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Home My WebLink About2023-01 -- Winter-SpringWinter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov CORCORAN NEWS Winter/Spring 2023 Daylight Savings Time: March 12, 2023 Set Your Clocks Ahead One Hour Corcoran Social Media facebook.com/CorcoranMN facebook.com/CorcoranPDMN @CorcoranMNCity @CorcoranPolice Search: City of Corcoran Minnesota Assessor’s Office The City of Corcoran contracts with Hennepin County to provide assessing authority. Contact information: Property values and assessments: Jason Vaith, Residential Appraiser 612-802-8797 or jason.vaith@hennepin.us Homestead classificatfon: Michelle Lambert-Thurber 612-348-2943 or michelle.lambert@hennepin.us Property tax informatfon: 612-348-3011 or taxinfo@hennepin.us A Message From the Mayor I want to take a moment to thank you all for your contfnued trust and support. I am truly honored for the opportunity to contfnue serving as your mayor. As I’ve mentfoned before, recent development in parts of the city contfnues to bring new challenges as well as excitfng opportunitfes. As growth happens, the City Council remains dedicated to guiding thoughtiul, high-quality development where it makes sense, while stfll maintaining the rural character that defines Corcoran. I believe we have a fantastfc group of City Councilors and Commissioners with a wide range of experience and expertfse that will help shape what our community looks like now and for future generatfons. In 2023 we will contfnue to work on implementfng technological upgrades to make it even easier for residents to stay up to date and partfcipate in City Council and Commission meetfngs. As we evaluate proposals, consider further updates to our city code, or make important policy decisions – we not only appreciate your partfcipatfon, but truly value your input. I also want to take a moment to share a few excitfng announcements and a give brief look ahead at some of what the city will be working on this year: Broadband As you may have heard, we were recently awarded a Minnesota Border-to-Border Broadband Grant! This funding, along with a significant contributfon from Comcast and an additfonal grant from Hennepin County, will run high-speed, fiber-based internet throughout Corcoran! Work on the installatfon plan will be underway soon – so keep an eye out for more informatfon in the coming months. Park Projects There are a couple significant park projects on the horizon. Most notably, phase 1 of the City Park remaster is quickly approaching. The plan includes several infrastructure improvements, significantly increased parking and a wide range of amenitfes including a splashpad, playgrounds, six pickleball courts, a basketball court, and new tennis and volleyball courts. In the Bellwether neighborhood, a boardwalk to the open space park will be constructed. Additfonally, a trail along Hackamore Road is planned as part of the Hackamore Road Improvement Project. Water Supply Planning In late December we were able to secure $3,000,000 in federal funding for the Northeast Water Supply project. With the rising cost of constructfon, this funding will have a substantfal impact on the financial feasibility of the project. Final plans are complete, and the Council will be evaluatfng bids for the water tower and treatment facility early in 2023. Please take a moment to read through this newsletter for the latest community updates and other important informatfon. You can also follow the City on Facebook (Facebook.com/ CorcoranMN), Twitter (@CorcoranMNCity) or visit the city website (corcoranmn.gov) for additfonal informatfon and regular updates throughout the year. I’m excited to contfnue serving our amazing community and am looking forward to what the future holds for Corcoran in 2023 and beyond. As always, please feel free to reach out to me or our other Council members directly with any questfons, comments, or concerns. Tom McKee, Mayor City of Corcoran tmckee@corcoranmn.gov • Page 2 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov Page 6 Parks & Recreation Environmental Page 11 City Information Page 12 General Information Land Use & Permits Public Works Page 9 Public Safety Page 5 Property Tax Info Page 10 The Corcoran City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 7 pm at City Hall unless otherwise posted. The following is a recap of a selection of items discussed at meetings since the last newsletter. A full recap can be found by reviewing the approved City Council minutes at www.corcoranmn.gov — Our Government / Council / Minutes. NAPA Relocates to Corcoran’s Commerce District The NAPA store relocated into a newly constructed building to Corcoran’s Commerce District at the corner of 75th Avenue North and County Road 116. St. Therese Site plan modification to the St. Therese project to modify the building design and phase construction of building. Trail Haven Road Bridge Replacement Council reviewed costs associated with replacing the culvert bridge at Trail Haven Road. This culvert bridge crossing is considered critfcal infrastructure to the City’s transportatfon and stormwater drainage systems. Request for 70% Design for City Park Council reviewed concept plans for City Park and approved items as presented. Financial Performance Report Council received a staff budget report through September 2022, along with the City’s projected financial positfon for the fourth quarter of 2022. Report indicated a projected surplus of $354,969 in the General Fund. Paulsen Development Rights Appeal Council reviewed a development rights appeal for the property at 22101 County Road 30, and determined the development rights map was accurate. O’Brien Concept Plan Council reviewed a request for a new 17,000 square foot office showroom building with shop for the corporate offices of Crystal Distributfon Inc. (CDI), and other O’Brien family businesses on 9.13 acre parcel north of Hwy 55 and west of Rolling Hills Road. Continental Properties Concept Plan Council reviewed a sketch plan applicatfon and submitted feedback from to applicant on a 300-unit market-rate suburban apartment community on a parcel zoned and guided as mixed use along County Road 30 near County Road 101. Holiday Toy and Food Drive Council recognized the staff, Corcoran Police Department, and Loretto Fire Department, for partfcipatfon in the Holiday Toy and Food Drive. The Holiday Toy and Food Drive was a success and collected donatfons of approximately $15,000 in toys and 1,000 pounds of food from five Corcoran neighborhoods who signed up to partfcipate. Council recognized The Stanchion and NW Area Trails Associatfon for their contributfons to the event. Shop with a Cop Council recognized Target in Medina, Corcoran Police Department and staff for making this years Shop with a Cop event another memorable one for the kids and their families! Congratulations Officer Steve Warren who celebrated 26 years with the Corcoran PD. Page 4 Page 8 City Updates • Page 3 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov City Updates Continued... 2023 Corcoran Events Calendar *Meetings may be held by telephone or other electronic means. For updates or to view City of Corcoran meetfngs via video link visit www.corcoranmn.gov. Jan 2: Holiday—City Hall Closed Jan 5: CANC: Planning Commission Mtg 7 pm — Council Chambers Jan 12: City Council Meeting & Work Session 7 pm — Council Chambers Jan 16: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jan 19: LOMR Meeting 5 pm — Council Lobby & Chambers Jan 19: Parks & Trails Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Jan 26: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 2: Planning Commission Meeting 7pm — Council Chambers Feb 9: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 16: Parks & Trails Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 20: Holiday — City Hall Closed Feb 23: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Mar 2: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Mar 9: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Mar 16: Parks & Trails Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Mar 23: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Apr 6: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Apr 13: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Apr 20: Parks & Trails Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Apr 27: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Kathy Hughes Hello! I am so excited to join the City of Corcoran as The Administratfve Services Director. I served in law enforcement for 31 years in Hennepin County and was the City of Minneapolis Director of Emergency Communicatfon. I have a law enforcement and business administratfon degree. I am very devoted and passionate about working in local government and being part of such a wonderful community. Feel free to reach out to me at City Hall 763-338-9293 or khughes@corcoranmn.gov . I look forward to meetfng you all! City of Corcoran Welcomes New Staff Wayne Barnhart I joined the City as the Accountfng Clerk in October. I have a passion for learning new things such as being able to speak and understand Spanish along with learning Tagalog/Cebuano (Philippine language) and Thai. I am fond of (all) animals, especially dogs and exotfc birds. I enjoy football, hockey, landscape photography and volunteering in the community – I have served as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem as well as a Mentor for troubled youth. Hackamore Road Reconstruction 2023 Spring/Summer Project The citfes of Corcoran and Medina are currently planning for reconstructfon and improvements to Hackamore Road between County Road 101 and Medina Lake Road between County Road 101 and Medina Lake Drive. Constructfon is antfcipated during the spring and summer of 2023. Final design is currently underway and the citfes intend to go out for bid over the winter. Proposed improvements include the additfon of turn lanes, widened paved shoulders, pavement rehabilitatfon and ultfmately a trail along the north side of Hackamore Road along with other pedestrian improvements. An open house will be scheduled during the spring of 2023, prior to constructfon, to discuss schedule, detours, and similar subjects. In the meantfme, more informatfon is available on the project website at https://www.corcoranmn.gov/ public_services/public_works/ hackamore_road_improvement_project General Election 2022 Results Included on the ballot on November 8, 2022, in the City of Corcoran, were one special electfon councilmember seat, two regular councilmember seats, and the mayor’s seat. The results of the electfon were canvassed on the November 14, 2022, Council Special Meetfng. Below are the candidates selected by the City of Corcoran residents: Mayor Tom McKee Ran unopposed Council Member (2 seats) Jeremy Nichols Alan Schultz Special Election Dean Vehrenkamp Ran unopposed The City of Corcoran voter turnout was 78 percent at the November 8 General Electfon! For complete electfon results please visit the MN Secretary of State website at: electfonresults.sos.state.mn.us Permit Totals 873 permits issued in 2022 2021 2022 Residentfal New Con 297 200 Deck/Porch 139 125 Alt/Remodel/Basement 60 59 Accessory Building 11 13 Plumbing 98 209 Mechanical 143 97 Other Construction Permits Issued 2021 2022 Land Disturbance 20 21 Utflity 85 85 • Page 4 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov Land Use Applications and Final Plats The Corcoran Planning Commission meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm at City Hall unless otherwise posted. The Planning Commission is an advisory board and consists of five regular members, and a City Council liaison that is a non-voting member. The Commission holds public hearings, reviews, and then makes recommendations regarding land use and planning applications to the City Council. Pioneer Trail Industrial Park, Rezoning and Preliminary Plat and PUD (PUD 32-119-23- 34-0013, 32-119-23-34-0007, 32-119-23-34-0005 and 32-119-23-43-0006) (City File No. 22-039) An applicatfon was submitted to move forward with the preliminary approvals for the Pioneer Trail Industrial Park off Highway 55. The item was reviewed by the Planning Commission at a Public Hearing on December 1st and was recommended for approval on a 3-1 vote. The item will be scheduled for a January meetfng for Council review. Corcoran Farms Business Park Rezoning and Preliminary Plat and PUD at 20130 Larkin Road (PID 26-119-23-13-0006) (City File No. 22-044). The City received an applicatfon for an industrial PUD near Larkin Rd and County Road 116. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 6th and recommended denial of the applicatfon. The item was initially reviewed by the City Council meetfng over three meetfngs on October 27, November 21st and December 8th. The Council voted to approve the request on a 4-1 vote with several conditfons of approval. Tavera 5th Addition Final Plat and Final Planned Unite Development Plan (PID 35-119 -23-43-0001) (City File No. 22-0068) Lennar submitted an applicatfon this week for the final plat and final PUD plan for Tavera 5th Additfon. This item is under review for completeness. The final plat was approved by Council at the November 21st meeting. Hope Community Sketch Plat (PID 11-119-23-14-0003) (City File No. 22-074) Brian Lother submitted a concept plan applicatfon to receive feedback from Council for a proposed residentfal and mixed-use development on the propertfes surrounding Hope Community Church. The concept includes medical offices, retail space, market- rate apartments, townhomes, senior villas and assisted living facilitfes. The sketch plan will be reviewed by the Council at the January 12, 2023 meetfng. The applicant is also moving forward with an EAW based on the submitted concept plan. Red Barn Pet Retreat Sketch Plat (PID 01-119-23-44-0045) (City File No, 22-075) Daniel Benjamin submitted a concept plan for the property at the northwest corner of Stfeg Road and County Road 101. The request includes re-guiding the land to commercial to allow for expansion of his commercial kennel business. The sketch plat also reflects 9 additfonal lots for future commercial users on the property. The sketch plan will be reviewed by the Council at the December 22nd meetfng. 2020 Permit Totals Submitting a Building Permit Residentfal re-roof, siding, window and door replacement (same opening), plumbing (water heater, water softener) and mechanical (furnace, A/C, gas fireplace, garage heater/gas line) permits are considered maintenance permits and can be applied for, paid, and issued without review through the online portal. Permit requests that require plan review may take up to 15 working days to process and approve for issuance. Some applicatfons may take longer due to special provisions or conditfons. Note: With the implementation of this new electronic permit software, permits will be required to be submitted online. Paper and emailed building permits will no longer be accepted. Go to www.corcoranmn.gov — Permits and Inspections to apply for a permit and for additional information and updates. A number of checklists are available online to help you with your project. Metro West Inspectfon Services is contracted to conduct plan reviews and inspectfons. Call 763-479-1720 for building code questfons or to schedule an inspectfon. • Page 5 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov Property Tax Changes Many factors contribute to your property tax changing from year to year. Property value, your neighbor’s property value, decisions by the City Council, the County Board, your local School Board, and the state legislature can all impact property taxes. The value of your property, the total value of all the property in your community, changes to state programs, and changes in state laws can also affect the tax system and play a role in increasing or decreasing property taxes each year. If you have questions or concerns regarding your property value, taxes or classification contact the Hennepin County Assessor’s Office at 612-348-3046 or assessor.ao@hennepin.us. Why is a property tax levy needed? Only a small portfon of the City budget is funded through fees or charges for services. For 2023, the portfon funded by fees, charges, and intergovernmental revenue covers 29% of the City’s expenditures. The remaining 71% is funded through the property tax levy. 2023 City of Corcoran Tax Levy The City Council adopted the 2023 preliminary levy at the September 8, 2022 meetfng. This levy amount was used to create the City tax amount you saw on your proposed 2023 levies and taxes notfce. The City Council adopted a final levy for 2023, at the December 8, 2022 meetfng. The adopted final levy of $7,158,323, is a $1,458,892 or 25.6% increase from the 2022 levy. Despite this increase, the tax rate is projected to decrease slightly from 43.192% to 41.92% due to new constructfon and increased valuatfons. Property Tax Info When do I pay my property taxes? Most property owners pay their taxes in two installments — the first half in May and the second half in October. The bi- annual payment occurs even if your property taxes are collected by your mortgage company with your monthly mortgage payment. What do I get for my property taxes? Local governments get the money they use to deliver services from a few different sources: property taxes, fees, revenue sharing with the state, and grants. Property tax dollars pay for the services everyone in the community benefits from and can access, including residents, visitors, commuters, and tourists. This includes services through the City, like streets, street signs, police and fire services, and City parks. Property taxes also cover services through Hennepin County, like county libraries and parks. Also included are other Hennepin County services such as economic development programs to help businesses grow and develop, and local City services such as snowplowing, road grading and repairs, are all typically paid for with property tax dollars. Who decides what City services to provide? The City Council reviews the services the City currently provides and thinks about what local preferences are and what populatfon trends suggest about the kinds of services people will need. Communitfes with lots of young families may want to offer different kinds of services than communitfes seeing a big increase in the number of senior residents. Sometfmes citfes have to provide certain services to comply with state or federal laws. Some common examples are requirements for testfng drinking water and making public buildings accessible to people with disabilitfes. Homestead Classification Any Minnesota resident purchasing a new or existfng home who occupies the home as their primary residence may be eligible for the homestead classificatfon on their property. Classificatfon as a homestead may provide homeowners with property tax savings. Apply to the Hennepin County Assessor’s Office by December 31 to qualify for taxes payable the next year. Where should I apply for homestead? 1. Apply online through the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/ homestead. You will need to create an online services account. 2. Mail completed applicatfon along with a copy of your deed (including the legal descriptfon) to: Hennepin County Assessor, 300 S 6th Street, A-2103, Minneapolis, MN 55487. The Homestead Applicatfon form can be found online at www.hennepin.us/ homestead, click on “Apply online” and then select the “Apply By Mail” tab. For more informatfon or questfons regarding Homestead Classificatfon contact Michelle Lambert-Thurber at 612-348-2943 or michelle.lambert@hennepin.us. • Page 6 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov Parks & Recreation Baseball Registration — Open SOON! It’s tfme to start thinking about spring baseball! Registratfon will be available for t-ball (4-5 years old), coach pitch (6-7 years old), and machine pitch (8-10) years old. Residents of Corcoran receive priority registratfon startfng on Monday, January 9 at 8 am through Monday, January 16 at 11:59 pm. Online priority registratfon will require residents to use the password “Bases” to begin the registratfon process. Registratfon opens to all on Tuesday, January 17 at 8 am and runs through February 26 (or untfl filled) and can be completed online at www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Parks and Recreation. The seasons run from late April untfl mid-June. Registratfon for machine pitch includes the opportunity to partfcipate in the mid-season jamboree against other teams in the league! Volunteer coaches are needed – if interested, be sure to mark that on your child’s registratfon! Volunteer coaches receive 1 registratfon refund per team coached at the end of the season. Partfcipants are expected to bring their own baseball glove and highly encouraged to bring their own bat and helmet. Summer Soccer Residents of Corcoran receive priority registratfon startfng on Monday, April 3 at 8:00 am through Sunday, April 9 at 11:59 pm. Online priority registratfon will require residents to use the password “Goal” to begin the registratfon process. Registratfon opens to all on Monday, April 10 at 8:00 am and runs through May 29 (or untfl filled) and can be completed online (www.corcoranmn.gov). The soccer season will run from Thursday, July 6 to August 10-17 depending on the weather. Volunteer coaches are needed – if interested, be sure to mark that on your child’s registratfon! Volunteer coaches receive 1 registratfon refund at the end of the season. Partfcipants are required to wear shin guards, socks to cover the shin guards, glasses straps for players who wear glasses during play, and should bring a LABELED warm-up soccer ball (U6/U8: Size 3 ball; U10/U12 size 4 ball). Skating Rinks Corcoran's skatfng rinks offer fun and recreatfon for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. Building and maintaining the rinks depends on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around 0 to –10 degrees F for about one week and frozen ground approximately four inches deep. The crews then establish a six-inch base, which will help rinks survive most warm snaps. The final step is to build a smooth “finish surface” on the ice. Corcoran ice rinks are planning to be opened for the season in early January, and weather permitting, will remain open untfl late February. Depending on weather conditfons, the Public Works Department generally cleans and resurfaces the rinks daily between 7 am – 3 pm (roads and public safety are first prioritfes). If you see the Public Works crew at the rinks, please vacate the rinks and allow them the tfme and space to complete the cleaning and resurfacing. Inclement weather and lack of staffing can cause the rinks and/or the warming house to be temporarily closed and will be posted on the weather line at 763-400- 7025. Those interested in utflizing the rinks are encouraged to call the weather line prior to going to the rinks. Be sure to mark your calendars for fall baseball registratfon opening on Monday, June 19, 2023 for the t-ball, coach pitch, and machine pitch seasons! The fall season runs from mid-August untfl end of September. More informatfon regarding the fall baseball season can be found at https://www.corcoranmn.gov/ public_services/parks_and_recreatfon Questions regarding facilities and programs? Contact: Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor jchristensenbuck@corcoranmn.gov or 763-400-7034 Parks and Trails Update The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm at City Hall unless otherwise posted. The Parks and Trails Commission consists of seven regular members and serves as an advisory board to the council to provide safe, clean parks and open spaces. Memorial Garden— Commissioners approved the use of Memorial Garden Funds to make improvements to the park. Diamond Lake Regional Trail— Fee schedule updates recommended for approval. City Park Remaster—Commissioners recommended approval of the concept plans for the City Park Remaster Project. Corcoran Farms—Commissioners recommended approval of the staff recommended trail alignment. • Page 7 Winter/Spring 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov 763-972-3335 763.972.3335 www.corcoranmn.gov Winter/Spring 2023 • Page 7 https://www.hennepin.us/recycling • Page 8 Winter/Spring 2023 ww.corcoranmn.gov Corcoran Police Department Office: 763-420-8966 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, M,T,W,F 7:30 am - 8:00 pm Thursday Non-Emergency: 952-258-5321 FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 Firearms Safety Training 2023 Corcoran Firearms Safety classes are scheduled for March 12, 19 & 26, and April 2 & 16 from 6 pm - 9 pm, locatfon TBD. The class will conclude with a Firearms Safety Field Day on April 22 from 8 am -2 pm. Ages 11 and older can attend a firearms safety certfficatfon course and receive their certfficatfon. The Firearms Safety Certfficate becomes valid at age 12. For updated informatfon on locatfon(s) and registratfon dates visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Police / Training and Safety / Youth Firearm Safety Training or contact the Corcoran Police Administratfve Office at 763-420-8966. Registratfon will open early February 2023. Fireplace Safety Tips Winter and wood burning stoves and fireplaces go hand in hand and while these can be beautfful and comfy, fireplaces and chimneys are involved in two out of every five home heatfng fires. Follow these tfps to help prevent fires. • Have your furnace, wood stove, fireplaces and chimneys inspected yearly. • Never leave a fireplace unattended. • Open the flue so harmful smoke and carbon monoxide leaves the home. • Keep children and flammable items at least three feet away from open fires. • Have a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. • Cool ashes before you remove them in a metal container. • Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Public Safety Truck Safety Seminar The Corcoran Police and Public Works Departments will host the 15th Annual Truck Safety Seminar at the Corcoran Public Works facility Thursday, February 23. The seminar will run from 8 am - 12 pm and will cover a multftude of items such as the new commercial vehicle laws for 2023, rules and regulatfons, vehicle equipment requirements, and much more. Coffee, rolls, and lunch are provided by donatfons from sponsors. For more informatfon on this free seminar and/or registratfon date(s) visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Police / Training and Safety / Truck Safety Seminar. To be placed on the email list for seminar informatfon contact Corcoran Police Administratfve Office at 763-420- 8966, psteelman@corcoranmn.gov or afadden@corcoranmn.gov. Winter Reminders Parking regulations Parking is prohibited on public streets November 1 through April 1 from 1 am – 7 am and after a snowfall of at least two inches. Parking may not resume untfl snow has stopped accumulatfng and the street has been plowed. No vehicle of 10,000 lbs gross weight or greater shall park on any city street unless authorized by the Director of Public Safety or Public Works Director. Any questfons in reference to the parking ordinance, please call the police department at 763-420-8966. Fire hydrant clearing The City is requestfng your help in keeping fire hydrants accessible. Snow piled or shoveled close to hydrants restricts operatfon during a fire emergency. Please clear a three-foot circle around the hydrant near your home to assure easy access for the fire department. Plowing snow onto roads Minnesota State Statute (169.42) prohibit relocatfng snow and ice from private property (including driveways and parking lots) to a roadway, sidewalk, or adjacent property. Educate children on the dangers of snow removal Please educate children on the dangers of snow removal and make sure they play safely. • Remind them to never build tunnels or forts in snow banks near the street. The force and weight of the snow coming off the plows can collapse the tunnels or forts and harm the child. • Keep sleds, toys and basketball hoops out of the street and away from the edge of the road. Snow banks make it difficult for plow drivers to see children playing in these areas. Children should never play in or near the edge of the road. • Stay away from the plow. If a plow is on your street, children should stay back at least 20 feet or more from the road. It is best to have children play near the house as the snowplow approaches and stay there untfl the plow has passed. • Page 9 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov City Snowplow Policy The Corcoran Public Works and Police Departments, and Hennepin County Public Works would like to cautfon residents that it is unlawful to dump, plow, or push snow from private driveways onto county roads or city streets whether you are plowing your driveway or you have hired someone to remove snow. Snow dumped on highways or street rights-of-way can create a hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been ditched and damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow. The person responsible for depositfng snow on roadways may also be liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries that occur as a result of this actfon. Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 160.2715, RIGHT-OF-WAY USE, violatfon of the above statute is a misdemeanor. State law prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots onto public roadways. The violatfons are considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Through the years this issue has become a bigger concern as the community grows. The Corcoran Public Works and Police Departments will be enforcing these laws. Public Works Snow and Ice Control Operations The goal of the Corcoran Public Works Department is to clear snow and ice from city roads as soon as possible. Delays may occur in the event of equipment breakdown or extreme weather conditfons. The safety of the public and the City employees is a top priority. Currently the City has over 70 miles of roads and more than 100 cul-de-sacs that are maintained by the Public Works Department. The criteria for the decision to begin snow and/or ice control operatfons are as follows: • Snow accumulatfon of two inches or more warrants the plowing of asphalt roads, two to four inches warrants the plowing of both asphalt and gravel roads dependent on road conditfons. Call out is normally at 2 am when practfcal. • High volume major collector roads and roads with steep hills and curves receive first priority. • Safety of the plow operators and the public are important. Therefore snowplowing operatfons may be terminated after 12 – 14 hours to allow personnel adequate tfme to rest. High winds creatfng white out conditfons could cause suspension of services untfl weather improves. The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground lawn sprinkling systems, exterior lightfng systems, and similar landscaping installed in the public right-of-way. To review the City approved policy visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Public Works / Snow Plowing. Garbage can driveway location During winter months, please be sure to place garbage containers inside your driveway perimeter or boundary on garbage pickup days. Garbage containers should never be placed on the roadway as they are a traffic hazard and an obstacle to the effectfve and safe removal of snow and ice in the winter. Mailbox reminder Inspect your existfng mailbox post periodically for damage. Ensure your mailbox posts are sturdy, set solidly in the ground, and in good conditfon. Swing-Away mailbox post option Swing-Away Mailbox Posts are designed to reduce or eliminate damages to mail receptacles during inclement weather. The swing-away posts are constructed of galvanized steel and are designed to meet the Postal regulatfons and MNDOT’s specificatfons. An example is currently on display by the main entrance of Corcoran City Hall. Swing-Away Mailbox Posts are available to purchase for $65.00 for the individual product or installed by Corcoran Public Works for $150.00. • Page 10 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov More Information for Large Landscaping Projects For your larger projects, additfonal tree orders can be placed at Wright County Soil and Water District. Visit their website at www.wrightswcd.org/ tree_program.html for complete informatfon. Tree order forms are available and mailed out each February. Call 763-682-1970 to be added to the notfficatfon list. To purchase trees directly through the DNR nursery, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ nursery/index.html. Environmental Don’t let your septic system freeze Source: www.pca.state.mn.us — Minnesota Pollution Control Agency The following tfps will help keep your septfc system warm and happy this winter and prevent the costs and inconveniences that come when elements of a septfc system freeze up. • Place a layer of mulch 8 to 12 inches thick over the pipes, tank, and soil treatment system to provide extra insulatfon. • Use water—the warmer the better—if you’re worried your system is startfng to freeze. Do not leave water running all the tfme—this will overload the septfc system. • Going away for an extended period? Have someone use warm water in the home regularly or pump out your tank before leaving. • Fix any leaky plumbing fixtures or appliances in your home. This will help prevent freezing problems and help your system perform better all year. • Keep all vehicle, animal, and people traffic off the system. This is a rule to follow all year as compacted snow and soils cause frost to go down deeper and faster. • Keep an eye on your system. If any seeping or ponding occurs, contact an onsite professional to help determine the cause and remedy. • Add more insulatfon to your system. This could include replacing pipe with insulated pipe, adding expanded foam panels over septfc tanks, or adding more soil cover. TREE GIVEAWAY Keep an eye out for the Annual Tree Giveaway! The Annual Tree Giveaway offers Corcoran residents up to five free tree saplings each year. Multfple varietfes of trees will be available, but due to limited quantftfes, it is recommended to claim your trees early. The form to claim your trees is expected to be released in March. Once trees are available for pick up, Tom Anderson (tom.thegardener@yahoo.com) will contact those that reserved trees and provide pick up informatfon. For additfonal informatfon regarding types of trees and how to plant them, please visit www.wrightswcd.org/ tree_program.html. Click here for the Tree Plantfng Pocket Guide.Click here for the Tree Plantfng Pocket Guide. Smart salting tips that protect Minnesota waters Source: www.pca.state.mn.us (MPCA) & www.cleanwatermn.org As the first major snow of the season arrives, Minnesotans are thinking about clearing snow and ice from pavement — sometfmes with salt. We scatter an estfmated 365,000 tons of salt in the metro area each year. But it only takes a teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. The Minnesota Pollutfon Control Agency (MPCA) recommends a low-salt diet for our lakes, streams, and rivers. Much like table salt, rock salt’s benefits are peppered with danger. Salt helps melt ice on roads and sidewalks and protects drivers and pedestrians. But when the snow melts, de-icing salt, which contains chloride, runs into nearby bodies of water and harms aquatfc wildlife. Chloride accumulates in the water over tfme, and there’s no feasible way to treat or remove it. Our freshwater fish and bugs can't tolerate a salty environment! Do your part by following these simple tips: • Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effectfve it can be. • 15 degrees (F) is too cold for salt. Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for tractfon, but remember that sand does not melt ice. • Apply less. More salt does not mean more meltfng. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. Leave about a three-inch space between granules. • Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else or throw it away. Ice Safety Reminder For more informatfon visit mndnr.gov/icesafety • Page 11 Winter/Spring 2023 www.corcoranmn.gov Sponsored by the NWArea Jaycees Northwest Area Jaycees‘ FREE Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Corcoran Community Park (aka the Corcoran Softball Fields) on Saturday April 8, 2023 at 10:00 am. The NW Area Jaycees host an annual Egg Hunt* in the City of Corcoran. The event is held outdoors, so dress appropriately and is a free event and geared for ages 0-10 with age appropriate treats in each age category. Rain, shine or snow this event happens! Partfcipants are encouraged to bring baskets to gather up the goodies and turn in any prize eggs found for larger gifts! The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photo opportunitfes with the kids, so don’t forget to bring your cameras! Check our Facebook page for event details & weather updates as the date draws near:www.facebook.com/nwareajaycees NW Area Jaycees Scholarships Available Sponsored by: NW Area Jaycees The Northwest Area Jaycees will be awarding up to $15,000 in scholarship monies to graduatfng senior high school students. All applicants must reside within Corcoran city limits and contfnue onto a college educatfon in the Fall of 2023. Applicatfons are scored on academics, leadership, community involvement and financial need. Applicatfons will be open for submission January 1, 2023 and will close March 1, 2023. All applicants will be notffied in March, and a ceremony will be held in early May. Late applicatfons will not be accepted. For more informatfon visit https://www.nwareajaycees.org/scholarships Corcoran Lions Scholarship Program Sponsored by: Corcoran Lions The Corcoran Lions are excited to offer their 35th annual scholarship program to graduatfng seniors who live in the City of Corcoran. The Lions also offer their 14th Annual Bill Schalo Scholarship. The Bill Schalo scholarship is given based on community service in Corcoran. Scholarships are based on academic, leadership, service to community and a need basis. The applicatfon deadline is April 14, 2023 along with a transcript of the students grades. For more applicatfons and more informatfon visit www.corcoranlions.org or contact Jerry Cain at jerryjcain@gmail.com. Corcoran Happenings Subscribe to the City Newsletter Visit www.corcorcoranmn.gov — Our Community / What’s New / Newsletters and look for the gray BELL icon with Subscribe and follow the prompts. Utility Bill Updates 2023 Rate Changes City Council adopted the 2023 fee schedule on December 22, 2022, which adopted new utflity rates for water and sewer services. For more informatfon, you may view the council meetfng by visitfng www.corcoranmn.gov and follow Our Government/Council/View Council Meetfngs- Most Recent/2022 Archives/2022-12-22 Council Meetfng. More informatfon is included in the December and January utflity bills. Rate changes are effectfve as of January 1, 2023 and will be reflected in the bills sent at the end of January. Payment Options Utflity bill payments can be made via www.invoicecloud.com/corcoranmn or by cash or check at City Hall. Residents can place payments and utflity service applicatfons in the outdoor drop box located by the main doors of City Hall at any tfme or at the front desk with the receptfonist during business hours. Contact utilitybilling@corcoranmn.gov with any questfons regarding your utflity bill or to start or stop service. 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 General Information • Page 12 www.corcoranmn.gov Winter/Spring 2023 Corcoran News is published quarterly by the City of Corcoran to update residents and businesses on city government news. City Council Tom McKee, Mayor tmckee@corcoranmn.gov Jon Bottema, Councilor jbottema@corcoranmn.gov Alan Schultz, Councilor aschultz@corcoranmn.gov Jeremy Nichols, Councilor jnichols@corcoranmn.gov Dean Vehrenkamp, Councilor dvehrenkamp@corcoranmn.gov City Administrator Jessica Beise 763-400-7029 jbeise@corcoranmn.gov Administrative Services Director Kathy Hughes 763-338-9293 khughes@corcoranmn.gov Spring 5-Ton Road Restrictions Road restrictfons will be enforced this spring concurrent with MNDOT Metro Region. All Corcoran city streets are five-tons per axle unless otherwise marked. Postfngs will be lifted per MNDOT Central Region. Visit the Minnesota Department of Transportatfon (MNDOT) at https:// sll.dot.state.mn.us/research/ seasonal_load_limits/ for more informatfon. Homesteading in Hennepin County Homestead applies to propertfes occupied as primary residences by their owners or relatfves. The program may qualify the property for a reduced classificatfon rate, reduced taxable market value, property tax refund, and special program eligibility. Once homestead is granted, annual reapplicatfon is not necessary. In some circumstances, verificatfon may be requested by the assessor’s office. Hennepin County Homestead Information Michelle Lambert-Thurber 612-348-2943 michelle.lambert@hennepin.us Apply Online www.hennepin.us/homestead Questions on Property Taxes? Hennepin County Assessor’s office Jason Vaith jason.vaith@hennepin.us