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Hello Chanhassen Residents,
I received a number of responses to my previous message, and I wanted to respond to them and also share additional updates.
Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center
I want to be clear that this update is simply to provide you with information and to address questions that have been raised. My goal isn’t to convince you to vote "yes" or "no," but to address any questions or concerns.
- We recognize the desire for a pool and have taken seriously the feedback that you have shared. When the City Council opted to move forward with a local option sales tax, we did not want to add additional expenses beyond the building of the facility. Pools require a significant annual operating subsidy that would have increased the levy by 1-2% beyond the increase needed to support the construction.
- Some residents have shared concerns that Lifetime Fitness and its CEO, Bahram Akradi, have influenced or shaped our decision to not move forward with a pool. This is not the case - it was purely a financial determination made by the council.
- We have communicated with the school district/District 112 from the onset. They have not expressed any interest in partnering in support of a pool.
- I have heard from some residents who have indicated that they will vote "no" on this November's referendum in hopes that we will begin from scratch. In my opinion, the challenge with the "start from scratch" approach is that it eliminates the ability to use a local option sales tax to raise $40 million for the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center. 45% of the local option sales tax will be paid by non-residents and, without it, the full financial burden of the new community center would rest solely on Chanhassen residents. Additionally, the Minnesota State Legislature has a moratorium on new local sales tax requests and recently discussed not allowing the local option sales tax revenue to be used for community centers. If a future Council decides to pursue a community center (should this referendum fail), the entire amount would have to come from the property tax levy.
- The City Council has not discussed a fee schedule for the Community Center. Our goal is for a minimal fee that is similar to the existing Rec Center punch card system. We have heard there is interest in a membership option, and we are open to that. We have, however, committed to making sure that there is no charge to use the walking track.
- Some residents have asked about the need for rinks at the Community Center. The intended use goes beyond hockey. In addition to hockey, figure skating, and open skate, we are excited for how the second rink opens opportunities to host high school commencement ceremonies, gymnastics meets, and other special events.
Elections
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Many of you have expressed concerns that the Civic Campus construction might interfere with voting access at City Hall and the Library. We want to assure you that access is easily available, and we will make sure that all parking stalls are available to residents. Construction workers and city vehicles will not use the stalls on Election Day.
Lake Ann Preserve
The boardwalks in Lake Ann Park Preserve are now complete, providing easier access to this beautiful park. The paved trails were not able to be completed this summer as we continue to work with the State of Minnesota on needed permits. Our goal is to complete the paved trails next summer. In the meantime, the natural trails remain available and are a wonderful place to enjoy the changing of the seasons.
Lions Drinking Fountain Donation
Please connect with me if you have additional questions, comments or concerns at eryan@chanhassenmn.org. Enjoy the beautiful weather and have a great weekend.
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