During the public comments section, Jennifer R., a Chanhassen resident, voiced concerns about absentee ballot procedures in Carver County. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, criticizing the lack of party balance in the processing of absentee ballots. Jennifer cited information from the League of Women Voters, noting that the law mandates election judges from different parties to oversee the counting and processing of ballots. She argued that this safeguard is not implemented for absentee ballots, potentially compromising the integrity of the voting process. Jennifer urged the Carver County Commissioners to establish a resolution requiring party balance in all processes related to absentee ballots, describing the request as “common sense” and “low-hanging fruit.”

Al Sherwood, another Chanhassen resident, echoed Jennifer’s concerns, raising issues related to potential voter fraud with absentee and mail-in ballots. Sherwood highlighted problems with identity theft, loss of ballots, and chain of custody issues, referencing an administrative rule that allows any person to sign an absentee ballot, which he argued undermines election integrity. He called for greater transparency in ballot processing and suggested that Minnesota should adopt practices like provisional ballots to enhance election integrity. Deb Parish continued the discussion, noting that more than 50% of the ballots cast in the 2020 presidential election were absentee ballots. She emphasized the absence of signature verification and party parity throughout the process and urged the council to ensure adherence to the law regarding party balance.

Following the public comments, the council turned to the adoption of Ordinance 245, amending city code Chapter 71 regarding winter parking regulations. The city administrator reported that the ordinance had been posted for the requisite ten days, and no changes had been made since the last work session. The existing rules required vehicles to be off the street if there was an inch or more of snow between November 1 and April 1. The new ordinance specifies that from midnight to 6 a.m., parking is prohibited on streets if there is any snow accumulation or if it is currently snowing. This change aims to facilitate more effective snow removal operations. The council agreed on the importance of public education regarding the new regulations and plans to disseminate the information through social media, newsletters, and signage at subdivision entrances. The motion to approve the ordinance passed unanimously.

The council then discussed a proposal for a storage shed for the Mayer Baseball Club. The club sought alternative storage space due to rising rental costs for their current location. The city administrator outlined a potential site on city property, specifically on the western side of City Hall, where a storage shed could be constructed. The proposed shed would fit within an unused area and would not obstruct existing facilities. The council members expressed support for the proposal and moved to approve the site location, with one member stating there was no conflict of interest in their vote, as they were a member of the baseball club.

Another topic was the adoption of the 2025 preliminary levy and budget. The city administrator presented the details. The proposed general fund levy was set at $450,500, with allocations for various capital improvement projects, including the fire department, streets, and parks and recreation. The total levy was noted to be $1,319,879, representing a 2.11% decrease from the previous year. The council discussed the implications of setting the preliminary levy, noting that it could be lowered in December but not increased. A motion to approve the resolution for the preliminary levy and budget passed without further discussion.

The meeting also featured a discussion on a public buildings grant program for solar energy projects. The council explored the possibility of securing up to 70% funding from the state, with an additional 30% available in tax credits for projects involving entities that typically do not pay taxes. The fire station was identified as a primary candidate for solar panel installation due to its adequate roof space. The project could cover nearly all the building’s energy needs with a projected 40-kilowatt array producing about 52,000 kilowatt hours annually, while the fire hall’s consumption is around 54,000 kilowatt hours. Concerns regarding the roof’s suitability for training exercises were raised, and there was a discussion about the logistics of shifting solar credits among buildings if the fire hall roof was not viable. The council concluded with a consensus to explore all options further.

Finally, the council discussed the timing of utility bill payments and the potential resumption of shut-off processes for delinquent accounts. There was a proposal to change the due date for utility payments from the 10th of the month to the 1st. Concerns were raised regarding the timing of when residents receive their bills, which currently arrive between the 15th and the 20th of the month. The council highlighted the need for a more efficient process and the possibility of setting up payment plans for residents who communicate financial difficulties with the city.