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06.22.2026 CC MinutesCHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 22, 2026 Mayor Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember McDonald, Councilmember Schubert, Councilmember von Oven, and Councilmember Kimber. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager; Eric Maass, Community Development Director; Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Jerry Ruegemer, Parks and Recreation Director; Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager; Andrew Heger, Fire Chief; and Jenny Potter, City Clerk. PUBLIC PRESENT: Balakrishna Chintaginjala, 8982 Southwest Village Loop Bill Schubert, 9610 Meadowlark Lane PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Presentation of 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner Mayor Ryan provided information on the Arbor Day poster contest, which is in its 27th year and is open to local fifth-grade students. She congratulated the winner of the Arbor Day poster contest, noting that the artwork has been framed and is on display at City Hall. She also thanked the Garden by the Woods for their contribution of a $50 giftcard for the winner and presented the certificate to the winning student. 2. Recognizing Kent and Deb Ludford as the Chanhassen Rotary 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients Mayor Ryan recognized Kent and Deb Ludford as the Chanhassen Rotary 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients, reviewing the acts of service and generosity from the local business owners. Councilmember Schubert stated that she served on the Distinguished Award Committee and commented that it was an honor to be part of the selection of a couple so deserving of this award. She encouraged residents to stop into the Ace Hardware store. City Council Minutes – June 22, 2026 2 3. Xfinity Sponsorship Recognition Mayor Ryan recognized Xfinity and its support for the 43rd annual 4th of July celebration. She highlighted the different events that will take place that weekend and thanked Xfinity for its contributions to making those events possible. 4. Invitation to the Annual 4th of July Celebration Mayor Ryan invited everyone to the 4th of July celebration, the community’s largest celebration of the year, taking place at City Center Park and Lake Ann Park from July 1st through July 4th. She stated that more information and a schedule of events can be found on the city website. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember McDonald moved, Councilmember Kimber seconded that the City Council approve the following consent agenda items 1 through 8 pursuant to the City Manager’s recommendations: 1. Approve City Council Minutes dated June 8, 2026 2. Approve City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes dated June 8, 2026 3. Receive Environmental Commission Minutes dated May 13, 2026 4. Approve Claims Paid dated June 22, 2026 5. Approve Temporary Modification of the Licensed Premises to serve Beer and Wine in the O.G. Coffee and Wine Bar Parking Lot Area 6. Update to Financial Management Policies 7. Resolution 2026-54: Authorizing Continued Participation in the Office of State Auditor (OSA) Performance Measurement Program 8. Resolution 2026-55: Approving Renewal of State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement for Bureau of Criminal Apprehension All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS. 1. Balakrishna Chintaginjala Citizen Request Balakrishna Chintaginjala, 8982 Southwest Village Loop, provided comments about robotics and how it has been used to provide assistance with public safety services. He explained how robotics can be cost-effective and reliable and provided examples of how Chanhassen could City Council Minutes – June 22, 2026 3 utilize and benefit from the use of robotics. He also provided information about risks and proper planning. Bill Schubert, 9610 Meadowlark Lane, commented that he wanted to discuss the proposed changes to the Burning Permit. He stated that he provided comments in December and never received a response; as a result, there was a slight modification where the distance from a building and/or roadway was changed. He believed that those distances were excessive. He commented that while there are some good changes proposed, some of the regulations would still make it impossible for most residents to burn brush on their property. He understood that many of the changes were to better align with the regulations of the DNR, but believed that some changes were too restrictive. He asked if a city staff member would need to review his property in person to determine whether there would be wetland or bluff impacts. He stated that if the intent is to stop burning, that should be made clear. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None. GENERAL BUSINESS. 1. Ordinance 764: Permitted Burning Code Amendment Andrew Heger, Fire Chief, explained that the discussion to clean up this ordinance began last fall and stated that Mr. Schubert’s comment card was discussed at a Council meeting on April 27, 2026. He presented the proposed changes, including criteria for approval and fees. He recommended approval of the ordinance, option one or option two, as presented. Councilmember Kimber asked for clarification on the impacts that could happen to a wetland or bluff. Fire Chief Heger clarified that staff would want to ensure that the fire does not take place in an area designated as a wetland. He clarified that the fire could take place in the perimeter as long as it is not within the boundary. Councilmember Kimber believed that language should be clarified. Fire Chief Heger agreed that would be a simple change that could be made. Councilmember McDonald asked if it is residents or people on large lots that typically apply for these permits. Fire Chief Heger replied that only individuals who live south of Lyman Boulevard are currently eligible to apply. He stated that the proposed changes would open eligibility city-wide if the applicant meets the criteria. Councilmember McDonald believed it would be difficult to meet the required setbacks in a residential neighborhood. He wondered about the difference between the two proposed options for setbacks and commented that he tends to support option two with the lesser setbacks. He wondered what problem they were trying to solve, noting that if there is an issue, perhaps they should just ban burning. Fire Chief Heger stated that there are properties north of Lyman that have been denied permits, even though they have ample room for the activity. He stated that they are attempting to open this up to more areas, while also placing safety guidelines around the activity. He stated that staff introduced an City Council Minutes – June 22, 2026 4 option to ban burning last fall, and the Council chose not to follow that path, but instead to follow permitted burning. Councilmember von Oven recalled the decision that the Council did not want to ban burning and believed that this draft ordinance would accomplish that goal, to make the activity as safe as possible while creating an allowance for those with sufficiently sized property to partake in the activity. He supported option one as that allows for burning in the right places. Councilmember Schubert asked if an animal barn would be considered a dwelling. Fire Chief Heger replied that agricultural buildings are considered differently in the Code. He stated that the city's focus remains on human safety. Councilmember Schubert stated that there are a lot of people who are responsible for their burning and would support option two. Mayor Ryan asked for staff input on the importance of the setbacks from buildings and roadways, and asked if one is more important in the eyes of public safety. Fire Chief Heger replied that staff prefer to include both as they address two separate issues. Mayor Ryan asked if most complaints are received from neighboring residents or smoke going across a road. Fire Chief Heger replied that the vast majority of complaints are related to smoke traveling across roadways, but they have received complaints from across a roadway as well. Mayor Ryan asked if there could be deviations from the setbacks dependent on the type of roadway. Fire Chief Heger replied that staff would prefer one set of rules to be equally enforced. Councilmember von Oven provided a scenario where the Council chose option two, and visibility of a roadway was impaired. He asked what options for recourse would be available. Fire Chief Heger replied that he would defer to law enforcement and noted the language that would allow for enforcement if necessary, but it would begin with education from law enforcement. He stated that the city also reserves the right to extinguish a fire if noxious smoke is being produced. Councilmember Schubert moved, Councilmember Kimber seconded that the Chanhassen City Council adopt an Ordinance Approving modifications to Chapter 9, option two, with the noted change to language regarding wetlands and bluffs, of City Code regarding permitted burning. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS. None. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS. None. 1. 1st Quarter Financial Report CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION. None. City Council Minutes – June 22, 2026 5 1. 4th of July Parade Route Correspondence to Businesses Councilmember Schubert moved, Councilmember McDonald seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen City Manager Prepared by Jenny Potter City Clerk