Bigger electric bills were on the minds of the Chaska City Council Monday night as it reviewed the five-year forecast for the city’s electric utility during a work session.

Councilor Jay Rohe remarked that he had a $400-plus bill last month – the highest his family had ever seen.

Among the items on tonight's Chaska City Council agenda are:

* Appointment of independent auditor

* Authorization for sale of GO Refunding Bonds

* Final site/building plans for Block 11 (Cy's corner)

Chaska City Council meetings are held the first, third and fifth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. at Chaska City Hall, One City Hall Plaza.

More than three dozen people filed into the Lodge at the Chaska Community Center Monday morning as the first of several election events jump-started this year’s local races.

The city of Chaska and the Chaska Police Department were recently given national recognition, and an award, for establishing Minnesota’s first Social Host ordinance.The ordinance makes it illegal to provide a venue for underage drinking.

The award was given by the “Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program,” operated by the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center.

The center is a nationally based organization, funded by grants from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice Programs, according to a Chaska Police Department press release.

This fall, Chaska property owners again can purchase shade trees at wholesale prices.

The program, sponsored by the Chaska City Council and the Chaska Public Works Department is designed to replace lost trees and add to the city’s tree population, according to a Public Works press release.

The trees are 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter and are balled and bagged. Varieties include ornamentals, spruce and shade trees. Prices range from $103 to $190. No trees are under warranty, since they are offered at wholesale prices.

The Chaska City Council meeting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.

Sara Machakaire will throw her hat into the election ring for a seat on the Chaska City Council this fall.

The 27-year-old mother of two will challenge Greg Boe for the seat being vacated by Bob Lindall. Lindall announced last month that he would not run for re-election after representing Ward 2 for the previous 30 years.

Among the items on tonight's Chaska City Council agenda is:

* Establishment of the maximum tax levy for 2009

Chaska City Council meetings are held the first, third and fifth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. at Chaska City Hall, One City Hall Plaza.

Candidate filings for positions on the Chaska City Council opened Tuesday, Aug. 26. Those interested in running for city office have until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 to submit their affidavits of candidacy.

Three seats are up for grabs this year: council member for Ward 2, council member for Ward 4 and the mayor's seat. The filing fee for any of the seats is $5. Council members are paid $6,948 annually. The mayor receives $8,208.

Six candidates have already filed with the city: