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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-11 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN City Council March 11, Meeting Minutes 2021 - 7:00 pm The Corcoran City Council met on March 11, 20217 in Corcoran, Minnesota. Pursuant to Min Statute Section 13D.021 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Council meeting was through electronic means using the audio and video conferencing platform Zoom. nesota held remotely Mayor McKee was present at City Hall and present via telephonic or other electronic means were Councilor Bottema, Councilor Nichols, and Councilor Schultz. Councilor Thomas was excused. Also present were City Administrator Martens, Administrative Services Director Beise, Public Works Director Mattson, Public Works Director of Public Safety Gottschalk, and City Planner Lindahl via telephonic or other electronic means. `� o Call to Order/Ro�� ��00 Mayor McKee called the meeting to order at 7000 pm. 20 Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McKee invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Agenda Approval City Administrator Martens reviewed the Open Forum and Public Comment Opportunities scheduled during the meeting. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Nichols to approve the agenda as presented. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 4:0) '. Co ■ ■ ■ lesion Representatives Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioner Vehrenkamp and Parks and Trails Commissioner Christenson were present via telephonic or other electronic means. Mayor McKee invited Commissioner Vehrenkamp and Commissioner Christenson to speak on relevant agenda items. 5. Open Forum (Public Comment Opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Open Forum discussion IUI 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. No residents participated in the Open Forum. 6. Presentations/Recognitions a. Planning Commission Annual Report Planning Commissioner Chair Jacobs presented the 2020 annual report, review of 2021 priorities, and discussed possible Council and Planning Commission work sessions in the future. Council thanked the Planning Commission for all the work completed in reviewing all City planning items throughout the year. Council noted the need to review the PUD ordinance, incorporating more natural development, and keeping future developments within the rural character of the City. b. Parks and Trails Commission Annual Report Parks and Trails Commissioner Meister presented the 2020 annual review, and review of 2021 priorities. Council thanked the Parks and Trails Commission for all their work completed in reviewing of park items throughout the year. Council and Commissioner Meister discussed maintenance of winter trails, and cost of equipment, and future trail needs and preservation. Council asked for Parks and Trails Commission input on needs regarding land versus funds for park dedication, and how all the land dedication portions are connected in future parks and trails vision. 7. Consent Agenda a. Draft Minutes of February 25, 2021 Council Meeting ra b. Financial Claims c. Pay Request #4 — City Hall Remodel Council requestea item 7a. be considered separately for further discussion. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Bottema to approve the consent agenda items 7b. and 7c. as presented. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, BOttema, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 4:0) Council discussed item 7a. Draft Minutes of February 25, 2021 Council Meeting and requested two changes in the 8c. section related to driveway size and daily trips. Staff noted the update and correction. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Bottema to approve the consent agenda item 7a. Draft Minutes of February 25, 2021 Council Meeting as amended. Voting Aye by ROII Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 4:0) No planning business was heard. Unfinished Business (Public Comment Opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Public Comment opportu for New Business items included on the agenda. Administrative Services Director Beise explained 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. Code Enforcement Violation — Westside Tire n ity the City Planner Lindahl outlined the Westside Tire code enforcement violation history, and fihe parcels owned on 19950 75tn Avenue and 19925 75tn Avenue. City Planner Lindahl noted the business operations are located on north lot, and outdoor storage on the south lot. City Planner Lindahl noted the property on the north is zoned C1 Neighborhood Commercial and includes an approved 8,000 sq ft building, however no outside storage was allowed. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the south parcel is zoned 1-1 Light Industrial. City Planner Lindahl noted enforcement efforts regarding outdoor storage. City Planner Lindahl outlined applicant request for outside storage and parking on the south lot, and a text amendment to the 1-1 District standards allowing the 1-1 parcel as principal use. City Planner Lindahl noted the applicant's request has not allowed anywhere else in the City. City Planner Lindahl noted applicant would also like flexibility from screening and parking code requirements. City Planner Lindahl indicated other business owners have expressed interest in the same flexibility regarding screening and parking requirements and Council discussion may need to consider implications of the request in relation to other businesses. City Planner Lindahl outlined the site plan and Interim Use Permit (IUP), or Conditional Use Permit (CUP), with the possible text amendment and noted the necessity of ensuring resolution of code enforcement issues at Westside Tire. City Planner Lindahl outlined the concept plan for the south parcel and reviewed the parking lot area, and gravel, outdoor storage area proposed, with employee parking located in the south parcel, with the current violation area of the north parcel planned for customer parking. City Planner Lindahl noted the screening requirements for all outside storage and streets. City Planner Lindahl noted the history of application fees and discussed expectation of timelines with approval of a text amendment. Council discussed past conversations with applicant, history of the code violation, and asked for identification of plan and why it is a positive plan. Council asked applicant on loading and unloading area, and which gravel area is specified for unloading trailers while work is being completed. Council addressed the seven blocked spaces created by the semi -truck unloading area and applicant noted parking is for employees. Council noted general support of employee parking on the south parcel and moving storage behind a fence on the south parcel as well, and the uniqueness of the property being divided by a road. Council inquired about the partial fence on two sides of the storage area and asked applicant to review screening of storage. Applicant noted screening from two roads while allowing the r� snowmobile trail to remain unrestricted on the south of parcel. Applicant indicated there would be gate from paved area of parking lot to the gravel area, and that the fences would intersect. Council asked if the property to the east is screened along the parking lot area along the east side of the south parcel. City Planner Lindahl noted City code requires fences to screen storage areas, and landscaping with a height of at least three feet to screen parking. Council noted need for landscaping along parking lot area on the east side of proposed parking lot. Council reviewed the next steps in the process and discussed not adding new storage allowances in commercial if it can be placed in industrial instead as interim or conditional uses versus principal uses. Council noted the differences in interim use permits and conditional use permits. City Planner Lindahl defined principal use, interim use, and conditional use, regarding the storage area amendment reflected on the light industrial parcel. Council noted allowing a CUP and if a future similar request is submitted, setting a precedent for future allowed uses in similar circumstances. City Administrator Martens clarified the CUP determines each parameter for the permit and indicated the uniqueness of the property across the street being included in the permit parameters and noted sunset clauses that could exist on an IUP, such as business purchased by another business, or if parcel on south is split from original owner. Council discussed screening options on the preliminary site and deviations from the code requirements. City Planner Lindahl noted the current concept plan presented does not comply with minimum code requirements in either the parking lot or storage area. City Planner Lindahl clarified the landscaping requirements around parking lots and required screening, such as fencing, outside the perimeter of storage areas. City Planner Lindahl noted the necessity of further Council discussion if Council decision is leaning toward moving away from existing code for the current application. City Planner Lindahl noted previous applications adhered to code requirements regarding parking lot landscaping and storage area screening. City Administrator Martens reviewed additional fencing on the west side, with a condition if snowmobile trail no longer passed through the southern portion. City Planner Lindahl noted Council could modify code, this existing application would require a variance, and noted this application is variation from the standard from other uses. Council commented on the snowmobile trail location being inconsistent based on landowner's future decisions and could affect the outcome of having something outside of the applicant's control. Council inquired about a fenced, enclosed area within the southern parcel, not in the snowmobile trail area. Applicant noted snow removal is difficult in an enclosed area. Council discussed a three -sided fence, with an approved storage area to avoid conflicts with snow removal and allowing for snowmobile trail to remain intact. Council reviewed the semi -truck unloading and loading area driving surfaces and addressed driving from partial gravel and then onto a public roadway. City Planner Lindahl noted a staff analysis has not been completed on the application as the materials were submitted after the packet and includes several challenges including setbacks and larger curb cuts. City Planner Lindahl noted there are site plan items that will need further discussion. Council asked if a 50 ft setback exists near parking on north side on the main site. City Planner Lindahl noted in 1988 the 50 ft setback was not a requirement but is a current compliance requirement for new businesses. Council and staff discussed conforming and non -conforming buildings regarding landscaping and screening. Council inquired moving the paved parking within the fence, so no landscaping would be necessary. Council and staff discussed the number of useable parking spaces. Council noted gravel versus non -gravel parking options in the commercial district and concluded further discussions are necessary regarding paved or gravel parking lots. Council noted the gravel parking lots create issues for public roads dragging dirt and gravel onto through the district. Council mentioned historically width opening of driveways were constricted as a traffic control safety function. City Administrator Martens noted new business' primary parking lots ideally should be paved to save wear on public roads and infrastructure. City Planner Lindahl noted an application is necessary to apply for a zoning ordinance text amendment to write a new code, with the site plan IUP application second. Council reviewed cost of ordinance review and updates if there are things that can be combined, and if opportunities exist to utilize cost saving options. Council and staff discussed staff costs, the cost in drafting and researching the ordinance, preparing for work session, and meeting. City Administrator Martens noted staff would touch base with applicant on next processes. 3 b. 66th Avenue/Gleason Parkway Corridor Improvements — Accept Plans/Specs and Authorize Public Works Director Mattson outlined the both Avenue/Gleason Parkway corridor improvements and noted the history of the corridor project, the complicated crossing with the wetlands and existing roadway, and land easement acquisitions. Public Works Director Mattson noted the specific parcel area that will become a stormwater pond in the southwest quadrant for flood storage mitigation. Public Works Director Mattson noted trails on both sides of the corridor, the single median location, and noted the corridor design is required for completion of the Ravinia project. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the Park Trail cukd-sacs will remain gravel, with bituminous aprons, with the water main and utility stubbed appropriately toward County Road 116. Public Works Director updated Council on easement negotiations and permits currently underway including an anticipated agreement with Tavera, for corridor funding. Council noted the initial neighborhood meeting regarding the corridor. Public Works Director Mattson recapped the neighborhood feedback and if turn lanes would be included for County Road 116, landscaping, if residents could connect to city sewer and water, and could the road eventually be paved were some of the questions raised by residents. Public Works Director Mattson noted all factors were included in design, but the goal of the design complies with the requirements for the Ravinia development. Public Works Director Mattson noted another meeting will be scheduled for the neighborhood to update residents with specific details of the corridor. Public Works Director Mattson also noted there is not a turn lane signal planned off County Road 116 onto Gleason Parkway, and is dictated by Hennepin County. Public Works Director Mattson noted the turn lane signal is planned as a future improvement, as no funding will be provided by Hennepin County. Council and staff discussed traffic volume and how turn lanes are prioritized within intersections by Hennepin County. Commissioner Vehrenkamp noted Maple Grove history regarding signaled intersections and cost management of signaled intersections. Council discussed the Diamond Lake Regional Trails connecting to the Ravinia development trails through the Gleason Parkway corridor and noted the absence of a signal at the intersection of Gleason Parkway and County Road 116 creates a future safety need. City Administrator Martens noted Maple Grove funding of intersections in past with Hennepin County, and discussions with the County have been ongoing with the City. City Administrator Martens noted a County Road feasibility study is upcoming. Council and staff discussed the tunnel and overhead bridges. Public Works Director Mattson clarified through easement acquisitions, turn lane shoulders are being planned for, boulevards are being setup for and future improvements. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by McKee to accept plans and specifications, and authorize bidding for the 66th Avenue/Gleason Parkway Corridor Improvements with bid opening on April 13, 2021. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 4:0) c. Appraisal Report — City Center Drive and 79th Place Improvements Feasibility Study City Administrator Martens reviewed the in -process feasibility study status for the City Center Drive and 79th Place improvements. City Administrator Martens reviewed the finance plan for City Center Drive and 79th Place and noted the finance plan could include municipal state aid, special assessments, and bonding. City Administrator Martens also noted potential assessments to 7801 Maple Hill Road, and 7900-7938 County Road 116, and reviewed the appraisal reports needed to determine potential assessments. MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Nichols to authorize staff to obtain an appraisal report from Nagell Appraisal and Consulting for properties located at 7801 Maple Hill Road, 7900 County Road 1167 7916 County Road 116, and 7938 County Road 116, not to exceed $2,000. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 4:0) d. Purchase Agreement Amendment — PID 12-119-23-22-0001 City Administrator Martens reviewed the purchase agreement approved in the 2020 future well/treatment site. City Administrator Martens outlined the amendments include extending the closing 4 deadline to May 14, 2021 due to the timing of the original agreement. The next steps included finalizing the legal description in Exhibit A, and finalizing the purchase price of $128,921.60, at 3.4 full acre parcel, including loss of access discount in purchase price, in Exhibit B. MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Schultz approving amended purchase agreement and Resolution 2021 -1 9 Authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to Execute All Documents Necessary to Facilitate the Closing of the Purchase of a Subdivided Portion of PID 12-119-23-22-0001 and Further Authorize the Administrator to Wire Funds. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 4:0) 10. 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. City Administrator Martens explained the instructions to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone Or compute opportunity. r. No residents participated in th U. Public Comment a. 2021 Mission, Vision, Values, Core Sfirafiegies, and Short-term Goals City Administrator Martens reviewed the 2021 mission, vision, values, core strategies and short-term goals. City Administrator Martens noted the amended vision statement, re -affirmed the mission and the value statements noting the revision of the transparency statement, and reviewed Council additions and priorities to the core strategies, short-term goals, and action steps. Council discussed action steps and meeting needs in another way regarding business exposure in the newsletter and discussed advantages and disadvantages of including advertising in the newsletter. City Administrator Martens noted staff will review options for highlighting Corcoran businesses in fthe newsletter for Council review at a future meeting. Council reviewed the City's role in community events, and different opportunities for Council to participate in on a smaller scale regarding community events. Council reviewed actions steps for community amenities and recreational opportunities. Council discussed the priority items regarding City growth and noted tax relief in the residential sector is a priority and increasing the commercial business sector should continue to be focus. Council and staff reviewed priorities and action steps for municipal services. Council discussed revenue franchise fees, or other funding options to support future road improvements and needs in City. MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Bottema adopting the 2021 Mission, Vision, Values, Core Strategies, and Short -Term Goals as amended and presented. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, and Schultz (Motion carried 4:0) b. MS-4 Stormwater Permit Work Plan Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the MS4 Phase 2 General Permit and explained the permit requirements for cities to hold this permit. Public Works Director Mattson noted potential policy and budget implications and addressed the high priority items due April 15, and the low priority items due in the summer of 2022. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the 2021 allocated budget funds of $15,000 for the MS-4 permit and noted an additional $5,000 could potentially be necessary in the 2021 budget to cover unanticipated, original permit requirements. Public Works Director Mattson also noted a request for workload and resource assistance from the watershed, and a Watershed TAC meeting has been scheduled to discuss the request. Council asked for clarification of what the costs cover. Public Works Director Mattson clarified the amount reflects the new projected amount per MS4 permit requirements, to complete the high and low priority permit requirements. Public Works Director Mattson explained budget expenses above the $20,000 amount are dependent on Council's proposed compliance measures for the summer of 2022. Public Works Director Mattson noted staff would obtain additional estimates for budget implications based on Council direction if needed. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by McKee to approve Wenck/Stantec to complete the MS4 Stormwater permit work plan as present with and amended budget increase of $5,000 from $15,000 to $20, 000 . Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, and Schultz 5 (Motion carried 4:0) c. Work Session Schedule City Administrator Martens reviewed the upcoming dates and items for future Council work meetings, on March 25, Ap session ril 8, and April 22, to review residential zoning district ordinance updates, staff planning and compensation philosophy, and residential zoning district updates. City Administrator Martens noted additional meetings may be necessary, and Mayor McKee may call any additional meetings necessary. Mayor McKee called the meetings on March 25, April 8, and April 22 as outlined. Councilmember Bottema noted his absence at fihe April 8 meeting. Council consensus was to schedule additional work sessions as needed and determined at a future Council meeting. d. Charter Commission Appointment Process City Administrator Martens noted Minnesota Statute requires at least seven commissioner seats in a Charter Commission and currently Corcoran has six commissioners, creating the need to appoint at least one commissioner to the Charter Commission. City Administrator Martens noted up to 15 commissioners are allowed on a Charter Commission. City Administrator Martens also ou benefits of appointing more City Administrator Martens it along with required approval by a district judge for approval for the filled seat(s) on the Charter Commission. City Administrator Martens noted previous Charter Commission discussions to include nine commission seats. Council discussed the number of commissioners, options for appointing commissioners to the various City commissions and referred to past practices. Council discussed the conflict of interest with Councilmembers sitting as an active commissioner on the Charter Commission and on the Council, and past practice for councilmember and commissioner seats. Council discussed reviewing future applications for the Charter Commission individually and then review appointments during a Council meeting, versus one or two councilmembers reviewing the applications and presenting one or two commissioner candidates to Council. Council noted the Charter Commission applicant process is different than the recent process in reviewing applications for the Planning Commission seat. Council discussed the community perception of an elected Councilmember serving on both the Charter Commission and on the City Council. Council consensus was to maintain the same review process for Charter Commission applications as utilized in past practice for the Planning Commission, with two councilmembers reviewing the applications, and presenting applicants to Council at a future meeting. Council also requested all commission applications be supplied to each Councilmember for review. 11. Staff Reports a. K9 Program Update Director of Public Safety Gottschalk updated Council on the K9 Program. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted the K9 Officer, Zeke, is currently residing in a facility in Corcoran, is healthy, and will continue K9 training at the McDonough Canine Academy spring class without a handler. Director of Public Safety noted it is in K9 Officer Zeke's best interest to be reacclimated to law enforcement practices. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted a handler will attend with K9 officer Zeke in the fall class in August 2021. Council requested a veterinarian visit prior to the K9 class. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted K9 Officer Zeke recently visited the veterinarian and received a full physical with all medical needs addressed as recommended by the veterinarian. b. 2021 Assessment and Board of Appeal and Equalization Report City Administrator Martens noted the highlight of 100 million dollars in new construction housing last year in Corcoran, doubling the prior total. City Administrator Martens mentioned the increase in market values in various types of properties and discussion at future meeting regarding the local board of appeal and values assessed in the report. Council noted industrial and commercial increases, with vacant business due to COVID last year were interesting. City Administrator Martens noted the value increases have continued for three years in a row. c. Pandemic Response Update Director of Public Safety Gottschalk updated Council on vaccinations to date in Minnesota are 642,000. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted working with virus has been challenging with marginal impacts to staffing with exposure to officers on the street. City Administrator Martens updated 6 tlined the than one commissioner to the Charter Commission to ensure a quorum. noted the process of appointment by Counc Council on remodel status with possible date for Council Chambers to re -open in early May. Council and staff discussed vaccination and implications of working with other employees without having to wear masks. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted not all employees have received the vaccination, as some officers did not receive the vaccinations. 12.2021 City Council Schedule City Administrator Martens reviewed upcoming Council items and noted a full Cou the upcoming months. Council noted fire department reports a moved to a meeting where the full 13. Adjournment Council is present. MOTION: made by McKeeseconded by Schultz to adjourn , . Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, and Schultz (Motion carried 3:0:1) Meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. Michel eFriedrich — Deputy Clerk want the vaccination, and some office staff were not eligible to ncil schedule over t the April meeting and if item should be Abstain: Nichols