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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-18 Council Minutes CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2003 1 The Corcoran City Council met on December 18, 2003 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota. Present were Councilors Bucher, Guenthner, Lymangood, and Thomas. Also present were Administrator Vergin, Clerk/Treasurer Tillmann, Engineer Vander Top and Planner Lindahl. Mayor Guenthner called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Bucher, and carried unanimously to approve the agenda as presented. Open Forum There was one request from the public to speak during open forum. After further discussion, it was determined that it was most appropriate for Ms. Carter’s comments regarding housing density to be heard during discussion of the subdivision regulations. Councilor Gageby was present at 6:09 p.m. Consent Agenda MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to approve the consent agenda, with the exception of item d as follows: a. Approve the Special Council Meeting minutes of October 16, 2003, as presented. b. Approve the Regular Council Meeting minutes of December 11, 2003, as presented. c. Approve the payment of claims #2006 – 2057, in the amount of $100,679.42, as presented. Discussion was held regarding consent agenda item 5.d. Medica Premium Reduction. Administrator Vergin advised that Medica, the City’s Health Insurance Provider, has reduced December medical insurance premiums by 50 percent. Staff is recommending that the Council waive the December employee portion of the health insurance premium for three employees that contribute additional funds above the City’s monthly contribution amount. MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to approve consent agenda item 5.d. as follows: d. Authorize waiving the December Medica premium by 50% for employees that contribute over and above the $500 monthly City contribution. Unfinished Business Adoption of 2004 Levy and Budget Discussion was held regarding the 2004 Levy and Budget. Two options to reduce the levy were presented by Administrator Vergin. The Council was advised that the actual budget had not changed, but that with Option A the levy could be reduced from the preliminary budget by 0.46%. However if Option B Call to Order Roll call Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Approval Open Forum Consent Agenda Approval Medica Premium Reduction Approve Consent Agenda Item 5.d. Adoption of 2004 Levy and Budget were chosen it would reduce the levy by 2.87%. Option B allows the City to utilize its full levy limit CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2003 2 for general operation, while reducing the debt levy. MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, to adopt Resolution #2003 – 80, adopting the final 2004 budget and tax levy, with a total levy of $1,556,778. Roll call: Bucher, aye; Gageby, aye; Guenthner, aye; Lymangood, naye, because he feels the levy is still too high; Thomas, aye. Motion carried. SW Area Extension of Services Engineer Vander Top addressed the proposal submitted to the City of Medina in September regarding the extension of services to the Southwest area. The City would like to approach Medina again regarding with a modified proposal. Administrator Vergin advised that the City can use TIF monies to fund a study regarding service needs. Area charges could then be assessed to recoup funds expended. Councilor Lymangood added that it would be prudent to also include the City of Loretto. MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to communicate the modified proposal to the City of Medina, for discussion at a future Medina City Council meeting. New Business 2004 Appointments Discussion was held regarding the Organization and Annual Appointments for 2004. Mayor Guenthner advised that it has been past practice to have Council members serve as acting Mayor on a rotating basis. Also advised that he has been a strong advocate for community involvement and prefers not to have one person appointed to two different committees, in order to allow more people to be involved in city issues, however, acknowledges that sometimes it is necessary, due to the small pool of applicants. Councilor Lymangood requested to be appointed as the alternate to the NW League of Cities. Discussion continued regarding appointments to the Planning Commission. Five applications were received and Commissioner Stieg also expressed an interest in being reappointed. MOTION by Gageby, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to reappoint Commissioners Andersen, Kohnen and Stieg to the Planning Commission, each for a three year term, expiring December 31, 2006. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Lymangood, and carried unanimously to appoint John Spaeth to fill the regular Commission seat vacated by Commissioner Walli, for a three year term, expiring December 31, 2006. MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to reappoint Alternate Commissioner Johnson to the Planning Commission for a one year term, expiring December 31, 2006, and direct staff to solicit applications for the vacant 2nd alternate seat, to be appointed at the February 12, 2004 Council Meeting. Adopt Resolution #2003 – 80 – 2004 Levy and Budget SW Area Extension of Services Communicate modified proposal to City of Medina 2004 Appointments Re-appointment of Regular Planning Commission Members Appointment of Regular Planning Commission Member Appointment of Alternate Planning Commission Member CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2003 3 The following public comment was received: Ken Kluck, 20500 County Road 50, questioned why there was no appointment to the Elm Creek Watershed. Administrator Vergin advised that the appointment to the ECWS was made recently and was not up for reappointment at this time. Discussion was held regarding appointments to the Wastewater Commission. Three applications were received and Councilor Bucher also requested that Loren Kohnen be considered for appointment as a regular member. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Lymangood, and carried unanimously to make the following appointments to the Wastewater Commission: Regular Members will include Loren Kohnen, Tom Cossette and Gordon Koehler, each for a three year term, expiring December 31, 2006; and Alternate Members to include John Spaeth and Charles LaBerge, each for a one year term, expiring December 31, 2004. Discussion was held regarding appointments to the Home Occupation Commission. There are a total of five vacancies (two regular seats and three alternate seats) on the commission for 2004 MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to make the following appointments to the Home Occupation Commission: Regular Members will include the reappointment of Ken Guenthner and Ken Kluck, each for a two year term, expiring December 31, 2005; and reappoint Alternate Members John Bucher and Loren Kohnen, each for a one year term, expiring December 31, 2004; and leave the 2nd alternate seat vacant until additional applications are received. Discussion was held regarding Council liaisons to the various commissions. Council agreed by unanimous consensus to discuss liaison appointments at the January 8, 2004 Council meeting. MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution #2003 – 81, designating the annual appointments for the City of Corcoran for 2004. Extension of Liquor Establishment Hours to 2:00 a.m. Administrator Vergin advised the Council that Mama G’s has requested an extension of hours to a 2:00 a.m. closing time. Council directed staff to proceed with the preparation of a draft ordinance and fee schedule for consideration at a later date. Council also requested feedback from Police Chief Schutte regarding the impact of a later bar closing time in the City. Public Comment Wastewater Commission Appointment of Regular and Alternate Members Home Occupation Commission Appointment of Regular and Alternate Members City Council Liaison to Commissions Adopt Resolution #2003 – 81 – Annual Appointments Extension of Liquor Establishment Hours CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2003 4 Planning Business Land Use Plan – Rural Commercial Area Boundaries Planner Lindahl reported on a request by Roger Masica that his property be zoned residential, not Rural Commercial (CR) as shown on the draft zoning map. Mr. Masica is one of three property owners with property at the southeast corner of County Road 19 and County Road 30 with property planned for Rural Commercial. All three property owners would like the property zoned residential, and expressed concern that the homes would be considered as legal, non-conforming uses in the CR District, which could have ramifications for the homeowners in the future if the homes were damaged to more than 50% of the value by unforeseen circumstances. A classification of legal, non-conforming could also affect the future sale or re-finance of the properties for homeowners. Staff has identified three options for Council consideration: • Retain the existing Rural Service/Commercial land use designation and proposed CR Zoning • Re-guide the property from Rural Service/Commercial to Rural Residential and zone the property RR (Rural Residential) to be consistent with the amended land use plan • Amend the CR District standards to allow single family homes Council discussed access to County Road 30. Engineer Vander Top speculated that the County would most likely request at least ¼ mile. Council also questioned the possibility or likelihood of allowing single family homes in that area if it is zoned for commercial use. Staff strongly recommends not allowing single family as an allowed use because single family homes are not consistent with the intent of the CR District. Commissioner Ebert noted that the powerline serves as a boundary line and added that the homes can’t be seen from the south edge of the commercial area, and the commercial can’t be seen from the north looking south. Engineer Vander Top added that there is no access to the area from the east, and that the power line can be a detriment to the value of residential property. Council would like to accommodate property owners as much as possible. Re-guiding the property would require an amendment to the Comp Plan, as well as a public hearing and submission of the request to the Met Council. Councilor Gageby added that he doesn’t feel there is a compelling reason to change the zoning, as there were valid reasons to guide the property as CR when the Comp Plan was revised. MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Thomas, to re-guide the property north of the power line from Rural Service/Commercial (CR) to Rural Residential and zone the property as Rural Residential (RR), to be consistent with the amended land use plan, directing staff to prepare a Comp Plan Amendment Application for review by the Met Council, expressing a preference to see the property rezoned as Rural Service/Commercial (CR) in the future as practical. Roll call: Bucher, aye; Gageby, naye; Guenthner, aye; Lymangood, aye; Thomas, aye. Motion carried. Land Use Plan – Rural Commercial Area Boundaries Options Approve Rezoning CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2003 5 Implementation Business Draft Subdivision Ordinance Discussion was held regarding revisions to the subdivision ordinance. Planner Lindahl advised that changes were prepared in response to comments received at the October Special Council Meeting. The majority of the changes were technical in nature, but substantive changes were made regarding electronic files and Open Space Preservation (OSP) Plats. Council agreed by unanimous consensus to direct staff to proceed with the recommended changes to the subdivision ordinance regarding electronic filing. Further discussion was held regarding OSP Plats and how bonus rights would be awarded. Council agreed by unanimous consensus that points should not be awarded for the use of a centralized wastewater treatment system. Rae Ann Carter, 15973 – 72nd Place, Maple Grove, read aloud a letter into the record, expressing concerns with the proposed subdivision regulations and housing density allowances. Ms. Carter and her husband own a 20-acre parcel on Mohawk Drive in Corcoran. A copy of Ms. Carter’s letter is attached to these meeting minutes and identified as Attachment A. Draft Zoning Ordinance Discussion was held regarding revisions to the zoning ordinance. Planner Lindahl advised that changes were prepared in response to comments received at the October Special Council Meeting. Like the Subdivision Ordinance, the majority of the changes were technical in nature, but substantive changes were made regarding definitions to better reflect the intent of the ordinance, District Regulations addressing outside storage in the BP District and side and rear setbacks, the requirement for electronic files and exceptions to filing electronically, and the appeals process. Staff was also requesting guidance regarding a resident request for a zoning change of their property. David Foy, 8115 County Road 116, has asked that his property be rezoned to MF (Multi-Family 1) to be consistent with the adjacent property to the south. Councilor Lymangood abstained from the discussion, due to the proximity of his residence to the Foy property. Council agreed by unanimous consensus to defer any action on this issue until Mr. Foy makes a formal request to the City for rezoning. Mayor Guenthner declared a recess at 7:46 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Infrastructure Engineer Vander Top was present to discuss Infrastructure Planning and Subdivision Ordinance issues. Council was advised that none of the items for discussion required Council action at this time. Discussion centered primarily on the following five topics: Erosion Control Section of the Subdivision Ordinance Temporary and permanent erosion control will play an important role in Draft Subdivision Ordinance Staff Direction OSP Plats Letter read into the record Draft Zoning Ordinance Request for re-zoning Recess Infrastructure Erosion Control CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2003 6 limiting and controlling the environmental impact of development. Engineer Jennifer Hildebrand, Bonestroo, Rosene and Anderlik, has provided comments regarding the ordinance, which will be incorporated into this section of the ordinance. Council was advised that the City currently requires sediment control, but the ordinance is a higher standard. Design Standards Ordinance This topic involves such things as street widths, boulevards, sidewalks, etc. What is outlined in the ordinance is typical of street widths, and staff recommends that Council not deviate from the widths outlined in the ordinance. There is pressure to narrow the street widths from the current standard, which has pros and cons. Staff will seek input from the local Fire Departments and the Police Department regarding appropriate widths. Right - of-way widths could be reduced to 50 feet in some areas. Engineering Design Standards Council reviewed the Engineering Design Standards Index for the City of Farmington. Staff recommends that Corcoran mirror these as a starting point for drafting our own standards. This section would also address standards for private streets, if such streets would be allowed in the City. Engineering Design Standards include such things as pipe materials, hydrant types, manhole types and covers, street lighting, landscaping, etc. City Public Works staff would give input for the design standards, as well as local Fir e Department and the Police Department before adoption by Council. Development Contract Ordinance This discussion centered on the manner in which public infrastructure is delivered. There are different options available to the City regarding design, construction and financing of infrastructure. It is the City’s goal to work in partnership with the Development Community to construct quality infrastructure. Engineer Vander Top outlined four options, advised that there are pros and cons for each, and also recommended that the City mirror the City of Farmington’s Development Contract Ordinance. Comments were heard from Terry Forbord, Laurent Development, regarding the four options presented by Engineer Vander Top, who stated that he would appreciate some time during the January 15, 2004 Council meeting to discuss developer design, construction and financing of improvements. Some discussion was held regarding flooding issues in the City of Albertville earlier in the summer and Council requested additional information regarding the flooding issue as related to engineering design. Trunk Area Charges Engineer Vander Top reviewed the anticipated trunk area charges, and balance between area charges and connection fees. Also provided a comparison between Corcoran’s proposed charges and those of neighboring communities. Engineer Vander Top advised that planning costs are small compared to the actual costs of construction and infrastructure. Design Standards Ordinance Engineering Standards Development Contract Ordinance Public Comment Trunk Area Charges Review of November 18 Open House and Next Steps Staff prepared on overview report of the November 18, 2003 Open CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2003 7 House, which details comments received. Planner Lindahl has also prepared a tour book for the Council self-guided tour of different residential developments, for the January 15, 2004 meeting. Staff has identified 11 communities to visit. In conjunction, staff will be developing an infrastructure cash flow plan, and finalizing the concept report. The Design standards and engineering design guidelines must be finished and staff will be working on more detailed planning regarding sewer and water management and transportation planning. Additional Services Authorization Administrator Vergin advised that Landform has submitted a request authorization for additional services relating to the Zoning Ordinance Updates, in the amount of $9,530.00. MOTION by Lymangood, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to approve the authorization for additional services relating to the Zoning Ordinance Updates for Landform, in the amount of $9,530.00. Staff and Council Reports Meeting with Maple Grove Councilor Lymangood advised that he attended the City of Maple Grove Council meeting on December 15, 2003, but was not on the agenda. City Administrator Al Madsen presented the proposal to the Maple Grove City Council. Councilor Gageby offered to follow up with Council Members through his affiliation with the NW League of Cities. Mayor Guenthner expressed his gratitude to the Council and staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Council Bucher commended the Mayor’s leadership. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Lymangood, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 p.m. _____________________________ Kary Tillmann, City Clerk/Treasurer Review of November 18 Open House Additional Services Authorization Approve authorization Meeting with Maple Grove Expression of Gratitude from Mayor Adjournment