Hello Chanhassen Residents,
This will be the last “A Message from the Mayor” for 2022. Thank you for reading, responding, and engaging throughout the year. It helps me as a Mayor to understand your questions and concerns, and hear your ideas. I place great value in the many exchanges we have shared.
City Council Meeting - December 12, 2022
Thank You & Farewell:
- Councilman Dan Campion received the Maple Leaf Award for his service to the city. Dan served eight years on the City Council as well as serving on the Parks & Recreation and Planning Commissions.
- Councilwoman Lucy Rehm received a Certificate of Appreciation. Lucy served two years on the City Council as well as serving on the Environmental Commission.
- Chanhassen Fire Department members (former) Chief Gregg Geske and Assistant Chief John Murphy retired after 30 incredible years of serving Chanhassen.
- Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director retired after 31 remarkable years in Chanhassen. We appreciate her leadership.
Final Levy
- The City Council approved a final levy of $13,463,000, an increase of 6.3%.
- Please see the chart below for the estimated impact based on your home value.
- The comparison graph for our neighboring communities’ proposed tax levy is below.
 Key Highlights
- Adds three Full-Time Fire Captains. This addition will move us to a new level of service and provide 24/7 staffing at Station 1 allowing an engine to be en route to a call in two minutes, improving overall response times and reliability in all areas of Chanhassen.
- The Carver County Sheriff’s contract cost increases 8.6%.
- Funds the Pay Comp Plan and increases in health insurance premiums, helping the city remain a competitive employer.
- Overall, inflationary spending is kept to about 2%, but some items have increased more, such as fuel.
- Annual increase in funding levels for transportation/routine road maintenance, pavement management/street reconstruction, and capital equipment.
- Adds an additional $138,000 in funding for trail maintenance (trails associated with road maintainance and new development are a component of the cost of the project).
- Allocates $170,000 to playground replacements at Sugarbush Park (built 1998) and South Lotus Park (built 1991). For safety and accessibility requirements, replacement is needed.
City Council Open Seat
- Councilwoman Rehm won the Minnesota State House seat and will begin her new role as Representative Rehm in January 2023 leaving a two-year term to be filled on the City Council.
- The City Council is now accepting applications until noon on January 6, 2023.
- Please follow this link to learn about the process, time commitment, and to submit your application.
Highway 7 & Eureka
- In partnership with the City of Shorewood, I will be working with MnDOT and local legislators to address this dangerous intersection in the coming week.
- Recent accidents and fatalities have highlighted the serious need for changes at this intersection.
- Improvements are part of MnDOT’s long-term planning, however, we will be working towards a near-term solution. Please stay tuned for updates.
A favorite saying for my family is “Believe in the Magic of the Season." I hope that you all have a magical holiday surrounded by family and friends, filled with laughter and love.
Merry Christmas and Warmest Regards,
Elise Ryan
Mayor of Chanhassen
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