04-27-2025 CC WSCity Council Work Session Minutes – April 27, 2026
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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
April 27, 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; Jerry Ruegemer, Parks Director; Andrew Heger, Fire Chief; Jenny Potter, City Clerk
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Fire Department Space Needs Assessment Follow Up
Andrew Heger, Fire Chief, discussed next steps related to long-term fire department space, staffing
and service needs following a February presentation that outlined multiple facility scenarios
without recommending a preferred option. Chief Heger said those issues remain closely
connected, with staffing levels, service delivery and facility capacity all affecting one another. He
shared updated call data showing continued growth in demand and noted overlapping
calls remain an ongoing operational challenge.
Chief Heger outlined several short-term options, including pursuit of a federal SAFER grant that
could help fund additional staffing and a proposed Community Risk Assessment to help evaluate
hazards, growth trends and response coverage. He said those efforts could help guide future
staffing and facility decisions.
The City Council expressed appreciation for the department’s work and strong support for public
safety, but several said they were not yet convinced that additional studies should be the immediate
next step. The discussion focused on first defining the city’s future staffing model, particularly as
many calls are medical rather than fire-related, and exploring whether alternative or hybrid service
approaches should be considered.
The City Council would like staff to continue evaluating staffing and service delivery needs. They
supported the pursuit of the SAFER grant opportunity if available.
Permitted Burning Discussion
Fire Chief Andrew Heger discussed proposed updates to the city’s permitted burning ordinance as
a follow-up to previous conversations that began in September 2025. Chief Heger said the
proposed revisions are intended to strengthen safeguards, reduce wildfire risk and update portions
of the code that had become outdated or unclear. Staff proposed replacing older location-based
restrictions with clearer approval criteria tied to setbacks, site conditions and safety requirements.
City Council Work Session Minutes – April 27, 2026
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Potential changes discussed included setbacks from buildings and public roadways, restrictions
related to sensitive natural areas, weather-related safety requirements and limits on what materials
may be burned. Proposed language would also set size limits for brush piles and require emergency
access to burn sites if needed.
There is a proposed $25 short-term permit for burns lasting less than 30 days and a $100 long-term
permit for permits up to six months. Chief Heger said the overall goal is to reduce community risk
while still allowing burning in appropriate situations.
The City Council discussed concerns they had heard regarding some of the proposed requirements,
how permits would be evaluated and the importance of additional public input. The general
direction from the City Council was to move the proposed ordinance amendments forward for
future consideration, where residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback before any final
action is taken.
2026 Park Renovation Fund Allocation Discussion
Jerry Ruegemer, Parks Director, discussed 2026 Park Renovation Fund priorities following a
recommendation from the Park and Recreation Commission, which reviewed available funding
and long-term park needs earlier this year.
For 2026, the commission recommended focusing this year’s allocation on a replacement
playground at Stone Creek Park and supplemental playground equipment at Carver Beach Park.
Staff said the Stone Creek playground was installed in 1998 and has exceeded the city’s typical
replacement cycle, making it a priority for reinvestment.
Additional improvements were also recommended for Carver Beach Park following resident
feedback after upgrades were completed last year. Mr. Ruegemer said the added equipment would
help continue enhancing the park experience for families and neighborhood users.
If approved, staff said neighborhood engagement meetings would be held this spring to gather
feedback on equipment options before final recommendations return to the City Council.
Installation of both projects is anticipated later this year, depending on equipment availability.
The City Council expressed support for the recommendation and appreciation for the effort to
balance long-term replacement needs with recent resident feedback.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:49 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk