01-12-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
January 12, 2026
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember McDonald,
Councilmember von Oven, Councilmember Kimber
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Schubert
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager;
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Patrick Gavin, Communications
Manager; Kelly Grinnell, Finance Director; Jenny Potter, City Clerk; Priya Wall, Parks Manager
PUBLIC PRESENT: Jim Arnold, Sports Facilities Companies (SFC)
Sports Facilities Companies: Review Management Options for Chanhassen Bluffs
Community Center
Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, introduced Jim Arnold from SFC. Mr. Arnold outlined an
outsourced management model in which the city would retain full ownership and control while
SFC manages day-to-day operations. The firm highlighted its experience managing more than
100 similar facilities nationwide and emphasized a community-first approach that balances local
access, financial performance, and economic impact.
The presentation outlined a potential framework for pre-opening support and ongoing
management, including a performance-based approach tied to financial results and sponsorship
activity. SFC also highlighted conservative financial assumptions, operational technology, and
preventative maintenance practices designed to support long-term success.
Next steps include continued staff coordination with Sports Facilities Companies and review of
potential contract terms by the city attorney, with any agreement returning to the City Council
for future consideration.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 6:47 P.M.
Mayor Ryan reconvened the work session at 7:29 P.M.
City Council Roundtable
The City Council discussed potential topics for future review, including snowplowing, winter
parking. and how the city might educate residents on law enforcement roles and procedures.
City Council Work Session Minutes – January 12, 2026
2
Councilmembers noted that the city consistently receives positive feedback for its snow plowing
efforts, while also hearing periodic questions from residents about how plowing priority routes
are established, how they are applied during different weather events and whether those priorities
remain fair and aligned with current community needs. The City Council discussed the value of
taking a fresh look at both plowing priorities and winter parking regulations together,
recognizing that the two issues are closely related and frequently raised by residents. Following
discussion and general agreement among councilmembers, the topic was supported for further
staff review and consideration at a future work session.
The City Council also discussed how best to improve the public’s understanding of the
respective roles of local and federal law enforcement agencies. Although Council did not support
a proposed resolution related to information sharing and coordination between local and federal
law enforcement agencies, councilmembers did express agreement with the broader goal of
maintaining public trust in local law enforcement through clear, accurate information.
Councilmembers also supported the idea of individual councilmembers engaging directly with
the Carver County Sheriff’s Office in a fact-finding and partnership role to explore an
educational effort led by the sheriff that explains what the law states, the sheriff’s role and what
residents can expect during law enforcement activity. Council noted that the city would be
supportive of re-sharing county-led educational materials through its communication channels if
developed.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 8:05 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk