HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-23 Council Minutes - Part 2
CITY OF CORCORAN
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2003
1
The Corcoran City Council met in regular session on October 23, 2003 at City
Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota. Present were Councilors Gageby, Guenthner,
Lymangood, and Thomas. Councilor Bucher was excused absent. Also
present were Administrator Vergin, Clerk/Treasurer Tillmann, Code
Enforcement Official Reger, and Planner Lindahl. Mayor Guenthner called
the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
flag.
Mayor Guenthner expressed his appreciation to Acting Mayor Gageby for
serving in the mayoral capacity during his absence in September and October.
MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Gageby, and carried unanimously to
approve the agenda with the following addition:
• Pull consent agenda items i. and n. for separate consideration
• Discussion regarding electronic files under Planning Commission
Business
Open Forum
There were no requests from the public to speak during open forum.
Consent Agenda
MOTION by Gageby, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to
approve the consent agenda as follows:
a. Approve the Council Ordinance Workshop Minutes of September 25,
2003, as presented.
b. Approve the Council Budget Workshop Minutes of October 7, 2003,
as presented.
c. Approve the Regular Council meeting minutes of October 9, 2003, as
presented.
d. Approve the payment of claims #1836 - 1878, in the amount of
$69,901.93, as presented.
e. Accept the Budget Analysis for the month ending September 30,
2003, as presented, with the acknowledgement that Councilor
Lymangood abstains from the approval of the investment report due a
potential perceived conflict of interest because of the nature of his
outside employment.
f. Approve the following CIP Purchases:
• Toshiba E-Studio Digital Copier from Minnesota Copy Systems,
in the amount of $9,984.00, plus service contract in the amount of
$0.135 per copy, with funds to be taken from the Equipment
Certificates Fund (309).
• Nilfisk Advance 21” Track Drive self propelled Scrubber, with
brush attachment, in the amount of $4,682.80, with a 2 year labor
and 3 year parts warranty, with funds to be taken from the
Equipment Certificates Fund (309).
g. Adopt Resolution #2003-66, providing support to the Highway 55
Corridor Coalition, and approve participation in the Coalition
beginning January 1, 2004, with membership in the amount of
$250.00.
Call to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Acting Mayor Appreciation
Agenda Approval
Open Forum
Consent Agenda Approval
CITY OF CORCORAN
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2003
2
h. Approve the Interim Use Agreement with Mama G’s Properties, LLC,
maintaining the current use of the property until such time as utilities
are available to develop the property in a commercially feasible and
reasonable manner, subject to review of said agreement on an annual
basis, or other times as needed, subject to the terms and conditions
outlined in the agreement.
j. Reschedule the November 27, 2003 City Council meeting for
Thursday, November 20, 2003, due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
k. Adopt Resolution #2003-67, approving the Septic Variance requested
by Robert and Sharon Halvorson, for the installation of a septic
system that does not meet the 10-foot setback requirement at 6795
Rolling Hills Road, as recommended by the Wastewater Commission.
l. Adopt Resolution #2003-68, approving the Septic Repair requested by
Edward and Deborah Roth, for the repair of a septic system at 19800
Olde Sturbridge Road, as recommended by the Wastewater
Commission.
m. Adopt Resolution #2003 – 69 authorizing the gambling application
submitted by the Corcoran Lions for lawful gambling to be conducted
at the 10-50 Club, 20115 County Road 10, Corcoran, as described in
the application.
Planning Commission Business
Nursery and Greenhouse Ordinance Amendment
Planner Lindahl provided an overview of the ordinance amendment restricting
the operation of nurseries and greenhouses in the R-1 and A-1 zoning districts.
On September 25, 2003, the City Council held a meeting with the local
Greenhouse and Nursery owners to discuss the proposed ordinance changes.
Approximately 10 individuals attended the meeting and discussion focused on
access, lighting, and retail hours. Staff is recommending approval of the
resolution amending the Zoning Ordinance related to nurseries and
greenhouses.
MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Gageby, and carried unanimously to
adopt Ordinance #190, amending the Zoning Ordinance related to nurseries
and greenhouses in the R-1 and A-1 Zoning Districts.
Kemna Subdivision
Discussion was held regarding consent agenda item 5.n. Kemna Subdivision.
Planner Lindahl advised that the applicant, Ed Kemna, has requested approval
of a preliminary and final plat for “Strehler Road Addition” at 22060 Strehler
Road. The parcel is approximately 40 acres and the applicant owner is
proposing to divide the plat into one 9.05-acre parcel and one 30.75-acre
parcel with a proposed new home. The Planning Commission reviewed this
application at their October 2, 2003 meeting, and voted unanimously to
recommend approval of the preliminary and final plat with the condition the
applicant remove the accessory buildings or increase the size of the Lot 2 to
comply with ordinance limits on accessory structures, and that the applicant
either adjust the lot line to meet the 100-foot setback for accessory structures,
Nursery/Greenhouse Ordinance
Amendment
Adopt Ordinance No. 190
Kemna Subdivision
CITY OF CORCORAN
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2003
3
or remove the horses. The applicant chose to increase the size of Lot 2 in
order to comply with both conditions.
The applicant was also requested to provide a copy of the driveway easement,
which indicated that the private driveway could serve a maximum of 2 houses.
The house that the applicant intends to build would be the third house served
by the private drive. Planner Lindahl conferred with City Attorney Carson,
who advised that the driveway easement would have to be amended in order to
service the third house. The applicant is also requesting approval of the
building permit for the new home prior to the filing the final plat. Attorney
Carson has advised against approving the building permit at this time because
of several outstanding issues.
Mayor Guenthner advised that he was not aware that there was a limit as to the
number of houses that could be served by a private driveway. There are many
in the City that do not conform to this regulation.
MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Lymangood, and carried unanimously to
approve consent agenda item 5.n. as follows:
n. Adopt Resolution #2003 – 70, approving the request for preliminary
and final plat approval of “Strehler Road Addition” requested by
Edward Kemna, with conditions, as recommended by the Planning
Commission.
Further discussion was held regarding the applicant’s request for approval of
the building permit for the new residence. Comments were heard from the
applicant, Ed Kemna, regarding approval of the building permit. Mr. Kemna
was requesting approval due to the time of year and the need to be out of his
existing home, which has been sold.
Planner Lindahl advised that there are several outstanding issues, such as the
conditions outlined in the resolution, the amendment to the driveway
easement, and the drainage and utility easements need to be amended on the
plat. She advised that these issues could be taken care of within a week, if the
applicant worked quickly. Staff is expediting the process as much as possible,
based on when information is received from the applicant.
Council agreed by unanimous consensus that it was not appropriate to approve
the building permit at this time because there is no demonstrated hardship and
also due to the number of outstanding issues pertaining to the plat. Councilor
Lymangood added that it would be appropriate to remind applicants of the
timeframe and number of required approvals throughout the planning process,
at the time applications are submitted.
Approve Consent Agenda Item 5.n.
Kemna Preliminary and Final Plat
Consideration of Building Permit
Approval
CITY OF CORCORAN
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2003
4
Electronic Files
Administrator Vergin advised that this topic was discussed at the October 16,
2003 Special Council Meeting. Staff was requesting clarification on several
points and asked Council to reiterate their discussion from that meeting.
Councilor Gageby advised that his first impression was that this requirement
would be placed on all applications and was concerned that it would cause an
undue burden on some parties. However, agrees that the standard is not
unreasonable.
Planner Lindahl advised that single and two-family homes on existing
properties would be exempt from the requirement. Also, simple land divisions
creating two lots or less could also be exempt. The requirement would apply
to most other types of planning applications, including Conditional Use
Permits for accessory structures, plats, commercial developments, etc.
Councilor Lymangood agreed that it would be a good practice to eliminate
issues of accuracy on surveys and plans. However, expressed concern about
setting one standard that would apply to all circumstances and having no
flexibility. Questioned if exemptions or allowances could be granted and if
Council would be the appropriate body to make that decision. Planner Lindahl
agreed to draft standards and criteria pertaining to electronic files and a listing
of circumstances that may be allowed an exemption for review and discussion
at the next Council meeting.
Comments were heard from Tom Cossette, 9200 Shannon Lane, who offered
that Council should be mindful of what they are trying to accomplish by
requiring electronic files as opposed to hand drawn documents, and suggested
that in order to accept planning applications electronically, appropriate
software and qualified staff are also necessary.
Unfinished Business
Framework for a New Understanding between Corcoran and Maple Grove
Councilor Lymangood advised that he had drafted this document as a starting
point for discussion with the City of Maple Grove regarding issues of mutual
benefit of residents in both communities. In the past, Council had been
addressing resident needs on an individual basis, however it seems appropriate
to take a more global approach to issues that the two cities have in common.
Slight revisions were suggested for the document. Council agreed by
unanimous consensus that a joint working group is needed between the two
cities outside of the Council setting. Councilor Lymangood will make the
necessary changes and agreed to present the document to the Maple Grove
City Council in the near future.
Koble Agreement
Discussion was held regarding consent agenda item i. Koble agreement.
Administrator Vergin advised that there was a slight modification to item #3
of the agreement to state that at the time that sewer services are available in
Corcoran, the Koble’s would disconnect from Maple Grove services and be
Electronic Files for Planning Applications
Public Comment
Framework for a New
Understanding between Cities
Koble Agreement
required to connect to Corcoran’s
services. Maple Grove is
agreeable to this change. Council
was also advised that the Koble’s
would have a separate agreement
CITY OF CORCORAN
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2003
5
with the City of Maple Grove.
MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to
approve consent agenda item 5.i. as follows:
i. Approve the Agreement with the City of Maple Grove to pr ovide
sewer service to the property located at 9435 County Road 101, as
amended, upon payment of the required charges of execution to the
City of Maple Grove by the property owner, contingent upon approval
of the agreement by the Metropolitan Council, with said agreement on
file at the Corcoran City Office.
New Business
Parks & Trails Commission Review Process
Councilor Lymangood advised that the Parks and Trails Commission (PTC)
had taken action at their last meeting to review all development applicatio ns
prior to their submission and review by the Planning Commission, on a one -
year trial basis. He explained that the PTC would review and make a
recommendation to the Planning Commission, which would also be included
with the Planning Commission’s recommendation to the City Council.
Extensive discussion was held regarding how this would affect the planning
process and the timing for the applicant. Councilor Gageby suggested that a
sub-committee on the PTC be developed to review applications
simultaneously with the Planning Commission in an effort to save time or
stream line the process. Council agreed by unanimous consensus to have the
PTC develop the procedure for this review process, and provide a
recommendation to the Council.
Staff Reports
Code Enforcement Quarterly Report
Council reviewed the quarterly report submitted by Code Enforcement Official
Reger, specifically addressing issues requiring additional attention, as listed on
the final page of the report. Mayor Guenthner suggested that CEO Reger
acquire the ATV ordinance from Washington County and possibly the City of
Greenfield to assist in addressing snowmobile and ATV issues. In regards to
fencing around swimming pools, Council was advised that the City would
need to adopt the State code separately in order to enforce a fencing
requirement for swimming pools. Council suggested that CEO Reger contact
the City of Plymouth for further information and prepare a draft document for
Council consideration at a later date.
In-House Training Topics
Administrator Vergin advised that staff is in the process of coordinating in-
house training sessions for Council and Planning Commission this winter, and
would like some direction on topics to be addressed. Possible suggestions
Approve Consent Agenda Item 5.i.
Agreement with Maple Grove
Parks and Trails Commission
Review Process
Code Enforcement Officer
Quarterly Report
In-House Training Topics
included processes for
development, pitfalls, Council and
Commission discretion, land use
law, applications, impact fees,
CITY OF CORCORAN
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2003
6
variances, legalities, grand fathering, and legal non-conforming buildings and
properties and channeled or structured growth. Council feels that staff is
capable of providing the training, but questioned if it would be more cost-
effective to have a 3rd party conduct the training. Council directed staff to
check with the League of Minnesota Cities and other resources.
MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Gageby and carried unanimously to
adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
_____________________________
Kary Tillmann, City Clerk/Treasurer
Adjournment