03.23.2026 CC MinutesCHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
MARCH 23, 2026
Acting Mayor Kimber called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the
Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmember McDonald, Councilmember Schubert,
Councilmember von Oven, and Acting Mayor Kimber.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Ryan.
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Howley, Public Works Director/City
Engineer; George Bender, Assistant City Engineer; Andrea McDowell-Poehler, City Attorney;
and Jenny Potter, City Clerk.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Nora Nashawaty
Leslie Elhadi
Dr. Pamela McGrann, 6540 Fox Path
Jason Geyen, 2154 Stone Creek Drive
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation and Maple Leaf Awards to Outgoing
Commissioners
Acting Mayor Kimber recognized Nora Nashawaty for her service on the Park & Recreation
Commission with a certificate of appreciation. He presented Leslie Elhadi with a Maple Leaf
Award for her service on the Environmental Commission. He acknowledged Rob Swanson for
his service on the Park & Recreation Commission, Billy Cripe for his service on the
Environmental Commission, and Luke Bame for his service on the Economic Development
Commission. He acknowledged the Maple Leaf Award for Eric Anderson for his service on the
Economic Development Commission.
2. Chanhassen Athletic Association Recognition
Acting Mayor Kimber recognized the Chanhassen Athletic Association for their donation to the
ballfield improvement project at Lake Ann Park.
3. Invitation to Easter Egg Candy Hunt
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Acting Mayor Kimber invited the community to participate in the 43rd Annual Easter Egg Candy
Hunt on April 4th at City Center Park.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember McDonald moved, Councilmember von Oven
seconded that the City Council approve the following consent agenda items 1 through 13
pursuant to the City Manager’s recommendations:
1. Approve City Council Minutes dated March 9, 2026
2. Approve City Council Work Session Minutes dated March 9, 2026
3. Receive Planning Commission Minutes dated March 3, 2026
4. Receive Environmental Commission Minutes dated January 14, 2026
5. Receive Economic Development Commission Minutes dated February 10, 2026
6. Approve Claims Paid March 23, 2026
7. City Commission Appointments – Environmental Commission
8. 82nd Street West Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Chaska
9. Market Boulevard – Twin City Western Railroad Agreement
10. Award Contract for 2026 Pothole Patching
11. Consider a Conditional Use Permit Request for Screened Outdoor Storage at 2100 Stoughton
Avenue
12. Resolution 2026-20: Call for the Assessment Hearing for the Market Boulevard
Rehabilitation Project
13. Resolution 2026-21: Approval of $66,871.71 Donation and Award Bid for Lake Ann Park
Ballfield 1, 2, and 3 Improvements
All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
1. Jason Geyen Citizen Action Request
Jason Geyen, 2154 Stone Creek Drive, suggested a review of City Ordinance 29-09 and 29-10
regarding trailer storage in the city. He requested a review of the documents to consider allowing
trailer storage for year-round recreational activities.
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Nora Nashawaty, 7320 Kurvers Point Road, expressed disappointment that her appointment was
not renewed. She discussed concerns about the ongoing activities related to immigration in the
community. She noted that residents were struggling financially and socially and noted that the
City Council had not stepped up. She discussed financial and personal support from neighbors
during ongoing immigration activities. She requested a response to her Citizen Action Requests
previously submitted.
Dr. Pamela McGrann, 6540 Fox Path, discussed ethical issues in civic society. She discussed
concerns about the health conditions in a jail and claimed that ICE had no proper plan. She
reviewed the requirements for jail conditions according to the Geneva Convention. She
encouraged the City of Chanhassen to consider a policy about how it would respond to situations
similar to what took place at Avienda.
FIRE DEPARTMENT/LAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATES. None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
1. Resolution 2026-22: Accept the Bids and Award the Contract for the 2026 Great Plains
Blvd/Lake Drive East Rehabilitation Project No. 26-02; and Resolution 2026-23: Adopt
Final Assessment Roll for the 2026 Great Plains Blvd/Lake Drive East Rehabilitation
Project No. 26-02.
George Bender, Assistant City Engineer, reviewed the project schedule for the 2026 Great Plains
Boulevard/Lake Drive East Rehabilitation Project. He discussed the project area and scope and
reviewed the public engagement efforts. He noted that there was general support for the project,
but discussed concerns regarding pedestrian connectivity, pedestrian crossing safety, property
impacts, traffic access, and assessment amounts. He reviewed the intersection control at Great
Plains Lake Drive East and said that the 4-way stop-controlled intersection was less costly while
meeting the level of service. He reviewed the four bids for the project and stated that it came out
underneath the engineer’s estimate. He explained the final assessment amounts per property and
said that the total assessed amount was $474,000.
Acting Mayor Kimber opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
Councilmember von Oven moved, Councilmember Schubert seconded that the Chanhassen
City Council close the public hearing. All voted in favor, and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
Acting Mayor Kimber closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Schubert moved, Councilmember McDonald seconded that the
Chanhassen City Council adopts a resolution accepting bids and awarding the contract,
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and also adopts a resolution adopting the final assessment roll for the 2026 Great Plains
Blvd/Lake Dr East Rehabilitation Project No. 26-02. All voted in favor, and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS. None.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS.
Councilmember McDonald stated that there were conversations at the State Capitol about
eliminating the Opt-Outs. He discussed the sales tax paid by the county for transportation and
said that Southwest Transit meets the needs of the community. He commented that if the opt-outs
were eliminated, Metro Transit would take over the transportation, and its focus would not be to
maintain the current services. He encouraged residents and users of transportation to write a
letter to the legislature to express their feelings about the locally provided transportation system.
Acting Mayor Kimber stated that this change would have a major impact on the community.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS.
1. 2025 Fire Department Annual Report
Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, encouraged individuals to read the two reports to understand
services provided in the community.
2. 2025 Building Department Annual Report
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION. None.
Councilmember Schubert moved, Councilmember von Oven seconded to adjourn the
meeting. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0. The
City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk