02.23.2026 CC Minutes-item excerptCity Council Minutes – February 23, 2026
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Fire Chief Andrew Heger updated the Council on calls for service in Quarter 4. He discussed the
uptick in the arrival rate for the ambulance services and the fire department. He reviewed the
data collection tool that they launched on January 1, 2026. He summarized the training events
that the firefighters completed, including electric vehicle safety response. He reviewed the hiring
process held for part-time on-call firefighters and noted that they were only able to hire one
firefighter for the position. He noted that they were recognized as a Gold Helmet Fire
Department, as the staff provided medical and health history to understand the impacts of cancer
on fire services.
Mayor Ryan expressed appreciation for the work that they completed. She asked about how they
respond to an electric vehicle fire. Fire Chief Heger responded that the best course of action was
to let the battery burn if it is open air and not exposed to anything.
Mayor Ryan asked if there was education that needed to be done for homeowners, retail parking
garages, or apartments. Fire Chief Heger answered that their building codes were lagging in
addressing the problem. When they were completing plan review for the buildings, they were
requiring a master shut-off to the electricity to the chargers and encouraging builders to place the
electric vehicle charging.
PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
GENERAL BUSINESS.
1. Approve Site Plan for Chanhassen Community Center (26-01)
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, reviewed the history of the Chanhassen
Recreation Center.
Rachel Jeske, Planner, reviewed the development location for the Chanhassen Community
Center. She summarized the communications for the project and the level of city discretion for
the project. She discussed the site plan review, including the site furnishing, architecture,
proposed materials, landscaping, screening, code compliance, and parking. She discussed the
wetlands and noted that they meet the wetland and buffer setback requirements. She said that
stormwater management remains the same on the site. She noted that the Planning Commission
recommended approval of the site plan.
Councilmember Schubert clarified the hardcover requirements and asked if the lot coverage had
been communicated to the developer. Ms. Jeske answered that they had each of the hardcovers of
the developments. They would inform the developer about the hardcover.
Mayor Ryan stated that she appreciated the work of Ms. Jeske and Mr. Maass on the project. She
thanked the public for supporting the local option sales tax.
City Council Minutes – February 23, 2026
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Councilmember McDonald moved, Councilmember von Oven seconded that the
Chanhassen City Council approves the requested site plan for the Chanhassen Community
Center, subject to the conditions of approval, and adopts the attached Findings of Fact and
Decision. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS.
Councilmember von Oven expressed support for immigrants and other Chanhassen residents
dealing with difficulties after the last month with the political situation in Minnesota.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS.
Mayor Ryan acknowledged the Financial Department for their achievement in excellent
reporting.
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION.
1. Chanhassen Legion Gambling Correspondence
2. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – City of Chanhassen
3. National Firefighter Registry for Cancer Gold Helmet Department Designation
4. Hwy 41 & Lake Lucy Roundabout Letter
5. Highway 7 Priorities Flyer
Councilmember Schubert moved, Councilmember Kimber seconded to adjourn the
meeting. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The
City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk