07-08-2026 CC Special WSCity Council Special Work Session Minutes – July 8, 2026
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CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
July 8, 2026
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at Noon.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember McDonald,
Councilmember Kimber, Councilmember Schubert, Councilmember von Oven
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
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
PUBLIC PRESENT: Bill Katter, Hempel; Rick McKelvey, Hempel; Donja Susil, Hempel; Kevin
Green Thielen & Green; Josh McKinney, Measure Group
Avienda Visioning Session
The development team from Avienda discussed revised concept plans to respond to council
feedback by adding a stronger central gathering area near a proposed regional stormwater pond.
The concept includes a 65,000-square-foot grocery store, additional retail space, potential medical
office space, consolidated drive-through locations and a proposed entertainment and food district
with restaurant space, public restrooms, outdoor seating and pedestrian connections.
The City Council generally said the plan is moving in the right direction, particularly with the
addition of a more defined gathering space and the potential removal of a previously discussed car
wash from the central area. At the same time, council members said more work is needed to make
sure the project better reflects the original vision for Avienda as a walkable, mixed-use destination
with restaurants, retail, public gathering space and strong connections to nearby housing and the
future Chanhassen Community Center.
The discussion also focused on stormwater needs, parking, the number and location of drive-
throughs and how the project could balance market realities with the community’s expectations
for the site. The development team said the stormwater pond is a major factor in the updated layout
and that the grocery store is expected to help move development forward after years of limited
progress.
City Council members asked the development team to further identify what could be included in
an initial phase and what portions of the plan may need more discussion. They also supported
holding an open house so residents can review the concept, share feedback and hear more directly
from the development team before the formal approval process continues.
No formal action was taken.
City Council Special Work Session Minutes – July 8, 2026
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Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 1:10 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk