HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-22 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2021 - 7: 00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on April 227 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. Councilor Bottema, Councilor Nichols, Councilor Schultz, and
Councilor Thomas were present via telephonic or other electronic means.
City Administrator Martens and Administrative Services Director Beise were present at City Hall. 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 7:00 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 item 10f. Accepting 2020 Donations was added to the agenda.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Bottema to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye by ROII Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
4. Commission Representatives
Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioner Shoulak and Parks and Trails Commissioner Strehler
were present via telephonic or other electronic means. Mayor McKee invited Commissioner Shoulak
and Commissioner Strehler to speak on relevant agenda items.
5. Open Forum (PublicComment 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. No residents participated in the Open Forum.
S. Presentations/Recognitions
No presentations or recognitions were heard.
7. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of April 8, 2021 Council Meeting
b. Draft Minutes of April 8, 2021 Council Work Session
c. Financial Claims
d. Recruitment Process — Maintenance Worker
e. Municipal State Aid Resolution
f. Noise Ordinance Exemption
g. Special Use Permit for Bird Banding
h. Charter Commission Resignation and Application
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
8. Flanning Business
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. Rear Setback Variance at 6433 Bluestem Circle
City Planner Lindahl outlined the applicant request. City Planner Lindahl noted the proposed setback
distance varies from 15 feet at t
setback of 25-feet. City Planner
compliance with fiv
he porch to 22.4 feet for the deck, exceeding the required building
Lindahl noted the burden of proof is on the applicant to show
e variance standards for Council to approve the request. City Planner Lindahl
reviewed Planning Commission findings, noting code does allow for decks to encroach 6-feet into a
wetland buffer, and though the property does not encroach the wetland buffer in the north corner of the
lot, to provide some relief to the applicant's request, the Planning Commission supports a variance to
allow a deck to encroach 64eet into the setback, allowing for a 19400t setback instead of the required
254eet. Council inquired about similar decks within the Ravinia development and if other setback
issues exist. Council referenced a similar situation on property 6430 Bluestem Circle and noted the
setback issue is not unique to only the applicant. Council discussed the 25400t City setback, buffer
and wetland setbacks, and other properties affected in the Ravinia neighborhood. Council discussed
the setback issue notification occurring at the time of the sale of property in builder and homeowner
communications and noting discussions did not clearly indicate the type of deck/patio available upon
sale of property. Council discussed ordinance criteria including practical difficulties, reasonableness of
request, and reviewed the 5 variance requirements.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Nichols to approve and direct staff to draft amended
variance Resolution 2021-31 for the Property at 6433 Bluestem Circle.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Nichols, and Thomas Nay: Bottema and Schultz
(Motion carried 3:2)
b. Preliminary Plat and Variance Application for Franzen Estates at 23020 Strehler Road
City Planner Lindahl reviewed the applicant request for two variances on lot width and street frontage
requirements for a three -lot subdivision. City Planner Lindahl noted past Council action from 1993,
included approval of a 10-acre subdivision lot from the original 40 acres located at 23105 Larsen Road
and included a 60400t road easement the length of the 10-acre parcel. City Planner Lindahl noted the
City acquired right-of-way at the end of Larson Road and the Planning Commission's recommendation
for a private drive serving the new homes. City Planner Lindahl noted the City Engineer's
recommendation aligns with code requirement for each lot to abut and have direct access to an
improved street or private drive, providing access to homes and emergency vehicles, with combined
driveway to limit cul de sac access.
City Administrator Martens noted applicant is available for questions and added neighbors to the south
agree with the recommendation in keeping the original driveway separate from the driveway dedicated
to the two new homes. Council noted the lot width Council approval in 1993 is consistent with the
current requested lot width.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Thomas to approve Resolution 2021-30 Preliminary Plat for
"Franzen Estates" Located at 23020 Strehler Road with amendment.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. Rezoning, Preliminary PUD Development Plan for Cook Lake Highlands at 19220 County
Road 10
City Planner Lindahl reviewed development plan history of Cook Lake Highlands project and the most
recent, revised application. City Planner Lindahl noted the revised plan included a preservation of an
existing trail and removal of an apartment unit from the plan and included pond and tree preservation.
