02-23-2025 CC WSCity Council Work Session Minutes – February 23, 2026
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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
February 23, 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, Councilmember Schubert
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager;
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Patrick Gavin, Communications
Manager; Jerry Ruegemer, Park & Recreation Director; Eric Maass, Community Development
Director; Andrew Hegar, Fire Chief
PUBLIC PRESENT: Quinn Hutson, Brooke Jacobson, Al Tsai from CNH
Fire Station Space Needs Assessment Presentation
The City Council reviewed a Fire Station Space Needs Assessment during a work session,
beginning a broader discussion about the long-term future of the city’s fire facilities and service
delivery model. The presentation followed a Council-authorized study examining whether the
existing fire station, originally constructed in 1967, can continue to meet modern operational,
safety and staffing needs as the community grows. The assessment explored options including
remodeling the current station, constructing a new facility or transitioning to a two-station
model, and was presented for informational purposes only.
Andrew Hegar, Fire Chief, introduced consultants Quinn Hutson, Brooke Jacobeon, and Al Tsai
from CNH. They explained that while the current station remains operational, it does not meet
many modern fire station design standards, particularly related to firefighter health and safety.
Space limitations, outdated building layouts, and limited decontamination areas were identified
as challenges, along with constraints that limit future staffing, equipment upgrades and on-site
training. The station’s location on the eastern side of the city was also discussed in relation to
long-term response times as development continues in other areas of Chanhassen.
Estimated costs ranged from approximately $29.5 million for a new single-station facility to
about $36.7 million for a two-station model. No formal action was taken and staff indicated the
presentation represents an early planning step, with additional analysis and future Council
discussion expected later this year.
City Council Work Session Minutes – February 23, 2026
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Sign Code Ordinance Update
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, proposed updates to the city’s sign code
ordinance, continuing a conversation that began at a November 24, 2025 work session when
Council directed staff to gather additional feedback from downtown businesses and property
owners. The proposed changes are intended to modernize regulations originally adopted in 1995,
ensure compliance with federal law, clarify outdated language and better align sign standards
with the city’s updated downtown design guidelines.
Mr. Maass explained that the updates are data-driven and informed by permit activity over the
last two years and outreach with downtown businesses, which generally supported expanded
signage options. Proposed revisions would adjust allowable wall sign sizes to better reflect
typical requests and introduce additional sign types such as projecting, awning, and canopy signs
to support a more pedestrian-friendly downtown environment.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 6:54 P.M.
Mayor Ryan reconvened the work session at 8:10 P.M.
Sign Code Ordinance Update - Continued
Mr. Mass reported that additional changes focus on simplifying the ordinance and improving
implementation, including clarifying window sign standards, allowing certain temporary signs
without permits while maintaining enforcement authority, and removing content-based sign
regulations to ensure First Amendment compliance. Council and staff also discussed potential
approaches for handling nonconforming, or “grandfathered,” signs, with further input expected
during the public hearing process.
The draft ordinance will be presented to the Planning Commission for a public hearing before
returning to the City Council for further consideration.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 8:30 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk