a more central location. Permits for stormwater infrastructure within Avienda are required from
both the City of Chanhassen and the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD).
The discussion builds on prior Council conversations and stems from a current developer
application to the RPBCWD to amend the stormwater permit issued by that watershed district.
Because the current stormwater configuration is embedded in the approved Development Plan
City Council Work Session Minutes – July 28, 2025
2
DP8.2 (dated September 8, 2022), Council confirmed that a formal PUD amendment would be
required, triggering review by both the Planning Commission and City Council.
City Council members had concerns about the already lost public open space due to the layout of
the apartment building. They were worried about a loss of plaza space and the potential loss of the
“social district” opportunity. The plan that was shown has a more traditional suburban style of
development that caused concern for people to drive to their destination, park, then leave instead
of someone coming to the area and staying for an extended time. There was interest from the City
Council to learn more about the aesthetic of the pond and its size. There was disappointment that
an application was made to the RPBCWD without discussion with the City Council about proposed
changes to the plan.
The City Council emphasized the importance of timely and direct engagement by the private
development team with the City Council and city staff before major investments are made or
assumptions about approval are formed. There was a shared interest in hearing more from the
developer to better understand their revised goals and ensure the evolving site plan continues to
reflect the city’s vision and community expectations.
City Council Roundtable
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer, discussed the Citizen Action Review
request for a revision to the slow-no-wake elevation on Lake Minnewashta. He outlined that staff
could either select a number based on existing input from residents or conduct broader public
outreach to determine the threshold. Mr. Howley said that with either approach, there would be
public engagement and a formal hearing of the proposed changes, followed by a required 120-
day review by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The City Council
recognized that any change would not take effect until the summer of 2026 and emphasized the
importance of engaging with the DNR to ensure the proposed number is feasible.
Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, discussed the Citizen Action Review request that asked the
City Council to consider requiring public hearings before approving new utility or street
connections between Chanhassen and adjacent cities. The City Council recommended against
pursuing this option, noting that the city lacks authority over such decisions initiated by other
jurisdictions.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 6:59 P.M.
Mayor Ryan reconvened the work session at 8:05 P.M.
City Council Roundtable Continued
Councilmember Schubert asked for more information regarding heritage trees and revisiting the
potential for protection on older, larger, “heritage” trees.
City Council Work Session Minutes – July 28, 2025
3
Councilmember von Oven asked about fencing requirements for pools and spas and if Chanhassen
is more restrictive than surrounding cities. Councilmember von Oven asked staff to review how
the city’s code compares, particularly regarding newer spa models with secure, weight-bearing
covers and whether the current approach still makes sense.
Councilmember Kimber asked staff to provide an update at a future meeting on the Lake Ann trail
system and archaeological findings that have delayed the project.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 8:22 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk