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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-28 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN City Council Meeting Minutes January 28, 2021 .. 7:00 pm The Corcoran City Council met on January 285 20217 in Corcoran, Minnesota. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13D.021 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Council meeting was held remotely through electronic means using the audio and video conferencing platform Zoom. Mayor McKee was present at City Hall and present via telephonic or other electronic means were Councilor Nichols and Councilor Schultz. Councilor Bottema and Councilor Thomas were excused. Also present were Cifiy Administrator Martens and Administrative Services Director Beise. Public Works Director Mattson and City Planner Lindahl were present via telephonic or other electronic means. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Mayor McKee called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McKee invited all 3. Agenda Approval in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. City Administrator Martens noted an item under Planning Business is a Public Hearing, however due to two Councilors not in attendance, the Public Hearing will be rescheduled to a later Council meeting. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve the agenda as presented. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) 4. Commission Representatives Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioner Dickman and Parks and Trails Commissioner Dugan were present via telephonic or other electronic means. Mayor McKee invited Commissioners to speak on agenda items relevant to the commissions. 5. Open Forum (Public Comment Opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Open Forum discussion for items not included on the agenda. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone or computer. Michelle Friedrich, 6830 County Road 116, addressed Council regarding agenda item 7g., and expressed opposition of the project location, and cited alternate locations for the site. Ms. Friedrich noted the parcel purchase by Wright Hennepin Electric (WHE) has not yet occurred and approving the wetland waiver gives the perception of allowing the project to move forward without first reviewing the future zoning of the parcel per the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and the hardships the substation location will create for the existing residents. Ms. Friedrich requested Council to deny the requested wetland waiver until Council can review the impacts of the project. Diane Walli, 6861 Olde Sturbridge Drive, described past history with Corcoran Commissions and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Walli asked Council why another location was not considered, and if it was the best choice for neighborhoods regarding for the substation location. Ms. Walli stated the proposed location is a detriment to future neighborhoods. Ms. Walli asked that the Council review citizen's needs first. Council thanked Ms. Walli for her service to Corcoran. Landon Pohl, 20207 Abilene Lane, addressed Council regarding substation location, and questioned if having the large substation at the entrance to our downtown district, City, future residents, and businesses, is an appropriate location. Council discussed the intention of the wetland delineation waiver is a tool used for developers to only complete the wetland delineation for the portion of the property proposed for development. 6. Presentations/Recognitions a. Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson Kristy Janigo, Policy Director for Commissioner Anderson, noted the desire of Commissioner Anderson to connect with people he is serving. Ms. Janigo reviewed the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan vision, the importance of maintaining that vision, and noted the complex issues the City faces regarding the future population growth of Corcoran. Ms. Janigo encouraged open communication between Commission Anderson's office, Corcoran residents, City Council, and City Commissions. 7. Consent Agenda a. Draft Minutes of Januar14, 2020 Council Meeting y b. Financial Claims c. Pay Equity Reporting d. Pay Request #2, Change Order #2 — City Hall Remodel e. Police Officer Declaration of PERA Contributions -- Caitlyn Sandstad f. Dakota County Criminal Justice System Services Agreement g. Wright Hennepin Wetland Waiver — 19835 Larkin Road (City File 20-048) h. Request for Metropolitan Agricultural Preserve Expiration (City File 21-001) Council requested item 7c., and item 7g., for further discussion. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to approve the consent agenda items 7a., 7b., 7d., 7e., 7f. and 7h., as presented. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) Council discussed item 7c. Pay Equity Reporting and observed continual efforts of pay equity improvements and appreciation of the current compliant reporting. Council discussed fewer females in senior staff positions; and the need to review responsibilities of staff and contracted outside services. Council noted a need for reassignment of duties as the City future needs grow and change, and how changes impact job description and pay equity. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve the consent agenda item 7c. Pay Equity Reporting. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) Council discussed item 7g. Wright Hennepin Wetland Waiver — 19835 Larkin Road and noted resident opposition emails received regarding the item. Council reviewed the primary purpose for the electrical substation is due to population growth in Corcoran. Council's discussion with the WHE included project timelines and possible alternate substation sites. Council noted WHE had not completed an analysis of the light industrial parcel location on Larkin Road. Council noted WHE is working to establish a robust electrical substation in an area placed near an existing transmission line. Council suggested the applicant submit alternate locations away from existing neighborhoods. Council requested evidence from applicant regarding the advantages of the proposed location that are compelling and supersede the needs of the existing residents near the proposed site. Council discussed denying or accepting the applicant's wetland delineation waiver, noting Council is not required to accept the request. Council defined the wetland delineation waiver process, and noted Resolution 2021-06 states Council approval of the wetland delineation waiver does not grant or imply approval of any plat or variance on the proposed site, and allows the applicant to complete the wetland delineation within the area of the structure of said parcel. Council discussed the positive and negative aspects of allowing an applicant a wetland delineation waiver prior to approval of project by Council. MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Schultz to approve consent agenda item 7g. Wright Hennepin Wetland Waiver — 19835 Larkin Road. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee and Schultz Nay: Nichols (Motion carried 2:1) Council noted concerns discussed regarding proposed location, however the delineation waiver is a separate item. Council referenced conversations with WHE, and waiver is not an endorsement for the proposed location by Council. �. Planning Business (Public Comment opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Public Comment opportunity for Planning Business items included on the agenda. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone or computer. a. Site Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit for Nelson International (City File 20-022) City Planner Lindahl outlined the site plan amendment approved in September 2020 and the requirements for approving the parts of the project. Planner Lindahl noted the site plan amendment is consistent with the approved plans and reviewed the building structure change locating the retail at the north side, the future building expansion and replacement of trees that were erroneously removed. City Planner Lindahl noted the applicant acknowledges the accidental removal of the trees and staff has included Condition 12 in the Resolution 2021-09 to address the tree preservation. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the revised landscape plan. Council discussed how relocating the retail area of the building is beneficial for surrounding property owners. City Planner Lindahl noted the retail area would now be located closer to the entrance off County Road 101, rather than driving in and seeing loading garages. Council asked about screening on the south side of the building. Council asked if relocating the retail area, impacted the building design expansion. Council inquired about parking lot changes with relocating the retail area of the building. City Planner Lindahl noted parking area has not changed, but parking locations have changed due to the retail location shifting to the north end. Council and staff discussed the parking lot spaces and if relocating the retail area changes the number of parking spaces. City Planner Lindahl noted expansion was always planned, and applicant recently decided to make the future changes immediately versus later. Council and staff discussed if the expansion would now expand towards the southern border of the parcel with the relocation of the retail area, noting the southern parcel is a commercial parcel platted as part of the Bellwether development. Ryan Nelson, Nelson International, reviewed with Council the parking space concern, and noted a loss of parking on the northwest side of property due to relocating the retail space in the building, indicated perimeter parking remains the same, with few added automotive stalls. Mr. Nelson indicated the building was essentially flipped with moving the retail space, and upon review of traffic flow, and how the driveway and future driveway entrances will operate, it was determined the traffic would flow better with the retail area on the north end with the parts area of the building on the south, including a small service bay expansion. Council asked about the showroom, and additional door. Council noted the original future expansion was to expand the service department, and in this case increasing size of office and parts, decreased the service bays in the amended plan and allowed for the expansion on the south end of the building. Council discussed landscaping and removal of trees and the replacement of trees at different locations. Mr. Nelson noted the landscaping contractor will cover the expense of the additional replacement trees. Council discussed screening on the other sides of site. Council discussed Liden Trees and other options due to beetle concerns. Council discussed the light fixtures. City Planner Lindahl noted details of light fixtures have been received and show compliance with lights not exceeding building height. Council inquired about the modifications in Resolution 2020-16 regarding sign lighting compliance with City Code and noted wall sign shall not be lit outside business hours. Council inquired if the pendant light along County Road 101 falls under the same wall sign restrictions and should not remain on after business hours. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the original approval, and the lighting restriction was specific to wall signage. Council asked if applicant would consider turning off all signage after 12:00 am and the applicant agreed. Council thanked applicant for consideration in turning off all lighting after 12:00 am. City Planner Lindahl clarified parking space issue and determined parking calculation is reduced by four spaces from original plan to revised plan. Council suggested changing Resolution 2020-16 to reference additional trees, and strike Linden trees from Condition 12B. City Planner Lindahl noted the Resolution will reflect the requested Council changes. City Planner Lindahl noted the trees planned near the larger trees will be moved to other 3 areas of landscaping, to allow the larger trees to successfully root, and noted all other landscaping remains the same. City Planner Lindahl noted for clarification there are four species required within the pIan, and Council can delete Little Leaf Linden and still maintain a healthy selection of tree species. OTIO : made by Schultz, seconded by McKee to adopt Resolution 2021-09 with amendments to Condition 16 regarding all sign lighting turned off at 12:00 am, and striking Little Leaf Linden from tree species selection in Condition 12b. of CUP. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) b. Public Hearing and Easement Vacation for Nelson International (City File 20-022) City Planner Lindahl outlined the background information for the easement vacation and explained the new easement eliminates existing conflict with parking lot encroachments. City Planner Lindahl noted a passing four vote by Council is necessary to approve the easement vacation and Public Hearing can be opened and continued to a future Council meeting date. Mayor McKee opened the Public Hearing. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone or computer. No residents participated in the Public Hearing. City Administrator Martens recommended the February 11 for the continuation of the Public Hearing. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to continue the Public Hearing and Easement Vacation for Nelson International to the Council Meeting on February 11, 2021. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) c. PUD Sketch Plan Review for Van Blaricom and Schober Properties (City File 20-050) City Planner Lindahl outlined the report noting the applicant is requesting an opportunity to receive informal comments on the PUD sketch plan for a proposed 193 single family housing units, with 121 single family units an expansion of the Bellwether development, and the remaining 72 units as a separate single family housing development. City Planner Lindahl noted staff finds the threshold for another environmental review is not required but recommends an update to the feasibility study for review of infrastructure requirements, with a memo reviewing the project to the adopted EAW. City Planner Lindahl noted the separate development would not participate in the homeowner association dues of the Bellwether development and would require new accesses onto Stieg Road. City Planner Lindahl noted the villa portion would be rezoned and as an extension of Bellwether, and subject to all the PUD standards, and the single-family development would be rezoned to RSF-3 and follow zoning standards for single family units. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the park dedication area of the single- family home development leads into the open space park of the Bellwether development. City Planner Lindahl noted the design of houses and villas is consistent with architectural standards of Bellwether, the design has not reviewed for compliance yet. City Planner Lindahl noted the City sewer and water connection was approved for only the approved Bellwether development and that agreement would need to be amended with Maple Grove, and Maple Grove has a willingness to continue with revising the agreement. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the future planning by the City for a well and water tower to service northeast Corcoran, and a possible water tower site in the Bellwether Park. City Planner Lindahl noted that access to the proposed development should be located further east along Stieg Road, and parcel across Stieg Road is guided for Mixed Use with anticipated future traffic in the area. City Planner Lindahl reviewed alternate access points across a parcel not part of the Bellwether development and eliminating two cukde-sacs by connecting them to create a thoroughfare within the center of the single-family development. City Planner Lindahl noted the original Bellwether park plan and the new proposed park plan and noted a larger park entrance would create a welcoming atmosphere. Council addressed concerns around the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and designing a trail to continue and preserve snowmobile trails in the area, as the area is currently connected to a major snowmobile trail. Council agreed the park needs to be open to the community at large and appreciated the larger park entrance. Council discussed the 55+ community and a city park. Council noted the trail system is not a destination trail system and shifting the Diamond Lake Regional Trail outside of the neighborhood is necessary. Council reviewed incorporating the character of the existing 4 landscape with continued improvement of open spaces and requested inclusion of these options in the feasibility study. Paul Heuer, Pulte Homes, outlined the project history of Bellwether, and noted the commitment of investment in infrastructure of the Bellwether neighborhood. Mr. Heuer explained the development is an extension of the Bellwether neighborhood, due to changes in adjacent parcel owner opinions. Mr. Heuer reviewed the opinions of potential residents who are interested in the Bellwether neighborhood environment fall into the security and secluded feeling of a neighborhood. Mr. Heuer noted the preservation of the park area with the old trees and wetland area. Mr. Heuer referenced the connection of a road with elimination of the cukde-sacs and Pulte would work with the City on the best options. Council asked if Pulte had experience with other city community parks located in 55+ communities in other Pulte developments. Council asked if the trail system could be moved away from streets and backyards, and Mr. Heuer noted Pulte is open to working with Three Rivers Park District and the City. 9. Unfinished Business 1 NO unfinished business was heard. 0. New Business (Public Comment Opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Public Comment opportunity for New Business items included on the agenda. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone or computer. No residents participated in the Public Comment opportunity a. Authorize Feasibility Study — City Center Drive and 79th Place Improvements Public Works Director Mattson outlined the land purchase and plat for the St. Therese development including public right-of-way for the proposed street alignments. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the continued coordination with St. Therese on the site improvements and street and utility improvements to the City Center Drive and 79th. Public Works Director Mattson noted the proposed cost estimate for the feasibility study and the study is required for the City to consider potential assessments to adjacent properties. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed financing for the improvements include municipal state aid, special assessments, and local participation. Council and staff discussed trails and linear parks within the concept. Public Works Director Mattson noted the analysis includes the construction and turn lanes associated with the existing 8200 County Road 116 south property border and adjacent properties study. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz approve the proposal from Wenck and Associates, and authorize public works director to approve optional services if needed, not to exceed $27,000. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) b. Draft Appaloosa Woods Feasibility Study Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the previous Council actions and noted seventeen properties remain in Corcoran city limits and preliminary conversations in 2019 with residents occurred regarding sewer and water with street improvement options. A resident survey indicated paving and street improvements were the main concern. Public Works Director Mattson clarified the feasibility study is consistent with the Special Assessment Policy and outlined the methodology for calculating the assessment. Council and staff discussed extending the assessment over a specific number of years. City Administrator Martens noted an assessment interest example of one percent over the city's borrowing rate. Council and staff noted the benefit of completing a road construction in tandem with Maple Grove to realize cost savings within the project. Public Works Director Mattson outlined the range of benefit to properties and that it varies if the property accessed gravel or if the property was previously paved. Council and staff reviewed the per lot charge and how it relates to the total project bid and how properties are affected with a higher or lower bid. Council and staff discussed existing paved roads and mill and overlay life expectancy. Council discussed paving assessments and then milling assessments. Public Works Director Mattson noted a 15-20 year lifespan on paved roads and goal is to achieve a cost-effective way to pave an existing road to lower maintenance costs. Public 5 Works Director Mattson noted the two isolated properties within the 11 residents would receive a repavement assessment. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the Maple Grove road maintenance project and indicated pursuing a cost sharing agreement with Maple Grove if the project moves forward. Public Works Director Mattson noted even if Corcoran does not move forward with the project, Maple Grove will request compensation related to street improvements in front of the isolated Corcoran properties. Public Works Director Mattson noted the isolated property owners will still be assessed to the affected properties as Maple Grove completes the road improvement project. Public Works Director Mattson noted the City has discretion on when to finalize assessments and reviewed financing for the improvements will likely come from a combination of special assessments and local participation. Per Council consensus staff was directed to obtain bids and determine fees versus waiting until construction was complete. City Administrator Martens noted Maple Grove assessments will likely be higher than Corcoran assessments because Maple Grove is completing additional city infrastructure. City Administrator Martens summarized the low end of the benefit costs, and the city liability. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the assessment due dates and processes. c. Bellwether Park Improvement Project — Boardwalk City Administrator Martens reviewed the planned boardwalk near the Bellwether development, initial discussions with Parks and Trails and proceeding with final design and construction in 2021. City Administrator Martens reviewed cost share with developer and the City, and City only costs. City Administrator Martens also requested Council approval of seeking potential grant opportunities. Council and staff discussed the feasibility of boardwalk with Diamond Lake Regional Trail. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz directing staff to begin design work for boardwalk in 2021 and obtain quotes for construction; direct Parks and Trails to review quotes and make recommendation to Council; and authorize city staff to seek grant funding to reduce city costs. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) d. 2021 Legislative Priorities City Administrator Martens reviewed 2021 legislative priorities including the new priorities of fiscal reform in local government aid; officer or firefighter disability funding and supporting funding at state level; school funding for fair and full school funding; broadband expansion with consistent access to high-speed internet and support of funds dedicated towards filling the gap. Council discussed the 2021 legislative priorities. Council asked if residents could reach out to state representatives through talking points located on the City website. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to approve the 2021 legislative priorities. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) e. COVI D-19 Leave Extension City Administrator Martens outlined the COVID-19 Pay Extension through the federal government and requested Council action on extending the City COVID-19 pay program through June 30, 2021. Council discussed positive benefits of maintaining the COVID-19 pay program. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols approve COVID-19 Pay Program for City employees through June 30, 2021. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0) f. Schedule Work Session — Northeast Water Supply Planning Mayor McKee called a work session on February 11, 2021, at 5:30 pm. 11. Staff Reports a. Active Corcoran Planning Application Council received active planning application report. b. Pandemic Response Update Council received the report. 12. Closed Session -- Property Acquisition for the 66t" Avenue/Gleason Parkway Extension Corridor Improvements 6 Mayor IN stated "Under the authority of Minn. Stat. 1 close a meeting to consider offers and counteroffers for t he 3D.05 subd. 3(c), (3); the City is permitted to purchase or sale of real or persona property. The City Council is going into closed session to con sider an offer for real estate; t properties are the subject of the closed meeting, 664o County Road 36-119-23-23-0002), and 6410 County Road 116 (PID)a 51 Mayor McKee recessed the Council meeting at 9:22 pm. Mayor McKee reconvened the Council meeting at 9:27 pm. Mayor McKee stated, "In the closed session the City Council r estate; staff was provided direction." 13.2021 City Council Schedule City Administrator Martens reviewed upcoming Co Code Enforcement discussion to later Council 14. Adjournment he follow 116 (PID 36-1 19-23-23-00 ing 1 and eviewed and discussed an offer for real uncil schedule and noted moving the Westside Tire meeting. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by McKee to adjourn. Voting Ave by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, an (Motion carried 5:0) Meeting adjourned at 9:32 pm. Miche`FI'e Friedrich -- Deputy Clerk d Schultz 7