Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-24 Council Minutes CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2004 1 The Corcoran City Council met on June 24, 2004 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota. Present were Councilors Bucher, Guenthner, Lymangood and Thomas. Councilor Gageby was excused absent. Also present were Clerk Tillmann, Planner Lindahl, and Engineer Vander Top. Mayor Guenthner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Agenda Approval MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Lymangood, and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following additions: • Council Meeting Minutes – Goals and Objectives • Press Items – Goals and Objectives Open Forum There were no requests by the public to speak during open forum. Presentations Chad Robran, 19805 Olde Sturbridge Road – Corcoran Country Daze Mr. Robran was present representing the Corcoran Jaycees to discuss the Jaycees plan for “Corcoran Country Daze”. The event will be held on August 27 – 28, 2004, and will feature a softball tournament on ball fields at the City Park. The Jaycees have approached local business and the Corcoran Lions for assistance in putting together this event, with the goal of raising funds for local events and charities and creating an annual summer event for the City. They envision that the event will grow in magnitude as time goes on. Council agreed by unanimous consensus that it was a good idea and that the Jaycees should proceed with their planning, and that the City would consider providing assistance as identified in Mr. Robran’s outline upon request. Dave McStott &Jeff Draxten, Provision of Sewer Services Mr. McStott and Mr. Draxten were present to address the provision of sewer and water services to the Peterson Addition and Appaloosa Woods. There are currently four properties in the Peterson Addition with owners that are ge tting ready to build. They are requesting direction regarding installation of on-site septic systems or the provision of sewer and water services by the City of Maple Grove. The cost of the assessment by Maple Grove is approximately $35,000 for 90 feet of frontage. Most properties have more than 90 feet, and the residents are not willing to pay that amount. Council reminded the audience that Corcoran has approached the City of Maple Grove regarding this issue and it was referred to staff. The following public comments were heard: Jeff Draxten – questioned if residents would be forced to connect to municipal services once they became available. Three of the vacant property owners are ready to build and don’t want to spend the money on a septic system if they will have to connect to sewer services in the near future. They are looking at different communal systems for the neighborhood. Mr. Draxten provided a copy of a letter from the City of Maple Grove regarding the potential cost of the assessment, along with a Maple Grove staff email regarding this subject. Call to Order Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Approval with Additions Open Forum Presentation Corcoran Jaycees Peterson’s Oak Hill Addition and Appaloosa Woods Sewer Services Public Comment Jeff Draxten CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2004 2 Jan Pederson, 19233 – 81st Place – His house was built in 1997, and they purchased it in 2000. They are considering requesting to be annexed into Maple Grove because they will need to upgrade their system within 10 years and their property won’t support a new system. Most residents don’t want to annex into Maple Grove. Jeff Armbruster, 19260 – 81st Place – Requested a copy of the proposal that was sent to the City of Maple Grove from Corcoran. Questioned the annexation process and if residents would be forced by Corcoran to annex into Maple Grove. Mayor Guenthner advised that it is a neighborhood issue and the City would not force anyone to annex to Maple Grove. Marla Riemer, 19114 – 81st Place – Questioned at what price Corcoran would consider annexing properties to Maple Grove. Councilor Thomas advised that financial considerations are not the driving consideration. Mayor Guenthner added that the City is hesitant to force an assessment expense on people that have functioning septic systems, and the Council would not bring sewer and water into the area without 100% consensus from the neighborhood. Jim Reynolds, property owner – Suggested that the City further explore Maple Grove’s suggestion of a land swap between Mama G’s and Appaloosa Woods. Someone has to be willing to take the first step, and neither party is willing to do that. Residents want good policy and services. Corcoran should start the process again. Council advised Mr. Reynolds that the idea of a “land swap” had never been discussed between the two cities. Engineer Vander Top advised the Council that staff from Maple Grove and Corcoran meet on a monthly basis. Suggested that the subject could be brought up at the next meeting on June 30. Mayor Guenthner advised that he would try to attend. Also suggested that Corcoran would attempt to schedule a neighborhood meeting after discussions are resumed with the City of Maple Grove. Consent Agenda MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda as follows: a. Approve the Regular Council Minutes of June 10, 2004, as presented. b. Approve payment of the June 24, 2004 Claims, #4334 -- 4378, in the amount of $175,771.75, as presented. c. Accept the Financial Statements for the month ending May 31, 2004, as presented, with the acknowledgement of Councilor Lymangood’s abstention from the approval of the month investment report, due to a potential perceived conflict of interest, because of the nature of his outside employment. Adopt Ordinance No. 196, amending Chapter 9, Section 955 of the Corcoran City Code, relating to Park Dedication, as recommended by staff and the Planning Commission. Jan Pederson Jeff Armbruster Marla Riemer Jim Reynolds Consent Agenda Approval CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2004 3 d. Adopt Resolution #2004 – 49, approving a conditional use permit (CUP) as requested by William Solyntjes and Lloyd Landkamer, 9000 Brandywine Road, to allow accessory living quarters to a principal agricultural use, allowing the demolition of the existing home and replacement with a new home, with conditions, as recommended by the Planning Commission. e. Approve the alternative septic system for 9410 Cherry Lane, to include a hold harmless agreement and monitoring and mitigation plans, as recommended by the Wastewater Commission. f. Adopt Resolution #2004 – 50, approving the Lawful Gambling Application allowing Bingo to be conducted at the Corcoran Lions Park, located at 7205 County Road 101, during the Hennepin County Fair from August 5 – 8, 2004, as described in the application. Planning Business Sign Ordinance Amendment – Setbacks MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 197, amending the text of Chapter 94 of the Corcoran City Code, entitled Corcoran Sign Ordinance, to allow signs to be set back 10 feet from lot lines. Sign Ordinance Amendment – Ball Field Signage Discussion was held regarding the proposed ordinance amendment to allow advertising signage on the ball field fencing at the City Park. Kevin Dale was present representing the Athletic Association. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the ordinance amendment. The Athletic Association would use revenue from the sale of advertising to improve the baseball program. They have explored the practicality of a scoreboard, but cannot afford to install one. Council suggested that the Athletic Association approach the Corcoran Jaycees and Corcoran Lions for additional donations. Chad Robran, representing the Corcoran Jaycees, was present and added that he would be willing to address with the Jaycees at their next meeting. Current funds are being used to improve the batting cage at the ball field. Council expressed concern that the Athletic Association is using operating funds to make capital improvements and requested that the Athletic Association identify needed improvements that the City may be able to make. Requested that Mr. Robran provide a report to the Council on this topic in one month. No further action taken. Unfinished Business SW District – Summary Statement Discussion was held regarding the summary statement prepared by Administrator Vergin at the request of the Council. Council suggested minor revisions and requested additional information be included regarding the City’s total Market Valuation. SW District – Scope of Infrastructure Study Engineer Vander Top was present to discuss the scope of a proposed infrastructure study for Highway 55. Council requested that the study address both water and sewer services to the area, together and separately. Planning Business Sign Ordinance Amendment regarding Setbacks Sign Ordinance Amendment – Ball Field Signage Unfinished Business SW District Summary Statement SW District Scope of Infrastructure Study CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2004 4 MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to direct the City Engineer to proceed with the Trunk Highway 55 Infrastructure Study of both water and sewer services to the area, at a cost not to exceed $20,000, with funds to be taken out of the implementation fund and tracked by staff. Goals and Objectives Workshop Follow Up Councilor Lymangood suggested that in an attempt to further communicate with the public regarding City Business, that staff establish a mailing list of meeting minutes via mail or email, possibly on a monthly basis. Clerk Tillmann advised that meeting minutes are also posted on the website once approved. Councilor Lymangood also commented that while the level of detail in the Council minutes is extremely helpful, they could possibly be more general in nature in order to reduce the amount of Clerk Tillmann’s time spent drafting them. Council concurred with Lymangood’s suggestion. Discussion was held regarding a news article appearing in the Star Tribune two weeks ago that referenced one of the City Planning Commission members as the largest developer in Corcoran. Councilor Lymangood feels that the City has a responsibility to respond to this false statement. Council directed staff to contact the reporter regarding the inaccurate statement and develop a list of the top five (5) developers in the City. Mayor Guenthner reported that he would be sending out a personal letter to residents within the next two weeks, addressing his views on why the Council has acted in the manner that they have regarding the facility expansion. Council agreed by unanimous consensus that the Fall City Newsletter should be sent out earlier than planned and should address strategic city issues such as the SW District, Parks and Trails and the Facility Expansion. Any additional ideas from Council should be forwarded to staff. New Business 2005 Budget Process Council reviewed the proposed 2005 Budget process and schedule and agreed that the schedule was appropriate. Changes would be made as necessary. No further action taken. Council and Staff Reports Police Department Report Council agreed by unanimous consensus to accept the monthly Police Department report as presented. Wastewater Commission Councilor Bucher provided a brief update regarding the activities of the Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the June 14, 2004 meeting were included in the packet for review, along with consent agenda item 5.f. The Wastewater Open House will be held on Monday, July 12, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. The commission is exploring a draft policy for I & I, and discussing imposing a penalty for non-compliance with the septic maintenance program. Direct Engineer to Proceed with TH 55 Infrastructure Study Goals and Objectives Workshop Follow – Up 2005 Budget Process Police Department Report Wastewater Commission Report CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2004 5 Parks and Trails Commission Councilor Lymangood reported that the Parks and Trails Commission reviewed 4 applications at the last meeting. Park Dedication revenue generated from those four applications will double the current Park Dedication fund. Mayor’s Report Mayor Guenthner announced that he would not be seeking another term as Mayor in the 2004 General Election. Mayoral filing is open from July 6 – 20, 2004. Council acknowledged the significance of Mayor Guenthner’s service to the community over the past eight years. MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. _______________________________ Kary Tillmann, City Clerk/Treasurer Parks and Trails Commission Report Mayor’s Report Adjournment