HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-22 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
November 223 2021 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on November 22, 2021, in Corcoran, Minnesota. The City Council meeting
was held in person and the public was present in person and remotely through electronic means using the
audio and video conferencing platform Zoom.
Mayor McKee, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Nichols, Councilor Schultz, and Councilor Vehrenkamp were
present.
City Administrator Martens, Administrative Services Director Beise, City Planner Lindahl, and Director of
Public Safety Gottschalk were present. Planner Davis and Public Works Director Mattson were present via
electronic means.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
Mayor McKee called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor McKee invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
City Administrator Martens noted additional public comments were received via email for item 8c-
Concpet Plan for Pulte Hackamore Properties. City Administrator Martens noted the public comment
opportunities and the 5-minute public comment speaker limit.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Bottema to approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
Commi
ssion Representatives
Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioners Lanterman and Jacobs were present, and Parks and
Trails Commissioner Strehler were present via electronic means.
5. Open Forum (Public CommentOpportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment
opportunity. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to participate in the
meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through
telephone or computer. No residents participated in the public comment opportunity.
Councilor Vehrenkamp noted the absence of Bechtold Road signs on County Road 10, County Road
30, and on Oakdale Road. Councilor Vehrenkamp also noted the Century Link cross box remains
unrepaired from a previous accident.
City Administrator Martens noted Century Link was notified of damage and cross box is scheduled as
a low -priority repair. Council discussed utilizing the nuisance ordinance as an option in rectifying the
damaged Century Link cross box. Council directed staff to review missing Bechtold Road signs.
6. Presentations/Recognitions
a. Resolution Honoring Meredith Wu
Administrative Services Director Beise noted Ms. Wu was present via electronic means. Mayor McKee
read the Resolution honoring Ms. Wu for her service on the Planning Commission. Council thanked Ms.
Wu for her 10 years of service on the Planning Commission noting her unique perspective and dialogue
on the Planning Commission.
MOTION: by McKee, seconded by Schultz to approve Resolution 2021-126 Honoring Planning
Commissioner Meredith Wu.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
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(Motion carried 5:0)
7. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of November 10, 2021 Council Meeting
b. Financial Claims
c. Nonconformities Section 1030.010 Zoning
d. Clarification of Benefits — Non -union Police Officers
e. Interim Administrator Appointment
f. CSAH 101 and Future 1051 Avenue Turn Lane Improvements — Pay Request 1
g. Corcoran Trail Street Improvements — Pay Request 1
h. Preliminary Plat and Variance Application for Skies Limit LLC "Bechtold Farms" at 10165
Bechtold Road
MOTION: made by Botfiema, seconded by McKee to approve consent agenda ifiems 7a-g., as
)resented.
Voting Aye: McKee, Botfiema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
., Lindahl reviewed background
trail easement discussion. City Planner Lindahl noted the trail easement request is larger than 20 feet
in width as the first 100 feet behind the creek is in the floodplain. City Planner Lindahl noted the
recommendation by Parks and Trails Commission included a request of a trail easement from the cul-
de-sac, and also on the west side of the creek to provide location flexibility in the future trail along the
creek and was recommended by the Planning Commission. City Planner Lindahl further noted trail
Council requested item 7h
be pulled for further discussion. Cifiy Planner
easement would layer on top of drainage and utility easement, and credit would be given for upland
area with park dedication remainder as cash -in -lieu. Council and City Planner Lindahl discussed
setback requirements and septic system permits issued by Hennepin County prior to preliminary and
final plat approval.
Philip Kothrade and Donavon DesMarais, applicants, reviewed cul-de-sac lot and concerns with the
proposed trail easement and addressed concerns regarding tree preservation, proposed trail location
request within floodplain, safety of pedestrians with proposed trail location along creek, liability aspect
Of trail location regarding lot 6, easement on south side, proposed easement opinion of shifting
easement to the north of the property. Mr. Kothrade reviewed applicant's proposal of easement from
cul-de-sac with easement on the north side of creek. Mr. DesMarais opposes the proposed easement
trail location and opined on applicant's proposal of easement location. City Administrator Martens
reviewed the long-standing process regarding all future trail corridors and off -road trails in Corcoran,
noting the vision of trail corridors was to follow the high -quality, natural resource areas throughout the
Community and not to follow lot lines and roads as requested by the applicant. City Planner Lindahl
addressed liability and maintenance questions with proposed trail location. City Planner Lindahl
clarified trail, utility, and drainage easement standards. Council discussed timeline of trail construction
on parcel, future development in area, and policy on trail corridors. Council and staff discussed various
options of the proposed trail easement corridor on parcel. Council discussed altering the neighborhood
access to exit on other side of hill, and widen the red area to 40 feet, and adhering to the existing
drainage and utility easement. City Planner Lindahl noted increasing the upland trail to 40 feet, doubles
the City's cost and offers no benefit as the 8-foot trail could still be constructed within the proposed
standard 20-foot easement within the upland area. City Planner Lindahl proposed including an
additional 20-foot easement in the floodplain near the creek. Council consensus modified trail
easement to run along property line on the south, maintain existing red area as shown in Council
packet. Council noted existing drainage and utility easement would remain the same. City Planner
Lindahl noted importance of flood plain regarding easement and suggested applicant revise the
southern trail easement with the final plat, noting applicant's main trail easement concern existing on
the north side of lot 6.
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Nichols to modify Resolution 2021-129 Preliminary Plat and
Variance, condition 7a, to include existing trail easement and add 10 feet trail easement into the
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floodplain area.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Vehremkamp, seconded by Nichols to approve Resolution 2021 -1 29 Preliminary
Plat and Variance, as modified in condition 7a., to include `Park dedication shall be the two 20-foot.trail
easements as shown on "Exhibit A -- Trail easement area" in the Council packet plus an additional 10-
foot trail easement in the floodplain adjacent to the east side of the trail easement and west of the
creek on Lot 6.'
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehremkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
8. Planning Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee noted residents are invited to participate in person and telephonically for public comment
items. Administrafiive Services Director Beise explained the instructions to partici opportunity for pate in
the meeting via fihe Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting
through telephone or computer. No residents participated in the public comment opportunity.
a. Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit, and Preliminary Plat for Saint Therese Communities at
8200 County Road 116
City Planner Lindahl reviewed the St. Therese 206-unit senior living community application and noted
project history. City Planner Lindahl noted a revised resolution includes a condition by the city attorney
invalidating a minor subdivision approved last year, but never filed by applicant. City Planner Lindahl
noted the Preliminary Plat creates a lot for St. Therese, for City Hall, and an Outlot for lineal park
running along County Road 116. City Planner Lindahl noted applicant submitted revised plans following
the Planning Commission meeting to address some comments. City Planner Lindahl noted the revised
plans do not meet landscape code requirements, the revised parking plan complies with code
requirements, and revised architectural plans provide alternative options for Council discussion. City
Planner Lindahl outlined site plan street setbacks, noting plan calls for build -to or maximum setback on
the street, details pertaining to Towne Center standards, high -quality design of Town Center buildings,
and noted alternate, architectural plans submitted. City Planner Lindahl noted Council discretion
regarding architecture. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the gateway sign, permit requirements, and code
standards. Council and City Planner Lindahl discussed the lineal city park and park dedication cash -in -
lieu of land. City Planner Lindahl summarized the vision of the Corcoran Town Center. Council
discussed the reviewed architectural design regarding brick components, secondary components, and
percentages required on elevations to comply with code requirements. Council and staff discussed
replacing fiber wall panels as an acceptable primary material.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to amend Resolution 2021 A 31 Site Plan and
Conditional Use Permit for the Property at 8200 County Road 116 to include fiber wall panels as an
acceptable primary material. (PID 24-119-23-23-0001) (City File 21-042)
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp Nay: Abstain: Bottema
(Motion carried 4:0:1)
Council and staff discussed including a requirement of applicant to donate trees in the lineal park,
building stories within the Town Center and location of trees, and different options for park dedication
offsite credit for trees. Council and staff discussed landscape ordinance is separate from the Town
Center urban -dense development ordinance. Council and staff discussed parking demand and
compliance with code with each facility use and surrounding parking uses.
Applicant thanked Council for their cooperation with development of the project in coordination with
the City's Town Center area.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve Resolution 2021-130 Preliminary Plat
"Town Center Addition" at 8200 County Road 116 (PID 24-119-23-23-0001) (City File 21-042)
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve Resolution 2021-131 Site Plan and
Conditional Use Permit for the Property at 8200 County Road 116 to include fiber wall panels as an
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acceptable primary material. (PID 24-119-23-23-0001) ((.;ity File 21-042)
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Concept Plan for Corcoran Highway 55 Business Park
City Planner Lindahl reviewed concept plan and history of site noting at that time and Alternative Urban
Areawide Review was completed in 2005. City Planner Lindahl noted the Corcoran Business Park was
approved in 2006 with sanitary sewer and water extending from Medina and noted Final Plat approval
in 2007 expired. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the applicant request and concept plan includes five lots
and extends east to Rolling Hills Road with frontage along Highway 55. City Planner Lindahl noted the
premature subdivision Section 925 of the City Code requires Council to review applications for this
if Council findings discover project is not premature, there is
standard. City Planner Lindahl noted
significant interest in the southwest district and project would open the door for development of other
parcels located in the southwest district prior to sewer and water availability. City Planner Lindahl
reviewed the district standards for site design and architecture, setbacks with 1-1 standards, and
landscaping required. City Planner Lindahl noted the future study for sanitary sewer will occur prior to
2028 when next Comp Plan is prepared, and the Council could allow development prior to services and
require a 429 waiver or similar method to ensure connection in the future. City Planner Lindahl
reviewed next steps would be an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and is required for
commercial/industrial exceeding 300,000 square feet, noting upon EAW completion, applicant can
submit for rezoning, preliminary plat, CUP, and variance application, followed by final plat submission.
City Planner Lindahl noted all Council comments regarding project are advisory only. Council and staff
discussed future utility construction, Comprehensive Plan direction, variance option and obligation for
applicant for costs. City Administrator Martens noted future Metropolitan Council sewer in Maple Plain
or Rogers would require the Metropolitan Council to invest substantial funding and either option would
not available until at least 2030. Council and staff discussed the 429 waiver, street construction, and
corridor for utilities. Council reviewed division of utility invoicing for tenants.
Paul Jorgenson, Park Place Storage, responded to Council's question regarding distribution of utility
dues.
Council and staff reviewed Council approval of Nelson International project and well for water and
sewer connection through Maple Grove as an example of construction of commercial property prior to
availability of City utilities.
John Rausch, owner of property, presented brief history of business park project, noting project is
approximately a $50-60 million dollar project, reviewed water and sewer construction, and landscape
screening. Mr. Rausch noted work completed with Hennepin County for septic system.
Council and Mr. Rausch discussed resident discussions regarding project, inlet and outlets of project,
and general traffic direction. City Administrator Martens noted weighing prospect of a larger valued
project 20 years into the future versus a smaller valued appropriate tax bases with each option. City
Planner Lindahl indicated the current value and tax base of a $60 million commercial project within
Corcoran. Mr. Rausch noted access to Highway 55 and proximity to 1-494. Council indicated screening
is an important factor in development of project. City Planner Lindahl noted MNDOT comments and
noted the EAW will include a traffic feasibility study for Council review prior to formal plat application.
Mayor called a recess at 9:13 pm.
Mayor called meeting to order at 9:25 pm.
c. Concept Plan for Pulte Hackamore Properties
City Planner Lindahl reviewed the applicant request includes a concept plan of 45-47 single-family
homes and 82 townhomes. City Planner Lindal noted the number of units proposed and the net density
requirements. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the PUD flexibility request includes mix of single family
and townhomes, minimum lot size and lot width, and setbacks for single family with no setback
flexibility requested for townhomes. City Planner Lindahl outlined the benefits proposed by applicant
include increased setbacks on perimeter to buffer neighboring homes, tree preservation on west
property line, additional conifer landscaping on perimeter for buffer from existing homes, and wetland
preservation. City Planner Lindahl noted previously Larkspur Lane would connect to Lupine Lane, and
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Goldenrod connection on south did not exist, Lupine is a cul-de-sac on north and Larkspur and
Goldenrod are the main connections. City Planner noted the stub to Hackamore is planned with no
connections to County Road 101 as other access routes are available.
Paul Heuer, Pulte Homes, presented current Pulte Homes neighborhoods in the metro area, including
in the Bellwether and Amberly projects in Corcoran. Mr. Heuer
reviewed achievable density for the
unique property, with tree location on the outside perimeter, and determin
ed
wetlands, and placing ponds on the perimeter, instead of setback areas, where
trees wouiu need to be
removed. Mr. Heuer reviewed the open space, extra buffering along the west property
line, and an
option fora public park . Mr . Hoyer noted tree preservation would allow a wide and strong wooded
buffer with a 60-foot single family home setback, and 2224eet townhome setback, with additional
dedication of additional right-of-way for County Road 101. Mr. Heuer noted preservation of strong,
wooded buffers along Hackamore Road and the west property line. Mr. Heuer noted consistency with
the City's Comp Plan density and preservation of wetlands and existing trees, and inclusion of open
space.
Council discussed landscaping buffers on perimeter of parcels, noted minimum lot sizes in Ravinia of
50 feet, and Tavera townhomes are approximately 65400t setback from County Road 116. City Planner
Lindahl noted proposed concept plan indicates 220 feet from County Road 101. Council and staff
discussed the likelihood of 3 units per acre on this parcel, noting the uniqueness of the parcels. Council
discussed improvements and changes that may occur along with development. City Planner Lindahl
noted a feasibility study with the applicant responsible for some improvements. Public Works Director
Mattson noted development would be reviewed with requirements and agreements with the City of
Medina, noting the feasibility study would analyze site. Council noted larger lot sizes, and less
townhomes would be appealing, along with the buffering of the perimeter of the parcel, including a park
within the development, and positive connections regarding roads in development, and avoiding
construction traffic within the Ravinia development. Mr. Heuer and Council reviewed access points for
construction traffic. Council and Mr. Heuer noted a mix of units including twin homes, single-family
homes, and townhomes on parcels, and perception of high -density townhomes. Council and Mr. Heuer
discussed the narrow lots on Lupine Lane and Goldenrod and increasing lot size, if possible, tree
location, and a wider buffer due to tree preservation. Council and Mr. Heuer discussed trails along
County Road 101. City Planner Lindahl noted a trail within the right -of --way on County Road 101.
Council and Mr. Heuer discussed difference in look and style of homes and architectural standards. Mr.
Heuer thanked Council for their input.
d. Concept Plan for 23185 County Road 10
City Planner Lindahl reviewed applicant's concept plan for 15 single-family lots, and three commercial
lots, noting the shoreland for Rush Creek and high -quality maple -basswood forest in the southwest
corner. City Planner Lindahl noted past Council comments regarding re -guiding and rezoning required
for three commercial lots. City Planner Lindahl noted the Outlot A would be deeded to the City for park
land and could accommodate a trail along the creek as planned. The proposal separates Outlot A
from County Road 10, and parking access should be addressed. City Planner Lindahl noted
residential lot grouping would be served by a rural street section and allows for 150 percent bonus
with the open space preservation plat (OS & P). City Planner Lindahl noted Council direction to
applicant to include preservation of significant natural resources in southern portion of the site,
however the current concept does not accomplish direction, but the right-of-way is larger. City Planner
Lindahl reviewed the two new accesses for residential lots, the new street to serve commercial lots
and shared with Public Works. City Planner Lindahl noted applicant requested the city to consider
sharing the cost of the new street, noting staff does not support this request. City Planner Lindahl
reviewed new accesses to County Road 19 and County Road 10 must be approved by Hennepin
County. Council asked for clarification on lot 9 and removal of trail access from County Road 10 to
Outlot A.
Nate Kariniemi, applicant, clarified under the OSP plan lot 9 would include trail access to County Road
10 from Outlot A. Council and Mr. Kariniemi discussed the three lots in the natural resource area and
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widening the road on the southern border to preserve the tree line and selectively preserve the high -
quality forest. Mr. Kariniemi reviewed the existing commercial road standards and benefits of utilizing
and improving the existing driveway to benefit the city and newly development commercial lots. Staff
and Council discussed options for a driveway off a public road connecting to County Road 19 and
impacts to Public Works operational space with removal of driveway and then only utilizing the
proposed public roadway. Mr. Kariniemi requested cost -sharing for public road by City. City
Administrator Martens noted there is not a fund mechanism to support the cost -sharing request to
build the road. Council discussed possible access from County Road 10.
Unfinished Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee noted residents are invited to participate in person and telephonically for public comment
opportunity. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to participate in the
meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through
telephone or computerNo residents participated in the public comment opportunit
. y.
a. Draft 2022 General Fund Budget
Finance Manager Ung presented the updated draft of the 2022 General Fund Budget and outlined
changes in wages, pass through surcharges from revenue and expenditures, increased transparency
through creation of new departments, water and sewer funds, and noted a fee study analysis of staff
time on building inspection to reallocate building inspection department wages. Finance Manager Ung
reviewed three options for Council review on tax rate based on the proposed final budget.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by McKee directing staff to utilize option 3 as presented by staff
to split the additional $58,834 between reduction of the tax levy and transferring the remaining half to
the Asphalt Fund. Council and staff discussed the recommendation to the Asphalt Fund.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Water and Sewer Budget
Finance Manager Ung presented the Water and Sewer Budget highlights and includes an estimated
238 new homes with the biggest impact in water trunk revenue, with an increase of $529,000 from
2021. Finance Manager Ung noted removal of passthrough SAC fees form revenue and expenditure,
depreciation added into both funds and each fund capturing 10 percent of selected Public Works
expenditures. Finance Manager Ung noted G/L account changes and description updates. Finance
Manager Ung noted positive, revenue balances in both the water and sewer funds projected at the
end of 2022. Council and staff discussed depreciation. Council direction was to proceed with final draft
2022 water and sewer budgets.
10. New Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to participate in person and telephonically to comment on New
Business. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the instructions to participate in the meeting
via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone
or computer. No residents participated in the public comment opportunity.
a. Resolution Creating and Amending Job Descriptions
City Administrator Martens outlined the creation and amendment of job descriptions and staffing plan.
City Administrator Martens noted establishment of a part-time program coordinator position, a new
Recreation Supervisor position and appointing Jessica Christensen Buck to the position, establishing a
part-time administrative assistant in planning, and establishing a full-time administrative assistant
position in the Police Department and appointing Amy Fadden to the position.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Vehrenkamp authorize the Director of Public Safety to
attend the FBI National Academy in 2022.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Training Opportunity — FBI National Academy
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk presented a training opportunity invitation to participate in the FBI
National Academy and is residential training program for local law enforcement and communities.
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed expenses to attend the FBI National Academy of $1,000
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t0 $11500.
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Nichols authorize the Director of Public Safety to attend the
FBI National Academy in 2022.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. 2022 Police Staffing
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed police staffing, noting the decline in part-time police
officers, long-term leave scenarios, and current staff workload demands reducing officer flexibility.
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed staffing needs and the budget surplus due to officer leave
in 2021 covered by insurance policies. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted two full-time
permanent police officer positions in 2022 would be ideal, however recognizing the current market, is
proposing one full-time permanent police officer in 2022, with an additional position in 2023. Director of
Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed budget impact of hiring one or two officers. Council requested an
update on the grant the City completed to cover the cost of new hires. Director of Public Safety
Gottschalk responded the City of Corcoran was not selected for the grant. Council and staff discussed
the challenges in hiring police officers in the current market. City Administrator Martens noted the 2022
budget would likely exceed the budgeted amounts, however general fund reserves from the 2021
unspent wages would be allocated to the 2022 budget.
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Vehrenkamp to authorize one full-time permanent police
officer position in 2022 and authorize staff to begin the police officer hiring process.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. Schedule Work Session
-
Mayor Mckee called a work session
11. Staff Reports
Water
Supply Planning
on December 9, 2021, at 5:30 pm for water supply planning.
a. City Park Master Plan Update; report received.
D. Active Corcoran Planning Applications; report received.
12.2021 City Council Schedule
The schedule was included but not reviewed.
13. Adjournment
Mayor McKee noted tonight's meeting is the last meeting for City Administrator Martens and thanked
him for his 8 plus years of service to the City of Corcoran. City Administrator Martens thanked Council
for the opportunity to serve in the city administrator position. City Administrator Martens thanked the
commissioners for their dedication in participating in city meetings, and noted the city is in a successful
position, has a wonderful staff and team in all departments. Council thanked City Administrator Martens
for his service
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Nichols to adjourn.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 11:04 pm.
11,
Michelle Friedrich —Deputy Clerk
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