HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-24 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2022 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on March 24, 2022, in Cor
in person and the public was present in person and remotely
video conferencing platform Zoom.
coran, Minnesota. The City Council meeting was held
through electronic means using the audio and
Mayor McKee, Council Bottema, Councilor Nichols, Councilor Schultz, and Councilor Vehrenkamp were
present.
Interim City Administrator Beise, Deputy Clerk Friedrich, Public Works Director Mattson, Director of Public
Safety Gottschalk, City Planner Shay, 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
Interim City Administrator Beise noted additional EAW document and map for planning application item 7b.,
March 24 cropland bid result document for item 7d., emails received after packet distribution for items 8a-b.,
and two staff items added to the agenda as 9a., Police Department Staffing, and item 10b., Hennepin
County Youth Sports Grant Application. Council requested discussi
Con of Urban Reserve and Development
Rights be added to agenda under New Business as item 10c.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye. McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
Commission Representatives
Mayor McKee noted Planning Commissioner Jacobs and Parks and Trails Commissioner Strehler were
present.
Open Forum (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during Open Forum. 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.
Presentations/Recognitions
Consent Agenda
a. Financial Claims
b. Order the EAW —Pioneer Trail
c. Donations -- Stanchion
d. Award Bids -- Cropland
e. Call Work Sessions for April 14,
f.
Memorial Garden Policy
M
ay 12, and May 26
Council requested 7c., be pulled for recognition
.
to approve agenda items 7a-b., and 7d-f., as presented.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Bottema
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
Council noted item 7c., and Mayor McKee read Resolution 2022-27 Accepting Donation from The
Stanchion. Council thanked The Stanchion for the donation.
MOTION: made by Vehrenkamp, seconded by Schultz to approve the consent agenda item 7c.
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Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
8o 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., adding a public comment opportunity before each scheduled
item and Council discussion. 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.
Susie Sween, Trustee for George Deziel property located at 7400 County Road 116, 2112 Holy Name
Drive, Wayzata, Minnesota. Ms. Sween thanked Council and staff for responses received prior to meeting.
Ms. Sween asked for Council discretion when considering the safety issues and appearance of the Wright
Hennepin Electric's (WHE) electrical substation. Ms. Sween opined on process taken by staff, WHE's
eminent domain process, and reviewed the correspondence and meetings between herself, her brother,
and WHE. Ms. Sween reviewed safety issues for Council to consider regarding the electrical substation
location. Ms. Sween reviewed the environmental factor implications of electrical substations and opined on
materials used on transformers and noise pollution caused by the electrical substation. Ms. Sween noted
WHE principles and noted concern for community is listed last of seven principles. Ms. Sween touched on
other components of essential services and noted water towers, telecommunications towers, and additional
electrical substations as Corcoran experiences growth will be factors for existing and future residents. Ms.
Sween requested Council and staff work to facilitate City codes to incentive this type of essential service to
locate in more appropriate industrial areas. Ms. Sween thanked Council for allowing her additional time
during the public comment opportunity.
Anthony Raskob, partial owner of George Deziel property located at 7400 County Road 116, 973 Fairfield
Court, Minnetonka, noted safety consideration of site be considered, opined on WHE choice of current site
with ten other options available. Mr. Raskob noted other electrical substation locations in other cities and
opined on the effective screening and placement of those substations. Mr. Raskob opined on
conversations between WHE, the Deziel's realtor, and Mr. Raskob and Ms. Sween.
Greg Hoglund, 19220 Hackamore Road, opined on WH Electric and eminent domain, the process of
eminent domain, and his dissatisfaction of how the process is progressing. Mr. Hoglund noted Ms. Sween's
courage in standing up to WHE and fighting the eminent domain process.
Matt Faue, 6315 Willow Drive, referenced WHE's original proposed site of 2.5 acres for the substation, and
the eminent domain process at the current location of 5 acres. Mr. Faue opined with all the new housing
developments, the substation should be located within the new development, with the property donated by
the developer. Mr. Faue opined with Council's approval of new developments, the substation could be
located behind City Hall, so as not to impact current or future residents. Mr. Faue opined the substation
would be better located within the industrial area of Corcoran off Larkin Road on the west side of County
Road 116.
a. Wright Hennepin Electric Administrative Permit, Site Plan, and Preliminary Plat
City Planner Kevin Shay, presented WHE current substation location, noting electricity falls under essential
services and are permitted in all zoning districts. Mr. Shay reviewed history of the first administrative permit
and variance proposed in 2021 at the south end of 19835 Larkin Road, noting the applicant withdrew the
application to evaluate alternate sites due to findings the variance standards were not met for the small lot
size. City Planner Shay noted the current application request was reviewed by the Parks and Trail
Commission and Planning Commission. City Planner Shay noted current size of project is approximately 5
acres, with 2.87 acres dedicated to the substation, 1.5 acres received as Outlot A for park dedication by the
City, and 1.99 acres for right-of-way off of County Road 116. City Planner Shay noted property owner would
retain 32.29 acres of the total parcel. City Planner Shay noted wetland buffer area regarding current parcel,
landscaping requirements, and screening at ground level of the substation. City Planner Shay noted
incorporation of grading changes on side reducing berm on west, and revised landscaping plan with more
effective screening to meet ordinance requirement of all substations screened from ground level view.
Council thanked property owners for their comments. Council reviewed factors and the process of eminent
domain. Council noted for public record the last substation location request in 2021 included a variance, as
the proposed site was zoned Urban Reserve and required a 20-acre minimum lot size. Council noted the
existing elements and conditions of the original, proposed site, allowed Council discretion in denying the first
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application request in 2021. Council reviewed the current substation application location and noted the
current location request does not have a variance requirement. Council noted requirement of City Council to
remain judiciously responsible in adhering to City Code in conforming and non -conforming elements of
requested applications and projects. Council noted and discussed concerns brought forth by public
commenters. Council addressed public comments regarding code revisions in the future, mitigating the
appearance of the substation, and the possibility of utilizing biofuel transformers in future transformer repairs
or replacements at the current location to reduce environmental impacts. Council noted an option of black
fencing material to visually mask and blend into the environment and reduce the appearance of the
substation structure, reviewed architectural standards regarding the substation, and better screening
requirements within ordinance. Council discussed alternate location on Larkin Road and non -viability of site
location due to other utility located along Larking Road in the area. Council noted discussions with legal
representatives from WHE regarding eminent domain and necessity of planning for future locations for
substations in Corcoran. Council reviewed the responsibility by Council to consider city finances and
building a constructive relationship with WHE to review and identify future substation locations for
community transparency. Council clarified comment regarding conference call discussions, noted calls were
independent with each Council member, and noted commercial area would be better suited as site for
substations. Council and staff discussed state agency review and permitting requirements for electrical
substations. Council noted sound pollution related to electrical substations.
Curt Court, WHE Engineering Director, Director Court described containment requirements in the case of an
oil spill, safety protocols surrounding transformers, noted an oil spill catastrophe has never occurred at
WHE; conductors utilized on transformers reduce EMF radiation and noted varied opinions regarding EMF
radiation, and reviewed gravel, containment construction in the case of a transformer oil spill. Director Court
noted WHE review and analysis of biofuel as a future option for replacement of applicable transformers.
Council and Director Court discussed future substations in Corcoran relating to growth of City and noted
industrial park along HWY 55 as possible future area of review. Council and Director Court reviewed 5-year
disassembly of old substation and incorporating a secondary transformer into new site. Council and Director
Court discussed electrical grid and security measures on the substation location, motion -lighting along
driveway into substation, and video surveillance options.
Bob Sandberg, WHE Vice President of Power Supply, noted safety is paramount, protecting equipment, and
will take into consideration all safety measures for surrounding community, City, and WHE. Council inquired
on EMF exposure. Mr. Sandberg and Council discussed EMF exposure and different sources of EMF
exposure. Council reflected on buffering and screening substation, and possibility of reviewing an alternate
location within parcel, another review by Planning Commission for additional screening of substation,
confirmation of deadline of May 31, 2022, for final review by Council. Council reiterated importance of
identifying future substation sites into the future. Council inquired for legal clarification regarding additional
evaluation of project. City Attorney Thames responded evaluation under plat and permit standards with
opinion by staff the applicant is in compliance and is fair to ask applicant if other options are available,
however, use of eminent domain or preferring a different location are not a basis for denial. Council
reviewed wall barrier idea, driveway off of Larkin only and not through a future residential area on parcel.
City Planner Shay noted code requirement is screened whether chain -link or other type of fence, with
anything over 44eet tall needs to be structurally approved as a viable option. City Planner Shay noted
current proposed access is currently off Larkin Road and improving to greater then a 4-ton road, with
temporary access of County Road 116 during construction of project. Interim City Administrator Beise noted
driveways are located away from collector roads. Council discussed changing item 5f., within Resolution, to
not accept Outlot A warranty deed by City and return to Deziel Trust. City Attorney Thames noted it cannot
be a mandate to deed somewhere else, as it is part of Park Dedication within City Code requirements. City
Attorney Thames noted Council could decline to accept, however, redrawing the plat would be required and
would not change the outcome of eminent domain process. Council discussed reviewing the zoning of
remaining parcel.
Mr. Sandberg noted discussions with the City dating back to 2019 with initial site selected and a purchase
agreement on original site, and resulting denial by Council because original site located too close in
proximity to existing, residential neighborhoods. Mr. Sandberg noted Council request to move the substation
further north. Mr. Sandberg noted back and forth discussions with Council, and the present location,
willingness to sell by property owners, access to present power lines, growth in area, and the necessity of
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the new substation. Mr. Sandberg noted 30.911/o growth in Corcoran since 2018. Mr. Sandberg and Council
discussed future locations and long-term trends, when the next substation will be necessary to meet the
needs of the utility and City, and where future planning will occur to build a model need forecast. Council
requested to meet annually with WHE to review potential growth and utility needs in Corcoran. Mr.
Sandberg reviewed criteria evaluation for substation site selection, noting number of feasible sites was
limited, with current selected site offering 4-way access. Mr. Sandberg noted the commercial park location,
industrial park location was away from transmission lines, with no willing sellers at any location. Mr.
Sandberg reviewed examples of sufficient feeder space and availability along County Road 116 versus
Larkin Road installation. Mr. Sandberg noted site overview and details of current site, assessment work,
easement work, restriction of wetland buffers, and exploration of other substation options on parcel site. Mr.
Sandberg noted 65-foot right-of-way, Linear Park required park dedication per City Code, and landscaping
priority due to substation location on parcel. Mr. Sandberg noted WHE hired a landscape engineer and
included feedback from Council and community regarding screening of substation in designing additional
and extensive screening for substation. Mr. Sandberg noted the current drawings are what the maximum
size of substation would be. Mr. Sandberg concluded the necessity of substation due to growth in Corcoran,
noted feedback received and desire to work with residents and Council with the limitations in place, and
process of providing electrical utility services.
Dwight Benson, 20205 Larkin Road, opined on communication regarding the current substation location,
and stated no communication was received at his address regarding the substation location. Mr. Benson
noted concerns of increased traffic at the corner of Larkin Road and County Road 116.
Council discussed changes to Resolutions and sending back to Planning Commission for further input. Staff
noted Council could send back to Planning Commission, however, noted pending deadline of May 31.
Council discussed reasoning for sending application back to Planning Commission for input. Interim City
Administrator Beise noted returning to Planning Commission again for review is not the normal practice
completed by Council on past applications submitted.
Dean Jacobs, 20415 Duffney Circle, Planning Commission Chair, noted landscaping discussion by Planning
Commission did make any full recommendations before denial of application and could debate. Chair
Jacobs noted an option could be a 7400t concrete wall with decorative, architectural elements for visual
impact and may reduce some noise pollution, Chair Jacobs agrees with road access off Larkin Road, noted
security with a gate may be a deterrent from unwanted traffic. Chair Jacobs noted Planning Commission
could provide more guidance and input to Council. Council noted approval today is for a preliminary plat,
with feedback on final plat by Council, and additional review by Planning Commission is not necessary. City
Attorney Thames clarified the standard for final plat review, if it complies with the preliminary plat, noting
only specific changes can be requested within code specifications. Council and staff discussed possible
changes, and standards of code regarding screening and fencing references, broadening the conditions and
include screening and not elect a specific form, but to work with City staff to review fence and wall solutions
il discussed tabling item and returning to Planning Commission for further input. City
at final plat. Counc
Attorney Thames noted tweaking provision 5e., could include "to color, style and screening and, or fencing,
to be approved by City staff'. Council noted with discussed changes allowing preliminary approval, returning
to Planning Commission for discussion, and then returning to Council for final decision. Staff noted final plat
by applicant will likely be submitted to Council at the end of April. Interim City Administrator Beise noted
there are 8 items on the Planning Commission for the April meeting aside from the WHE item.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Vehrenkamp to return to Planning Commission for further input
and discussion.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp Nay: Abstain: Nichols
(Motion carried 4:0:1)
Mayor McKee called a recess at 9:21 pm.
Council reconvened at 9:28 pm.
b. Cook Lake Highlands Final Plat and PUD
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment
opportunity for Planning Business items 8b. 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.
Lynn Alberts, 7490 Fir Lane, opined on trail missing from developer map, and noted discussions in previous
meetings, noting letter dated May 19, 2021, regarding recap of meeting with neighbors. Mr. Alberts noted
last item included reference to trail and park credit, noting omission of trail in preliminary plan an included as
a condition neighbors agreed to. Mr. Alberts referenced wetland overland district code 1050.010 subd. 5c.,
noted trails that serve as an interpretive function may be exempted from buffer and setback requirements.
Mr. Alberts noted trail usage of approximately 500 residents. Mr. Alberts noted grading issue, wetland
protected area and pond, and noted trail was part of the original plan, was a promise to neighbors by
developer Beth Hustad, and requested trail to be reinstated in final plat and PUD by Council.
City Planner Shay outlined background information. Planning Commissioner Chair Jacobs opined on
Planning Commission denial of project. City Planner Shay outlined density, varied architectural design
aspects, SE district guidelines, daycare and prairie style design of memory care facility, sign amendment
due to limited wall space. City Planner Shay reviewed code requirements for wall and freestanding sizes.
City Planner Shay and Council discussed entrance monument and gateway sign for City of Corcoran. City
Planner Shay noted current ordinance allows monument signs along County Road 101. City Planner Shay
reviewed residential and commercial ordinance and sizes, reviewed final plat is 24 lots with 5 outlots and is
consistent with preliminary plat and includes park dedication total of $336,407. City Planner Shay reviewed
requested PUD amendment includes two free standing signs for the assisted living facility in lieu of any wall
signs, three wall signs for daycare plus one freestanding sign, and size of each requested signage. City
Planner Shay reviewed Section 84 of City Code allows one wall sign at the primary entrance up to 10% of
the primary building face and one freestanding sign up to 32 square feet and maximum 6 feet high. City
Planner Shay noted resolution includes a condition to reduce the number of wall signs to two. Council and
staff discussed previous discussions with applicant and Council regarding signs, entrance monuments, and
gateway sign. Council noted discussion eliminated gateway sign for City of Corcoran. City Planner Shay
noted because the project is located in a residential zone, it is subject to residential zone standards
regarding signs. City Planner Shay noted elevations of buildings, visibility of signs relating to County Road
10, and building sign locations on the buildings. City Planner Shay noted trail concern, and reviewed the
initial project plan reviewed in February 2021 with two apartment buildings, trail connecting to Applewood
Pointe and existing Bass Lake Crossing trail. City Planner Shay reviewed changes to the initial plan
included removal of one apartment complex and the Applewood Pointe trail due to wetlands, and tree
preservation request by Parks and Trails Commission, and the final existing trail plan within the project and
surrounding developments including the Bass Lake Crossing trail, the trail along 74th Avenue, with sidewalk
connections to County Road 10, and trail around Applewood Pointe. City Planner Shay noted the trail
connection from Applewood to Bass Lake Crossing was removed early on in the project due to limitations
with the retaining wall, and environmental restrictions within area.
Beth Hustad, Project Applicant, reiterated comments by City Planner Shay regarding removal of trail
connection, noted discussions with neighbors regarding trail connection, and mentioned restrictions with trail
included lift station property, grade changes, wetland areas, and request by Parks and Trails Commission to
preserve the quality hardwood tree natural resource area.
Council noted flexibility on signs in lieu of valuable exchange such as a partial trail with benches off Bass
Lake Trail Crossing.
Lynn Alberts, approached podium for additional comments. Mr. Alberts stated Bass Lake Crossing maintains
the trail by mowing and plowing, and extending trail 57 yards would encompass a flat area and would allow
for a picnic area and benches for better utilization of area.
Council discussed options and possibly including a lookout point, practical issue of grade differences, and
wetland areas. Interim City Administrator Beise noted utilities location, potential trail extensions, and flexibility
request by applicant for signage allows City to request an extension of the trail to be constructed by
developer. Council and staff discussed trail continuation in general, how trails continue once properties are
developed, and parkland dedication requests in the future. Council and staff discussed options of extending
trail, type of trail, slope of area of proposed extension. Public Works Director Mattson noted slopes of land,
transitions of private and public trails, construction and maintenance of trail. Public Works Director Mattson
note approximately $35,000, very rough, to construct the portion of trail discussed of approximately 150 feet,
and does not include benches or other amenities.
Mr. Alberts noted the Bass Lake Crossing is maintained by HOA. Public Works Director Mattson clarified
Bass Lake Crossing is currently maintaining the trail because the City has not yet accepted it from the
developer.
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Council reviewed option of extending trail. Public Works Director Mattson noted tree clearing was used in
utility corridor.
As. Hustad noted landowners gave the easement to the City for the trail, along with easement to Bass Lake
Crossings trail system. Ms. Hustad noted trees were removed for utilities and not by the developer.
Council noted usable space at the end of the Bass Lake Crossing trail, and noted signage flexibility request
ad where Council stands on request. Council noted adhering to code regarding signage. Council clarified
applicant sign request.
Mr. Hustad noted per code two free standing signs are allowed, one for the daycare and one for the memory
care, one wall sign for each building, and noted each business would like the free standing on County Road
10, with one wall sign on east side of daycare, with wall sign to entrance memory care on north side of
building. City Planner Shay clarified the daycare sign would be on the west side of the building where the
main entrance is located and would be a flexibility request to relocate to the east side of daycare.
Scott Blank, SCH design team New Horizon, reviewed request of building signs on south and east side of
building. Mr. Blank noted the free-standing monument sign on north side of property. Mr. Blank noted ideally
the request would be on the east and south sides of the building, and added signage is the primary way to
establish awareness within community. Mr. Blank noted signage on the west side of building is not effective
as there is no visibility, and preference is on the east side of building, and reiterated needed flexibility on the
east side of building versus the west entrance side.
Judy Strehler, Parks and Trails Commissioner, commented on acceptance of park dedication by developer,
benefit to residents who reside in the two communities, noted there is no parking, and accepted land in lieu
of the cash, and did not intend for there to be a trail continuing on from the existing trail per Parks and Trails
discussion. Commissioner Strehler noted safety concerns regarding emergency vehicles accessing the
extended trail.
Public Works Director Mattson reviewed utility corridor area, maintenance of different types of trails, and
challenges of site, stormwater outlet with easement and accessing that portion, noting the area is a scenic
area of Corcoran, and noted it is a public space and trial could spur atop the utility corridor. Public Works
Director Mattson a trail east/west could be utilized within space, noting Outlot C is a park and trail extension
would allow access to Outlot C park.
Council noted preliminary application acceptance, flexibility with PUD amendment, and conditions of
approval with PUD amendment, and option of denial. Council discussed future trail through park dedication
funds, but signs cannot be changed. Council noted allowing Parks and Trails to review again with future trail
option. Council noted adhering to City Code for consistency across the City.
MOTION: made by Schultz, to accept final plat without requested amendments.
Council noted voting on Motion.
Council referenced negotiating flexibility trade for trail in exchange for PUD sign amendment request by
applicant.
Councilor Schultz repeated Motion, seconded by Bottema, to accept final plat and PUD without requested
amendments.
Council noted interest in supporting alternate sign location request on New Horizon building.
Council and staff clarified applicant request on New Horizon signs included three locations, with alternative of
only 1 side request was on the east elevation, with monument sign on the south.
Voting Aye: Schultz Nay: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion fails 1:4)
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to accept final plat and PUD with requested amendment
by New Horizon to allow 32-square foot monument sign on the south elevation of building, with wall sign on
the east elevation of building with sign size per City Code, and not on the west entrance elevation of building,
and Applewood Pointe would have a monument sign on the north side of 74th, on the southwest corner.
Council noted pending Nay vote to Motion due to lack of value in PUD flexibility exchange. Council noted
only flexibility is sign location change.
Voting Aye: Schultz and Vehrenkamp Nay: Bottema, Nichols, and McKee
(Motion fails 203)
Council discussed extending trail to the wetland buffer and include two benches with a table. Public Works
Director Mattson suggested verbiage change to include what is feasible to wetland buffer regarding trail.
C•�
Council noted trail extension in trade for staff recommendation of PUD amendment request, which allows for
approval of monument signs per code and two signs on building. Council requested New Horizon sign be
included above the building entrance on west, correct size on east side of building, and monument sign per
City Code in exchange for the trail extension feasible to wetland buffer.
As. Hustad commented on current utility existing over trail easement, and concern for trails being built above
utility easement. Public Works Director Mattson noted trail will be public, with park overlay. Ms. Hustad noted
cost of material has sky -rocketed for trail construction. Ms. Hustad noted concern over costs and other
combined infrastructure of project.
Council discussed a trail material options. Interim City Administrator Beise noted April 11 is the 60-day
deadline from Council approval. Director of Public Works Mattson noted an option of requiring an escrow that
caps a commitment for a trail construction project in the future due to current market conditions.
As. Hustad requested the monument sign on County Road 10 be the size the applicant requested, with the
entrance sign on the west of the New Horizons daycare. Council declined this option.
Interim City Administrator Beise noted Motion would amend condition 14c., of Resolution 2022-22, to allow
two 32-square foot monument signs on the north and south sides of the lot, with all other items within
resolution remaining the same, and an additional item stating in exchange for a trail extension of 150 feet off
the north end of the Bass Lake Crossing Trail and constructed of gravel.
MOTION: made McKee, seconded by Nichols approving flexibility regarding daycare signs on east and south
building elevation of daycare, keeping monument signs to City Code, with memory care signage to City
Code, but allowing for two signs.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: by McKee, seconded by Nichols, approving Resolution 2022-22 Final PUD as amended and
approving Resolution 2022-22 Final Plat and Development Contract.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
Council and staff discussed preliminary, final plat and PUD approvals regarding Council and Planning
Commission and noted clarity and specific criteria when sending back to Planning Commission from Council
on relevant items pertaining to commission review.
Mayor called a recess at 11:07 pm.
Council reconvened at 11:11 pm.
c. Zoning Ordinance Amendment Ground Mounted Solar
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment
oortunity for Planning Business items 8c. Interim CitAdministrator Beise explained the instructi
ppy ons 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.
City Planner Shay outlined request by applicant to amend zoning ordinance to increase size of ground
mounted solar energy systems. City Planner Shay noted proposal includes basing on AC kilowatt size. City
Planner Shay reviewed ordinance adoption in 2016. City Planner Shay noted staff recommendation to
increase allowable area for solar arrays and measure as square footage of unit as a whole, and independent
from other accessory structures. Council noted panels could be spaced apart increasing footprint size, and
City Planner Shay noted this is why panels are usually mounted flush. City Planner Shay noted 40 AC
kilowatt limit recommended by applicant would be difficult to manage as size/technology changes. Council
discussed square footage allowance of a 40-acre parcel. City Planner Shay noted maximum would 10 acres
of allowed solar array. City Planner Shay reviewed the proposal of 2.45 acre parcel and equates to 1,656
square footage of solar energy panels, noting the applicant request of 3,400 square footage solar panel
array. Council and staff discussed staff recommendation.
John, Cedar Creek Energy, noted acceptance of staff recommendations, and noted maximum array for
residential properties.
Council inquired if Cedar Creek Energy is paying for zoning ordinance amendment. Interim City Administrator
Beise clarified process for payment of fee and escrow funds. Council inquired on who is paying for zoning
ordinance amendment. Council debated on resident paying for the ordinance amendment and whether
Council implements changes to ordinance. Council inquired on escrow amount resident would receive back.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by McKee to adopt Ordinance 2022-454 Amending Section 1060.110
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10.
11.
of the Zoning Ordinance.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, N
ichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Nichols, second
by McKee approving Resolution 2022-25 Approving Findings of Fact.
Voting Aye. McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by McKee, adopting Summary Ordinance 2022-455.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 500)
Unfinished Business (Public CommentOpportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to communicate in -person or telephonically during the public comment
opportunity for Unfinished Business item. 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. Police Department Staffing
Department of Public Safety Gottschalk outlined the lateral entry position for detective position and noted
hiring process. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk requested Council authorization to extend a job offer to
the preferred candidate as lateral entry. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk summarized lateral entry
process of hiring applicants. Council and staff discussed candidate pool, qualification of candidates, and final
round of interviews.
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Vehrenkamp authorizing staff to extend a final lateral job offer for
Police Officer, assigned as Detective, to the preferred candidate, subject to final approval by the Interim City
Administrator and Mayor.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
New Business (Public
comment opportunity)
Mayor McKee invited residents to participate in person and telephonically to comment on New Business for
10a-c. 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. Combine, Close Out and Create Funds
Finance Manager Ung outlined combination of funds, and closing out funds not used, and creating a new
A to simplify the General Ledger.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Nichols approve Resolution 2022-26 Combining, Closing Out and
Creating Funds.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Hennepin County Youth Sports Grant Application
Public Works Director Mattson outlined the Hennepin County Youth Sports Grant for City Park rinks and trails
in the amount of $103000. Public Works Director Mattson noted the front mounted P800 Pronovost
Snowblower accessory would used for parks and trail maintenance including the City Park hockey rink and
other winter recreation opportunities.
MOTION: made by McKee, seconded by Nichols approving Resolution 2022-30 Supporting Grant
Application for P800 Pronovost Snowblower Accessory.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. Urban Reserve and Development Rights
Council outlined resident urban reserve question regarding subdivision with developable rights. Planner
Davis noted the resident variance split request into 5 acres and 35 acres. Planner Davis and Council
discussed options for resident and noted the parcel is zoned RSF-1. Planner Davis noted discussions with
the resident regarding fees associated with costs of subdividing.
Staff Reports
a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications
2022 City Council Schedule
Council received 2022 schedule.
13. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by McKee to adjourn.
Voting Aye: McKee, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 11:49 pm.
Michelle Friedrich —Deputy Clerk