09.22.2025 CC Item MinutesCity Council Minutes – September 22, 2025
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VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
1. Kerry Zajicek Citizen Action Request
Kerry Zajicek, 1601 Lyman Boulevard, thanked the City Council for the opportunity to speak.
He said they bought their five-acre property in 2022 and moved in during 2023. He said that it
came with a detached shed, and they hoped to build an outdoor sports court, but the city said no.
He said there were not many appropriate places to build a sports court based on a detached
structure, driveway, and property line. He asked if he could construct a detached structure that
was 1500 feet to allow the indoor sports court to have a three-point line. He explained that the
detached structure would take a smaller footprint than the current outbuilding and an outdoor
sports court.
FIRE DEPARTMENT/LAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATES. None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
GENERAL BUSINESS.
1. Approve Site Plan for a Memory Care Facility at 1620 Arboretum Boulevard (#25-10)
Rachel Jeske, Planner, reviewed the development location for the proposed memory care facility.
She summarized the definition and the standards for a continuing care facility. She provided an
overview of the site plan architecture, landscaping, utilities, and grading and drainage. She
explained that the wetland delineation was approved in May 2025 and noted that the Planning
Commission approved allowing them to build in the wetland setback. She said that the Water
Resources Department recommended an enhanced buffer reestablishment plan.
Councilmember von Oven clarified that the max roof height was 35 feet. Ms. Jeske confirmed
this information.
Mayor Ryan asked about the wetland setback. Ms. Jeske explained that it would be more of a
benefit for the buffer to be established, even though the building would be in the setback.
Mayor Ryan said that they would reestablish the buffer, and she asked if the wetland was in poor
condition. Ms. Jeske answered that the wetland and the creek were in poor condition. She said
she was unsure of the specifics, but that the Water Resources Department would work with the
applicant, and the applicant would have to do maintenance.
Mayor Ryan discussed the potential impact on the park. Ms. Jeske answered that a majority of
the tree removal was on the western side and the eastern corner. She said that most trees would
be saved, so it was unlikely that there would be major changes to Lake Ann Park. The applicant
is also adding an improved landscape buffer.
City Council Minutes – September 22, 2025
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Eric Maass, Community Development Director, clarified that the only impacts would be on
private property and not on Lake Ann Park Property.
Deena Laugen, a representative for the developer, explained that the goal of Eden Springs was to
make the continuing care facility feel like a home. She stated that there were profound benefits to
a boutique community. She described the plan to replant the landscape buffer for the wetland.
She expressed excitement to be a part of Chanhassen.
Councilmember McDonald confirmed that they would have memory care. He asked if they
would have different stages, such as assisted living, memory care, and hospice. Ms. Laugen
answered that those different options would be available, and there would be security in place for
memory care.
Councilmember McDonald asked if they were accepting Medicaid payments. Ms. Laugen
answered that they would be making cash payments currently.
Councilmember McDonald asked if they could transition to Medicaid payments. Ms. Laugen
answered that at the current time, they were set up for cash payments but were looking for
additional options.
Councilmember McDonald asked what would happen if people ran out of money to pay for the
living scenario. Ms. Laugen responded that they were considering additional payment options,
such as forming a non-profit with different scholarship opportunities. She said they were looking
at different ways to serve the residents.
Councilmember McDonald said that a lot of older residents would need an option like this, but
did not have the finances in place. He hoped that Chanhassen could be for the rich and the poor.
Councilmember von Oven moved, Councilmember McDonald seconded that the
Chanhassen City Council approves the requested site plan for the 42-bed Eden Springs
Assisted Living and Memory care facility, subject to the conditions of approval and adopts
the attached Findings of Fact and Decision. All voted in favor, and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
2. Approve Final Plat for Avienda Apartments (Planning Case 25-08)
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, reviewed the final plat for the Avienda
Apartments. He stated that the final plat had the necessary drainage and utility easements and
provided easement areas for public utilities. He said that the approval recommendation was
contingent on approval of a Development Contract between the Developer and the city. He said