06-29-2025 CC Special WSCity Council Special Work Session Minutes – June 29, 2026
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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
June 29, 2026
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember McDonald,
Councilmember Kimber, Councilmember Schubert
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 Maass, Community Development
Director; Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager; Jerry Ruegemer, Park & Recreation
Director; Priya Wall, Recreation Manager; Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager; Jenny Potter,
City Clerk
PUBLIC PRESENT: Trace Jacques, BKV; Mike Healy, BKV; Brad Barickman, RJM; and other
representatives from BKV & RJM
Chanhassen Community Center Discussion
Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, had the project team introduce themselves. They presented a
current guaranteed maximum price estimate of $81,923,481, which reflects the current all-in cost
to build the project based on the plans, bid results and known scope. The team noted that the figure
includes contingency funds, but does not account for every possible unknown condition or future
scope change. That total includes construction costs, soft costs, furniture, fixtures, equipment,
design and engineering fees, land costs, a $2.4 million construction contingency and a $1 million
owner contingency. The team said 145 bids were received across 44 work categories and that staff,
RJM Construction and the design team have identified about $7 million in post-bid savings while
keeping the project’s square footage and programming intact.
The City Council also reviewed several design and budget options, including bid alternates related
to the community room terrace, rink connection walkway, radiant heating in the arenas, building
signage, service elevator, operable partitions, gym flooring and walking track surfacing.
Councilmembers discussed how design and budget decisions could help balance project costs,
long-term operations and the overall resident experience.
City Councilmembers expressed different views on whether they would consider options above
the original $80 million target, particularly given recent inflation pressures in the construction
market. Some emphasized the importance of staying at that amount, while others said they would
consider limited flexibility if it helped preserve the building’s core functionality and the
programming voters supported.
No formal action was taken. The updated schedule now anticipates construction beginning in
August 2026 and substantial completion in summer 2028, which means the facility is no longer
City Council Special Work Session Minutes – June 29, 2026
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expected to be ready for May 2028 high school graduation ceremonies but remains positioned for
the 2028 hockey season.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:49 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk