Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-22 Council Minutes CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 22, 2004 1 The Corcoran City Council met on January 22, 2004 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota. Present were Councilors Bucher, Guenthner, Lymangood, and Thomas. Councilor Gageby was excused absent. Also present were Administrator Vergin, Clerk/Treasurer Tillmann, Planner Lindahl, Attorney Carson, Engineer Vander Top, and Public Works Director Meister. Mayor Guenthner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Bucher, and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: • Discussion of Item 12.d. (WH Fire Protection Mtg) under 5.b. Hanover Fire Dept. Report Council was advised that the information provided regarding 2004 Goals and objectives was to be reviewed and will be discussed at the February 12, 2004 Meeting. Open Forum There were no requests from the public to speak during open forum. Presentation Corcoran Police Department Recognition Mayor Guenthner recognized Police Chief Schutte, Officer Ryan Burns and Officer Steve Warren for outstanding service to the City of Corcoran regarding a volatile situation that occurred within the City of January 5, 2004. The Police Department was assisted by the Medina Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and North Ambulance to diffuse a difficult situation that resulted in no injuries to officers or residents. Council expressed their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the department for the services they provide to the residents of Corcoran. Hanover Fire Department Annual Report Tracey Franke, Chief, Hanover Fire Department, was present to provide an update of activities of the Hanover Fire Department for 2003. The City of Corcoran generated 13% of the fire calls in 2003 for the Hanover Fire Department. Councilor Thomas questioned the formula used to determine the contract rate, suggesting that it would be appropriate to re-evaluate the formula since Corcoran currently pays approximately 25% of the operating budget, but generates about 13% of the call load. Chief Franke advised that the current formula is based on market valuation, but would be amenable to looking at other ways or formulas to determine costs. Rich Engel, Assistant Chief, advised that it may be difficult to set contract ra te based on call load, unless historical data is used, as the call load for the upcoming year could only be estimated. Chief Franke also discussed long terms plans to purchase a new Fire Truck, with delivery tentatively scheduled for 2006. Councilor Lymangood suggested that the Fire Department advise the City of Call to Order Roll call Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Approval Open Forum Corcoran Police Department Recognition Hanover Fire Department Annual Report CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 22, 2004 2 dates of their upcoming fundraisers, as those could be advertised in the City’s newsletter and on our website. Also suggested that the Fire Department contact the Maple Grove Lions for possible fundraising opportunities. West Hennepin Fire Service District Meeting Mayor Guenthner advised that a meeting to address fire protection services in western Hennepin County communities has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at 7:30 a.m. at the Corcoran City Hall. Lawrence Plack, Greenfield resident and Plymouth Firefighter, is hosting the meeting. Hope Senior Co-op Housing Concept Plan Pastor Brian Lother and representatives of Hope Community Church were present to discuss a concept plan for Senior Citizen Housing on the Hope Community Church property. Pastor Lother reported that senior housing has been identified as a need in the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Hope Community Church is interested in preserving a portion of their property for a senior housing complex, consisting of three stories and 80 units for per sons age 55 and older. The church’s desire is to improve the quality of life and amenities for the aging population in Corcoran. They are looking for direction and guidance from the Council at this time and would enjoy partnering with the City to create a quality project. David Andersen, Andersen Group Architects provided an overview of the sketch plan, including a description of amenities that would be provided to residents. Advised that the structure would be similar in nature to the existing church building and would be self-supporting. Cynthia Smith-Strack, Municipal Development Group (MDG) was present to provide an overview of the possibility of using TIF to create a Housing District for the project, and what requirements would need to be met by the Developer in order to utilize TIF funds. Planner Lindahl advised that it was appropriate for Hope Community Church to submit a concept plan before a formal application is made, reminding the Council that the timeline is contingent upon the adoption of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. Councilor Thomas expressed concern regarding the development being serviced by a well and on-septic system and Pastor Lother advised that the well and septic had already been discussed with Building Inspector Kohnen, who did not have any concerns about the septic and well at this time. Councilor Lymangood offered the following points: The concept plan addresses an identified community need, which is senior housing. The significant financial risk is on the developer, and there would be a financial benefit to the City in the form of TIF Administrative costs, which is not normally extended, to enhance the downtown area. Councilor Lymangood also pointed out that the City had received a letter opposing the project. The timing of the project is West Hennepin Fire Service District Meeting Hope Senior Co-op Housing Concept Plan CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 22, 2004 3 sooner than the comp plan anticipates development in that area. The City needs to remain focused on completing the implementation of the Comp Plan, and should not be making exemptions to the Plan for each individual request at this time. Questioned if other municipalities have addressed timing issues and would like to see what policies, procedures or criteria are in place in other communities to address this type of request. Councilor Bucher expressed a similar concern regarding the timing, and questioned if the City would be detracting from other areas (i.e. Downtown District, SE Corner, etc.) by moving ahead in this area. Councilor Thomas countered that most areas have phased development so the infrastructure will be able to the support the development. This project will not rely on infrastructure, so the phasing may not be as great an issue. Added that senior housing is needed in the area. Council agreed that it would be appropriate to further discuss the timing issues after the comp plan and Council has adopted zoning and subdivision ordinances in March, because the City is not in a position to take any formal action until the ordinances are complete. Mayor Guenthner suggested that phasing and acceleration be discussed at the February 19, 2004 Special Council meeting. Mike Brady, Chief Manager, Corcoran Investments LLC, commented that the goal with this project is to become a model for other developments in the community. Mayor Guenthner declared a recess at 8:27 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Consent Agenda MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Lymangood, and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as presented. a. Approve the Regular Council Meeting minutes of January 8, 2004, as presented. b. Approve the payment of January 22, 2004 claims, #3011 - 3050, in the amount of $66,313.25, as presented. c. Approve the purchase of a Case 621D Wheel Loader with plow and wing attachments, in the amount of $126,240.84, with funds to be taken from the Equipment Certificates Fund. d. Accept the 2004 Rate Schedule submitted by Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates for municipal Engineering services. Municipal Development Group Services Proposal Cynthia Smith-Strack, Municipal Development Group (MDG) was present to further discuss the revised scope of services proposal submitted for Community Development Consultation Services. Councilor Bucher questioned if there were skills that the City was lacking with its existing contracted services and expressed concern that there may be a duplication of services by adding MDG. Councilor Thomas added that he felt the proposal was rather generic and is Recess Consent Agenda Approval Municipal Development Group Services Proposal CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 22, 2004 4 more interested in seeing specifically what MDG can provide for Corcoran. Administrator Vergin advised that this was a budgeted and approved expense in the 2004 Budget. Smith-Strack advised that MDG’s goal is to be a service to the City and the Community, to work in conjunction with and compliment existing staff and activities currently being completed by the City. Council provided staff with an opportunity to comment on the proposal submitted. Staff advised that MDG is an excellent resource for the City and will address items that that current staff is unable to address. Engineer Vander Top pointed out that MDG can assist with project financing, TIF, cash flow analysis, etc. Planner Lindahl concurred that there is a definite need for assistance in the areas identified by Engineer Vander Top. Administrator Vergin added that MDG will fill some gaps in the current staffing and will nicely compliment existing staff, and that identification of services task by task may be a better approach. MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to direct the City Administrator to proceed with the engagement of Municipal Development Group (MDG) for Community Development Services, working with MDG to develop a task specific project listing and report back to the Council at a later date. Parks and Trails Commission Business Members of the Parks and Trails Commission were present to provide an update of activities since the inception of the Commission. Dennis Stieg, Chair, reported that the primary topics of the Commission have included mapping and plotting of potential park, trail, and open space areas in the City, researching costs and dedication, and drafting a preliminary ordinance, which is close to completion and will be ready for review in February, 2004. Parks and Trails Commissioner Brent Anderson added that the Commission members work well together and all are dedicated to creating a better Corcoran for its residents. Feels that the process has gone very smooth. Sherri Buss, Natural Resource Specialist, Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates, is the staff person working with the Parks and Trails Commission. Buss provided an overview of the objectives of the Commission, as well as the process that the Commission followed to draft the ordinance and determine the needs of the City, and identify areas for preservation and/or parks and trails, as well as associated costs. No action taken by Council. MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to defer consideration of the identified New Business until the February 12, 2004 meeting, due to the lateness of the hour and number of remaining agenda items. Unfinished Business Burschville Area Boundaries Engage services of MDG Parks and Trails Commission Report Defer consideration of New Business until February 12, 2004 Burschville Area Boundaries MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Bucher, and carried CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 22, 2004 5 unanimously to retain the existing Rural Service/Commercial Land Use Designation and proposed CR zoning for the three properties at the southeast corner of County Road 30 and County Road 19, and direct Attorney Carson to draft a letter for all three properties stating that while the property is located in a commercial zone with a non-conforming residential use, the City will allow homes to be rebuilt if damaged or destroyed, and make such letters available to homeowners as needed. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Bucher, and carried unanimously to rescind the Council action of December 18, 2003 to re-guide said properties to Rural Residential, directing staff to prepare a Comp Plan Amendment noting the same. SW Area Extension of Services Engineer Vander Top was present to discuss the extension of sewer services to the southwest area of Corcoran and a cooperative study with the Cities Loretto and Medina. It is appropriate to review the scope of services with the two Cities at this time to discuss. Council directed staff to initiate discussions with staff of the two cities to determine appropriate timing and cost participation. Executive Closed Session Attorney Carson stated the following prior to the Council entering into executive closed session. LMCIT Attorney Baker was present for the Executive Closed Session as identified on the published agenda. Attorney Baker was present to discuss pending litigation identified in District Court as HRUA v. City of Corcoran. Attorney Carson would also update the Council on pending litigation identified in District Court as City of Corcoran v. Schmid, Wigen and HRUA. Because of the particularities involved, an executive session is appropriate at this time. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Bucher, and carried unanimously to close the meeting at 9:29 p.m. and enter into an executive closed session to discuss pending litigation. Those present during the closed session included Councilors Bucher, Guenthner, Lymangood, and Thomas, Administrator Vergin, Attorney Carson and Attorney Baker. Mayor Guenthner reopened the meeting at 10:23 p.m. Attorney Carson reported that pending litigation was discussed. No action taken. Staff and Council Reports Liaison Reports Mayor Guenthner reported that he had spoken with the Waste Water Commission and the Parks & Trails Commission regarding the designation of Retain existing designation Rescind December 18, 2003 Action SW Area Extension of Services Overview of Executive Closed Session Closed Meeting Reopen Meeting and Explanation Liaison Rotation and Reports liaisons. The WWC requested that Councilor Bucher remain their liaison for the first half of the year, allowing them to finish some CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 22, 2004 6 projects they are currently undertaking. The Parks & Trails Commission requested that for the next few months their liaisons also remain the same, allowing them to finish up with their tasks necessary for the zoning and subdivision ordinances. The Planning Commission liaison will continue to rotate, as it has done in the past. The Parks & Trails Commission did discuss the Historic Commission and concurred that this should be pursued by individuals interested, not through the City. Liaisons will be responsible for providing reports to the council. Park Land Donation Meeting Mayor Guenthner updated the council on a meeting that was held with Stephanie Sari regarding her commitment to donate land to the city for purposes of preservation. The City will continue to work with her in coordinating these efforts. 2003 – 2004 CEO Winter Report A written report had been provided to the Council in the agenda packet. No comments were received. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Bucher, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:32 p.m. _____________________________ Kary Tillmann, City Clerk/Treasurer Park Land Donation Meeting 2003 – 2004 CEO Winter Report Adjournment