PLANNING/WATER RESOURCES
LAW/FIRE
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES CITY COUNCIL UPDATES POLICY ON SEWER & WATER ACCESS CHARGES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
SNOW & ICE ON ROADWAYS
wastewater for the entire metro region and charges a SAC for access to this utility. Similarly, the city levies its own SAC and WAC fees to finance the local utility infrastructure. The 2024 rate per SAC unit charged by the MCES is $2,485, while the city's SAC and WAC fees are $2,480 and $9,190 per unit, respectively. Recognizing the impact of these charges on small businesses, the city council introduced a waiver policy that exempts the first five city SAC and WAC units for existing commercial buildings undergoing renovation. This waiver translates to a significant fee savings of $11,670 per waived SAC/WAC unit, although it does not affect the charges levied by the MCES. This initiative aims to promote private investment in existing commercial properties and make it easier for small businesses to expand or relocate within Chanhassen. The city's Utility Rate Study does not rely on SAC/WAC fees paid by existing commercial properties that are being filled by a new tenant and, as a result, this fee waiver program will not result in increased utility rates for residential properties. The city has already experienced success with this new program in three new businesses, including a restaurant, salon, and manufacturer business. They are (1) Arch Salon (located at 2497 Highway 7), (2) Novaspect (located at 2885 Water Tower Place), and (3) Britto's Burrito (located at 2407 Highway 7). Overall, the city council's policy on SAC and WAC is a strategic move to support small businesses, encourage local investment, and stimulate economic growth in Chanhassen. By reducing the financial barriers associated with essential utility services, the city is paving the way for a more vibrant and resilient business community.
The city’s Public Works department is responsible for snow and ice control on 118 miles of public streets in the community. During a typical snow event, the streets foreman calls plow drivers into action around 3:00 a.m., although the time may vary depending on street conditions and weather reports. The city works with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office on callouts and to determine which areas need to be treated or plowed immediately. The city uses a variety of materials for snow and ice control. Depending on the temperature, the city will use materials or mixtures, including salt and pre-wet salt brine. An 80/20 mix of salt brine and calcium chloride is used in extremely low temperatures. The spreading of road salt to the upslope side of the pavement will allow it to flow downward while melting the snow and ice, thereby reducing the quantity of materials used. The use of salt and salt brine prevents snow and ice from bonding to the road surface, which is why salt is usually spread early in a storm to prevent snow build-up and aid in snow removal operations. Snow will be plowed in a manner that provides access as soon as possible and minimizes traffic obstructions. Collector roadways are plowed first. Local streets and cul-de-sacs are initially plowed
when a mailbox is damaged through direct contact with the plow). If the city determines that a plow hit the mailbox, the city will only replace the mailbox and post with a standard size, non-decorative metal box and a four inch by four inch decay-resistant wood support OR reimburse the mailbox owner a maximum amount of $60 (amount updated annually via the city’s fee schedule) for the replacement of the damaged mailbox and post (regardless of what the original type of mailbox and post was). Damage resulting from snow rolling off a plow or wing is the responsibility of the property owner. The city will not replace wood mailbox posts that are rotten. Clear Your Driveway Please do not blow, plow, or shovel snow onto the street. This is against state statute. Individuals who throw their snow onto the street make it more difficult to clear the street, particularly in cul- de-sacs. It also creates ice hazards as other vehicles drive over the snow and compact it. You may want to wait to shovel the end of your driveway and mailbox until after the plow has cleared the street curb to curb. The plow will typically come through several times before completion, saving you from repeating the shoveling process. with a single pass to open all routes as soon as possible. After all routes are open, local streets and cul-de-sacs are then plowed curb to curb. The goal is to have all streets open by 7:00 a.m. It is the city’s intent to have the entire street system cleaned in approximately ten hours following a typical snowfall. Opening most streets before the normal morning rush hour is not only an important service the city provides, but it is also an important safety component. Keep in mind that, depending on snowfall conditions and the duration of the storm, cleanup operations can widely fluctuate. Depending on the situation, cleanup operations are handled with plow trucks, loaders, and pickup trucks. Clearing snow away from hydrants and sidewalks is the adjacent property owners’ responsibility. Do plow drivers a huge favor and keep all trash and recycling containers off of the street during a snow event. Time is of the essence for snow removal operations, and drivers who must stop, get out of the truck, and move containers lose valuable time trying to serve our residents and the traveling public. In some cases, the driver will need to drive around the containers, leaving a portion of the street and driveway unplowed. Turn your Halloween pumpkins into food for farm animals! Drop your pumpkins off at the designated dumpster at the Public Works Facility from November 1-November 15, Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Please help protect the farm animals and do not throw trash in with the pumpkins. PUMPKIN DROP-OFF
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In a recent decision aimed at fostering economic growth and supporting and attracting local businesses, the Chanhassen City Council adopted a credit policy on Sewer Access Charges (SAC) and Water Access Charges (WAC) for businesses opening in pre-existing commercial buildings. This policy went into effect on June 24, 2024, and is designed to promote investment in existing commercial buildings, alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with these essential services, and foster a more business-friendly environment in the city. The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) manages
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MAILBOX FROM SNOWPLOWS Check the Following Criteria: » The front of the mailbox should be flush with the back of the
BALANCING WINTER SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH In Chanhassen, the proper use of de-icing salt is essential for balancing winter safety and environmental stewardship. Winter conditions in Minnesota often lead to icy roads and walkways, making de-icers crucial for preventing accidents. A study from Marquette University highlighted de-icing's effectiveness in improving safety by concluding that de-icing with salt reduces accidents by 88% and injuries by 85%. prevent runoff. Residents and commercial property owners can further reduce salt use by following these guidelines: 1. Shovel Early and Often: Remove snow and ice manually with shovels, snow blowers, or plows to reduce the need for
curb or edge of the street. » Mailboxes should be 42-48 inches above street level for convenient access by the mail carrier as governed by the postal service. » Newspaper boxes and other containers should be set back a minimum of six inches from the back of the curb.
salt. Prompt removal may even eliminate the need for salt. 2. Avoid Salt in Extreme Cold: At temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, salt is less effective. Use sand for traction instead, but be aware that sand can also be a pollutant. 3. Use Salt Sparingly: Apply a small, consistent amount of salt. One pound of salt is roughly equivalent to a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. Consider using a hand-held spreader for even distribution and sweep up any excess. 4. Be Patient: Allow time for de-icers to work. Just because you don't see salt on the road doesn’t mean it hasn’t been applied. 5. Drive Safely: Adjust driving speed according to conditions and give plow drivers ample space to work. By following these practices, Chanhassen residents and businesses can help protect local water resources while ensuring safe winter conditions. For more information, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Smart Salting website.
However, excessive salt use can harm the environment. Once de-icers are applied, they mix with melted snow and rainwater, eventually reaching surface and groundwater. Elevated salt levels in water bodies can damage aquatic ecosystems and affect water quality. It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water to a level that is toxic to native aquatic organisms. Additionally, de-icers are corrosive and can potentially harm soils, vegetation, and infrastructure. The City of Chanhassen employs several strategies to mitigate these impacts. City staff receive Smart Salting Training to use less salt while ensuring safety. Salt applicators on plow trucks are precisely calibrated and the precise system tracks detailed usage data and route conditions. Salt is applied only to primary routes, school routes, and critical areas like shady or hilly roads, while residential roads are plowed without salt. The city’s salt stockpile is stored under a dome on an asphalt base with concrete sides to
Mailboxes placed too close to the street may be prone to damage by snow removal equipment or heavy snow rolling off a snowplow. Per the city’s Snow and Ice Removal Policy, mailboxes and posts shall be constructed sturdily enough to withstand snow rolling off of a plow. While the installation of mailboxes in the public right-of-way is permitted, the mailbox owner assumes all risk of damage due to the force of snow, regardless of cost, (except The Lending Library located at 2480 Chaska Boulevard (behind The RAK) is a community resource offering a broad selection of items to check-out. Items include bounce houses, camping equipment, home maintenance, and more. In addition, DIY workshops and educational classes are offered to promote sharing within the community and conserve natural resources. southwestmetrolendinglibrary.org LENDING LIBRARY
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WINTER 2024 | CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CITY OF CHANHASSEN | WINTER 2024
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