HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-24 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2022 ® 7:00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on February 24, 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 Nichols, Councilor Schultz, and Councilor Vehrenkamp were present. Councilor
Bottema was excused.
Interim City Administrator Beise, Deputy Clerk Friedrich, Public Works Director Mattson, Director of Public
Safety Gottschalk, City Planner Lindahl and Finance Manager Ung were present.
'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
ised items include 7d., Park Ordinance clerical revision, 10e.,
Interim City Administrator Beise noted rev
Offer letter, and 10f., which includes additional information regarding liquor licensing and noise waiver.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, a
(Motion carried 4:0)
4 '
Commission Representatives
Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioner Van Den Eide and Parks and Trails Commissioner Anderson
were present via electronic means.
5. Open F
ayor
ty Ad
d rev
att Fa
ad at
rth o
velop
orum (Public CommentOpportunity)
MMcKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during Open Forum. Interim
Ciministrator Beise explained the instructions to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format
an iewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone or computer.
Mue, 6315 Willow Drive, opined on the warehouse under construction on Willow, and closing the
rothe Corcoran/Medina border. Mr. Faue noted opposition of the 5-acre electrical substation proposal
No f Larkin Road and opined the substation should be located where the power is needed within new
dements or on City property.
6. Presentations/Recognitions
a. Parks and Trails Commission Annual Report
Commi
orcor
ssioner Anderson thanked the current commission members for their dedicated service to the City of
Can. Commissioner Anderson briefly discussed the history of the Parks and Trails Commission and
the Commission's changing vision. Commissioner Anderson noted cooperative collaboration and
communication with the Police Department and Public Works Department and thanked both departments for
their de
rks a
nding
ted c
feren
rk D
ailabl
nduc
dication in assisting the Parks and Trails Commission. Commissioner Anderson presented 2021
Pa nd Trails accomplishments to Council, noting park highlights, priorities, and parks and trails future
funeeds. Commissioner Anderson reviewed shortage in park dedication fees from developers and
no larifying those needs to align with future park space needs within the City. City Planner Lindahl
reced State Law requires fees to be based on Comprehensive Plan. City Planner Lindahl noted recent
Pa edication Fees were updated and reviewed annually to determine land values and utilize best
ave data for cost improvements. City Planner Lindahl noted another Park Dedication Fee review will be
coted again in 2022. Commissioner Anderson noted the Parks and Trails Commission relationship with
Three Rivers Park, the Corcoran Lions, and the Northwest Area Jaycees.
b. Watershed Commissioner Guenthner Presentation
nd Vehrenkamp
1
Commissioner Guenthner presented a draft work plan for 2022, noted commission's supervisory
responsibility to review applications, serve as conduit for educational resources, resident workshops noting
Lawns to Legumes program, rain garden instruction, and water quality programs. Commissioner Guenthner
noted collaboration with the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County Rural Conservation,
Commissioner Guenthner noted the Watershed Commission funds priority projects through levies and
various partnerships, such as capital improvement projects covering the entire watershed. Commissioner
Guenthner noted successful work study completed with residents in Corcoran on the west side of Lake
Jubert regarding water quality and noted removing twenty plus tons of sediment out of the watershed and
Lake Jubert. Commissioner Guenthner noted FEMA maps within city, relevancy in flood plain levels and
engineering impacts. Commissioner Guenthner noted the Board of Water and Soil Resources audit review
indicates more outreach by commission is necessary with more direct liaison interaction with Council, and to
promote the process for grants and funding for water improvement projects. Council thanked Commissioner
Guenthner for the information and his time in serving on the commission. Council inquired on the new MS4
requirement standards regarding stormwater. Public Works Director Mattson noted the permit was renewed
and elevated some requirements, and the watershed is in the process of adopting standards effective
January 1, 2023, and will affect redevelopment activity. Commission Guenthner reviewed differences with
watershed level standards between cities and noted a technical advisory committee of engineers held a
meeting to determine common standards, and recommendations to determine low elevation above
floodplain across all cities in the watershed to assist cities in updating watershed ordinances.
7. Consent Agenda
a. Draft January 27, 2022 Council Minutes
b. Financial Claims
c. MS4 Ordinance Amendment
d. City Code Chapter 83 — Clerical Correction
e. Authorize Road Materials
f. Authorize Crop Rental
g. E-Charing JPA and Court Services Amendment Renewal
h. Hennepin County Residential Grant Agreement
i. Resolution 2022-18 Supporting Housing and Local Decision -Making Authority
j. Resolution 2022-19 Police Officer Declaration of PERA Contributions -Abigail Edstrom
Council requested 71., be pulled for further review.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve agenda items 7a-h., and 7j, as presented.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
Council noted resolution of support maintaining local control of housing regulations.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to approve the consent agenda item 71.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, 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 for Planning Business items 8a-c. 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 persons participated in the public comment opportunity.
a. St. Therese Landscape Variance
City Planner Lindahl reviewed background history on preliminary plat approval discussions and noted the
landscape requirements were not met. City Planner Lindahl outlined the applicant variance request to
include 181 overstory and 66 understory trees where 259 trees are required. City Planner Lindahl noted the
southwest corner currently is planned for future expansion, and the reason for the variance request. City
Planner Lindahl noted Council has a high level of discretion with a variance request, and the burden of proof
is on the applicant to show compliance with the five variance standards. Council and staff discussed
undeveloped land portion, and meeting standards by planting trees on the perimeter of property or on an
onsite location of the undeveloped land. Council and staff discussed likelihood of trees planted in
undeveloped land portion having to be cut down when land is developed. Council discussed what the four
acres will encompass and the reason it is being left out of the current plan. Council reviewed future
2
landscaping requirements, noting the vacant portion will need to complete City Code requirements, and new
ordinance could require less trees. Council and staff discussed original downtown vision of single -story
buildings versus multiple -story buildings currently requiring more area of footprint for landscaping, noting
footprint square footage is more understandable and clear tree calculation versus total square footage.
Council noted future requirements could allow for trees to be planted in an alternate location to meet
landscaping standards and noted hardships in the current request by applicant.
Calvin Shelangoski, St. Therese representative, noted total square footage of parcel density is working
against project, and open space was required to meet intent of southeast district and adhering to setbacks.
Council discussed flexibility in request and adding a condition to planting additional trees within the
threshold of the variance. Council discussed landscapin
Planner Lindahl noted trees planted along the southern
g along the southern portion of the building. City
portion would likely need to be removed before
phase 2 begins. Mr. Shelangoski noted construction fiimelines regarding the phase 2 will be based on
market absorption and impacts to landscaping along the southern portion of the building will be necessary to
adhere to the City's street setback requirement. Council noted need for an ordinance amendment to the
downtown area for allowances to plant offsite, or a tree dedication fund for future green spaces in Corcoran.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Vehrenkamp to approve Resolution 2022-12 Approving Variance
for St. Therese Communities at 8200 County Road 116 (PID 24-119-23-23-001) (City File 21-061).
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
b. PUD Sketch Plan for Corcoran Farms Business Park
City Planner Lindahl outlined the 5-unit, 70-acre site project, noted it is guided light industrial and is located
west of the downtown area. City Planner Lindahl noted shoreland overlay district edge with creek running
through property. City Planner noted project challenges include the wetland area of the parcel, single public
street access, and the proposed driveway placement running through an existing parking lot off County
Road 50. City Planner Lindahl noted staff recommendation utilizing proposed driveway as emergency
vehicle access only and suggested potential of a street to the east. City Planner Lindahl noted restrictions
with gas line easements allowing perpendicular crossings only. City Planner noted the industrial park project
is over 700,000 square feet and would require an EAW. City Planner Lindahl reviewed the current proposal
currently does not have adequate space for the Diamond Lake Trail on the east side which requires a 20-
foot easement. City Planner Lindahl noted applicant is requesting a PUD for reduced setbacks on Larkin
Road and reduced setbacks on the new public street from 50 feet to 20 feet. City Planner Lindahl reviewed
landscaping requirements and limited landscaping space on parcel. City Planner Lindahl noted applicant
request 60-foot curb cuts where 30 feet is maximum, noting staff strongly recommends adhering to City curb
cut requirements. City Planner Lindahl noted variances show practical difficulties, and PUDs require
applicant show compliance with the intent of the district. Council noted based on zoning and guiding, the
project is suitable, and non-residential PUDs do not have same implications as residential PODS. Council
and staff discussed residential areas to the southwest located near the proposed project and reduced
setbacks along Larkin Road. Council and staff discussed encroachment on existing neighborhoods and
screening on loading docks on west property line. Council discussed Larkin Road and County Road 116
intersection and traffic increases at intersection with other proposed infrastructure development in location.
Council noted appreciation in opportunity to extend the Diamond Lakes Trail connection and alignment of
stormwater ponds along corridor, additional screening to south and west, remaining open to flexibility
internally on site, but not on borders of site, and open to discussion on curb cuts. Council noted benefits to
City could include improved landscaping along trail, increased park dedication, and upgraded exteriors of
project. Council noted importance of landscape screening regarding sketch plan on proposed site.
Jeff Minea, applicant, noted very little change to sketch plan to maximize land with buildings, noted there are
no parking yards, no semi -storage, with the north building planned for a heavy distribution building, with
other buildings with lighter semi -truck use. Mr. Minea opined the buildings will be a high -quality, appealing
industrial project. Mr. Minea noted variance is needed along Larkin due to building size, setbacks, and need
of marketable building space to intended market. Mr. Minea noted curb cuts on Larkin Road. Council and
staff discussed power lines on property and limited screening on Larkin Road, the narrow property and
difficulties with screening, options for changing the docking lanes to accommodate and enlarge space along
Larkin Road for additional screening. Council discussed creativity in adding additional screening along the
south property line and Larkin Road or reducing building size to allow for additional screening.
c. PUD Sketch Plan for Highway 55 Business Park
City Planner Lindahl noted a name change from Highway 55 Business Park to Pioneer Trail Industrial Park,
PUD necessity, and PUD requests. City Planner Lindahl noted Council flexibility and EAW requirement on
proposed site. City Planner Lindahl noted PUD is required for building and parking setbacks from Highway
55, and a request for building material requirement flexibility, and what Council would like to propose as an
exchange for flexibility. Council discussed material on building and difference from buildings on County
Road 19.
Paul Jorgenson, Park Place Storage, noted difficulty in obtaining building product due to supply chain
issues, and reviewed current product availability, and timelines for product availability. Mr. Jorgenson noted
review of existing materials in code, the look for the building including landscaping, and elevation changes
of building.
Council reviewed physical sample of material and City Planner Lindahl noted Nelson International requested
same material flexibility, and Council denied request due to quality. Mr. Jorgenson noted Cottage Grove
location uses product, should Council want to inspect product durability. Council noted less impact to
product in use of this type of business noting panels are replaceable. Council discussed building and
parking setback of 100 feet from Highway 55, and landscaping reductions, noting applicant is requesting
visibility from Highway 55. City Planner Lindahl noted setbacks of 25 feet and 65 feet for parking lot and
building respectively. Council discussed screening between north side of street and stormwater pond.
Council and staff discussed the 50400t right-of-way noting it is a Minnesota Department of Transportation
right-of-way. Council noted additional screening to the north if flexibility is offered with reduced landscaping
along Highway 55. Council and staff noted each building has own water and septic, and suggested central
septic for all buildings. Council noted narrative for a wash tank until City service is available. Mr. Jorgenson
noted water tanks are located on property for water suppression, with a forced main on the property, and
system is considered a dry system, until City service is available. Council direction included upgrade
exfieriors, additional landscaping, higher level of park dedication, and higher screening to the north. Council
asked if wetland waterflow on -site will be maintained, and applicant noted there were no changes.
d. Final Plat and Final PUD for Bellwether — 7t" Addition
City Planner Lindahl outlined the 17dot subdivision, history of project, and PUD Plan.
MOTION: made by Vehrenkamp, seconded by Schultz to adopt Resolution 2022-10 Approving the Final
PUD Development Plan "Bellwether 7t" Addition" for Pulte Homes of Minnesota LLC".
(PID 01-19-2343-0009) (City File 21-060)
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
MOTION: made by Vehrenkamp, seconded by Schultz to adopt Resolution 2022-11 Approving the Final
Plat and Development Contract for "Bellwether 7t" Addition" for Pulte Homes of Minnesota LLC".
(PID 01-19-23-43-0009) (City File 21-060)
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
Mayor McKee called a recess at 9:04 pm.
Council reconvened at 9:10 pm.
9. Unfinished Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment
ished Business item 9a. Interim City Administrator Beise noted no public comment
opportunity for Unfin
cards were received. 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. 2022A Bond Issuance
Interim City Administrator Beise introduced Tammy Omdal.
Tammy Omdal, Northland Securities, outlined financial work completed in the past with the City of
Corcoran. Ms. Omdal outlined the planned 2022 debt issuance to fund the 2022-2023 Capital Improvement
Plan and refunding of 2014B Utility bonds. Ms. Omdal noted intra savings at approximately $120,000 or 4
percent, if it holds, and if it does not make financial sense, the process can be cancelled. Ms. Omdal noted
equipment certificate bonds and refunding of bonds, with 2.3 percent true estimated bid evaluation. Mrs.
Omdal noted 2020A bonds rate obtained will be a bit higher, or .05 percent difference, and when second
4
bond for water goes out for sale it may be higher, but not significant. Mrs. Omdal noted proposals will go
out April 28, 2022.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Vehrenkamp to approve Resolution 2022-14 Providing for the
Issuance and Sale of Approximately $4,130,00 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
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
persons participated in the public comment opportunity.
a. Planning Commission Appointments
Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed the commission appointment process and noted the two
commission members, Dean Jacobs and Corrine Brummond, interested in continuing their service on the
Planning Commission.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Nichols to appoint Dean Jacobs and Corrine Brummond to the
Planning Commission for terms expiring February 28, 2025.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
b. Parks and Trails Commission Appointments
Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed the commission appointment process and noted Commissioner
Tom Anderson is interested in continuing his services on the Parks and Trails Commis
applicant,
MOTION:
Michelle Friedrich, seeking to fill the vacancy of one of the vacant comm
Commission, and one
fission seats.
made by Nichols, seconded by Vehrenkamp to appoint Tom Anderson and Michelle Friedrich to
the Parks and Trails Commission for terms expiring February 28, 2025.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
c. Virtual Purchasing and Bidding Policy
Finance Manager Ung outlined updates to purchasing and bidding policy sections, definitions, and new
language for electronic bidding. Council and staff discussed the State Statute requires competitive bidding if
the contract is expected to exceed $175, 000.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to approve Resolution 2022-13 Adopting the Purchasing
and Bidding Policy,
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
d. Municipal Well #1 — Accept Plans and Authorize Bids
Public Works Director Mattson outlined the history and plan authorization of municipal well #1. Public Works
Director Mattson noted a March 10 Work Session to update Council of infrastructure, project plans, location
of monitoring well, and construction of production well prior to final design. Council and staff discussed
flexibility and process of expansion. Public Works Director Mattson provided context of project status,
upcoming schedule, and noted active staff and consultant daily participation with project.
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Vehrenkamp to accept the plans and authorize bids for the
Municipal Well #1 improvement project and associated engineering services proposal in the amount of
$28, 000.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
e. Crew Leader Appointment and Maintenance Work Recruitment
Interim City Administrator Beise reviewed appointment recommendation of Mark Reinking to the Crew
Leader position, and reviewed process in authorizing staff to begin recruitment process for the Public Works
Maintenance Worker position.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Vehrenkamp approve offer letter and appoint Mark Reinking as
Crew Leader and authorize staff to begin a recruitment process for a Public Works Maintenance Worker.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
5
f. Liquor License Amendment and Noise Waiver
Interim City Administrator Beise outlined applicant request for a temporary liquor license expansion, and
requirements of license amendment, and amplified noise waiver request. Council and staff discussed
definition of amplified noise. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted the 1000 am request is later than
other requests approved by Council, and continued consistency with Council decision regarding requests.
Council noted applicant responsibility in notifying future resident developments in noise waiver licensing
area. Council and staff discussed police security, fencing and general security issues.
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Vehrenkamp to approve a temporary liquor license amendment
and noise waiver.
Votiichols
nAye: McKee, N g, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
11. Staff Reports
a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications; reports received.
12. 2022 City Council Schedule
Council received 2022 schedule, noting city administrator candidate selection on March 3, and
planning items in March and April. Council asked for update on Westside Tire application. Council
discussed application review.
13. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Vehrenkamp to adjourn.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 4:0)
Meeting adjourned at 9:46 pm.
Michelle Friedrich —Deputy Clerk
6
upcoming
and staff