Dear Chanhassen Residents,

I hope this email finds you well. I want to thank you for your interaction with me these past weeks. I am encouraged that my Friday emails have opened up a new line of communication. I appreciate hearing from you, answering questions, and taking feedback. This engagement is so important, particularly in times such as these.

The City Council discussed at both our Work Session and City Council meeting plans for summer programming. While the recreation and senior centers remain closed per the Governor’s Executive Order, we have cancelled all programming for the month of May. On our website, we have an update on the programming that has been cancelled for the summer. Knowing this situation is fluid, we will respond accordingly and will again review summer plans at our May 26^th City Council Meeting. We welcome your input - please send an email to publiccomments@ci.chanhassen.mn.us.

The 4^th of July is a special time in this community and why this decision was weighed heavily. With the exception of the fly-over and fireworks, the events surrounding the 4^th have been cancelled. We are working closely with our Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, and city staff to determine logistics and safety measures to proceed with the two activities. Much is dependent on the Governor’s Executive Order, but we will communicate to our residents the specific plans for the 4^th of July.

A Proclamation to “re-open” local business was brought forth for Council consideration with the intent of sending to Governor Walz. The Proclamation was “tabled by Council” and will be reconsidered at our May 26^th meeting. There was a report this week misrepresenting the action taken on Monday, so let me say, unequivocally, that the entire City Council stands in support of our local businesses and wants nothing more than their continued successful operation. By tabling the Proclamation, we now have the opportunity to more effectively address Governor Walz’s newly released “Stay Safe” order. Instead of a generic Proclamation used by other cities, we will submit a pragmatic, Chanhassen-focused response, offering real perspective to the challenges faced by our business community. I believe what we are facing is bigger than a Proclamation, and why I continue to work closely with business owners, our state and federal elected officials, and other local organizations to collectively find a pathway forward.  It is imperative that our residents know that your City Council continues to stand in strong support of our local businesses.

Please continue to stay involved and informed. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Stay well, stay safe and stay healthy.

Warmest Regards,
Elise Ryan
Mayor
eryan@ci.chanhassen.mn.us
612.703.0598