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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-27 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2022 - 7:00 pm The Corcoran City Council met on January 27, 2022, 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 Schultz, and Councilor Vehrenkamp were present. Councilor Nichols was excused. Interim City Administrator Beise, Deputy Clerk Friedrich, City Planner Lindahl, Public Works Director Mattson, and Lieutenant Burns were present. Planner Davis was present via electronic means. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Mayor McKee called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor McKee invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Agenda Approval Interim City Administrator Beise noted a clerical error correction on item 10a. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Bottema to approve the agenda as modified. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) 4. Commission Representatives Commissione Mayor McKee 5. Open Forum noted Planni ng Commissioner Lanterman was present and Parks and Trails r Christenson was present via electronic means. (Public Comment Opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in or telephonically during Open Forum. Interim City Administrator Beise noted no public comment cards were received and 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. 6. Presentations/Recognitions a. Years of Service Recognition — Steve Warren — 25 Years Lieutenant Burns recapped Officer Warren's years of service with City of Corcoran and thanked Officer Warren for his dedication and service to the City of Corcoran. Mayor McKee presented Officer Warren with his years of service award. b. Senator Osmek Senator Osmek outlined the recent legislative session and provided his opinions. Senator Osmek noted support of transportation bill in Minnesota, however, does not support light rail in Minnesota due to the costs. Senator Osmek highlighted his Department of Corrections bill which allows for re -integration assistance for inmates released from custody to include picture identification cards, include social security cards, necessary medication for health and well-being with medical records and pharmaceutical needs. Senator Osmek noted his nomination by party to be President of the Senate, with formal election at the start of the 2022 session. Council thanked Senator Osmek for assistance in recording the Met Council meetings for public review. Council and Senator Osmek discussed state statute requirements for disability retirements and medical insurance, and the implications of those actions regarding liability for smaller cities and noted an example of a disability when a PTSD traumatic incident occurred in a previous city and the previous city 1 receives no liability. Senator Osmek referenced proportional liabilities regarding PSTD life -time liabilities. Council noted the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Bill currently under review at the legislative level, housing shortages, and detrimental impacts to growing and expanding suburb cities. Council thanked Senator Osmek for his time. Council and staff noted information on the bill number would be forwarded to Senator Osmek. Senator Osmek 7. Consent Agenda noted current work being discussed with the Met Council. a. Financial Claims b. City Purchasing Card Rebate Program MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Bottema to approve consent agenda items 7a-b., as presented. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) 8. Planning Business (Public Comment Opportunity) Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment opportunity. Interim City Administrator Beise noted no public comment cards were received and 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. Northeast District Plan Update City Planner Lindahl reviewed the NE District Plan and Design Guidelines noting the city -initiated effort to bring the existing plan and design guidelines into alignment with the Comprehensive Plan. City Planner Lindahl the City has received a grant from Hennepin County for the planning effort. The Parks and Trails Commission reviewed the sustainability elements such as sidewalk and trail location on both side of the streets, noting code includes only one side of street, high level of support for native plants and trees, prairie grasses in lieu of sod, retention of larger setbacks of 100 ft on County Roads, and general support of sustainable design. City Planner Lindahl noted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the Northeast District extends further to Schutte Road and includes additional proposed streets, compared the Northeast District Concept plan adopted in 2004. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the two public input opportunities regarding the Northeast District and reviewed online survey results, and resident comments at an open house on January 11, 2022. City Planner Lindahl noted public input comments with similar results and included preservation of natural resources and creation of green space as resident priorities, along with support for job creation and new businesses. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the new concept plan for the Northeast District and referenced planned infrastructure improvements, street hierarchy, identification of parks and trails, updating landscaping and screening requirements, gateway signage, architectural standards, and strategies for sustainability, and preservation of natural resources. City Planner Lindahl clarified there are no changes to land use or zoning in the Northeast District plan. City Planner Lindahl the next steps include a review at the Planning Commission in April and public hearing in May with adoption at the May 26 Council meeting. City Planning Lindahl noted the building moratorium expires on June 10, 2022. Council provided feedback and direction on the Northeast District and discussed St. Therese's landscape requirements and setting reasonable expectations as the city moves forward. Council discussed maintaining large setbacks, and credit for larger size plantings of trees versus a certain number of trees, bike parking and EV charging stations are not a priority, and positive incentive of water reuse incorporation in landscaping irrigation. Council noted incentivizing builders and developers versus implementing restrictions. Council and staff discussed favor of water reuse and supports watershed distribution. Council noted high interest in bike infrastructure within surveys. Council and staff discussed management of development areas do not become types of uses the City doesn't want. City Planner Lindahl noted the Northeast District as an overlay district allows Council discretion to allow specific industries or add additional standards in the Northeast District for business entities. Council noted importance of implementing consistent framework throughout the City and not just relevant to Northeast District. Council and staff discussed district overlays and performance standard options available to the city regarding business and job opportunities. Council and staff discussed 2 natural resources, green space, and wetland preservation incentives. Council noted formal discussion between Planning Commission and Council as a priority discussion for 2022, and discussed timing oT Public Hearing for Northeast District, and noted discussion will establish the criteria framework for the City of Corcoran, prior to public input. Interim City Administrator Beise noted the necessity of establishing the Northeast Design Guidelines before the moratorium ends in June. b. Medina Comprehensive Plan Amendment Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed a draft letter to the City of Medina regarding a comprehensive pInn amendment notification received er tial Horseshoe, Arrowhead, and County Road 116, suggestions regarding zoning changes, and drainage creek flows from the north on site. Public Works Director Mattson noted the response letter to Medina includes comments regarding the watershed flood plain within the proposed development directly impacting adjacent properties in Corcoran. Council and staff discussed buffering, landscaping considerations, and building orientation. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Vehrenkamp to authorize Mayor and Interim City Administrator Beise to sign and send the response letter to the City of Medina. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) 9. Unfinished Business 10. New Business (Public Commen t Mayor McKee invited residents to participate in person and telephonically to comment on New Business. Interim City Administrator 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. Recycling Forgiveness Request Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed a recycling forgiveness request to waive the recycling fee for 2022. Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed past Council action and noted fees historically fees have not been waived on properties with a home. Interim Administrator Beise noted the staff correction to a clerical error on the staff report. Council and staff discussed the mandatory recycling requirement by Hennepin County, and management of the recycling fee by Randy's Environmental Services. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Vehrenkamp to deny resident request to waive 2022 recycling fees managed by Randy's Environmental Services. Voting Aye: McKee, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp Nay: Abstain: Bottema (Motion carried 3:0:1) b. Ordinance Amendment Request — Fence Amendment Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed applicant ordinance amendment request to allow fences to exceed 44eet in height, fence opacity, and definition of front lot line. Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed permits pulled to date, setbacks, existing frontages on property, compliance issues on property, zoning ordinance amendment, and timing considerations regarding code enforcement action. Interim City Administrator Beise noted main Council discussion points in initiating a city -driven zoning ordinance amendment as requested by applicant. Larry Allar, 6508 Trail Lane, briefly noted past issues between resident neighbor on south of property, property lines, reasoning fence construction completed without a permit, and neighbor comment regarding the height of fence. Mr. Allar opined a permit was not necessary based on his assumption of code discussions with the City's Code Compliance Officer. Mr. Allar noted the position of his driveway in relation to the home orientation on the adjacent property and opined on necessity of fencing for buffering, noting City Code allows for live trees as a buffer. Council clarified with applicant a permit was not necessary for a 4400t fence height, however, permit and review is required for a 7400t fence height. Mr. Aller opined on staff communication and cooperation regarding fence permitting requirements. Council clarified fence location is 2 inches off property line on applicant's property. Council and staff discussed retaliatory complaints and harassing complaints. Council and staff discussed record of complaint, consideration of previous code enforcement, and noted complaints are anonymous. Council noted difficulty of process of code enforcement. Council discussed the fence construction and landscaping on the adjacent property. Council noted the fence measures 504eet of fencing on front yard, with 4-foot fence height existing in City Code, with applicant's fence exceeding code to a 7400t fence height. Mr. Allar noted other fences in Corcoran are in violation of code with fence frontages on Gleason Road and backyard of properties. Council and Mr. Altar discussed complaint -based enforcement versus pro -active enforcement action, and outlier incidents, and neighbor disputes. Council and Mr. Allar clarified fencing sections are 84eet long, trees planted by neighbor as a buffer, misdirection of 504eet of fencing on front yard, 4400t fence height, and legitimacy of live trees rather than fencing. Council and Mr. Allar debated frontage versus backyards of property. Mr. Allar opined on live trees versus fencing as buffers. Interim City Administrator Beise redirected discussion to the ordinance amendment not the violation itself. Planning Commission Lanterman opined on staying any modification to City Code due to pending litigation, and possibly deferring item for Planning Commission review for Council. Planner McKeown noted 7-foot fence height measurement and noted application did not meet ordinance fencing opacity requirement of 50 percent, noted trees can be placed in utility easement areas, and noted fro nt yard setback reductions regarding fencing to road. Council discussed code design, reason for creation of fence ordinance codes, appearance of fencing, expectations, and the visual of fences along a roadway. Council reviewed ordinance alteration, enforcement of existing code, and process of changing ordinance regarding setback distance. Mr. Allar opined on Council's jurisdiction to state what can be and can't be done on his private property. Mr. Allar noted the Summons of Complaint court order addressed to his wife. Interim City Administrator Seise responded the Summons is issued by Court Order through Hennepin County and is not processed by Citys Council and staff discussed frontage and front yard nuisance ordinance and zoni Cng ordinance similarities. City Planner Lindahl noted difficulty in frontage on one property and front facing yard frontage on another, and orientation of house front on property. Council noted driveway location regarding front yard definitions, cost of ordinance changes, and a past instance where change to Ir ordinance was paid for by applicant. Planner McKeown noted a request for continuance with code enforcement violation could be requested at the appointed court date. Council noted window of continuance and code update priorities, costs, and timelines be reviewed at the February 24 Council meeting. Mayor McKee called for 5-minute recess at 9:25 pm. Council reconvened at 9:30 pm. c. 2022-23 Capital Improvement Plan Interim City Administrator Beise outlined the 2022-23 Capital Improvement Plan noting plan was reduced by $200,000 for street sweeper, as staff will be utilizing grant funding through the watershed for a street sweeper. Interim City Administrator Beise noted partial bonds and levied funds will be utilized for CIP. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Vehrenkamp approve the 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Plan as presented and authorize staff to purchase all remaining 2022 equipment. Council asked for clarification of the Speed Message Trailer, and street sweeper necessity within City. Staff clarified the Speed Message Trailer is a replacement of a 2005 trailer, and the street sweeper was removed from the CIP and will be purchased through a watershed grant. Staff noted the street sweeper is necessary for the roads in new Corcoran developments. Planning Commissioner Lanterman noted a clerical error of omission of numeral zero on staff report to Records Management System. Staff noted error correction of $150,00 to $150,000. Lieutenant Burns noted Records Management System is still being reviewed. Council noted replacement value of EZ Go Express 4x4. Council and staff discussed Weapon Mounted Cameras and operation of camera. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) d. Bond Refunding 2021 interim amity Haministrator seise notea opportunity to reruna luI4ts tsona Ketunaing for an approximate savings of $197,000. Interim City Administrator Beise noted the issuance of Capital Equipment Certificates for the capital equipment was planned and issuance costs, the refunding could take place to save on MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Bottema to direct staff to proceed with the refunding of Bond Series 2014B. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) e. 2022 Legislative Priorities Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed legislative priorities and noted Council recommendations by absent Councilor Nichols. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz approve 2022 legislative priorities. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) f. Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed a summary of the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act requested for presentation within packet by Mayor McKee to bring to public attention. Mayor McKee encourage residents to comment to Senator Osmek and Senator Hertaus. Mayor McKee noted impacts to communities such as Corcoran if bill passes. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Vehrenkamp to direct staff to work with city attorney and city planner to review options for a building moratorium ordinance to align with any legislative sessions, regarding all development applications submitted or pending, regarding residential developments, to differentiate large-scale subdivisions and individual residential properties for review at a future Council meeting. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) g. Southeast Water Supply Planning Study Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the Southeast Water Supply Planning study, noting the water supply agreement is due to expire in 2042, and noted the current pace of construction. Public Works Mattson outlined the study will focus on options available to the City. MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Vehrenkamp approve the Southeast Water Supply Planning Study in the amount of $22,000 as outlined in the proposal from Stantec. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) h. COVID-19 Pay Program MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to reinstate the COVI D-19 Pay program effective January 28, 2022. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) i. Administration Assistance Proposal Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed the scope of administrative assistance includes payroll, labor negotiations and general administrative assistance. Council and staff discussed 15 hours per week of temporary assistance. MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Bottema to authorize staff to engage with Bergan KDV to provide consulting services not to exceed 20 hours per week. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) 11. Staff Reports a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications; reports received. 12. Closed Session — Non -Public Health and Medical Data Mayor McKee stated "The City Council is going into closed to discuss non-public health and medical 5 data which must be discussed in a closed session per Minn. Stat. § 13D.05 subd. 2(a) (3 and 4)". Mayor McKee recessed the Council meeting at 9:59 pm. Mayor McKee reconvened the Council meeting at 1 After the closed session meeting concluded, Mayor m 0:05 p. McKee stated, "In the closed session the city council discussed non-public health and medical data which must be discu Minn. Stat. § 13D.05 subd. 2(a) (3 and 4); staff was provided direction". 13. 2022 City Council Schedule; Council received 2022 schedule. 14. Adjournment MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Vehrenkamp to adjourn. Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp (Motion carried 4:0) Meeting adjourned at 10:07 pm. Michelle Friedrich e Deputy Clerk sled in a closed session per 0