Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-24 Council Minutes98 Q CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 24, 1997 CALL TO ORDERIROLL CALL Mayor Larkin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Members present were: Mayor Larkin and City Councilors: Ken Kluck, Dixie Lindsley, and Ken Guenthner. Member(s) Absent: Ernie Mayers. Also present: City Clerk Stacy Doboszenski, Police Officer John Hamilton, Deputy Clerk Judy Splett, City Engineer Vince Vander Top, City Planner Gary Eitel, and City Assessors Ann Risch and Rolf Erickson. There were approximately 35 people in attendance at the meeting. OPEN FORUM The open forum was not held due to the Board of Review. BOARD OF REVIEW Mayor Larkin introduced the Board of Review meeting at 7:02 P.M. and asked for public input. The following people addressed the Board of Review: Joseph Sarkis, 23360 Oakdale Drive Mr. Sarkis addressed the Council on the raise in his valuation and the fact that there is still a water problem on the property. Mr. Sarkis was encouraged to make an appointment with the Assessors, and they will come out to his property. Jeff Stevens 7890 Eagle Rid e R ad Mr. Stevens did not address the Council, stating his questions had been answered. Don Jeszewski 6215 Willow Drive Mr. Jeszewski stated that he will be back on May 8th for the Assessor's recommendation. Paul Jacobs 8020 Strehler Road Mr. Jacobs addressed the Council and questioned whether or not the assessors take into account the age and condition of the septic systems in Corcoran when placing values on property. He expressed a concern of properties being over assessed because of the need to upgrade the septic system. Mr. Jacobs also explained the costs involved, when people sell their properties, because of the need to replace the existing septic system. Rolf Erickson, City Assessor, explained what happens at the point of sale in regard to the septic system. He stated that there were 65 sales last year and only 14 septic permits issued. Mr. Jacobs informed the Council that the need for replacement is another law that will be coming our way. Wayne Steege, 22125 Horseshoe Trail Mr. Steege addressed the Council and explained he feels the value for his property is set too high and that this may have happened because of the multiple sales and appraisal that happened in-between the sales. Mr. Steege was urged to make an appointment with the assessors. Darcie Becker on behalf of Donald Duffne 20430 Duffney Circle Ms. Becker questioned the Council on how the value of Mr. Duffney's property was determined. The City Assessors explained that they do not use comparable, that they do a mass appraisal of the whole City. The Assessors also explained that new homes are assessed the same way as existing homes; based on quality, size, and age. Mayor Larkin then wanted to clarify an insert he found in the Sunday paper stating that Corcoran taxes 14 cents on the dollar, and not the 26% that the paper stated. 99 Larry Todd, 7800 Maple Hill Road Mr. Todd addressed the Council questioning why the value of his mobile home was $4000 higher that what he paid for it. Ann Risch, City Assessor, explained that they do not assess the mobile homes in Corcoran, that is done by the County. Mr. Todd was introduced to Chris Bennett, an assessor for Hennepin County, and was able to make an appointment for review by the County. Curt Johnson, 23885 Pioneer Trail Mr. Johnson addressed the Council stating that his value was increased $1.6,000, $10,000 of which is for new improvements. Mr. Johnson was encouraged to make an appointment with the City Assessors. After the last person testified, the Council announced that the Board of Review would reconvene Thursday, May 8, 1997 at 7:00 F.M. SET AGENDA The agenda was set with the following additions: • Paul Jacobs asked to address the Council • Tom Ess asked to address the Council • Bill Halverstadt asked to address the Council • Loucks & Associates Engineers had written a letter to the Council asking for action REVISED CONTRACT WITH NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER Councilor Lindsley explained the background behind the request of the Church to use the Civic Center room every Wednesday night. Daryl Krueger, a representative of the church, was present to speak on behalf of the church. Lindsley informed the Council about the meeting she had with Pastor Derek Van der Merwe, explaining that there are many things out-of-date on the contract. There was a discussion between Councilor Lindsley, staff, and the representatives of the church, regarding some problems that had been occurring. Lindsley told the representatives that an alternative for them using the whole facility on Wednesday nights might be to find a larger location. Council decided the next step will be to write up a new contract with the church. INTERNSHIP POSITION DISCUSSION On a motion by Lindsley, seconded by Guenthner, to bring the hiring of an intern back on the table for discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Larkin referred to the letter to the editor in the Crow River News and clarified that the only motion he made was to hire the intern. Councilor Lindsley explained the survey she conducted with five other cities; Ramsey, Plymouth, Carver, Anoka, and Maple Grove. Lindsley then informed the Council that she made an offer of $11 an hour to the intern that was hired, and that the intern turned down her offer and submitted two proposals to the City. There was a lengthy discussion between Council and members of the audience: • Proposed rate of pay is more than the City can afford to pay • Advertise publicly for the intern position • Lack of management staff for supervision of the intern 100 On a motion by Lindsley, seconded by Muck, to rescind the previous motion of hiring the intern. Motion carried unanimously. There was then a discussion on the proposal Loren Kohnen made to the City to work four hours a week to assist in planning and zoning. The following was discussed: • Concern of a conflict of interest • Possible leave of absence from the Planning Commission Loren explained that he has never had a conflict of interest issue arise in his many years of service. Mr. Halverstadt then mentioned the possibility of the Council endorsing the Hennepin Rural Utilities Co-op (HRUC) as a consulting firm for the intern. There was a discussion among the audience. On a motion by Lindsley, seconded by Kluck, to hire Loren Kohnen for four hours a week, to work on a day other than Thursday, on an interim basis, and to check with the City Attorney regarding a conflict of interest. Motion carried unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISONS WITH CITY DEPARTMENT HEADS Councilor Guenthner introduced this item. His suggestions were the following: • Meet with staff members once a month • Be available by phone during the month • Talk about issues staff does not feel comfortable handling on their own • Having liaisons instead of commissioners, working together to educate both staff and Council • Four areas of focus are: (1) administration (2) public works (3) police and (4) planning and zoning There was a discussion among the Council and it was suggested that parks be included in the four areas. On a motion by Guenthner, seconded by Lindsley, to establish four areas as additional duties for the Council members, to have individual members identified to work with a specific department, and to meet once a month with the staff from that department. Motion carried unanimously. Council then decided to appoint departments to Councilors at the next meeting after each Council member had a chance to think about the department they wish to work with. On a motion by Guenthner, seconded by Lindsley, to evaluate the idea of liaisons after one year, rotate the liaisons to different departments, and consider if it is effective. Motion carried unanimously. PETITION FOR ASPHALTING 66TH AVENUE AND PARK TRAIL ROAD Vince Vander Top, City Engineer, explained to the Council that he has evaluated the front footage to verify the validity of the petition. He reported that there is 5100 feet of frontage on both 66th Avenue and Park Trail Road, 3770 feet was owned by Mr. Mason representing 74% and 1350 feet is owned by the signers of the petition representing 26%. He then reported that the petition before the Council is not a valid petition because it does not represent 35% of the front footage property owners. There was a lengthy discussion among Mr. Mason, residents along Park Trail Road, and the Council regarding the safety of the road, the maintenance of the road, and the difficulty of getting onto County Road 1 16. It was then discussed to pave only Park Trail Road. Vince reported that there is 3200 feet of frontage on Park Trail Road, and that 42% is owned by the signers of the petition. Gary Eitel explained that with 35% of petitioners owning the property, the project can move 101 forward with a 3/5 vote from the Council. However, the Council can initiate the project with a 4/5 vote if there is less than 35% of property owners. There was a discussion regarding Mr. Mason's property being on green acres and that the assessments would be levied, but deferred. Mr. Mason then stated there are no building places for homes on 66th Avenue. On a motion by Guenthner to order feasibility studies for both 66th Avenue and Park Trail Road, but that they be studied separately, Motion died due to lack of a second. There was a discussion regarding the costs involved in performing the feasibility study and the validity of the current petition. Council suggested that if the property owners along Park Trail Road want to pursue blacktop, that another petition be signed for Park Trail Road only. Lindsley suggested that the residents on Park Trail Road speak directly to the public works department and engineer regarding the maintenance of the road. DISCUSSION ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS Councilor Guenthner introduced the idea of having a consultant address the Council on the process involved in a comprehensive plan amendment. There was a discussion among the Council and audience regarding have Metropolitan Council critique the comprehensive plan to save money. Gary suggested creating a framework for the consultant to work with. On a motion by Lindsley, seconded by Larkin, to invite consultants to speak on the comprehensive planning process. Motion carried unanimously. MEETING AND AGENDA PROCEDURES On a motion by Guenthner, seconded by Lindsley, to approve Resolution No. 1997 - 30, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AGENDA PROCEDURES FOR THE CITY OF CORCORAN. Motion carried unanimously. Councilor Guenthner informed the public of the details of the Resolution. APPOINTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS There was a discussion among members of the audience and Council regarding the advertisement, or lack thereof, of the open positions on the Home Business Committee and Personnel Committee. It was discussed to re -advertise for the positions in the Crow River News or to do a newsletter. There was a lengthy discussion between Council and the audience. On a motion by Guenthner, seconded by Kluck, to constitute members to serve on the committees at the next meeting. Motion carried unanimously. 102 CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Larkin clarified the motion to hire the intern that was in the April 10, 1997 minutes. On a motion by Kluck, seconded by Lindsley, to approve the following consent agenda items: -Approval of List of Claims #331 - 362 -Approval of the April 10, 1997 City Council Minutes Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION Correspondence No action was taken OTHER BUSINESS Loucks & Associates Letter John Berg, designer for the Craig Scherber subdivision Acacia Hills, wrote a letter asking the Council to allow the construction of two model homes prior to the issuance of the final plat. Gary Eitel explained that there is one building right for the property as it is now. On a motion by Kluck, seconded by Lindsley, to delay making a decision until the May S, 1997 City Council meeting. Tom Ess Mr. Ess addressed Mayor Larkin and questioned who wrote and prepared the letter to the Mayor of Loretto regarding the joint water tower project. Frank Larkin answered stating that Paul Jacobs had offered to draft the letter as a volunteer. Frank also stated he rejected the first draft, had Paul re -type another letter, and Frank signed the second copy including a hand written post script. Councilor Lindsley informed Mr. Ess that she felt Loretto should be aware of where Corcoran stands on the issue of a joint water system, both verbally and written, so she encouraged Mr. Jacobs to help Frank create a letter. Paul Jacobs Mr. Jacobs gave Council a hand-out on waste water technologies and encouraged the Council to continue to negotiate with the University of Minnesota. Councilor Guenthner suggested that Paul come to the Sewer Task Force Committee on Monday, April 28, 1997 and to bring his information to that meeting. Bill Halverstadt Mr. Halverstadt addressed the Council asking them to formally endorse the HRUC. He then asked that the endorsement of the HRUC be placed on the May 8, 1997 Council Agenda. Councilor Kluck asked Mr. Halverstadt what the cost would be to the residents of Corcoran if the Council endorsed the HRUC. Mr. Halverstadt replied stating nothing at first. Councilor Guenthner invited the public to the Sewer Task Force Committee and to discuss this item at that time. ADJOURN Mayor Larkin adjourned the meeting at 10:02 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. ATTEST: City IQerkJ 4 4.1, Mayor