08-25-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
August 25, 2025
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 6:15 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Schubert, Councilmember
McDonald, Councilmember von Oven
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Kimber
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager;
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Eric Maas, Planning Director; Patrick
Gavin, Communications Manager; Jerry Ruegemer, Parks Director
PUBLIC PRESENT: Terry Jeffery, Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District
Administrator
Interview Youth Applicant for Economic Development and Environmental Commissions
The City Council interviewed a youth applicant interested in serving on one of the city’s
advisory commissions. The Council considered the application of Tanvi Akuthota, who applied
for a seat on either the Economic Development Commission or the Environmental Commission.
North Lotus Lake Stormwater Improvement Project
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer, introduced Terry Jeffery, Riley Purgatory
Bluff Creek Watershed District Administrator. Mr. Jeffery gave a presentation on the North Lotus
Lake Stormwater Improvement Project. The concept focuses on improving water quality in Lotus
Lake by reducing phosphorus and stormwater runoff through features such as filtration basins,
prairie restoration and pollinator lawns. The project also has a focus on public education and
watershed awareness.
Mr. Jeffery discussed that external phosphorus loading is a major concern, with both watershed
runoff and in-lake sediment release contributing to excess nutrient levels. Previous treatments,
such as aluminum sulfate applications, have helped lock phosphorus in the lake sediment, but
additional proactive measures are needed. The watershed district presented North Lotus Lake Park
as one of the few available locations to treat stormwater before it enters the lake.
The project would be constructed on city-owned parkland, so an agreement between the city and
the watershed district will be required. Costs related to water quality improvements would be borne
by the district, while the city would retain ownership of the park improvements. The preliminary
schedule anticipates design work beginning in 2026, with construction targeted for 2027–2028.
City Council Work Session Minutes – August 25, 2025
2
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:56 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk