Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-25 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN City Council Meeting Minutes March 253 2021 - 7:00 pm The Corcoran City Council met on March 251 20211 in Corcoran, Minnesota. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13D.021 and due to the COVI D-19 pandemic, the City Council meeting was held remotely through electronic means using the audio and video conferencing platform Zoom. Present via telephonic or other electronic means were Mayor McKee, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Nichols, Councilor Schultz, and Councilor Thomas. Present at City Hall was Administrative Services Director Beise. City Administrator Martens, Public Works Director Mattson, Director of Public Safety Gottschalk, 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 7:02 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McKee invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Agenda Approval City Administrator Martens noted removal of item 7c. NAPA Finance Agreement Amendment; and an applicant request to table item 8a. Final Plat and Final Planned Unit Development Plan to the April 8 meeting. City Administrator Martens reviewed the Open the agenda, the addition of the public comment opportu Forum comment opportunity for items not on pity at the Planning Business section and noted the other public comment opportunities scheduled throughout the meeting. Council discussed removal or tabling of item 7e. City Administrator Martens noted the process of removing or tabling an item would occur at the time of Council review of each item. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to approve Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, (Motion carried 5:0) Commission Representatives Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioner Wu and Parks and Trails Commissioner Anderson were present via telephonic or other electronic means. Mayor McKee invited Commissioner Wu and Commissioner Anderson to speak on relevant agenda items. 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. No residents participated in the Open Forum. Presentations/Recognitions a. Years of Service Award — Clyde Bechtold, 30 Years Director of Public Works Mattson congratulated Clyde for 30 years of service and noted the many positive service attributes Clyde has brought to the City of Corcoran. Council thanked Clyde for his years of service. b. Resolution Honoring Jeff Dickman — Planning Commission Mayor McKee read Resolution 2021-20 Honoring Planning Commissioner Jeff Dickman. Council thanked Mr. Dickman for his service on the Planning Commission. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to approve Resolution 2021-20 Honoring Planning Commission Jeff Dickman Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas Nay: Bottema the agenda as modified. and Thomas (Motion carried 4:1) 7. Consent Agenda a. Draft Minutes of March 11, 2021 Council Meeting b. Financial Claims C. D h4C)Nin: Tin�nnr� 4nroomonf 4_mor�rlmonf — NI4 D� .� . d. IL I of 11 Interim Use Permit for Conditional Home Occupation License and Conditional Use Permit for Sidewall Height for a Detail Shop at 23405 County Road 30 e. Request for City Council Acknowledgement Conditions of Resolution 85-5 Approving Final Plat of Meadow Trails Have Been Met Council requested item 7e. be pulled for discussion. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Bottema to approve the consent agenda items 7a., 7b., and 7d. as presented. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) Council asked for clarification of purpose of item 7e. City Planner Lindahl clarified the purpose of the item is to confirm a clear title of the Dempsey property, unrelated to the Tavera plat. City Planner Lindahl noted it is an acknowledgement the conditions from a 1985 plat have been met. Council inquired if the city attorney has reviewed item and asked if approval of Resolution impacts other landowners in the previous development in clearing those titles as well. City Planner Lindahl noted approval of the Resolution acknowledges all properties within the Meadow Trails subdivision which includes 9 lots, in addition to the Dempsey property. City Planner Lindahl noted item was reviewed by the city attorney. Council discussed tabling the item, administrative approval of the item, and the impacts of other title searches regarding the remaining properties. City Planner Lindahl noted this is the first request received for Council to confirm acknowledgement of conditions met from the original plat through a Resolution. Council discussed the additional properties involved, additional questions for the applicant regarding the Resolution, and tabling the item until the April 8, 2021 Council meeting. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Thomas to table 7e. Request for City Council Acknowledgement Conditions of Resolution 85-5 Approving Final Plat of Meadow Trails Have Been Met to the April 8, 2021 Council meeting. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Thomas Nay: Schultz Abstain: Bottema (Motion carried 3:1:1) 8. 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. No residents participated in the public comment opportunity. a. Final Plat and Final Planned Unit Development for Tavera meeting. Council noted concerns of the Tavera development. Council noted construction material and debris has been left on the parcel after the home is complete, sod has been left incomplete 30 days after house completion, and issues exist with how parcel surveys are illustrated. Council noted deck construction and the necessity of a variance on some parcels because of property setbacks on parcel, incorrect markers, trees dying and not being replaced, and dissatisfaction of the HOA chosen by the builder. Council discussed the responsibility of the City and civil disagreement regarding HOA's. Council discussed potential issues that may be placed in the Resolution regarding deck encroachments due to setbacks. City Administrator Martens clarified the City's scope and authority regarding the issues brought forth and will include a staff report at the April 8 Council meeting. MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Bottema to table 8a. Final Plat and Final Planned Unit Development Plan for Tavera to April 8, 2021 Council meeting. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas (Motion carried 5-0) 2 Council noted the deadline review date for the original application and City Administrator Martens clarified a 60-day extension has extended the due date on the application review. Council discussed Robert's Rules. b. Public Hearing — Easement Vacation for Fehn Meadows City Planner Lindahl outlined the Fehn Meadows request to vacate drainage and utility easements on OutlOt A, and noted the new, larger easements tU accommodate a wetland bank. City Planner Lindahl noted the City and State easement rights for the drainage corridor on the west side Of the parcel and the flood plain %J the south side of the parcel. City Planner Lindahl noted the proposed wetland bank will ke overseen by the State of the Minnesota and the City through a separate easement to maintain the ditch area drainage corridor. City Planner L indahl noted two comments were received, one VI by the City Of Rogers, and one comment by a property owner to the east of the parcel. Public Works Director Mattson noted both parties questions were addressed. Mayor McKee opened the Public HeaAdministrative Services Director Bei(Ze noted two participants and briefly discussed the instructions for participation in the meetin g via the Zoom video format. Sara and Mike Larson, 2280 109t" Avenue North, questioned what the City of Rogers concern was regarding the easement vacation, and is concerned with the backup of water, and indicated it has been a consistent issue the last seven years. Mrs. Larson is concerned with how the water backup be prevented in the future from routing to their property. Mrs. Larson noted there are three other neighbors with the same concern. Council asked if the response from the City of Rogers was included in the packet. Council noted the location of the easement vacation and the impacts to surrounding properties and discussed the compromised drain tile issue, specifically the drain tile that runs from Rogers to Corcoran, causing flooding and continued water flow issues. Council noted the water flow issue to Corcoran residents surrounding the drain tile on the south side of the parcel in Corcoran. Council noted the State laws regarding drain the and impacts to residents regarding rerouting the drain tile. Council noted the watershed district, and the State of Minnesota determine and approve the rerouted drain tile and would not approve anything that impacts local parcels. Council noted the City addresses the drainage corridor and the easement maintenance for the ditch and floodplain. City Administrator Martens noted the Public Hearing is addressing the easement vacation from a smaller easement to a larger easement. Mrs. Larson asked for clarification of what the vacation of an easement defines. Bill Dalluge speaking on behalf of James Kallusa, 11055 Chilton Trail South, opined on the easement vacation being approved tonight, and if the easement vacation is approved, and with water draining into Rogers, what the impacts will be to the surrounding properties. Mr. Dalluge indicated the current information provided to impacted residents is vague and does not explain what the impacts will be to property owners. Mr. Dalluge noted concern in Council approval of the vacation of easement. MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Schultz to close the Public Hearing. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) City Administrator Martens outlined Council process regarding the vacation of the existing and smaller drainage easement and replacing it with a larger easement. Council addressed timeline of easement replacement. Public Works Director Mattson noted the State Board of Wafter and Soil Resources 'BWSR) Wetland Bank's regulation on the wetland area and easement, and Corcoran's role with the existing easement. Public Works Director Mattson noted the drainage and utility easement over existing wetlands and the purpose of vacating the existing easement. Public Works Director Mattson noted additionally the City would have no participation in the easement vacation if the parcel had not been platted. Public Works Director Mattson noted the City of Rogers comment included making sure evaluations are completed ensuring no existing drainages are impacted adversely. Public Works Director Mattson noted the difficult process of receiving approvals for creating a new wetland bank, and highly scrutinized. Public Works Director Mattson noted the contingent approval by the City to confirm how the drainage is maintained in the future and any parcel that drains through the new easement would allow the City authority to intervene in the case of an emergency. Public Works 3 Director Mattson also indicated the contingent approval of vacating the existing easement allows for conversation to understand and clarify drainage responsibility after the wetland bank is in place. Public Works Director Mattson further noted if an agreement between all parties in how the drainage works is not reached, then the City does not vacate the original easement. Council questioned a wetland bank system and if it increases the wetland area or allows credit for present wetland that is promised to be preserved. Public Works Director Mattson noted a combination of wetland bank credits is usually the case, and the proposal is taking the tile free draining from Rogers and rerouting around any water that is being backed up. Public Works Director Mattson noted the existing pipe is free draining and the future pipe will also be free draining and explained BWSR reviews this process. Public Works Director Mattson expanded on wetland preservation and noted wetland in perpetuity in restoring may not be all wetland, but may include a lesser buffer credit, and is designed to increase habitat amenity and commitment by the landowner to implement the wetland preservation. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the process with the easement vacation attorney, to make sure the requirements are met. wetland bank defi o approval by Council, and then staff and city Council thanked Public Works Director Mattson the nition and addressed the prior approved uncil upland bank area as well; and with Council now vacating the easement, is Council terminating MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by McKee to approve Resolution 2021-24 Approving Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easements on Outlot A, Fehn Meadows (PID 03-1 19-23-1 2-0002) (City File No. 21-005). Voting Aye by Roll Call (Motion carried 5-0) Council requested staff follow up with residents who commented at the Public Hearing. Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas 9. Unfinished Business (Public Comment Opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Public Comment opportunity for Unfinished 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. Northeast Corcoran Water Supply Planning Public Works Director Mattson outlined previous discussion of wafter supply planning in Corcoran and included the areas for fu rther study including treatment alternativesstoragecontrols and well analysis. City Eng ineer noted the supplemental feasibility study information phase and processes by staff relating to water supply softening, filters, towers, wells, and water supply design. City Engineer Torve outlined the timeline and necessary components and steps in planning through Torve the bidding stage. City Engineer Torve also noted trunk line access charges and rates are in line with expectations. City Engineer Torve reviewed scope of the different additional areas of study that could bP. included in the next phase of feasibility study. City Engineer Torve outlined the recommended supplemental analysis for T-1, S-1, S-2 and W-1 and the estimated amount of the supplemental analysis. Public Works Director Mattson noted $125,000 is available in the adopted 2021 water fund budget for water supply planning. Council noted including T-3 and T-4 in the supplemental analysis and include capital and annual costs. Council asked if the additional costs could be accommodated in the water fund budget for 2021. Public Works Director Mattson indicated including the additional costs in 2021 is reasonable. Council referenced past meetings and indicated the softening system route needs a gravity fed filtration system versus a pressure tank, and with the gravity fed filtration system T- 2 would not be necessary. Public Works Director Mattson explained a gravity fed system allows flexibility for expanding to softening, if not utilized immediately. Council and staff discussed including T-5 in the supplemental analysis and it was determined to include T-5 at the final refining stage. Council asked if control options are an optional feature given associated risks, and if controls are not online within a system, the need for intervention risks is applicable. Public Works Director Mattson noted controls can be deferred to future design, and are of great importance, but is not value added at this time because controls will apply to any system the City utilizes. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Thomas to approve supplemental analysis to the draft Feasibility Report for Water Treatment and Tower Design for T-1, S-1, S-2, and W-1 in the amount of $15,000, with the addition of T-3 and T4 in the amount not exceeding $4,500. Council inquired on including T-5 within the motion. Staff indicated T-5 could be addressed separately later. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas (Motion carried 5-0) 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 computer. No residents participated in the Public Comment opportunity. a. Full -Time Police Officer Job Offer Director of Public Safety Gottschalk announced the full-time police officer position is recommended to be offered to part-time officer Clayton Decker. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed the process of interviews, background investigations, physical, and psychological examinations for Officer 5 Decker during the short-term full time appointment hiring process. Council noted Officer Decker's commitment to the City of Corcoran. Council requested an update on the remaining positions available. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk updated Council on the three remaining candidates and the final remaining two positions. Council inquired the about interest in the canine position by Officer Decker. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk indicated Officer Decker has expressed an interest in the canine office position and noted it is one of his career goals. MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Nichols authorize staff tU extend employment offer to Clayton Decker for the position of full-time police officer with a retroactive start date of September 19, 2020. Council noted the retroactive start date of September 19, 2020 and asked for clarification of the retroactive dafie. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted Officer Decker is subject to the stipulations of the labor agreemenfi for the current position, and has been employed as a short-term, full-time officer since September 19, 2020. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted extending the retroactive start date affects Officer Decker's probationary period and includes a small 6-month step increase. Director Of Public Safety GOttschalk noted the probationary period for officers is one year can be extended if needed. 11 Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) b. County Road Trail Feasibility Study City Administrator Martens reviewed the County Road Feasibility Study and noted it is in line with the recently adopted core strategies, short-term goals, and action steps of Council. City Administrator Martens outlined the cost of $30,500 for the study and reviewed with Council the high -priority corridors for the City. City Administrator Martens also noted the study area would encompass the Corcoran side of County Road 101, the northeast side would include the County Road 30 corridor down County Road 116, from City Hall to the Medina border at Hackamore, and County 10 on the north and County 50 on the south around City Park. City Administrator Martens noted the study will include cost'and design implications, and corridor implications where trails could be constructed. City Administrator Martens noted conversations with Hennepin County to seek funding for project. City Administrator Martens reviewed the feasibility study is parks dedication eligible for planning for parks and trails systems and allocated from that specific fund. Council noted a participant wishing to speak outside of the public comment opportunity time. Mayor McKee addressed participant. Ken Guenthner, 6315 Butterworth Lane, noted collaboration between the City and with Three Rivers Park District on the long-term trail corridor process would be beneficial, as two different governmental units within a quarter mile of one another are planning similar trail systems, and opined it would be unfortunate if two branches of government were collecting taxes for parallel running trails. Mr. Guenthner is in favor of a significant trails, however spending tax dollars duplicating efforts. City Administrator Martens noted the corridor is different as Three River Parks Diamond Lake Regional Trail offers an off -road trail experience, away from roads, through fields and neighborhoods, versus on -trail corridors with a small grass buffer between the road and trail and follows the roadway. City Administrator Martens noted coordination with Three River Parks is planned and taking place and would include potential crossings that could incorporate the on -road trails with the Diamond Lake Regional Trail off -road trails through under -passes or over -passes within Corcoran. Council discussed the variables with the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and the City will be in control and move more quickly on on -road trails and brings people into the downtown area from fringes of the City. Council also addressed Three River projects are through legacy funding and is statewide sales tax funds and is an opportunity for amenities with outside revenue that is not originating from residents. Council noted the opportunity for a City trail as well as a regional trail. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to authorize staff to seek funding from Hennepin County then complete the study with items 1-10.4 Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) c. Charter Commission Appointments Mayor McKee and Councilmember Nichols noted they held meetings with the applicants for the open Charter Commission seats and the applicants were qualified for the position. Mayor McKee noted currently there are six filled seats on the commission. MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Nichols to recommend Jonathan Coots, Daniel Bucholtz, Randall Ferrian, Gerry Tucker, Scott Gilyard, David Hakensen, and Meaghan Hibbardto the Charter Commission for a four-year term. Council noted an increase to 13 seats on the Charter Commission, from seven. Council encouraged residents to participate on other commissions within the City. Council discussed applicant process and the Charter Commission's role within the City. Council noted the Charter Commission ensures compliance with the City's Charter. Council referenced ensuring balance in values, integrity, and honesty on the commission. Council discussed the Charter Commission objectives in relation to the Council. Council addressed concerns of appointing all the applicants. Council discussed postponing vote for further public discussion regarding Charter Commission seats and applicants. Council discussed the processes and authorization of applicants and the commission size. Ken Guenthner, 6315 Butterworth Lane opined on the number of Charter Commission seats has never been established and suggested community input in determining and establishing Charter Commission seats. Mr. Guenthner noted missing there were three missing applications from the Council packet for the Charter Commission applications and noted application materials do not specify what the appointment process entails. Mr. Guenthner noted Planning Commission, and Parks and Trails Commissions are appointed by Council to assist in City decisions, while the Charter Commission is recommended by Council, or other Charter Commissioners, and directly appointed by a District Judge and do not need to apply for the Charter Commission through the City Council. City Administrator Martens noted the process for the District Judge to appoint to the Charter Commissioners. Council requested changing all commission applications to reflect commission objectives and the process for becoming a commissioner on each commission. Council briefly discussed the merits of each applicant recommended by Council for the Charter Commission. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Thomas Nay: Bottema and Schultz (Motion carried 302) 11. Staff Reports a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications Council received report. b. Pandemic Response Update Director of Public Safety Gottschalk updated Council on vaccinations and recent COVID numbers in Minnesota. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted continual improvements in vaccinations with vaccines available to people 16 and older on March 31. City Administrator Martens updated Council operationally staff is functioning with a normal schedule, baseball and soccer seasons are scheduled, and clean-up day is moving forward, and staff continues to normalize operations as much as possible. Council and staff discussed the different ways people are eligible for vaccinations. 12.2021 City Council Schedule City Administrator Martens reviewed upcoming Council items and noted the upcoming work sessions on April 8 and April 22. Council asked if the Recreational Vehicle item could be moved to the May 13 Council meeting. 13. Adjournment MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to adjourn. Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, and Schultz Nay: Thomas Abstain: Nichols (Motion carried 30101) Meeting adjourned at 9045 pm. Michelle Friedrich —Deputy Clerk 7