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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10 -- Fall-WinterFall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov CORCORAN NEWS Fall/Winter 2020 Vote Early by Mail Request an Absentee Ballot Today! To minimize direct contact with others due to COVID-19, all Minnesota voters are encouraged to vote early by mail (absentee). To apply to receive a ballot in the mail, complete the online Absentee Ballot Applicatfon under ’Other Ways to Vote’ at mnvotes.org. Voters can also fill out a paper applicatfon from mnvotes.org for an absentee ballot and return it by email, mail or in-person to: Hennepin County Electfons Government Center 300 S 6th Street, MC 012 Minneapolis, MN 55487-0012 Email: hc.vote@hennepin.us Ballots will be mailed with a postage- paid envelope for return. Your mailed ballot must be postmarked on or before Electfon Day (Nov 3) and received by Hennepin County Electfons within seven days (Nov 10). Track the status of your absentee ballot at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ AbsenteeBallotStatus.aspx. Election Information If I have already requested an absentee ballot by mail, can I change my mind and vote in-person? As long as your absentee ballot hasn’t been counted by your electfon officials, you may stfll cast a ballot in person by votfng at your polling locatfon on Electfon Day or in-person absentee vote. Coming in to vote early in person when you’ve already requested a mail-in ballot will add extra steps and extra tfme to the process. If you plan on votfng in person, please do not bring your absentee ballot with you. Your electfon official will provide you with a new ballot to complete. To track the status of your absentee ballot visit https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/AbsenteeBallotStatus.aspx. Voters are encouraged to return their ballot by mail. If necessary voters may return their ballots in person to City Hall during absentee voting hours (Corcoran residents only). You can drop off ballots for up to three other voters. Voting Early via Absentee • Vote by Mail (return ballot via USPS or in person at City Hall) • Vote Absentee In-Person (apply for, receive, and cast absentee ballot) If necessary to vote in-person on Electfon Day or absentee, you must wear a mask or face covering and stay six feet apart at all tfmes. Due to these guidelines, voters should expect to see lines at polling locatfons and may experience longer tfme to complete the process.  View sample ballot at https://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/  Find your polling locatfon at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ General Election Dates Sept 18– Nov 2: In-person absentee votfng from 8 am— 4 pm at City Hall (Absentee voting available 46 days prior to the General Election). Oct 13: Last day to pre-register to vote for the electfon (Registration on Election Day available). Oct 27– Nov 2: Early in-person direct ballotfng at City Hall Oct 31: City Hall open from 10 am— 3 pm for absentee votfng Nov 2: City Hall open untfl 5 pm for absentee votfng Nov 3: General Electfon day, polls open from 7 am— 8 pm • Page 2 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov Page 5 Parks & Recreation Corcoran Happenings Page 9 Environmental Page 11 Election Information City Updates Public Safety Page 7 Public Works Page 4 Land Use Applications Page 8 City Updates The 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. MS4 • Accepted public comment on the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Bellwether 5th Addition • Approved the Final Plat as presented for the 5th addition which includes 46 single family home lots. Public Hearing — Bellwether Easement Vacation • Held the public hearing; approved the easement vacation as presented. Consideration of an Ordinance Amendment to Limit Building Size in Residential Zoning Districts • Discussed options available to the Council; scheduled a work session to discuss residential zoning district for Oct 22. Well and Treatment Site • Authorized staff to issue the due diligence commencement notice. Authorization to Seek Donations— City Park Project • Authorized staff to begin seeking donations as requested. Liquor License Fee Review • Approved the reduced fee for the 2020-2021 licensing calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Body Camera Policy Public Hearing and Adoption • Held the public comment hearing; authorized staff to implement the policy and purchase equipment as presented. CARES Act Fund Use Plan • Authorized staff to utilize CARES Act funds as presented with the additional item. Unreserved Fund Balance Policy • Reviewed the current policy; Council took no action to change the policy. 2021 Capital Improvement Plan Purchases • Approved the purchases. Charter Commission Update • The Charter Commission has invited the Council to a joint meeting as they will be considering a ward system for the 2022 election at their upcoming meeting. Final Plat for Paulsen Farms • Approved the Final Plat to allow 20 single family lots near County Rd 30 and Bechtold Rd. Bond Refunding Series 2020B; Prepayment and Redemption of Bond Series 2014A • Approved the refunding and prepayment resolutions as presented; estimated savings to the City is over $412,000. Staff Updates • Directed staff to hold an internal process for a short-term Police Officer position and authorized the City Administrator to appoint the selected candidate. • Authorized staff to start Sergeant hiring and Police Officer hiring. • Authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to finalize a job offer for the Planner position. • Updated job descriptions for Maintenance Worker. Closed Session— Southeast Watermain Easement Acquisition • Held the closed session; authorized the Mayor and staff to finalize and execute easement agreements for the Southeast Watermain project. Pandemic Response Updates • Director of Public Safety Gottschalk and Administrator Martens provided updates each meetfng on the pandemic response. Petition for EAW • Adopted the resolution denying the request for preparation of an EAW. Park Building Roof Repair • Approved the quote from to repair the park building and discussed building use. Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit, and Preliminary Plat for Eagle Brook Church • Denied the Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit. Cont. on page 4 Pages 2 Page 6 • Page 3 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov City Updates Continued... NEXT STEPS Truth-in-Taxation Hearing Budget Meeting (Meetfng format to be determined). Thursday, Dec 10 at 7 pm Learn More… The entfre budget and related staff reports are available at www.corcoranmn.gov — Our Government / Council / Agenda Packets / 2020 / 2020-09-10 Council Agenda Packet to view the budget used to set the preliminary levy. City Administrator Brad Martens, can also be reached at 763-400-7030 or bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us for further questfons. 2 0 2 1 P R O P O S E D B U D G E T A N D L E V Y The City Council adopted its preliminary levy for 2021 at the Sept 10 meetfng. This levy amount may be decreased prior to final approval but not increased. This levy amount was used to create the City tax amount you see on your proposed 2021 levies and taxes notfce. W H Y I S A P R O P E R T Y TA X N E E D E D ? Only a small portfon of the City budget is funded through fees or charges for services. For 2021 the portfon proposed to be funded by fees or charges covers only 26% of our expenditures. The remaining 74% is funded through the property tax levy. TA X E F F EC T The adopted preliminary levy is in the amount of $5,054,460 which is a $393,901 or 9.24% increase from the 2020 levy. Despite this increase, the tax rate is projected to decrease from 45.013% to 45.011% due to new constructfon and increased valuatfons. As the City of Corcoran grows it will often be the case to see higher percentage overall levy increases in order to provide services to the new developments. However, it is the goal of the Council to contfnue to lower the overall tax rate year after year, and this goal has been accomplished for the fourth year in a row. A reduced tax rate means that propertfes with no change in value would see a decrease in City taxes. Propertfes with valuatfon increases would likely see an increase. According to the City Assessor, the following average increases took place in Corcoran: Residential: 3.6% Agricultural: 13.1% Commercial: 10.5% Industrial: 14.1% Using this informatfon, a home previously valued at $342,000 (median value) could now be valued at $354,312. 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 Dec 10. Between now and that tfme the levy can decrease but not increase. Home Value Tax Rate City Tax Tax Capacity 2020 $342,000 45.013% $1,510 $3,355 2021 $354,312 45.011% $1,571 $3,430 2021 Revenue by Category 2021 Expenditure by Category A L LO C AT I O N O F TA X D O L L A R S The median household value in Corcoran is projected to increase to $354,312. The City taxes on a home of that value using the projected tax rate is $1,571 or about $131 per month. The chart below shows where the $1,571 is allocated based upon the overall percentage of City expenditures. Item Annual Cost Monthly Cost Administratfon $392 $33 Planning/Engineering $45 $4 Public Works/Parks $454 $38 Police $397 $33 Fire $90 $8 Transfers/Debt Service $193 $15 TOTAL $1,571 $131 • Page 4 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov Homestead by Dec 15, 2020 The homestead classificatfon applies to propertfes that are 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 taxes payable 2021 is Dec 15, 2020. A Certfficate of Real Estate Value (eCRV) must be filed before homestead can be granted, and a copy of the warranty deed needs to be included with the homestead applicatfon. You can apply for a homestead online at www.hennepin.us/ residents/property/homestead or you can also mail or drop off your completed applicatfon at Corcoran City Hall. Applicatfons can be found online at www.hennepin/homestead or www.corcoranmn.gov — Our Community / New Resident Information / Corcoran New Resident Info. City of Corcoran’s Assessing Authority: Hennepin County Assessor Phone: 612-348-3046 Email: assessor.ao@hennepin.us Submitting a Building Permit 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. Completed permit applicatfons 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. Land Use Applications & Final Plats The Corcoran Planning Commission is an advisory board and consists of five regular members, and a City Council liaison that is a non-voting member. The Planning Commission holds public hearings, reviews, and then makes recommendations regarding land use and planning applications to the City Council. The following projects are currently underway or have been presented as new business to the City of Corcoran Planning Commission and City Council. Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit and Variance for Nelson International at 10409 CR 101 (PID 01-119-23-41-0001) (city file no. 20-022). The Council reviewed a concept plan for this site in January. The project is a new 35,000 sq. ft. building for truck sales and service. The feasibility studies for the planned infrastructure were completed and the Planning Commission held a public hearing on Aug 6. The Planning Commission reviewed this item at their Sept 3 meetfng and Council approved at the Sept 24 meetfng. Eagle Brook Church Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit and Preliminary Plat for the Property located at 7015 20th Avenue (PID 36-119-23-44-0008, 36-119-23-44-0010, 36-119 -23-44-0009, 36-119-23-44-0013, 36-119-23-44-0014) (city file no. 20-023). The applicant is requestfng approval to combine the existfng parcels into one lot for a 70,000 square foot church and one outlot for future development. The applicatfon was reviewed at a public hearing at the July 2 Planning Commission meetfng. Council denied the Site Plan and Conditfonal Use Permit at the Sept 24 meetfng. Emery request for a Conditional Use Permit at 9226 Cain Road (PID 14-119-23-22-0004) (city file no. 20-026). The applicant is requestfng a CUP to add a 1,680 square foot building creatfng a total of 5,263 square feet where a maximum of 3,969 square feet is permitted. This item was reviewed by the Planning Commission at the Sept 3 meetfng and Council approved at the Sept 24 meetfng. City-Initiated Topography and Wetland Delineation Waiver for property at 8200 CR 116 (PID 24-119-23-23-0001) (city file 20-032). The city has a purchase agreement to sell a portfon of this property to St. Therese for development. The waiver would require that only the portfon to be purchased by St. Therese complete a wetland delineatfon and full topographic survey. However, the entfre parcel will be surveyed to prepare the plat in the next step. The waiver was approved at the Sept 24 meetfng. City-Initiated Topography and Wetland Delineation Waiver for property at 10110 CR 116 (PID 12-119-23-22-0001) (city file 20-035). The city has a purchase agreement for a portfon of this property for a new water supply site. The waiver would require that only the portfon to be purchased by city have a wetland delineatfon and full topographic survey. However, the entfre parcel will be surveyed to prepare the plat in the next step. The waiver is was approved at the Sept 24 meetfng. Nelson International Conditional Use Permit Site Plan and Variance at 10409 Co Rd 101 • Approved the items with a few amendments adding conditfons for outside hours of operatfon and sign lightfng. 2021 Preliminary Levy • Approved Resolution 2020-68 Adopting Preliminary Proposed Tax Levy Collectible in 2021 in the amount of $5,054,460. • Authorized staff to submit the insert to Hennepin County and incur the costs associated with the project. • Scheduled the Truth in Taxation Budget Meeting for Dec 10 at 7 pm. Concept Plan— Cook Lake Corcoran • Reviewed a concept for a proposed development at 19200 County Road 10 with two four- story buildings (one senior condo, one market rate apartment), a daycare, and memory care facility; Council provided feedback to the applicant. City Updates Continued... • Page 5 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov Parks & Recreation *Meetings may be held by telephone or by electronic means. Visit www.corcoranmn.gov for updates. Oct 22: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Oct 31: In-Person Absentee Voting 10 am– 3 pm— City Hall Nov 3: General Election Day Nov 5: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 11: Holiday – City Hall Closed Nov 12: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 19: Parks & Trails Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 23: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Nov 26-27: Holiday – City Hall Closed Dec 3: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec 10: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec 17: Parks & Trails Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec 21: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Dec. 24-25: Holiday – City Hall Closed Jan. 1: Holiday – City Hall Closed Jan 7: Planning Commission Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers Jan 14: City Council Meeting 7 pm — Council Chambers 2020 Corcoran Events Calendar The City of Corcoran shares information on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency information, City Council and Commission information, special events, and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more information. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CorcoranMN/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/ CorcoranMNCity Corcoran 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. 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 generally cleans and resurfaces the rinks daily, Monday through Friday and weekend mornings (roads and public safety are first prioritfes). Inclement weather can cause the rinks to be temporarily closed. A “closed” sign will be posted on the shelter door and will also be posted on the weather line at 763-400-7025. Due to COVID-19, plans for the warming house are currently TBD. HIRING SOON! The City will soon be looking for ice rink attendants! If interested, the application will be posted on www.corcoranmn.gov soon and can be emailed to Recreation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us. 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/ • Page 6 Fall/Winter 2020 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 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. Hennepin County Snow and Ice Removal Source: www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/snow-and-ice Hennepin County plow drivers maintain more than 2,200 lane miles of county roads. Plow drivers help people continue getting where they need to go. This is a big job in the county. Hennepin has a quarter of Minnesota’s population — more than 1.2 million residents. Half of all jobs in the Twin Cities metro region are located in Hennepin County. And, more than 4,200 people who live in other places travel into the county to work each day. For issues related to snow removal on a county road call 612-596-0299. 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 7 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov Winter Hazard Awareness Week— Nov 9-13, 2020 Source: www.weather.gov Each year the Natfonal Weather Service and the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management promote winter safety and individual preparedness for all citfzens wherever they are: in their homes, on the road, at work, and at play. Winter Storms The Natfonal Weather Service issues various products for hazardous winter weather events, to provide the public ample informatfon and tfme to prepare for potentfally life threatening conditfons experienced with winter storms. Outdoor Winter Safety The winter months can pose many hazards to those who choose to venture outdoors. With many outdoor actfvitfes available in Minnesota during the winter season, you should be aware of how to keep yourself safe from the cold, ice and snow. What to Wear • Dress warmly in loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. • Wear a hat. Most body heat is lost through the top of your head. • Wear mittens that are tfght at the wrist. • Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf. Ice Safety • Remember that there is no such thing as "100% safe ice" on a frozen lake or pond. • Guidelines for minimum ice thickness: 4 inches for walking and ice fishing, 5 inches for snowmobiling, 8-12 inches for a car or small pickup, 12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck. • Keep children away from ice-covered ponds and streams. For more informatfon see https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html. Winter Fire Safety Facts • Cooking is usually the number one cause for residentfal fires, with open flames and heatfng fires often the number two and three causes. • Most heatfng fires in Minnesota involve fireplaces or chimneys. • Almost three-quarters of fire deaths occur in the home, making it the most dangerous place to be with regard to fire. • Many home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. Safety Information • Turn off portable heatfng appliances when leaving the home or retfring for the evening. This includes verifying that a fire in the fireplace has been fully extfnguished. • Have at least three feet of clearance between any heatfng equipment and anything that can burn. Keep children and loose clothing away from any heatfng equipment. • Have chimneys and fireplaces and other heatfng devices professionally inspected prior to the start of every heatfng season. • Use a sturdy screen or glass closure in front of your fireplace, and burn only clean fireplace wood. • Make sure smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly. • Place holiday decoratfons well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily as a dry tree can be consumed by fire in an instant while generatfng enough heat to ignite the entfre room. These recommendatfons are courtesy of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs' Associatfon and the State Fire Marshal Division. Cont. on page 8 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. For any questfons, contact the Police Administratfve Office at 763-420-8966. To apply for a burn permit or for additfonal informatfon visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Police / Burning Regulations/Permits / Burning Permits & Guidelines. Hunting Reminder 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. To review a copy of the firearm ordinance and regulatfons visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Police / Firearm Permits and Hunting / Corcoran's Firearm Ordinance. 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 (MN DNR) has a vast amount of informatfon on hunter safety, seasons, regulatfons, licenses, and much more. Visit 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 8 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov Public Safety continued... “Hope Radio Hour” A Festive Evening of Music and Comedy Date: Saturday, Dec 12 Time: Doors open 6 pm Event begins 6:30 pm Tickets: $10.00/person The 18th 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. Get your tfckets early as we will have limited seatfng capacity due to social distancing restrictfons. If you are unable to join us in person, we will also be streaming the event live on www.myhopecommunity.com and on our Facebook page. Tickets go on sale Nov 1 and can be purchased at www.myhopecommunity.com. Holiday Wreath Sales The NW Area Jaycees are teaming up with the Rockford High School 2020 – 2021 Prom Committee for the annual Holiday Wreath/Centerpiece Fundraiser. Three sizes of wreaths and one centerpiece option are available for purchase. Cost: 25” wreath— $16, 36” wreath— $27, 48” wreath— $45, and centerpieces— $22 Pick-up is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov 14 at Corcoran City Hall parking lot from 9 am— 1 pm or by arrangement the following week. If you are interested in ordering please complete the online form at https://forms.gle/mpqch77f3RGuTV6K8 or email nwareajaycees@gmail.com. Corcoran Happenings Indoor Winter Safety Carbon Monoxide Facts • Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. It results from the incomplete burning of natural gas, oil, wood, kerosene, charcoal, and other fuels, under conditfons where there is not enough oxygen present. • Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness and shortness of breath. Higher levels can result in unconsciousness or death. • Carbon monoxide is most likely to accumulate inside homes during winter, when the heatfng system is in use and the home has been sealed and insulated against the cold. • Carbon monoxide can accumulate from wood stoves, fireplaces or charcoal grills, furnaces, water heaters, boilers, gas cooking stoves, clothes dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, and automobile exhaust. Winter Driving Minnesota Road Conditfons are available by dialing 511, or accessing their web site at https://www.511mn.org. Preparations • Make sure your vehicle is ready for the season. Throughout the winter, keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze. • Carry a winter storm survival kit. The typical kit should include a large coffee can with plastfc lid. Inside the can, pack high energy foods, spare batteries for a flashlight, a red bandana or cloth to tfe on the antenna, and candles/matches/metal cup to melt snow for drinking water. • Other bulky or heavy items which should be in the vehicle include a shovel, jumper cables, a bag of sand or salt for tractfon, basic tools, blankets or sleeping bags, a tow cable or chain, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and extra clothing. • Consider keeping a cell phone. If you dial 911 from a cell phone, remember that the dispatcher may not know your locatfon, so you must provide it to them. However, most new cell phones do have GPS capability. Out on the Road • Before increasing your speed, get a feel for the tractfon. Remember that bridges and overpasses can be more slippery than other parts of the road. Do not brake suddenly. If you have antf-lock brakes, apply steady and firm pressure to the pedal. Do not pump antf-lock brakes • If you begin to skid, remain calm. Ease your foot off of the gas and turn the wheel in the directfon you want the front of the car to go. • When driving near snowplows, remember: Stay Back, Stay Alive. Reduce your speed. Never drive into a snow cloud. An average snowplow weighs 17 tfmes more than an average car. If you are in a collision with a snowplow, you will lose. Be patfent; follow eight seconds behind snowplows. Fire Protection Services The City of Corcoran contracts with the Loretto Fire Department, the Rogers Fire Department, and the Hanover Fire Department for fire protectfon services for Corcoran residents. To view the Corcoran map that includes the Fire Department boundaries visit www.corcoranmn.gov — Public Services / Fire / Fire Protection Service. • Page 9 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov Environmental What Are Watersheds And Why Are They Important Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Every channel (or lake) of a given stream network drains an area of land around it known as its watershed. Like a stream network is made up of component channels, a given watershed is also comprised of component watersheds. These, in turn, are made up of stfll smaller component watersheds, and so on. Watersheds can range in size from tfny to many thousands of square