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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10 -- Fall-WinterFall Update Northeast Water Supply Project The design for the City’s water supply system is nearing completfon. Over the past few months the team has been working on architecture and system design. The goal is to bid the project late fall and if the project is approved, bid in early 2023. Constructfon would take 18 months with an opening operatfng system in 2024. Broadband Grant Reliable internet is something nearly 500 households in Corcoran don’t have access to. In July the City received proposals from internet providers to partner for a broadband grant. In August, the City submitted a grant with Comcast to complete a project to establish fiber internet into unserved areas of Corcoran. The $4.3 million dollar project funding includes contributfons by Comcast, the Minnesota Border-to-Border Grant, Hennepin County, with a City contributfon of 2.5 percent. Development News St. Therese The contfnuum of care facility broke ground on September 1 with a special visit from the Archbishop of St. Paul. The St. Therese project is the first development within the City’s town center area. Cook Lake Highlands A mixed use development containing a senior co-operatfve, day care, memory care, and single family homes, has begun street and utflity constructfon work. NAPA In the downtown area of Corcoran, the new NAPA building is under constructfon. Nelson International In the northeast corner of Corcoran, Nelson Internatfonal is open for business. Residential Development New housing opportunitfes contfnue with Tavera, Rush Creek Reserve, Bellwether, Amberly, Bechtold Farms and more. Check out the City’s development projects sectfon of the City’s website, www.corcoranmn.gov, for additfonal informatfon on land use and development. Wright Hennepin Electric Substation Grading on the new electrical substatfon began in September. Elections The City has offices up for electfon as part of the general electfon on November 8, 2022. Absentee votfng has begun. You can request a ballot be sent to you or you can vote via absentee ballot at City Hall during regular City Hall hours. For informatfon on the City’s electfon, absentee ballotfng extended hours, or other informatfon related to electfons, visit the City website. As always, feel free to contact the Council or me with comments or questfons. I can be reached at 763-400-7029 or jbeise@corcoranmn.gov. Have a safe and wonderful fall season! Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov CORCORAN NEWS Fall/Winter 2022 Homestead by December 31 The homestead classificatfon applies to propertfes owned, and physically occupied by the owner(s) as the principal place of residence. Classificatfon as a homestead may qualify the property for a reduced classificatfon rate, a reduced taxable market value, a property tax refund, and/or other special program eligibility. The deadline to apply for 2023 homestead status is December 31, 2022. Apply online or complete a paper applicatfon at www.hennepin.us/ homestead. Mail your completed applicatfon with a copy of your deed to: Hennepin County Assessor 300 S 6th Street, A-2103 Minneapolis, MN 55487 Questions? Hennepin County Assessor Email: ao.programs@hennepin.us Phone: 612-348-3046 Delinquent Assessments All delinquent utflity bills, including water and sewer, recycling and property maintenance charges are subject to certfficatfon to Hennepin County for collectfon as part of the 2022 taxes payable in 2023. Additfonal late charges and fees will be added to the delinquent amount if not paid by the date stated on the Late Bill Notfce. On Wednesday, November 10, a public hearing will be held on the assessment of delinquent fees at 7 pm at Corcoran City Hall. The last day to make a payment for delinquent charges is November 15, 2022, as the City will finalize the certfficatfon process of delinquent charges and fees on this date. Jessica Beise City Administrator Concept of Water Treatment Facility • Page 2 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov Your entire house- Page 5 Parks and Recreation Public Safety Page 9 Environmental Page 10 Corcoran Happenings Budget and Levy Public Safety Page 7 Public Works Page 4 Land Use Applications Page 8 City Updates 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. Complete Council Packets can be viewed at www.corcoranmn.gov — Our Government / Council / Agenda Packets. Planning Commission Recognition– Dean Jacobs Recognized Dean Jacobs for his service. Broadband Project Supported a grant application with Comcast to extend fiber to the City’s nearly 500 homes without fiber. Ordinance Prioritization Provided staff feedback on ordinance change priorities. Adopted the Preliminary Budget Completed multiple work sessions on the budget and adopted a 2023 budget and preliminary levy. Tavera 4th Addition PUD and Final Plat Planned Unite Development (PUD) Approved the 4th Addition of Tavera including accepting the park. City Park Remaster Authorized further refinement of the plans; and accepted the revised plans. Oath of Offices Swore in Officer Abigail Edstrom and Officer Tim Spellacy Years of Service Recongition Recognized Reserve Officer Ted Schmidt for 15 years and Public Works Director Kevin Mattson for 5 years. Notice of Decision—Corcoran Farms EAW Issued a no need for further environmental study. Wright Hennepin Electric Final Plat and Development Approved the final plat for the Wright Hennepin Substaion. Water Supply Planning Reviewed Architecture for the Water Treatment and Water Tower. St. Therese /City Center Drive Grading Authorized the grading for St. Therese site and City Center Drive. THC Regulation Discussion Place a moratorium on THC sales in Corcoran. Walcott Glen Final Plat and PUD Approved the final plat and PUD for a development with a mix of townhomes and single family homes. Cook Lake Highlands Denied a PUD Amendment Request for a change to park dedication. Approved a joint powers agreement for shared maintenance of the north Brockton Lane. Approved early street and utility construction with conditions. Request for Sign Ordinance Amendment Directed staff to complete a sign ordinance amendment for community event signage. 2021 Audit Heard the audit presentation and accepted the 2021 Audit Night to Unite Recap Heard a recap of Night to Unite and accepted donations from the many vendors who participated. 2023-2025 Labor Agreement Adopted a three year labor agreement for Police. Easement Vacations Vacated drainage and utility easements for Blair Brown, Rush Creek Reserve, Amberly, and Bellwether. Public Safety Reorganization Accepted changes to job descriptions within the Police Department. Pages 3 Page 6 • Page 3 Fall/Winter 2022 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. Blair Brown Riding Arena Conditional Use Permit at 22640 Oakdale Drive (city file 22-047) The applicant is requestfng approval for a riding arena. This item was reviewed at a public hearing at the September 1 Planning Commission meetfng. Council approved on September 22. Pro-Tech Site Plan, CUP, and Variance (PID 26-119-23-11- 0020) (City File No. 22-048). An applicatfon was submitted to move forward with the site plan, two CUPs, and three variances for an expansion of Pro-Tech Auto. The public hearing was held at the September 1st Planning Commission meetfng, and all but one variance was recommended for approval. Council recommendex Northeast Water Treatment Plat Site Plan and Variance (city file 22-057) A site plan applicatfon was submitted by Stantec to move forward with the site for the City’s water treatment plant located at 10120 County Road 116 in the Northeast District. The submitted site plan would require three variances related to screening and an accessory structure within the front yard. The item was reviewed by the Planning Commission on September 1st with a recommendatfon to approve the applicatfon except for one of the proposed screening-related variances. Council approved the applicatfon and two of the three variances. St. Therese Site Plan Amendment (PID 24-119-23-23-0001) (City File No. 22-053). St. Therese submitted a request to modify their building plan. These changes will allow for the Skilled Nursing portfon of the project to be added as a future phase and will expand the Memory Care component from 17 units to 20 units. Additfonally, the changes request allowance of a pitched roof. Council will be provided the updated plans within an informatfonal staff report antfcipated for the October 27 meetfng. O’Brien Sketch Plan (PID 32-119-23-44-0003) (City File No. 22-049). A sketch plan applicatfon was submitted for corporate offices of Crystal Distributfon Inc (CDI) spanning 15,000 square feet at 22320 Highway 55. The item was reviewed by Council at the August 25 Council meetfng. Lots, Fences, and Walls ZOA (City File No. 22-033). Staff received directfon at the June 9th Council meetfng on potentfal solutfons for additfonal fence flexibility within front yards as well as identffying a primary front yard for lots with multfple frontages. The City Council reviewed a draft ordinance at the August 11th meetfng and directed staff to limit the focus of the amendment to reduce the setback for fences to 25’. Council approved the ordinance amendment. Bond Conduit Financing or Host Approval Authorized the issuance of bond conduit financing for St. Therese. Rental Ordinance Reviewed an initial draft of a rental ordinance and provided feedback to staff. Election Canvasing Selected November 14 at 5:30pm for Election Canvasing. Holiday Toy and Food Drive Authorized staff to move forward with a Holiday Toy and Food Drive through the community. Request tor Construction Access Heard a request for changing construction access for Bellwether/Amberly. Submitting a Building Permit The City of Corcoran has transitioned to a new online permitting software making interactions more efficient and convenient. Through this new online portal, residents and contractors can apply for a building permit, check permit status and inspection results, and make electronic payments. 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. N EXT ST EP Truth-in-Taxation Hearing Budget Meeting Meetfng format to be determined. Thursday, December 8 at 7 pm Learn More… The entfre budget and related staff reports are available at www.corcoranmn.gov — Our Government / Council / Agenda Packets / 2022-09-08 Council Agenda Packet to view the budget used to set the preliminary levy. City Administrator Jessica Beise, jbeise@corcoranmn.gov or 763-400-7030, or Finance Manager Maggie Ung, mung@corcoranmn.gov or 763-400-7032, can be reached for further questfons. • Page 4 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov 2023 PRO PO S ED BUD G ET A ND L EV Y 2023 Revenue by Category 2023 Expenditure by Category The City Council adopted its preliminary levy for 2023 at the September 8th meetfng. This levy amount may be decreased prior to final approval but not increased. This levy amount was used to create the proposed City tax amount within the proposed 2023 levies and tax notfces. WHY IS PRO PERT Y TA X N EED ED ? Only a small portfon of the City budget is funded through fees, charges for services, intergovernmental revenue (such as grants and aids) and other sources. For 2023, this portfon is antfcipated to cover 29% of the City’s expenditures. The remaining 71% is funded through the property tax levy. A L LOC ATI ON OF TA X D O LLA R S The median estfmated market value of a home in Corcoran is $475,000. The City taxes on a home of that value using the projected tax rate is $1,994 per year or about $166 per month. The chart be- low shows where the $1,994 is allocated based upon the overall percentage of City expenditures (Amounts are rounded). Item Annual Cost Cost Per Month Police $498 $42 Fire $120 $10 Other Public Safety* $160 $13 Public Works/Parks $498 $41 General Government $358 $30 Planning/Engineering $120 $10 Transfers/Debt Service $240 $20 TOTAL $1,994 $166 *Other Public Safety includes Building Inspectfon and Code Enforcement. TAX EFFECT The adopted preliminary levy is in the amount of $7,166,425, which is a $1,466,994 increase from the 2022 levy. The need for additfonal services, increased costs due to inflatfon and other factors have increased the City’s levy. The project tax rate change is reduced from 43.192% to 41.97%. The goal of the Council is to contfnue to lower the overall tax rate year after year, and this goal has been accomplished for the sixth year in a row. A reduced tax rate means propertfes with no change in value would see a decrease in City taxes. Propertfes with valuatfon increases may see an increase. Valuatfons, tax capacity, levy and tax rate impact the overall City portfon of taxes. According to the City Assessor, the following average increases took place in Corcoran: Residential: 17.6% Agricultural: 16.5% Commercial: 20.1% Industrial: 18% Using this informatfon, a home previously valued at $400,000 would now be valued at $470,400. The antfcipated tax impact in this example would be as follows: The City Council will contfnue to refine the budget and levy prior to final approval, which is antfcipated on December 8. Between now and that tfme the levy can decrease, but not increase. Home Value Tax Capacity Tax Rate City Tax 2022 $400,000 $3,987.60 43.192% $1,722.32 2023 $470,400 $4,704.00 41.970% $1,974.27 Corcoran Youth Athletics Thank you to everyone that partfcipated in Corcoran Parks and Recreatfon programs this year! A special thank you to all those that volunteered to coach. These programs would not be able to run without your willingness to coach and contfnue to grow the partfcipant’s skills! If you’re interested in coaching your child’s team next year, be sure to mark it when registering. Coaches receive one player reimbursement per team coached. Important dates for 2023 Corcoran Youth Athletics: • January 9-15: Priority registratfon for spring baseball opens (Corcoran residents only -password: Baseball) • January 16: Registratfon for spring baseball open to all • February 26: Spring baseball registratfon closes • April 3-9: Priority registratfon for summer soccer opens (Corcoran residents only-password: Soccer) • April 10: Registratfon for summer soccer open to all • April 24: Spring machine pitch baseball begins • April 24: Spring t-ball begins • April 25: Spring coach pitch baseball begins • May 29: Summer soccer registratfon closes • June 19: Fall baseball registratfon opens • July 6: Summer soccer begins • July 23: Fall baseball registratfon closes • August 14: Fall t-ball begins • August 16: Fall coach pitch begins • August 21: Fall machine pitch begins SAVE THE DATE – BASEBALL REGISTRATION! Baseball registratfon opens for residents on Monday, January 9, 2023 for the spring season. Be sure to mark your calendars so you do not miss the chance to register before registratfon opens to all on Tuesday, January 16, 2023. The password for early baseball registratfon is: Baseball • Page 5 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov Parks and Recreation 2022 Corcoran Calendar *Meetings may be held by telephone or by electronic means. Visit www.corcoranmn.gov for updates. Oct 6: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Oct 13: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Oct 20: Parks and Trails Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Oct 25: Charter Commission Meeting 5:30pm—Council Chambers Oct. 27: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 3: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov. 10: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 11: Holiday – City Hall Closed Nov 14: City Council Special Meeting (Monday) 5:30pm—Council Chambers Nov 17: Parks and Trails Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 21: City Council Meeting (Monday) 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 24-25: Holiday – City Hall Closed Dec 1: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec. 8: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec 15: Parks and Trails Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec 21: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec 23 and 26: Holiday – City Hall Closed Corcoran Skating Rinks Corcoran's skatfng rinks offer fun and recreatfon for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. Building and maintaining the rinks depend on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around 0 to –10 degrees Fahrenheit for about one week and approximately four inches of frozen ground. 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. Every year, Public Works aims to open for the season late December, and weather permitting, remain open untfl late February. Depending on weather conditfons, the Public Works crew cleans and resurfaces the rinks daily, Monday through Friday, and weekend mornings (with roads and public safety being first prioritfes). Inclement weather can cause the rinks to be temporarily closed. Rink closing will be reflected on the weather line at 763- 400-7025. HIRING SOON! The City will soon be looking for ice rink attendants! If interested, the applicatfon will be posted on www.corcoranmn.gov — How do I? / Apply For / Employment/Volunteer Opportunities and can be emailed to Recreatfon Supervisor Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristensenbuck@corcoranmn.gov. Like, follow, and watch the City of Corcoran: facebook.com/CorcoranMN facebook.com/CorcoranPDMN @CorcoranMNCity @CorcoranPolice Search: City of Corcoran Minnesota • Page 6 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov Public Safety Corcoran Police Administrative Office: 763-420-8966 Office Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, M, T, W, F 7:30 am - 8:00 pm, Thurs. Non-Emergency: 952-258-5321 FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 Firearms Safety Class Dates and tfmes are yet to be determined for the Corcoran Firearms Safety 2023 classes. Four basic rules of firearms handling: • Treat each firearm as if it is loaded. • Always control the muzzle of your firearm. • Be sure of your target and what is beyond. • Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard untfl ready to shoot. Students must be 12 years old before Nov. 1, 2023 to be eligible to take the class. For updated informatfon on registratfon dates, and locatfon(s) visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Police / Training and Safety / Youth Firearm Safety Training. 15th Annual Truck Safety Seminar Date: TBD Time: 8:00 am—12:00 pm Topics to be covered: • New commercial vehicle laws for 2023 • Rules and regulatfons, • Vehicle equipment requirements For more informatfon on the 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 call the Police Admin Office at 763-420-8966 or email psteelman@corcoranmn.gov Parking regulations Parking is prohibited on public streets November 1 through April 1 from 1:00 am – 7:00 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 While shoveling your driveway, take an extra few minutes to clear a three-foot radius around the hydrant after each snowfall. This will help reduce the tfme it takes firefighters to hook up hoses if a fire occurs in your neighborhood. 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. Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms It is important to test your alarms regularly, but it is suggested to test them at least once monthly. If your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm has replaceable batteries, they should be changed at least every six months. Although you replace your batteries, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms don’t last forever. Read the manufacturer's use and care booklet for installatfon and maintenance guidelines. Contact your local fire department with any questfons regarding smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms. Fire Department Non-Emergency Phone Numbers: Hanover Fire Department…………763-498-7518 Loretto Fire Department…………..763-479-3036 Rogers Fire Department…………...763-428-3500 Visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Fire / Fire Protection Services Winter Reminders Hunting Reminders Many of us look forward to fall as a great tfme to be outdoors. It is possible that you may hear gunshots in the distance when you’re outside. Because huntfng is permissible in most areas of the City of Corcoran, we have citfzens who hunt or allow others to hunt on their property with written permission. You can get a copy of the firearm ordinances and regulatfons at City Hall, the Police Department, or on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. You will need a license for the game you wish to hunt. A person may not shoot, hunt or discharge a deadly weapon or take a wild animal with a firearm within 500 feet of any structure or corral containing livestock without written permission from the landowner. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (MN DNR) has a vast amount of informatfon on hunter safety, seasons, regulatfons, licenses, and much more. Their website is: www.dnr.state.mn.us/huntfng/index.html Be an ethical hunter and follow safe huntfng practfces. Corcoran PD asks that hunters respect others and their property while huntfng. Everyone has the right to enjoy the outdoors safely. • Page 7 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov Night to Unite Smart911 Corcoran PD is partnering with Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 to utflize their Smart911 Suite. This service is available to individuals within our community. Smart911 is a free service to residents (HCSO covers the cost) that allows individuals and families to sign up online to provide key informatfon to 9-1-1 telecommunicators when they call 9-1-1, in turn, we’re able to provide this informatfon to responders. You can also sign up for notfficatfons from your community to keep you informed of weather, traffic, and other emergencies. You may provide as much or as little informatfon as you choose. Informatfon such as having a child with autfsm, living with a person who has a disability, who is in your household, what pets you have, medicatfons you or family members take, medical conditfons or allergies or if you just want to add your phone number, home address or work address, this informatfon is vital to sending out emergency services to you quickly and in a tfme of need. All this informatfon is data private and is only seen by the dispatchers and emergency responders when you call 9-1-1. Smart 911 is a natfonal service meaning your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any partfcipatfng 9-1-1 center natfonwide. We would like as many residents as possible and businesses within our community to sign up and create a profile. There are many different situatfons or examples of why individuals, families and businesses would benefit from creatfng a profile. To learn more about this program or to sign up visit Smart911’s website at https:// smart911.com/. Public Safety Your entire household. One Election Registration Information Voter Registratfon is required prior to castfng your ballot. To register, complete a Minnesota Voter Registratfon Applicatfon by mail, in person, or online at mnvotes.org. You may also register on Electfon Day at your polling place with required informatfon to prove your residency. To register, you must be: • A U.S. citfzen. • At least 18 years old on Electfon Day. • A resident of Minnesota for 20 days. • Finished with all parts of any felony sentence. • You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote. • You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent. *If you have moved, changed names, or haven't voted within four years, you must update your registration by completing a new registration application. Absentee Voting by Mail If you are unable to vote in person at City Hall, visit mnvotes.org to complete the absentee ballot applicatfon process online. If you’re unable to complete the applicatfon online, you can pick up an applicatfon at Corcoran City Hall or call 763-400-7031 to request an absentee ballot applicatfon be sent to you. Upon receipt of completed and signed applicatfon, your absentee ballot will be sent via Hennepin County. Election Information on the City of Corcoran Website Additfonal electfon informatfon is available on the City’s website at www.corcoranmn.gov Select: Government — Election Information • Page 8 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov Election Information Early Voting Dates Sept 23: Absentee votfng begins Oct 18: Last day to Pre-Register to vote for the Electfon (Registration on Election Day available) Nov 5: City Hall open untfl 10:00 am—3:00 pm for in-person absentee votfng Nov 7: City Hall open untfl 8:00 am—5:00 pm for in-person absentee votfng Polling Locations Precinct 1: St. Thomas the Apostle Church 20000 County Road 10 Corcoran, MN 55340 Precinct 2: Hope Community Church 19951 Oswald Farm Road Corcoran, MN 55374 Precinct 3: Corcoran City Hall 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Nov 8: General Election day Polls open from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm For more information on elections contact Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk via email at mfriedrich@corcoranmn.gov or 763-400-7031 or visit mnvotes.org. Not sure of your polling location visit: https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ Vote on General Election Day City Information City of Corcoran Contact Information City Hall —763-420-2288|Police —763-420-8966|Public Works —763-420-2652 www.corcoranmn.gov ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Jessica Beise Michelle Friedrich City Administrator City Clerk jbeise@corcoranmn.gov mfriedrich@corcoranmn.gov 763-400-7029 763-400-7031 Maggie Ung Jodie Peterson Finance Manager Accountant mung@corcoranmn.gov jpeterson@corcoranmn.gov 763-400-7032 763-338-9289 Natalie Davis McKeown Dwight Klingbeil Planner Planning Administratfve Assistant ndavis@corcoranmn.gov dklingeil@corcoranmn.gov 763-258-4272 763-338-9290 Jessica Christensen Buck Linda Canton Recreatfon Coordinator Administratfve Assistant jchristensenbuck@corcoranmn.gov lcanton@corcoranmn.gov 763-400-7034 763-338-9291 POLICE DEPARTMENT Matt Gottschalk Ryan Burns Paula Steelman Director of Public Safety Deputy Dir. of Public Safety Administratfve Manager mgottschalk@corcoranmn.gov rburns@corcoranmn.gov psteelman@corcoranmn.gov 763-420-8966 763-420-8966 763-400-7002 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Kevin Mattson Pat Meister Brandon Heinz Public Works Director Public Works Superintendent Operatfons Manager kmattson@corcoranmn.gov pmeister@corcoranmn.gov bheinz@corcoranmn.gov 763-400-7028 763-400-7037 763-400-7038 Building Permits and Inspections Mike Pritchard Shawna Zuther City Building Inspector Constructfon Services Coordinator Permit Technician Metro West Inspections mpritchard@corcoranmn.gov szuther@corcoranmn.gov 763-479-1720 763-400-7033 763-400-7027 Building Permit Questions Code Enforcement permits@corcoranmn.gov codeenforcement@corcoranmn.gov CONSULTANTS City Engineer City Planner City Assessor Kent Torve, Stantec Kendra Lindahl, Landform Hennepin County Assessor 763-479-4209 612-638-0225 612-348-3046 kent.torve@stantec.com lindahl@landform.net assessor.ao@hennepin.us OTHER SERVICES Homestead Classification Recycling Septic Systems 612-348-3046 Republic Services Hennepin County ao.homestead@hennepin.us 763-972-3335 612-543-5200 Hennepin County Public Works— Dispatch/Roads 612-596-0299 • Page 9 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov Candidates for Corcoran City Offices The City of Corcoran’s next municipal electfon will be held on November 8, 2022. Corcoran will have four positfons on the general electfon ballot for city offices: Mayor (two-year term) and three City Councilmember positfons (two, four- year terms and one special electfon). Corcoran hosts a municipal electfon as part of the 2022 General Electfon. The mayor and three council member seats are on the ballot. Listed below are the candidates for these offices in alphabetfcal order. Mayor Two-Year Term — One Seat Available • Tom McKee City Council Four-Year Term — Two Seats Available • Craig Espelien • Alan Schultz • Jeremy Nichols • Jason Woody Special Election — One Seat Available • Dean Vehrenkamp Elections and Voting Links Visit: mnvotes.org Register to Vote Register to vote online, check registration, etc. www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/ register-to-vote/ Other Ways to Vote/Absentee Vote before election day by mail, in- person, track your absentee ballot or find your county election office. www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/ other-ways-to-vote/ Election Day Voting Find where to vote, voting hours, etc. www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/ electfon-day-votfng/ What’s On My Ballot? View sample ballot, search candidate filings, etc. www.sos.state.mn.2-votfng/whats-on-my- ballot/ • Page 10 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov Public Works 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. City ordinance 130.04 also 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. Corcoran Public Works Department clears 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. The City of Corcoran plows 70 miles of road and more than 100 cul-de-sacs. The criteria for the decision to begin snow and/or ice control operatfon 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 collector roads and roads with steep hills and curves receive 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 assumes 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 for damage and replace before the winter snowplowing season begins. Ensure your mailbox posts are sturdy, set solidly in the ground, and in good conditfon before the snow falls. 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. www.corcoranmn.gov • Page 11 Fall/Winter 2022 Area Snowmobile Trails Sponsored by: Northwest Trails Association — www.nwtrails.net Corcoran’s snowmobile trails are setup and maintained by the Northwest Trails Associatfon. Northwest Trails is an organizatfon of enthusiastfc and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Northwest Trails Associatfon was formed as a non-profit volunteer organizatfon in 1973. Its mission is to support a safe, adventurous, and friendly snowmobiling experience primarily through trail coordinatfon, safety educatfon, and club actfvitfes of value to members. Northwest Trails has created over 150 miles of groomed trails throughout northwestern Hennepin County for all to enjoy. Permission to construct and maintain these trails has been granted by private landowners as well as government agencies. Our trail runs through Hennepin County and the park reserves of: Baker, Crow-Hassan, and Elm Creek. The Wright Country Trail System is accessible from several locatfons. Our success with the trail system and the acknowledgement of snowmobiling as a sport, is attributed to the willingness of landowners who let snowmobilers travel on their private property. The associatfon is very grateful to all the landowners for extending this privilege to Northwest Trails and the snowmobilers who use the trails. It takes many hours of volunteered labor to mark and maintain our trail system throughout the year. Trail signs are set up in October for the Dec 1 trail opening and will be removed in April. The trails are groomed using a modern Tucker Sno-Cat and our custom built drags. For trail updates visit: www.nwtrails.net Minnesota Waters Need a Low-Salt Diet Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency — www.pca.state.mn.us Minnesota has a growing salty water problem that threatens its freshwater fish and other aquatfc life. Chloride from both de-icing salt and water softener salt gets into lakes and streams, and groundwater that supplies drinking water. It takes only one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. Once in the water, there is no easy way to remove the chloride. De-icing salt — When snow and ice melts, the salt we spread on icy roads, parking lots, and sidewalks flows with it into storm drains and our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. An estfmated 365,000 tons of road salt is applied in just the Twin Citfes metro area each year. A study by the University of Minnesota found that about 78% of salt applied in the Twin Citfes for winter maintenance is either transported to groundwater or remains in the local lakes and wetlands. In the Twin Citfes and other communitfes across Minnesota, local partners are addressing this problem by using sand and other strategies to keep winter roads safe while using less salt as a deicer. Water softener salt — People soften their water to make water heaters operate more efficiently, prevent hard water spots on dishes, and make soaps lather more. In most communitfes, salty brine from water softeners drains to municipal wastewater treatment plants that aren't designed to remove salt from wastewater, so the salt passes through to a lake or stream. Drinking water — Salt has contaminated groundwater in some areas of the state; 75% of Minnesotans rely on groundwater for drinking water. Excess salt could affect the taste and healthfulness of drinking water. Snowmobile Safety & Training Sponsored by the Northwest Trail Association The Northwest Trails Associatfon is an organizatfon of enthusiastfc and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the NW suburbs of Minneapolis. Its mission is to support a safe, adventurous, and friendly snowmobiling experience primarily through coordinatfon, safety educatfon, and club actfvitfes of value to members. To register for the class, go to the NW Trails website at http://nwtrails.net/ safety.htm (space is limited). An online course is required prior to the classroom session. There is a $30 fee for the online course available at www.snowmobilecourse.com . There is a $5 fee due at the tfme of pre-registratfon to reserve a seat. More informatfon will be made available with pre-registratfon. Important Info: Students must bring a copy of their birth certfficate with them and a printout from the online training verifying completfon of the on-line certfficate to class on November 25. Partfcipatfon in class will not be allowed if the online course completfon is not confirmed. Classes: Friday, November 25, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (parents are required to attend) and Saturday, November 26, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm is the outdoor practfcal course. Snowmobiles will be provided. Questions: Please call Randy Baudler at 763-420-5526 or email at youthsafetytraining@gmail.com Did You Know? All Minnesotans born after December 31, 1976, must have a safety certificate to operate a snowmobile in the state. If you have a driver’s license, this certification will be indicated on your license. Wetland Buffers A wetland buffer is an un-mowed and naturally vegetated area adjacent to a wetland that protects the wetland from the effects of nearby development. Wetlands store stormwater runoff to reduce the intensity and magnitude of flooding events, and provide food, shelter, and important habitats for wildlife. The wetlands in Corcoran exhibit a great variety of floral diversity and wildlife habitat; healthy buffers protect these wetlands and can add aesthetfc value to your landscape. As part of new developments, wetland buffers are established and easements are provided over the wetland and buffer to ensure they are protected. Developers are responsible for establishing or re- establishing wetland buffers. Over tfme, homeowners associatfons in new neighborhood developments will take over responsibility for the maintenance of the wetland buffers. These associatfons should hire a contractor that specializes in wetland buffer maintenance. Unfortunately, there are currently some wetland buffers in Corcoran that are not in compliance with the City and Watershed wetland buffer standards. The City is working with developers and homeowners associatfons to bring wetlands into compliance with wetland buffer standards. You may see maintenance actfvity in the wetland buffers including, but not limited to seasonal mowing, hand pulling of weeds, spot spraying herbicide, prescribed burning and re-seeding of bare areas. This process will take tfme. Homeowners can assist in maintaining healthy wetland buffers by not disturbing the wetland buffer with actfvitfes such as: • Mowing lawns beyond wetland buffer monuments • Dumping grass, leaves, dirt or other landscaping materials into the buffer • Installing trails • Generally disturbing the wetland buffer For more informatfon on buffer management, visit the Board of Water and Soil Resources Buffer Management page: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/buffer-management Healthy wetland buffer Canadian Thistle, a noxious weed A wetland buffer sign www.corcoranmn.gov Fall/Winter 2022 • Page 12 Environmental • Page 13 www.corcoranmn.gov We all play a role in improving water quality in Minnesota. No matter where you live, our choices are powerful be- cause water moves. The raindrops that fall on our streets flow through storm drains that empty directly into our lakes, creeks, rivers, and wetlands. Raindrops pick up chemicals, pollu- tants, and debris that they touch along the way. Every point in a raindrop’s path is an opportunity to improve our water quality. These actfons can help our waters immensely. Take on a few of these actfons at your home and share them with others. You can also look for volunteer opportunitfes through your city, watershed organiza- tfon, or county to have a greater im- pact on water quality in your communi- ty. Every positfve choice and voice helps improve our waterways, wildlife habitats and the beautfful, fun waters where we Minnesotans relax and play. Your streets connect to lakes, rivers and streams. Things you can do to protect Minnesota’s valuable resources. Source: www.westmetrowateralliance.org Keep streets clear of leaves and grass clippings Sweep, rake, mulch or compost. Stormwater runoff carries leaves and grass clippings from streets into lakes and streams, where their nutrients cause destructfve algae blooms. Use these nutrients to your benefit. Use them as mulch for weed suppression, or make them into compost to use as fertflizer. This protects water quality—and saves money. Kick the chemicals Lawn and garden chemicals can harm pollinators and wash into the street’s storm drains that con- nect directly into nearby lakes and streams. Encourage the growth of healthy lawns and gar- dens. Pull weeds by hand or use spot treatment for weeds. If you have a weed or pest problem, consult the Uni- versity of Minnesota Extension website for advice. Get a soil test before apply- ing fertflizers. If you apply fertflizer, sweep up excess from pavement. Re- member, a need for chemical treat- ments is an optfon of last resort. Scoop the poop Pick up after pets. When pet waste is left behind, rain water washes it into lakes and streams. Pet waste contains bacteria, such as E. Coli, that can cause illness in people, pets, and wildlife. Pet waste also contains nutrients that cause destructfve algae blooms in lakes and streams. Adopt a storm drain Keep drains free of leaves, grass clippings, and litter. Water entering a storm drain is carried directly to the nearest water body carrying leaves, grass, soil, litter and anything else it picks up along the way. This clogs stormwater infrastructure, contributes to street flooding, harms wildlife, and pollutes our waters. Remember, nothing but rain down the drain! Capture rain water Capture and clean rain water and recharge groundwater. Plant a rain garden, which col- lects rain water runoff, lets it soak into the ground, and filters out excess nutrients and other pollutants. Pollinators can benefit, too. You could also install a rain barrel, which captures rainwater from the roof of your house or garage to use in your garden. Or you can redirect downspouts to flow into your yard instead of running off into the street. Conserve water Water the lawn only when it’s needed during dry periods. Water about one inch a week (including rain fall). Water early in the morning to reduce evaporatfon. Conserve water by sweeping, rather than hosing off, driveways and sidewalks. Salt sparingly Shovel first, minimize salt use, sweep up excess. Just one teaspoon of salt permanently contaminates five gallons of fresh water. Shovel snow first, apply salt only to ice patches, use as little salt as possible, and sweep up leftover salt when ice is gone. Remember: More isn’t better, and sodium chloride, the most common deicer, stops working below 15°F. Fall/Winter 2022 • Page 14 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov 2022 Corcoran Recycling Schedule Corcoran Happenings Hope Community Church “Hope Radio Hour” A Festive Evening of Music and Comedy Date: Saturday, December 10 Time: Doors open 6:00 pm — Event begins 6:30pm The 20th Annual “Hope Radio Hour” is a delightiul night of comedy, laughter, and reflectfon, in celebratfon of the birth of Christ. Enjoy creatfve comedy skits and beautfful musical performances and a dessert intermission. Hope Community Church will collect donatfons to cover the cost of dessert and to support Hope Children’s Home serving orphans in Uganda, Africa. Ladies Christmas Tea and Boutique Date: Saturday, December 3 Time: 1:00 pm Boutfque Shopping/Table Viewing 3:00 PM Christmas Tea Begins All ladies, ages 4 to 104, are cordially invited to attend the 25th Annual Ladies Christmas Tea at Hope Community Church. Come and begin your holiday season in an elegant, festfve setting, enjoying delicious food and beautfful music. You will also have an opportunity to shop at the Holiday Boutfque. This event is filled with Christmas traditfon and much joy! General tfcket sales open November 1. Tickets sell out early, so don’t wait! Purchase at www.myhopecommunity.com or call 763-494-4673. Come early to admire the beautfful tables and shop at the boutfque! Adults: $20 Young Ladies: (ages 4-10) $12 NW Area Jaycees Future Events Santa Claus Is Coming to Corcoran! Date: Saturday, December 7, 2022 Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Where: Immanuel United Methodist Church 10025 Brockton Ln N., Corcoran, MN **NEW LOCATION** Pancakes, Santa, Elves, Reindeer! What could be better? Photos with Santa will be taken by a professional photographer, plus kids get to pick a free small gift from under the NW Area Jaycee’s holiday tree. Kids also get a chance at a prize drawing for larger gift items. A pancake breakfast will be served for all to enjoy. Actfvitfes are free with a non-perishable food shelf donatfon. www.republicservices.com November 15th is America Recycles Day • Page 15 Fall/Winter 2022 www.corcoranmn.gov CROSS Meals on Wheels What is Meals on Wheels? CROSS Meals on Wheels offers delivery of hot, ready-to-eat meals to elderly, disabled, and homebound individuals living in Corcoran, Maple Grove, Osseo, Rogers, and Dayton. When are meals delivered? Meals are delivered between 11 am to 12:30 pm Monday through Friday. What type of food is served? Meals are a main entrée, vegetable, bread, dessert, fruit, and milk. Can relatives sign up their loved ones? Family members are encouraged to contact CROSS to obtain informatfon about enrolling loved ones. How much does it cost? With the new sliding fee program, the home delivered meal program is now open to more community members, the meal price determined on eligibility to pay and need. Do you need volunteers? As our program grows, so does the need for volunteer drivers. Whether once a month or once a week, CROSS will work around your schedule. Drivers must have their own vehicle, driver’s license and insurance. Based in Rogers, CROSS Services in a nonprofit organizatfon serving families and individuals for 42 years. For more informatfon, contact CROSS at 763-425-1050, info@CROSSservices.org, or visit www.CROSSservices.org. City of Corcoran Welcomes Staff Linda Canton joined the Administratfon Department as the new Administratfve Assistant in August. Linda is married to Mark and they have a son Adam who was married in June and a daughter Abbie who is working on her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Linda loves dogs, of which they have three, and taking them for walks, doing things with her family like gong to the cabin, hiking, going to MN Wild games, watching football and traveling. Corcoran Happenings Corcoran Drop Box Did you know? You can conveniently submit all permit applicatfons and payments, utflity service applicatfons and payments, ACH direct payment applicatfons, homestead applicatfons, and other general City business anytfme by using the secure black drop box located outside of the main City Hall entrance. The drop box is monitored and checked daily. We encourage everyone to utflize the secure drop box as necessary. 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 General Information • Page 16 www.corcoranmn.gov Fall/Winter 2022 City of Corcoran City of Corcoran meetfngs can be viewed via video links at www.corcoranmn.gov. Upcoming Meetings City Council Meetings - 7 pm Nov 10 and 21, Dec 8 and 21,2022 Jan 12 and 26, 2023 Parks and Trails Meetings-7 pm Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15, 2022 Jan 19, 2023 Planning Commission Meetings– 7 pm Nov 3, Dec 1, 2022 Jan 5, 2023 City Website www.corcoranmn.gov 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 Smoke Alarms Source: Rogers Fire Department Non-Emergency Fire Department Phone Numbers Click here for map of fire districts or visit www.corcoranmn.gov. Hanover Fire Department: 763-498-7518 Loretto Fire Department: 763-479-3036 Rogers Fire Department: 763-428-3500 Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years from the manufacture date. Over tfme, the sensors in the alarms become dusty and cloudy causing alarms to go off for no reason or to not alarm when intended. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. There are two kinds of smoke alarms ionizatfon – which detect flaming fires quickly and photoelectrical – which detects smoldering fires quickly. It is recommended to use both types or a combinatfon alarm in your home. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries replaced at least every six months depending upon battery duratfon. Contact your local Fire Department if you have any questfons regarding smoke alarms and/or carbon monoxide alarms. «Address Heading» «PO Box» «City» «MN» «Billing» Yard Waste and Compost The City of Corcoran currently does not have a compost or yard waste site. The nearest site available for residents is the Maple Grove Yard Waste Site. For a small fee Corcoran residents can drop off yard waste, which includes leaves, grass clippings, brush, and logs up to 10” in diameter. Maple Grove Yard Waste Site 10300 Maple Grove Parkway North Maple Grove, MN 8 am— 7 pm (Mon- Sat) 11 am— 7 pm (Sun) Open April 1 - November 30 Visit www.mgyardwaste.com or call 763-420-4886 for more informatfon. Monthly Water and Sewer Bills The City of Corcoran offers a direct payment ACH optfon for monthly city sewer and water bills. Direct payment ACH guarantees bills are paid in full and on tfme each month by automatfcally deductfng payment from a checking or savings account. Email utflitybilling@ci.corcoran.mn.us or visit www.corcoranmn.gov — How do I? / Sign Up For / Utility Services for the ACH applicatfon and informatfon on how to enroll. In additfon, the City also offers online credit card payments for utflity bills as another method of payment. Visit https://cityofcorcoran.revtrak.net for the credit card payment optfon.