HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-24 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2021 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on June 24, 2021, 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, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Nichols, Council Schultz, and Councilor Thomas were
present were present at City Hall.
City Administrator Martens, Administrative Services Director Beise, and City Planner Lindahl
at City Hall, and Public Works Director Mattson was present through 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.
were present
City Administrator Martens reviewed the process for in -person and hybrid Open Forum and other
general comment opportunities throughout the agenda. City Administrator Martens noted a five-minute
limit per speaker to maximize public comment opportunity, noting Council discretion for participants
extending past the allotted time. City Administrator Martens noted in -person public comment will
launch each public comment opportunity section, followed by Zoom participant comments. City
Administrator Martens
noted additional claims were added to the agenda packet and emailed to
ition of 10b. Public Works Maintenance Worker MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve th
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Commission Representatives
rke r Job Offer.
e agenda as modified.
Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioner Shoulak and Parks and Trails Commissioner Nybo were
present via telephonic or other electronic means. Mayor McKee invited Commissioner Shoulak and
Commissioner Nybo to speak on relevant agenda items.
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. City Administrator Martens noted instructions for participants
during the in -person Open Forum comment period.
Louella Schany, 22140 Oakdale Drive, Ms. Schany commented on the ordinance enforcement
process, requested Council review the recent code enforcement violations pertaining to RVs, brush
piles, and general citations issued to residents completing home repairs. Ms. Schany asked Council to
review code enforcement processes, dates on citations, and compliance timelines.
Becky Jones, Maple Hill Estates, opined in support of code enforcement of serious violations of code
and referenced a property containing six unlicensed vehicles. Ms. Jones requested Council continue
with code enforcement sweeps for serious code enforcement violations. Ms. Jones thanked Council
for their prompt communication responses.
Presentations/Recognitions
Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of June 10, 2021, Work Session Meeting
b. Draft Minutes of June 10, 2021, Council Meeting
c. Financial Claims
d. Tobacco Renewal
e. Temporary Liquor License — St. Thomas Church
f. Resolution Accepting the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund
g. 2021 Road Materials Bid Awards
h. Amendment to Interim Ordinance 2021-415
i. City Hall Remodel —Pay Request #7
Council requested further discussion on 2021 Road Materials Bid Awards item 7g.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Nichols to approve consent agenda items 7a-7f, 7h, and 71.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Council and staff discussed bid opening timeline regarding item 7g. 2021 Road Materials Bid Awards,
with staff noting bid opening was after Council received packet.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Bottema to approve item 7g. 2021 Road Materials Bid
Awards.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
8. Planning Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment
opportunity for Planning Business items 8a-8d. 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. City Administrator Martens noted in -
person comments will be heard first, followed by Zoom call participants.
Tim Boser, General Manager of Shamrock Golf Course, 19625 Larkin Road, noted discussion on the
proposed ordinance update regarding low -density zones and exempting schools and churches from
the low -density zones, item 8d. Mr. Boser stands against the proposed ordinance change. Mr. Boser
opined the proposed change is not solid policy for the city and cited examples to support his opinion.
Mr. Boser noted surrounding communities do not impose such restrictions on schools or churches in
requiring them only to be placed in commercial or industrially zoned districts. Mr. Boser is in support of
schools and churches allowed in residentially zoned districts. Mr. Boser commented on the impacts to
residents by placing schools and churches in a higher commercial or industrial taxing district and
taking valuable land space away from industrial and commercial businesses, causing the tax burden to
increase for existing residents.
Greg Hoglund, 19220 Hackamore Road, opined on 8d. Conditional Uses in Zoning District, noted
possible conflict of interest non -contractual decisions made by Council regarding zoning, and
referenced the League of Minnesota statement on the matter.
Dean Jacobs, 20415 Duffney Circle, Planning Commissioner, discussed 8c., and issue relating to
amendment of ordinances, the length of process, and impacts to current projects in Corcoran.
Jonathan Coots, 19398 Lupine Lane, commented on 8d. Conditional Uses in Zoning District and
changing the ordinance more universal in accordance with 2040 Comprehensive Plan, opined on
diminishing value of properties and the number of schools and churches that may be built in Corcoran.
Mr. Coots commented on what is best for Corcoran. City Planner Lindahl noted the ordinance change
would require a 4/5 vote by Council.
a. Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Westside Tire
City Planner Lindahl presented the applicant request for a zoning ordinance text amendment to the
light industrial standards (1-1). City Planner Lindahl noted the proposed amendment would allow the
applicant to apply for approval of an IUP and site plan for outside storage and parking as a principal
use and would bring the vacant lot and the Westside lot into compliance if approved. City Planner
Lindahl noted the Planning Commission vote of 5-0 recommending approval of the request to Council
with modified language and retaining the 50400t front yard setback in the 1-1 district. Council and staff
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discussed the need to amend the code rather than utilizing the conditional use permit. City Planner
Lindahl noted currently the code does not allow an applicant to apply for an IUP. City Planner Lindahl
noted an interim use permit has a termination date while a conditional use permit transfers with the
property. Council and staff reviewed curb and gutter requirements and standards in the industrial
district. Council and staff discussed high raised curb and low raised curb ordinance definitions.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols approving 2021-417 Ordinance Amending the Text
of Title X of the Corcoran City Code Related to 1-1 District Standards (City File 20-015)
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Thomas, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Thomas approving Resolution 2021-64 Approving Findings
Of Fact for an Ordinance Amending the Text of Section 1040.125 of Corcoran Zoning Ordinance (City
File 21-015)
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Thomas approving Ordinance 2021-418 Summary
Ordinance of 2021-417 (City File 21-015).
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Thomas, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Cain Road Vacation Commencement Request
Planner Davis presented request by applicant for vacating the northern portion of a right of way
established for Cain Road from 1978, adjacent to 20700 70th Avenue North. Planner Davis noted the
two ways to commence a street vacation include a petition, or through Council Resolution with 4/5
vote. Planner Davis noted applicant was not successful in obtaining all signatures in petition. Planner
Davis outlined the process for Council to approve the vacation, engineering discussions regarding the
property, current building on the property that does meet the required setbacks. Planner Davis noted
considerations for Council regarding the commencement request, application fee and escrow amount
condition with applicant agreeing to meet the condition. Council discussed wetland to the north of the
property and city easements associated with wetlands in the case of drainage and utility aspects.
Public Works Director Mattson noted the wetland and drainage corridors would be retained and
relocated by the city if request is approved. Council and staff discussed future use of the right-of-way
easement on the south. Council asked why a signature by an adjacent property was not obtained.
Craig Galbraith, applicant, 20700 70th Avenue North, noted phone conversations and text messages
with the adjacent property owner, and surmised the adjacent property owner may be worried he could
no longer access his land, or that his access would be limited. Mr. Galbraith noted he would not limit
the property owner's access if the vacation request were approved and is mainly concerned with the
existing building that does not meet the setback requirement and if improvements are made to
building. Mr. Galbraith noted this analysis of the adjacent property owner thoughts was Mr. Galbraith's
opinion and the adjacent property owner did not in fact state this to him.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Thomas to approving Resolution 2021-65 Commencing
Proceedings to Vacate the Cain Road Right -of -Way Easement at 20700 Avenue North (PID 27-119-
2344-0022) (City File 21-025) .
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Thomas, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. Consider Amendment to Section 1030.020 of the Zoning Ordinance
City Planner Lindahl presented the background information regarding an application request for a CUP
to exceed the accessary sidewall height. City Planner Lindahl outlined the June 3 Planning
Commission's 3-2 vote recommending approval of request noting concerns within ordinance language.
City Planner Lindahl noted acting on the modification to the ordinance language prior to review of the
Dornsbach application. City Planner Lindahl noted staff revisions to conflicting and erroneous
language within the ordinance and with Council approval, staff will schedule a public hearing to
consider the amendment at the August 5 Planning Commission meeting and August 26 Council
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meeting, and then follow the action of ordinance with the Dornsbach CUP application. Council
discussed sidewall height proposal on property smaller than 10 acres, the specific amendment to the
ordinance, the original application submitted, and CUP submittal. Council discussed further review of
the purpose a higher accessory sidewall. City Planner Lindahl noted the sidewall height request is for
16 feet rather than the maximum 13 �/2 feet per current standard for properties under 10 acres. City
Planner Lindahl reviewed past Council intention in 2011 regarding the existing ordinance to simplify
the process for property owners to change the wall height. Council and staff discussed without the
language amendment change, current requests for property under 10 acres cannot be considered for
a higher sidewall height. Council reviewed history of ordinance, building sizes and sidewall height in
relation to property size and discussed potential impacts of the language amendment change.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by McKee to authorize staff to make necessary language
changes to ordinance.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Thomas, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. Conditional Uses in Zoning Districts
City Administrator Martens reviewed continued Council discussion of conditional uses within zoning
districts regarding location of places of worship/assembly and educational facilities. City Administrator
Martens noted Council voting on zoning changes is not a conflict of interest as the zoning change
would be consistent throughout the city. City Administrator Martens reviewed a current zoning map
where places of assembly CUP are allowed, and a potential zoning map indicating where places of
assembly CUP would no longer be allowed if Council approves the proposed zoning district change.
Council addressed previous comments of Council vote on a zoning change, and Council abstaining
from vote if the parcel is adjacent to the zoning district in question. Council noted each
councilmember's perspective is independent pertaining to Council vote. Council recapped the
proposed zoning district changes regarding future developments, the multiple uses that may not be
compatible with all residentially zoned districts and CUP impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Council discussed the proposed zoning district change provides consistency across the city regarding
CUP usage. Council noted negative impact to landowners in Corcoran with the proposed zoning
district change by eliminating places of worship/assembly and educational facilities from low
residentially zoned districts. Attorney Thames commented on general rules for places of worship and
places of assembly, and both uses need to be treated the same, and is a policy decision for the future
of the city. Council and staff discussed undue burden for places of worship and assembly within the
city by excluding areas of the city with the proposed zoning district change. Council and staff debated
performance standard as a potential option, noting an example of including broad infrastructure,
setbacks, and buffering consideration with certain uses, and is then specific to the application and
location rather than eliminating areas of the city for places of worship and assembly. Council
discussed difficulties with performance standards versus allowed CUP uses in specific districts. City
Attorney Thames clarified aligning performance standards into the CUP standards is the most secure
option regarding potential liability challenges. Council reviewed the expense of the CUP process for
both the applicant and staff. Council and staff discussed process for applicant interested in an urban
reserve area of the city. City Planner Lindahl clarified the urban reserve area on the map is a holding
area for the future planned zoning district. Council discussed a more subjective decision on places of
worship and assembly. Council discussed the definition of a CUP, restrictions of land space, and
maintaining the CUP process in other areas. Council and staff reviewed options to move forward with
the process, scheduling a public hearing for public comments to gather more information.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Thomas to direct staff to schedule a public hearing at the
August 5 Planning Commission meeting.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, and Thomas Nay: Bottema and Schultz
(Motion carried 3:2)
Unfinished Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment
opportunity for Unfinished Business items included on the agenda. Administrative Services Director
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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. City Administrator Martens
noted in -person comments will be heard first, followed by Zoom call participants. No residents
participated in the public comment opportunity.
a. Draft City Center Drive and 79th Place Feasibility Study
Public Works Director Mattson noted the project is related to the St. Therese concept plan located
southeast of City Hall, and the city related responsibilities of the project. Public Works Director Mattson
introduced presenter Steve Hegland of Stantec. Mr. Hegland referenced the draft feasibility study
scope and area is focused on the northern 13 acres and includes the street and utilities within the 1 St
Addition of City Center Drive, review of stormwater alternatives for regional approach, and noted
financing sources include preliminary assessment roll with the 429 processes. Mr. Hegland reviewed
project finances with concentration on city funding portion for roadways, stormwater and grading
associated withs roadways, sanitary sewer and watermain. Mr. Hegland reviewed the parkway design
with Town Center standards with varied costs based on amenities, noted the Municipal State Aid as a
possible funding source. Mr. Hegland reviewed the four alternatives within sanitary sewer, capacity
limits, upsizing the sewer along City Center Drive to divert to north to relieve capacity long-term. Mr.
Hegland reviewed watermain improvements and required as part of St. Therese and adjacent M/I
Homes development and reviewed upsizing the watermain and provides flexibility of potential users in
the downtown district. Mr. Hegland reviewed three stormwater alternatives, regional and subregional
approaches, and efficiencies. Mr. Hegland outlined the preliminary assessment roll, appropriate
assessment range, noting possible inclusion of properties to the south of City Hall. Council and staff
discussed the 429 process, and impacted properties near the developing area, and deferred
assessments. Council discussed location of stormwater ponds and options within the lineal park.
Public Works Director Mattson noted opening the road will open sightline space of complex. Council
consensus was unified in the project development and noted the benefit of St. Therese developing
within Corcoran provides new opportunities for businesses and residents and noted excitement
regarding the coffee shop and restaurant the development will bring to the community. Council noted
concern of the cost of City Center Drive, the bonding cost, and state funding availability. Council
direction to staff included utilizing the average letter of benefit range in valuation, no assessment for
the smaller homesteads, pursuing regional stormwater systems with associated sti&mass grading
options, supporting utility fund investment to shift future sewer flow volumes to the north to protect
capacity limitation is SE Corcoran, supporting potential revenue sources such as state aid fund
balances, and bonding for additional costs beyond state eligible funds, and support of planning for a
municipal sewer and water connection for City Hall.
10. New Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or 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.
Paul Heurer, Pulte Homes, 7500 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN, noted a letter he sent to the
Council. Mr. Heuer noted the letter outlined the goal of the city and a solution to allow the Bellwether
project to move forward. Council inquired regarding letter sent by Mr. Heurer, and staff noted the letter
was emailed to Council. Council requested Mr. Heurer briefly discuss the letter sent for clarity in
discussion. Mr. Heurer noted a solution was presented in the letter in reaching the goals of the city and
allowing the project to continue to move forward, noting the preliminary plat is scheduled for the July
22 Council meeting.
a. Stieg Road Transportation Improvements
City Administrator Martens outlined the Pulte position for being responsible for improving the road from
existing Bellwether development through the VanBlaricom property, with paving the remaining portion
of Stieg Road in a lower profile with soil correction if necessary, and restriping turn lanes County Road
116 versus creating pavement to support turn lanes on County Road 116. City Administrator Martens
noted Council will receive a report at the July 22 Council meeting. City Administrator Martens noted
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Planning Commission discussion with a Public Hearing on
Council to leave the road as gravel and allow the developer
July 1. Council noted past discussion by
to complete the road. City Administrator
Martens referenced the solution by Pulte homes to pave remaining road on Stieg Road, with re -
stripping the turn lanes rather than constructing pavement for turn lanes to meet the city's goal for full
pavement on Stieg Road. Council reiterated not utilizing public funds for road completion on Stieg
Road. Council inquired if the remaining parcel lots on Stieg Road can support funding of the remaining
gravel road. City Administrator Martens noted the feasibility study will determine the amount of traffic
created on Stieg Road. City Administrator Martens noted the city is still waiting for confirmation from
Maple Grove on water services for the area, and Council added Hennepin County may deem it
necessary to lay pavement for the turn lanes, and not allow re -stripping for turn lanes as an option.
b. Maintenance Worker Position
City Administrator Martens outlined the process to hire a candidate for the position and requested
authorization from Council to proceed.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Thomas to authorize City Administrator and Mayor to
present a iob offer for the Maintenance Worker position.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Thomas
(Motion carried 500)
11. Staff Reports
a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications. Council received reports.
12.2021 City Council Schedule
13. Adjournment
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Schultz to adjourn.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Thomas, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 9:51 pm.
Michele Friedrich
A
— Deputy Clerk
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