12-15-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
December 15, 2025
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:
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager;
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Eric Maas, Planning Director; Patrick
Gavin, Communications Manager; Kelly Grinnell, Finance Director; Jenny Potter, City Clerk
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Discuss 2026 Legislative Priorities
Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, discussed the city’s proposed 2026 Legislative Priorities,
continuing its annual process of identifying state-level issues that may affect Chanhassen during
the upcoming Minnesota legislative session. The discussion followed the Council’s established
practice of reviewing and refining priorities in advance of formal adoption, which is scheduled for
January 12, 2026.
Ms. Hokkanen reviewed the draft legislative priorities and highlighted several proposed updates
and areas of continued focus. The discussion included transportation needs, state bonding requests,
support for suburban transit and long-standing concerns related to local budget authority, unfunded
mandates, environmental review processes and regional funding structures. Councilmembers also
discussed emerging issues that may warrant state-level attention, including evolving transit
funding dynamics and the growing use of e-bikes, e-motos and other micro-mobility devices, with
general agreement that clearer statewide guidance would be helpful moving forward.
The City Council plans to formally adopt the 2026 Legislative Priorities at its January 12 meeting,
ahead of the February start of the legislative session.
2050 Comprehensive Plan
The City Council discussed the early stages of the city’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, beginning a
long-range planning process that will guide growth and development in Chanhassen over the
coming decades. The discussion served as an initial overview of why the update is required and
how the city plans to approach the work.
Staff explained that the update is triggered by the Metropolitan Council’s adoption of Imagine
2050 and the release of community system statements, which establish regional goals and
demographic forecasts that local plans must follow. Updated projections show slower residential
growth than previously anticipated, with lower population and household estimates through
City Council Work Session Minutes – December 15, 2025
2
2050, while employment growth remains steady. Councilmembers discussed the forecasts and
noted that they generally align with the city’s remaining development capacity.
The Council also reviewed the general scope of the comprehensive plan, including required
planning chapters, the city’s continued designation as a Suburban Edge community and the use
of a planning consultant to assist with the update. Staff emphasized an engagement approach
focused on reaching residents in familiar settings and discussed the idea of a shorter, more
accessible summary version of the plan.
A preliminary timeline and budget were also presented, with the plan expected to be completed
and submitted to the Metropolitan Council by the end of 2028. The estimated cost of up to
$125,000 would be funded through permit revenue and would not impact the city’s levy.
City Council Roundtable
Pleasant View Road
The City Council asked for an update on recent public engagement related to the Pleasant View
Road Improvement Project, including results from a community survey conducted. Charlie
Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer shared that the survey received both online and
paper responses, with most respondents agreeing that pavement rehabilitation is needed, however
a split opinion whether the work is urgent or could wait up to 5 years. The majority of responses
came from residents with direct access to Pleasant View Road and the feedback highlighted key
concerns such as impacts to private property, speeding, bike and pedestrian safety and overall
project cost. Staff noted that while Pleasant View Road is currently programmed as a future capital
improvement project, the survey results will help inform discussions about project scope, timing
and design alternatives. Additional data is being collected to better understand speeding concerns,
and staff indicated that next steps include developing potential project alternatives and returning
to the City Council with further information in late January.
Review of Permit Process Analysis
Laurie Hokkanen shared the results of a survey done of people who had used the permitting
software from BS&A. The results showed that most people seeking a permit were pleased with
their interactions with the software and felt they received good service from city staff.
Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 6:30 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk