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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01 -- Winter-SpringWinter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov CORCORAN NEWS Winter/Spring 2021 Charter Commission The City of Corcoran is acceptfng applicatfons for an individual to join the Charter Commission. Charter Commission members meet at least once annually, and as needed to review public initfatfves and discuss potentfal Charter amendments. For more informatfon contact City Administrator Brad Martens at bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400- 7030. First review of applicatfons will take place in March. Letter from Mayor Tom McKee I want to take a moment to thank you for placing your trust in me to serve as Mayor. I’m truly humbled by the support and am excited to serve and represent our amazing community. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I will work tfrelessly to meet the expectatfons you have of city leadership. Corcoran has seen a lot of growth in recent years, and with change comes new opportunitfes, as well as new challenges. As growth happens, let’s make sure it is thoughtiully guided in a way that preserves the rural character that defines Corcoran. I believe we have a fantastfc group of City Councilors and Commissioners with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience that will help us navigate the road ahead. But perhaps even more importantly, there are so many Corcoran residents who are eager and willing to share their unique perspectfves and personal experience to help define what our city looks and feels like today and as we grow as a community. A major priority this year will be to identffy and begin to address areas in our city code that need to be updated or modified to better fit the needs of our residents and business community. This process in partfcular needs significant community feedback and partfcipatfon to get right, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences. With several upcoming technological upgrades, residents will have even more opportunitfes to view and partfcipate in City Council meetfngs, Commission meetfngs, work sessions, and more. In the coming months, I hope to announce a number of new opportunitfes for residents to get involved. In fact, we will be looking to fill a vacancy on the Charter Commission early this year – so if you’re interested, please consider applying! Please take a few minutes to read through this newsletter for the latest community updates and other important informatfon. Make sure to follow the City’s Facebook (Facebook.com/CorcoranMN) and Twitter (@CorcoranMNCity) and check out the city website for more informatfon. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questfons, comments or concerns. I’m looking forward to working for, and with, our incredible community and am excited for what the future holds for Corcoran in 2021 and beyond. Again, I want to thank you all for the opportunity to serve as your Mayor. Tom McKee Mayor City of Corcoran 612-803-8101 tmckee@corcoranmn.gov Assessor’s Office The City recently transitfoned its assessing authority to the Hennepin County Assessor’s office. Contact information: Property values and assessments: Melissa Potter, Assessor 612-348-3046 or melissa.potter@hennepin.us Homestead classificatfon: Michelle Lambert-Thurber 612-348-2943 or michelle.lambert@hennepin.us Property tax informatfon: 612-348-6011 or taxinfo@hennepin.us Save the Date: Open Book Meeting The Open Book meetfng is held annually in April/May to give taxpayers an opportunity to ask questfons about their property valuatfon notfces. Hennepin County is looking at approximately eight different meetfngs around the county for taxpayers to choose from. Locatfons and dates to be determined. Visit www.hennepin.us/propertytaxes or www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Assessor. • Page 2 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov Page 6 Public Safety Environmental Page 11 Corcoran Happenings Page 12 General Information Land Use & Permits Parks & Recreation Page 8 Public Works Page 5 Property Tax Info Page 9 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. A full recap can be found by reviewing the approved City Council minutes at www.corcoranmn.gov — Our Government / Council / Minutes. Staff Related Updates • Authorized staff to hold an internal Police Sergeant promotfonal process with authority for the Director of Public Safety to select and appoint the preferred candidate to positfon effectfve Jan 1, 2021. • Directed staff to initfate a Police Officer hiring process to establish a candidate list for Police Officer vacancies. • Director of Public Safety Gottschalk Director issued the Police Officer Oath to Clayton Decker. • Approved the 2021 Benefits and Wage Schedules as presented. • Approved the job offer for the Maintenance Worker positfon. City Hall Remodel Project • Authorized the City Administrator to approve individual change orders up to $10,000, not to exceed 10% of the overall constructfon amount. • Authorized staff to proceed with a card reader proposal from Integrated Protectfon Systems. Authorize Wetland Delineation and Feasibility Study — Bridge Replacement Project • Approved the feasibility study proposal for bridge improvements including soil borings at Trail Haven Road, Cain Road, and Schutte Road in an amount not to exceed $24,000. • Authorized staff to complete wetland delineatfons and associated survey work for the Trail Haven Road, Cain Road, and Schutte Road bridge sites in an amount not to exceed $3,000. CARES Act Expenditures • Approved the resolutfon authorizing CARES Act expenditures as presented. Council and Commission Updates • Accepted the resignatfon of Dorothy Theis from the Charter Commission and approved the resolutfon honoring Dorothy on her decades of service. • Approved the resolutfon honoring Tom Anderson and his tfme on City Council. • Appointed Tom Anderson to the Parks and Trails Commission to fulfill a term ending Feb 29, 2022. • Directed staff to accept applicatfons to the fill the Charter Commission vacancy. • Approved the resolutfon honoring Brian Lother and his tfme on City Council. • Approved the resolutfon honoring Mayor Ron Thomas on his years of service as Mayor and Councilmember. 2021 Budgets, Levies, Fees, Finances and Special Assessments • Held a public hearing for delinquent fees; certffied delinquent fees to the Hennepin County Auditor for collectfon in 2021. • Approved the 2021 fee schedule; requested additfonal review in 2021. • Held a public hearing for the 2021 General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy. • Approved the 2021 General Fund Budget and Final Levy. • Approved the 2021 Water and Sanitary Sewer Budgets. • Authorized the City Administrator to offer two agreement optfons to impacted property owners; pay deferred assessments over 10 years with an interest rate of 2% with requirement to pay immediately upon sale; or pay deferred assessments upon removal of the Green Acres program or upon sale. Assessment amounts due in 2021 if no agreement is signed by the property owners. Page 4 Page 7 • Page 3 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov City Updates Continued... 2020 Election Canvassing • Adopted the resolutfon canvassing the Nov 3, 2020 municipal electfon returns and declaring results. Final PUD Development Plan and Final Plat for Rush Creek Reserve • Approved the items with minor amendments to garages and exterior materials; the first phase includes 45 single family homes, six twinhome lots, and 29 townhome lots. Ravinia 15th Addition • Approved the final additfon of the Ravinia development with 44 single family lots. Preliminary Plat for Tessmer and Weber Properties • Approved the preliminary plat to create three lots from two existfng lots. Minor Subdivision for St. Therese at 8200 County Road 116 • Approved the subdivision to divide the City Hall property. Rezoning to Rural Commercial from Transitional Rural Commercial — 23240 County Road 30 • Approved the rezoning as presented. Final Plat for Kariniemi Addition • Approved the final plat for the four-lot development as presented. Pandemic Response Update • Heard updates from staff; directed staff to open the ice rinks for the 2020-21 season. Code Compliance This year, at the directfon of the Council, the City contfnued proactfve code enforcement. Staff completed a second sweep of the entfre City by driving street by street, sectfon by sectfon and proactfvely searching for nuisance violatfons. The City sought out residentfal propertfes with obvious and multfple violatfons. Staff made multfple sign sweeps throughout the City removing right-of-way obstructfons and will contfnue to do so on a regular basis. Staff also spent a substantfal amount of tfme with campaign signage. As of December, the City has issued a total of 243 violatfons notfces (approximately 52 of these required more than one notfce). Of these 243 violatfons, 170 have been resolved and 25 remain open/ongoing; including four violatfons sent for abatement, 21 with the City Attorney, and one in process. For more informatfon, or to report a nuisance violatfon contact Code Enforcement at 763-400-7026 or codeenforcement@ci.corcoran.mn.us. *Meetings may be held by telephone or other electronic means. Visit www.corcoranmn.gov for updates. Jan 11: Spring Baseball Priority Registration Opens (Corcoran residents only) Jan 14: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Jan 19: Spring Baseball Registration Opens Jan 18: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jan 21: Parks & Trails Meeting Jan 28: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 4: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 11: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 15: Holiday — City Hall Closed Feb 18: Parks & Trails Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 25: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Feb 28: Spring Baseball Registration Closes Mar 4: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Mar 11: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Mar: Firearms Safety Classes Dates & Locatfon TBD Mar 18: Parks & Trails Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Mar 25: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Apr 1: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Apr 5: Summer Soccer Priority Registration Opens (Corcoran residents only) Apr 8: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Apr 12: Summer Soccer Registration Opens Facebook.com/CorcoranMN Facebook.com/CorcoranPDMN @CorcoranMNCity @CorcoranPolice 2021 Corcoran Events Calendar Municipal Election Results Mayor Council Member (Elect 2) Council Member (Special) Tom McKee……. 2,118 Jon Bottema……………….. 1,996 Jeremy Nichols.. 1,924 Ron Thomas…… 1,511 Manoj M. Thomas………. 1,806 Brian Lother…... 1,271 Write-In…………. 15 George B. Gmach……….. 1,367 Write-In…………. 18 Write-In……………………… 36 • Page 4 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov Building Permit Applicatfons can be found online at www.corcoranmn.gov — Permits & Licenses. The City has a number of guidelines and checklist handouts available to help you with the permit process. A completed permit applicatfon and all necessary informatfon can be mailed, submitted by utflizing the drop box at City Hall, or emailed to permits@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Online permit payment optfon now available. Permit number and verified total amount due is required before submitting payment. The City of Corcoran also accepts cash and check payment for permit applicatfons. Credit card transactfons over $100 are subject to 3.49% convenience fee. For Building Code related questfons, please call our contracted Building Official, Metro West Inspectfons at 763-479-1720. Building Permits 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. Final Plat for Kariniemi Addition at 6780 Rolling Hills Road and 6855 Willow Drive (PID 33-11923-22-0004 and 33-119-23-21-0001) (PID 36-119-23-24-0045) (city file 20-036) The applicant has requested final plat approval, but needs to address the preliminary plat conditfons regarding the wetland delineatfon. Council approved the final plat at the Dec 21, 2020 meetfng and the public hearing for the easement vacatfon is scheduled for Council on Jan 14. Rezoning for the property located at 23240 County Road 30 (PID 07-119-23-13-0003) (city file 20-040) The request from T. Scherber Demolitfon & Excavatfng is to rezone the property from Transitfonal Rural Commercial to Rural Commercial. The applicant would initfally use the existfng accessory structure for vehicle storage as allowed by the existfng CUP and would transitfon the home to office space. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Dec 3, 2020 and Council approved the rezoning at the Dec 21, 2020 meetfng. Final Plat and Final Planned Unit Development Plan for “Rush Creek Reserve” for the Property located at 20400 County Road 10 (PID 23-119-23-42-0004) (city file 20-030) M/I Homes has applied for a final plat and final PUD development plan for phase 1 of the 257 unit residentfal development. The item was reviewed at the Nov 5, 2020 Planning Commission meetfng and Council approved the project at the Nov 23, 2020 meetfng. Final Plat and Final PUD Development Plan for Ravinia 15th (PID 36-119-23-24-0045) (city file 20-033) Lennar has applied for the final phase of the Ravinia development with this 44 lot plat. The item was reviewed at the Nov 5, 2020 Planning Commission meetfng and Council approved the project at the Nov 23, 2020 meetfng. Preliminary Plat for the Property located at 23825 Tessmer Road (PID 07-119-23-22- 0001) and 10005 CR 19 (PID 07-119-23-21-0002) (city file 20-037) The request is to plat the property to create three lots and one outlot from the two existfng parcels. The plat would create two new developable lots. The item was reviewed at the Nov 5, 2020 Planning Commission public hearing and Council approved the project at the Nov 23, 2020 meetfng. Minor Subdivision for St. Therese at 8200 County Road 116 (PID 24-119-23-23-0001) (city file 20-041) The applicant is requestfng approval of a three parcel subdivision that will create one parcel for city hall, one parcel for St. Therese to purchase and one parcel to be retained by the City for the linear park adjacent to County Road 116. Council approved this item at the Nov 23, 2020 meetfng. Permit Totals 939 permits issued in 2020 2019 2020 Total building permits…… 543 733 New constructfon……….. 158 237 Deck/porch…………………. 52 91 Alteratfon/remodel…….. 18 22 Accessory building………. 14 13 Re-roof……………………….. 169 246 Basement finish………….. 13 18 Total mechanical permits. 90 97 Furnace…………………….…. 48 47 Total plumbing permits…. 62 109 Water Softener………….… 22 75 Total permits issued were up 244 from 2019 and includes 79 more new construction permits. Other Construction Permits Issued 2019 2020 Driveway…………………….. 7 7 Fence………………………….. 4 6 Sign…………………………….. 1 8 Grading & Fill………………. 9 16 Utflity………………………….. 69 81 2020 Permit Totals 695 392 409 414 Issued Permits 2016—2020 939 • Page 5 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov Property Taxes Can Change 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 any questfons or concerns regarding your property value or classificatfon contact the Hennepin County Assessor 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 2021, the portfon funded by fees or charges covers only 26% of the City’s expenditures. The remaining 74% is funded through the levy. 2021 City of Corcoran Tax Levy The City Council adopted its preliminary levy for 2021 at the Sept 10, 2020 meetfng. This levy amount was used to create the City tax amount you saw on your proposed 2021 levies and taxes notfce. The City Council adopted a final levy for 2021 at the Dec 10, 2020 meetfng which was a slightly lower amount than the preliminary levy. The adopted final levy of $5,054,377, is a $384,818 or 8.3% increase from the 2020 levy. Despite this increase, the tax rate is projected to decrease from 45.013% to 42.846%, the lowest tax rate since 2012, due to new constructfon and increased valuatfons. If you have any questfons or concerns regarding your property taxes call the Hennepin County Assessor’s office at 612-348-3046. 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. You must own and occupy a property by Dec 1 and apply by Dec 15 to qualify for taxes payable in the following year. Where should I apply for homestead? 1. Apply online through the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/homstead. You will need to create an online services account. 2. Mail completed applicatfon and required documentatfon to: Hennepin County Assessor, 300 South 6th Street - MC213, Minneapolis, MN 55487. The Homestead Applicatfon form can be found online at www.hennepin.us/residents/property/ homestead. When filing for the homestead classificatfon, a copy of the Certfficate of Real Estate Value (eCRV) and warranty deed or contract for deed needs to be included with the applicatfon. For more informatfon or questfons contact Michelle Lambert-Thurber at 612-348-2943 or michelle.lambert@hennepin.us. • Page 6 Winter/Spring 2021 ww.corcoranmn.gov Truck Safety Seminar A seminar date for the Corcoran Police Department and Public Works 14th Annual Truck Safety Seminar at the Corcoran Public Works facility is yet to be determined. The seminar would run from 8 am — 12 pm and would cover a multftude of items such as the new commercial vehicle laws for 2021, rules and regulatfons, vehicle equipment requirements, and much more. Check for more informatfon on the seminar and/or registratfon date(s) at www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Police / Training and Safety / Truck Safety Seminar. To get on the email list for seminar informatfon contact Paula at 763-400-7002 or psteelman@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Firearms Safety Class Dates and tfmes are yet to be determined for the Corcoran Firearms Safety 2021 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, 2020 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. Corcoran Police Administrative Office: 763-420-8966 Public Safety Burning Permits The City has transitfoned to a new online process for residents to apply for burn permits. Once approved, the permit will be sent via email. Allow 2-3 business days for online permit payments and 7-10 business days for check or cash permit payments. To apply for a burn permit or for additfonal informatfon visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Police / Burning Regulations/Permits / Burning Permits & Guidelines. For more informatfon contact the Police Administratfve Office at 763-420-8966. Burn permits are required for any fires larger than three-feet diameter by three-feet in height. Anything smaller than a three-foot by three-foot fire must be a recreatfonal fire. Burn permits are not required when the ground is snow-covered, which is ground that has a contfnuous unbroken cover of snow to a depth of three inches or more surrounding the immediate area of the fire. Winter Reminders Parking Regulations Parking is prohibited on public streets Nov 1 - Apr 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 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) and City Code (130.04) 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. For any questfons regarding smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms contact your local fire department. Non-Emergency Fire Department Phone Numbers: Hanover Fire Department…………763-498-7518 Loretto Fire Department…………..763-479-3036 Rogers Fire Department…………...763-428-3500 • Page 7 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov 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 right-of-ways 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. City Snowplow Policy Public Works A 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 more than 72 miles of roads and 113 cul-de-sacs that are maintained by the Public Works department. 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 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 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. • Page 8 Winter/Spring 2021 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, Jan 11 through Monday, Jan 18. Online priority registratfon will require residents to use the password “Baseball” to begin the registratfon process. Registratfon opens to all on Tuesday, Jan 19 and runs through Feb 28 (or untfl filled) and can be completed online at www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Parks and Recreation or at City Hall. The seasons run from late April/early May through the end of 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 one registratfon refund 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, Apr 5 through Sunday, Apr 11. Online priority registratfon will require residents to use the password “Soccer” to begin the registratfon process. Registratfon opens to all on Monday, Apr 12 and runs through May 30 (or untfl filled) and can be completed online at www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Parks and Recreation / Soccer Registration and Information or at City Hall. The soccer season will run from Thursday, July 9 to Aug 19-26 depending on the weather. Volunteer coaches are needed – if interested, be sure to mark that on your child’s registratfon! Volunteer coaches receive one registratfon refund at the end of the season. Partfcipants are expected to wear shin guards, socks to cover the shin guards, glasses straps for players who wear glasses during play, and to 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 crew 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. Pending and current inclement weather can cause the rinks to be temporarily closed and will also be posted on the weather line at 763-400-7025. *Due to COVID-19, the warming house will not be open for the winter 2020-2021 season. Portable restrooms, benches, and timed lights will be additions this year to continue to provide an enjoyable opportunity for families to participate in skating. At the time of this newsletter publication, guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) states that only those of the same household should be participating in activities together. Please be mindful of social distancing, masking, and other MDH guidance when participating in activities at the parks. Questions regarding Parks & Recreation facilities and programs? Contact: Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Coordinator at jchristensenbuck@corcoranmn.gov • Page 9 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov 2021 Corcoran Recycling Schedule Environmental www.randysenviornmentalservices.com Recycle Smart Source: www.hennepin.us/residents/recycling-hazardous-waste/residential-recycling Keep these items out of your recycling cart Plastic bags and film: These items get tangled in the equipment at recycling sortfng facilitfes and interfere with the recycling process. Bring to a retail drop -off to be recycled. Large plastic items: Plastfc lawn furniture, laundry baskets, storage tubs, and plastfc toys are difficult to sort at recycling facilitfes and there aren’t good markets for recycling them. Random metal items: Pots, pans, pipes, hangers, tools, and other random metal items can damage equipment and harm workers at recycling sortfng facilitfes. All metal can be recycled, just not in your recycling cart at home – bring these items to a scrap metal recycler. Batteries: These are too small to be sorted at recycling facilitfes, and certain batteries can cause fires. Batteries should be recycled at places like the county drop-off facilitfes. Bags of recyclables: Don’t put your recycling in bags in your recycling cart. Recyclers can’t tell what’s in the bag, so your items might not get recycled. Place recycling loose in your cart. Paper cups and plates and plastic utensils and straws: These items are often contaminated with food, are difficult to sort at recycling facilitfes, and don’t have good recycling markets. Avoid them by using reusable optfons. Good Stuff (Compostable materials) Food waste and food-spoiled paper are called organic waste. It includes: • Food scraps: Fruits & Vegetable scraps Meats, fish & bones Break, pasta & baked goods Spoiled leftovers Egg and nut shells Dairy products Tea leaves (staples removed) Coffee grounds • Food-soiled paper products: Paper towels & napkins Paper plates & cups (uncoated) Pizza boxes Paper egg cartons Tea bags (staples removed) Coffee filters • Other compostable items: Tissues & cotton balls Floral trimmings & house plants BPI-Certffied materials Keep Out (Materials not compostable) These items should not go into your kitchen compost bucket or Blue Bag Organics liner. • Twist tfes • Aluminum foil • Foil-lined cartons, containers or packaging • Parchment paper • Wax coated boxes • Staples • Plastfcs • Glass and metals • Styrofoam • K-cups • Personal sanitary products • Diapers and wipes • Pet droppings or kitty liter • Clothes • Cigarette butts • Rocks or bricks • Microwavable popcorn bags • Recyclable papers • Shredded papers Organics Recycling at Home Source: www.randysenvironmentalservices.com/residential/organics-recycling You and your household can help our community convert food waste and food-soiled paper into nutrient-rich compost that fortffies lawns, flower beds, backyard, and community gardens, small vegetable and berry farms and rain gardens. To become a Blue Bag Organics household, contact Randy’s Environmental Services at (763) 972-3335. • Page 10 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov Environmental Smart Salting Source: www.minnehahacreek.org/salt Salt provides a quick and easy way to melt ice, but did you know that the salt you lay down on your driveway, sidewalk, or steps eventually makes its way into lakes and streams where it hurts fish, birds, and aquatfc plants and insects? One teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes five gallons of water because once it’s in the water, it is too costly to remove on a large scale. Additfonally, all that salt we are laying down is damaging our lawn and landscaping, corroding cars and infrastructure, and hurtfng our pets’ paws. Make sure you have the right tools in your tool belt for managing snow and ice: • Shovel after snowfall: the proper shovel (or snow blower) can make all the difference! Shoveling regularly will reduce the need for salt. Ergonomic shovels will make the job easier on your back. • Sand: Use sand for tractfon, only if needed, when the temperature drops below 15 degrees F. Salt does not work in temperatures less than 15 degrees F. • Apply the right product and spot treat areas: All salt is not the same. Some, like calcium chloride, work to colder temperatures, but may have other side effects like leaving a slimy residue. Check the label before you purchase so you know what kind of deicer it is and if it will work for your purposes. • Use just a little and disperse evenly without piles: You don’t need to put down much salt to get ice to melt and applying more doesn’t mean faster meltfng. Aim for a spread of three inches between salt crystals. A 12- oz. mug holds about one pound of salt, which is enough for 250 square feet (approximately two parking spaces). • Sweep and reuse: Extra salt and sand that is visible on dry pavement can be swept up and reused. This helps keep it out of the storm drain and will save you money in the long run! • Hire a certified professional: Smart saltfng winter maintenance contractors have gone through training to learn proper winter maintenance and salt applicatfon. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Source: www.pca.state.mn.us/water/municipal-stormwater-ms4 Rain and snow melt run over the abundant impervious surfaces in urbanized areas — roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, roof tops, etc. — and pick up pestfcides, fertflizers, oils, metals, road salt, sediment, trash, and other pollutants and carry them into storm drains. Storm drains discharge directly into lakes rivers, streams, and wetlands, so stormwater runoff is a leading source of water pollutfon. In additfon, stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces travels faster and in larger quantftfes, which results in damage to rivers, streams, and wetlands; destructfon of aquatfc habitats; and elevated pollutant levels reaching surface waters. Impervious surfaces also prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground and recharging groundwater. Local public entftfes that own or operate municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) play a key role in preventfng stormwater runoff from harming Minnesota’s valuable water resources. What is an MS4? Source: www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/waterresources/index.html MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. MS4 programs are required by the U.S. Environmental Protectfon Agency (EPA) and the Minnesota Pollutfon Control Agency (MPCA) to reduce pollutfon from stormwater to surface waters and groundwater. Municipalitfes with populatfons of 50,000 or greater, smaller designated citfes such as Corcoran, and other public entftfes with significant stormwater drainage systems have been selected to have MS4 programs. The West Metro Water Alliance (WMWA) is a partnership of four watershed commissions that combine educatfon and outreach efforts: Bassett Creek, Elm Creek, Shingle Creek and West Mississippi. Together they work to educate residents, businesses, and instftutfons within our watersheds about protectfng and improving water quality of our lakes, rivers and streams, and protectfng our water management infrastructure. WMWA created an online lesson on watersheds and water quality and encourage residents to view this informatfon at www.westmetrowateralliance.org — Resources / Watershed PREP Class. NW Area Jaycees and Parks and Trails Commission Donate Shrub & Tree Saplings Sponsored by: NW Area Jaycees and Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission For the past several years, the Parks and Trails Commission has given away shrub and tree saplings to Corcoran residents made possible with funds donated by the Northwest Area Jaycees. Varietfes offered include deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The trees will be given away at the City Park skatfng rinks/warming house shelter located at 20200 County Road 50 in late April. In an effort to increase distributfon of these trees, Parks and Trails Commission will accept orders for up to five trees as long as supply lasts. To order or for more informatfon and delivery date email Tom Anderson at trees4corcoran@yahoo.com or call 763-428-2559. • Page 11 Winter/Spring 2021 www.corcoranmn.gov Important Information 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 will be contfnuing onto their college educatfon during the entfre Fall 2021—Spring 2022 school year. The applicatfons are scored on the following: Academics, Leadership, Community Involvement, and Financial Need. Visit www.nwareajaycee.org for more informatfon regarding the spring deadline for completed scholarship applicatfons and awards ceremony. Corcoran Lions Scholarship Program Sponsored by: Corcoran Lions The Corcoran Lions are excited to offer their 33rd annual scholarship program to graduatfng seniors who live in the City of Corcoran. The Lions also offer their 12th annual Bill Schalo Scholarship. The Bill Schalo scholarship is given based on community service in Corcoran. This scholarship is given in memory of the Lions’ fellow member who gave so freely to our community for so many years. Scholarships are based on academic, leadership, service to the community and a need basis. The graduate must attend college, junior college, university, trade or vocatfonal school in the year directly following graduatfon to receive the award. Applicatfons can be found on the Lions website at www.corcoranlions.org or the following high school offices; Buffalo, Delano, Maple Grove, Mayer Lutheran, Osseo, Rockford, Wayzata, Providence Academy, and West Lutheran High School. If a student attends a high school outside of the area or has been home-schooled and stfll resides in the City of Corcoran, he or she is eligible for a scholarship. Email questfons and forms to Jerry Cain at jerryjcain@gmail.com. Adjusted City Services The City of Corcoran recognizes the guidelines and recommendatfons set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventfon (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to protect staff, residents, and visitors. We encourage the public to contfnue to conduct business by email, phone or online through the City’s website at www.corcoranmn.gov. Please be aware some responses may take more tfme than usual as we are adaptfng operatfons as necessary. The Corcoran Emergency Management Team will contfnue to monitor the situatfon and will make additfonal changes in accordance with MDH and CDC guidelines. Check our website, Facebook or Twitter for up-to-date informatfon on the status of City services, openings/closings, business hours, meetfngs, programs, and events. City of Corcoran Contact Information City Hall— 763-420-2288| Police Dept— 763-420-8966| Public Works— 763-420-2652 www.corcoranmn.gov Administration Brad Martens Jessica Beise City Administrator Administratfve Services Director bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us jbeise@corcoranmn.gov 763-400-7030 763-400-7029 Mike Pritchard Joe Rotz Zoning and Code Compliance Official Accountant mpritchard@ci.corcoran.mn.us jrotz@corcoranmn.gov 763-400-7033 763-400-7032 Michelle Friedrich Jessica Christensen Buck Deputy Clerk Recreatfon Coordinator mfriedrich@ci.corcoran.mn.us jchristensenbuck@corcoranmn.gov 763-400-7031 763-400-7034 Shawna Zuther Administratfve Assistant szuther@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-400-7027 Police Department Matt Gottschalk Ryan Burns Paula Steelman Director of Public Safety Lieutenant Administratfve Assistant mgottschalk@ci.corcoran.mn.us rburns@ci.corcoran.mn.us psteelman@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-420-8966 763-420-8966 763-400-7002 Public Works Kevin Mattson Pat Meister Public Works Director Public Works Superintendent kmattson@ci.corcoran.mn.us pmeister@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-400-7028 763-400-7037 City Assessor City Planner City Building Inspector Hennepin County Assessor Kendra Lindahl Metro West Inspections 612-348-3046 Landform 763-479-1720 assessor.ao@hennepin.us 612-638-0225 Governor Walz’s Executfve Order requiring Minnesotans to wear face coverings in all public indoor spaces and businesses is in effect July 25. All City of Corcoran facilitfes are public spaces, and masks are required to be worn. 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 2021 City of Corcoran Main Office — 763-420-2288 City of Corcoran meetfngs can be viewed via video links at www.corcoranmn.gov. Upcoming Meetings City Council Meetings Jan 14 & 28, Feb 11 & 25, Mar 11 & 25, Apr 8 & 22 Planning Commission Meetings Feb 4, Mar 4 & Apr 1 7 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18 & Apr 15 7 pm 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@ci.corcoran.mn.us Alan Schultz, Councilor aschultz@ci.corcoran.mn.us Jeremy Nichols, Councilor jnichols@corcoranmn.gov Manoj M. Thomas, Councilor mthomas@corcoranmn.gov City Administrator Brad Martens 763-400-7030 bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us City Website www.corcoranmn.gov Receive Future Council Packets The City of Corcoran launched its new website in May 2020! There are many new user friendly features within the new website including a SUBSCRIBE feature for future Council Agenda Packets. Visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Our Government / Council / Agenda Packets / 2020 and look for the gray BELL icon with Subscribe (circled in green in the image) and follow the prompts. If you have any questfons contact Michelle Friedrich at mfriedrich@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Corcoran Drop Box Did you know? You can conveniently submit all permit applicatfons and payments, utflity service applicatfons and payments, ACH direct payment 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. 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. 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 www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Public Works / Road Restrictions for more informatfon.