City Planner Lindahl noted Planning Commission and Parks and Trails Commission
recommendations. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the applicant is requesting flexibility for shoreland
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standards, parking stall length, and a 6400t fence in front yard setback. In exchange for flexibility, the
applicant will provide additional landscaping, additional right-of-way for County Road 10 future
improvements, a lot for a City booster station, easements for City and Metropolitan Council utilities and
access, and provide a mix of uses. City Planner Lindahl outlined re -guiding from mixed residential to
medium density residential and the mix of uses. City Planner Lindahl noted the challenges of meeting
the density goals within the shoreland overlay district. City Planner Lindahl noted the applicants tree
preservation increase from 11 to 30 percent of wooded acres. City Planner Lindahl reviewed building
design and information available currently is not sufficient to ensure compliance, and the 4-story
building height of 554eet exceeds maximum height allowed within the shoreland and RMF-2 district of
25-feet and 35-feet. City Planner Lindahl noted the applicant is willing to alter the cooperative plans to
a flat roof from a pitched roof
concepts for the
concept plan for
to better accommodate the maximum height requirements
, presented
eviewed components and materials of the daycare facility, and the
a memory care facility, public and private trail locations with a requirement for a trail
connection. City Planner I indahl reviewed recent applicant request for consideration of parks
dedication fees include dedicating Outlot C to the City in lieu of fees for the single-family lots, and pay
park fees of $329,378 for the cooperative, daycare, and memory care facilities.
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate telephonically during the public comment opportunity
for Planning Business item 8c. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to
participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation.
Steve Mueller, 7474 Fir Lane, opined on height of buildings within the development and requested no
rezoning. Mr. Mueller noted his objections to the PUD on the memory care facility proposed on the
property. Mr. Mueller referenced the similarity of Applewood to the recently built Maplewood 4-story
senior building in Maple Grove. Mr. Mueller opined the Applewood cooperative is too large for the
proposed site. Mr. Mueller referenced the commercial businesses, parking spaces, and conducting
business in a residential area. Mr. Mueller opined on the loss of trees along the property line between
Bass Lake Crossing and the proposed property.
Lynn Alberts, 7490 Fir Lane, opined on the difficult and unique property development, noted the
natural resource inventory map includes high -quality maple and basswood within a natural community
and is a rare species. Mr. Alberts reviewed code sections and his concerns relating to PUD
preservation, shoreland district conservation, wildlife habitat regarding plant and animal species, and
development impacts on environmentally sensitive areas.
Tom Anderson, 22385 Rush Creek Drive, opined on the maple and basswood forest on the northwest
corner of the parcel noting it is approximately three acres and is a unique site, is not currently on the
parks map plan, but would be a beneficial site for the City to own. Mr. Anderson also opined the high -
valued maple and basswood forest area is not large enough to have a trail running through it.
Beth Hustad, Trek Development, thanked Council for their time and resident communication regarding
the project. Ms. Hustad noted the trail running along the north property could extend past M/I Homes
Bass Lake Crossing trail to preserve the high -valued maple and basswood forest area. Ms. Hustad
commented on Bass Lake Road in relation to the project height and elevation of Bass Lake Road is at
the same elevation level as the first floor of Applewood and is purposely positioned away from Bass
Lake Road.
Council and staff discussed memory care in RF-2 and the commonality to see those uses in mixed use
or commercial districts. Council and staff discussed the booster station proposed location on the
property for the purpose of receiving water from Maple Grove and the lift station relevancPublic y.
Works Director Mattson noted SE Corcoran water supply is serviced through Maple Grove. Public
Works Director Mattson reviewed the separate water supply being established, but not yet constructed
in Corcoran will cover NE Corcoran, and noted the lift station is relevant and necessary, as it will serve
SE Corcoran for the next 25-30 years. Council reviewed the height of the Applewood building.
Alex Hall, United Properties, added additional information regarding the height of the Applewood
building and noted typical height is 62 feet with a pitched roof, and is preferred. Mr. Hall noted the
Maple Grove apartment facility example, is a poor comparison to Applewood, as Maple Grove
requested the building be brought closer to Bass Lake Road. Mr. Hall clarified the roof pitch of
3
ill
a homes
, r
Applewood and noted with the flat roof, it is approximately a 14-foot drop from the original building
concept.
Council and Ms. Hustad reviewed guide plan density and noted with removal of the 84-apartment unit
building, the project does not meet the density required. With the memory care Of 32 units, t
is closer t0 meeting density req
within the City. Couny
he project
uirements. Ms. Hustad referenced Other benefits of providing a daycare
it and staff discussed zoning, density, and updates with
Comprehensive Plan. COunc
he 2040
rements pertaining to
eviewed the impervious surface coverage ordinance UFKrcent
maximum impervious surface coverage by IOt per code. Regarding the impervious surface ordinance,
City Planner Lindahl noted the applicant is requesting the project be looked at as a whole, due to the
difficulties and challenges without high -density housing and leaving most of the site vacant to comply
with the 25 percent limit. Council asked applicant for vision of a berm on the western side of parcel to
shelter the existing neighborhood. Ms. Hustad referenced the stake on the property was moved, and
On the west side of the property a trail exists and was installed by M/1 Homes with an easement on
in t
it asked for shoreline and impervious surface requi
property. City Planner Lindahl r
property to accommodate a wetland on the M/I Homes property. Ms. Hustad indicated a 5-foot grading
plan elevation change along the trail and is willing to add feet to elevation changes to accommodate
resident concerns. Ms. Hustad would commit to planning some trees along the border of Fir Lane
properties for privacy. Ms. Hustad also noted Buckthorn is an issue, and lot landscaping would also be
provided. Residents also committed to planting trees within backyard borders. Ms. Hustad noted 830
feet separate M/1 Homes properties from the Applewood complex, and reviewed property elevation
site lines in relation to Applewood. Ms. Hustad outlined the development design considered neighbors
comments and concerns.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Thomas to deny Resolution 2021-35 Rezoning, Preliminary
Plat and PUD for Cook Lake Highlands" located at 19220 County Road 10.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. PUD Sketch Plan for Refuge at Rush Creek
City Planner Lindahl reviewed site history and the PUD sketch plan. City Planner Lindahl noted the 12NOW
acre parcel could not be developed unless the property to the east was developed and provided a
road connection, and when the house to the east was constructed, there was a condition of approval
that a road easement be provided as part of any future subdivision. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the
OS&P plat standards, noting parcel upland area is currently greater than 50 percent, but will decrease
over time as wetland bank grows. City Planner Lindahl noted review of the OS&P 50 percent upland
standard will need to be considered by Council. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the proposed septic
system and noted it will be the first shared septic system in Corcoran and as part of the PUD requires
significant information to ensure continued maintenance and plans in the case of failure. City Planner
Lindahl reviewed the private drive city standards, native prairie landscaping, protected shoreland and
floodplain in the south portion of the parcel and noted a private walking trail on the north side of the
site. City Planner Lindahl noted a long-term parks plan is for a trail running south of the property and
creek, indicating however accessing the future trail could be difficult long-term, and an interim on -road
trail on County Road 117 is proposed. Council commented on concept of sketch plan and discussed
the upland and wetland transition over time.
Chris Rains, applicant, responded approximately 47 acres of the wetland bank exist, 50 percent of that
will remain upland, and 50 percent will be wetland, and are likely within two acres of knowing exactly
how much and where the water will be and contained to a specific area. Mr. Rains stated the city code
indicates the conservation easement will be dedicated to the city, however, the state will ultimately
oversee compliance of the easement. Council discussed the permanent wetland bank conservation.
Mayor Thomas called a recess at 10:06 pm.
Mayor Thomas reconvened Council at 10:10 pm.
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
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explained the instructions to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed
instructions for participation. No residents participated in the public comment opportunity.
a. 66t" Avenue/Gleason Parkway Corridor Improvements
Public Works Director Mattson presented bid results to Council and reviewed history of the 66t"
Avenue/Gleason Parkway Corridor Improvements progress. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed
each of the four bids received, and noted New Look Contracting, Inc., was the low bid at
$1,908,607.40. Council and staff discussed other bids received and the City's experience regarding
change orders with contractors and the difference between high and low bids. Council noted the
project is funded by the developer and the City is required to accept the lowest qualified bidder.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to authorize contingent notice of award for the
construction of the 66t" Avenue/Gleason Parkway Corridor Improvements.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Appaloosa Woods Street Improvements
Public Works Director Mattson outlined previous Council authorization for preparation and
specifications for the Appaloosa Woods Street Improvements. Public Works Director Mattson noted
the cul de sac drive was straightened and made more circular bringing it up to current cul de sac
standards. Public Works Director Mattson outlined the project schedule with bid opening on May 4, an
improvement hearing on May 13, assessment hearing to be determined, and construction in 2021.
Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the total special assessment funds were lower than
anticipated at $168,750 and noted if project costs are more than estimated amounts, local funds will
be utilized to cover costs.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Thomas to accept plans and specifications, and authorize
bidding for the Appaloosa Woods Street Improvement Project as an alternate bid to the Maple Grove
2021 Street Reconstruction Project.
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. 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. No residents participated in the Public Comment opportunity.
a. 2021 Dust Control Program
City Administrator Martens outlined the 2021 Dust Control Program and noted calcium chloride is the
product applied to approximately 27 miles of gravel road; with fees remaining consistent for collector
roads at $81.51, and varied fees on neighborhood roads, with fees assessed if not paid. City
Administrator Martens noted the project is approximately $111,000. City Administrator Martens added
the City continues to reduce the cost impact to residents over time.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Bottema to approve Resolution 2021-32 Calling for a Public
Hearing on the Potential Assessment of the Cost of Dust Control Treatments to be Applied to City
Streets in 2021.
Council and staff discussed the City increased share of dust control costs every two years was
implemented to ease the burden on residents living on gravel roads. Council suggested staff review
the positive aspects of dust control pertaining to gravel road maintenance when future budgeting for
the item is discussed.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Corcoran Trail East/West Improvements Finance Plan
City Administrator Martens noted finalizing the feasibility study with the recommendation of
rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road. City Administrator Martens noted an overlay only would
not provide sufficient relief to the roadway as the roadway is over 35 years old. City Administrator
Martens reviewed the reconstruction of the road would include paving the gravel portion on southern
segment on east and west, and removing pavement on the northern sections, and repaving the road.
Council discussed properties that would have received benefit of a no -cost overlay and discussed a
one-time credit for the assessment for an overlay to appropriate properties. Council and staff
discussed future processes for special assessments, public hearing, resident notices, and finalizing
the feasibility study. Council consensus directed staff proceed as discussed.
c. Planning Commission Appointment
Staff and Council reviewed the vacant Planning Commission seat and the three candidate
applications for the Planning Commission seat. Council discussed applicant credentials and
parameters surrounding selected candidate. Council noted interest by one of the applicants to serve
n the Charter Commissi
Oon.
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Nichols to appoint Mark Lanterman to the vacan
Commission seat with the term ending February 29, 2024.
Council noted Mr. Lanterman's past communication, perspective, legal and law enforcement
background knowledge, and passion for the future of Corcoran. Council encouraged the other
applicant to stay involved with the City in another capacity.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. 2021 Work Session Schedule
t Planning
City Administrator Martens noted future compensation philosophy work session options and joint work
session with the Planning Commission on May 13 and June 10, respectively. Mayor McKee called
future work sessions for May 13 and June 10, 2021.
e. Full -Time Police Officer Job Offer
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted the recent hiring process for three full-time police officer
openings. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted one position has been filled, and staff is
requesting authorization from Council to extend a conditional employment offer to Josh Lawson for
full-time police officer. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk updated Council on the third vacant police
officer position, and requested Council approve a secondary round of new applicants. Council asked if
there is interest in the canine officer position. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted the 16-week
process of onboarding officers and indicated discussions for the canine officer opportunity would be a
later date with interested personnel.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to authorize staff to extend a conditional
employment offer to Josh Lawson for the position of full-time police officer.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
f. Resolution Accepting 2020 Donations
City Administrator Martens noted the resolution would normally be created after Corcoran Country
Daze to acknowledge and thank donors and participants for donations, however, with the pandemic,
and Corcoran Country Daze cancellation in 2020, the resolution accepting donations was never
created. Administrative Services Director Beise noted the donations were received for Corcoran Truck
Safety and included monetary and in -kind donations.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by McKee to approve Resolution 2021-34 Accepting 2020
Donations.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
11. Staff Reports
a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications. Council received report.
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ID. Pandemic Response Update
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted the increase in vaccinations of 2.3 million people with at
least one vaccination and 1.75 million people with completed series of the vaccination. Director of
Public Safety Gottschalk mentioned there is a secondary daily peak experience due to COVID fatigue
and people being more mobile with the restrictions slowing lifting. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk
noted the continued effort to remain safe and follow health precautions as Minnesota continues to
uidelines, and follow
noted baseball season
recreation programming has begun and Recreation Coordinator Christensen -Buck has included a
move towards a more vaccinated state. Staff continues to follow the CDC g
modified, normal operations within the City Hall. City Administrator Martens
preparedness plan for safety of participants and training for coaches. Directo
the gun safety field day training is on
schedule for April
r of Public Safety noted
25 and includes appropriate PPE with
participants and instructors following precautions and safety plans.
12.2021 City Council Schedule
City Administrator Martens reviewed upcoming Council items and noted th
scheduled and reminded Council of Corcoran Clean Up Day on May 1, 202
e upcoming work sessions
1. City Administrator
Martens noted request of a future agenda item concerning development construction hours.
13. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to adjourn.
Voting Aye by Roll Call
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 1
Vote: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
0:55 pm.
Michelle Friedrich —Deputy Clerk
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