miles. Minnesota’s lakes and rivers are the pride of our state. They provide recreatfon opportunitfes, serenity, and habitat for fish and wildlife. To ensure the vitality of these waters, it is important to understand the connectfons between water and land. Being good land and water stewards improves the quality of life in Minnesota. Every lake, river, and place in Minnesota is part of a watershed. Watersheds are areas defined by natural boundaries of topographic relief, not by politfcal boundaries. What happens in a local watershed affects water quality and quantfty not only in that watershed but also in downstream areas. Minnesota receives little water from outside our borders, but our water drains to many states and Canada. Protectfng our water resources benefits Minnesota and other places downstream as well. Minnesota has 80 major watersheds located within the 10 major water basins of the state. The MPCA works with partners to manage watersheds through water quality assessment, planning, implementatfon, and measurement of results. For more informatfon visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/ How Can I Help Reduce Salt Runoff? Source: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/featured/snow-removal-do-it-better-cheaper-and-pollution-free Do you shovel your own driveway for your business or home, or hire a business to remove it? The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effectfve it can be. Whether you use a shovel, snow blower, snow plow, or ice scraper, remove the snow as early as you can and keep up with it throughout the storm. You may find you don’t even need salt. • Fifteen degrees or below for salt to be effectfve. Use sand instead for tractfon, but note that sand does not melt ice. • Slow down when driving in snowy or icy conditfons. Make sure to allow plenty of room for plow drivers. • Be patfent and understand that just because you don’t see salt on the road, doesn’t mean it hasn’t been applied. • More salt does not equate to more meltfng. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet (an average parking space is about 150 square feet). One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. Consider purchasing a hand- held spreader to help with a consistent applicatfon amount. • Sweep up any extra salt or sand that is visible on dry pavement. It is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Utflize the salt or sand somewhere else. 2020 Corcoran Recycling Schedule Organics Recycling Corcoran residents can participate at home with the curbside organics program. Learn more about organics recycling by visiting www.randysenvironmentalservices.com/ residential/organics-recycling or call Randy’s Sanitation at 763-972-3335. • Page 10 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov City of Corcoran Celebrates Staff Police Officer Pete Ekenberg celebrated 5 years of dedicated service to the City of Corcoran. Deputy Clerk Michelle Friedrich celebrated 5 years of dedicated service to the City of Corcoran. 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. 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. Please check our website, Facebook or Twitter for up-to-date informatfon on the status of all City services, openings/closings, business hours, scheduled meetfngs, programs, and events. Important Information 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@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-400-7030 763-400-7029 Mike Pritchard Joe Rotz Zoning and Code Compliance Official Accountant mpritchard@ci.corcoran.mn.us jrotz@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-400-7033 763-400-7032 Paul Moretto Michelle Friedrich Planner Deputy Clerk pmoretto@corcoranmn.gov mfriedrich@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-258-4272 763-400-7031 Shawna Zuther Jessica Christensen Buck Administratfve Assistant Recreatfon Coordinator szuther@ci.corcoran.mn.us jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-400-7027 763-400-7034 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 • Page 11 Fall/Winter 2020 www.corcoranmn.gov Election Information Campaign Sign Enforcement Policy The City of Corcoran endeavors to treat all politfcal candidates consistently and fairly. To that end, the City administers this policy to enforce State and City regulatfons related to the placement of signs in the right-of-way and on City property during the noncommercial sign exemptfon period contemplated within Minnesota Statutes Sectfon 211B.045 as may be amended from tfme to tfme. For the purposes of this policy, temporary signs placed during this period shall be referred to as “campaign signs”. This enforcement policy applies to campaign signs placed within the City for all candidates, regardless of whether they seek federal, state, county, city, or school offices. Campaign signs may be placed on private property with the consent of the property owner. Pursuant to State of Minnesota law, campaign, private, and commercial signs are not allowed in the following locatfons: • State property • Public right-of-way for State highways • County property • Public right-of-way for County roads • City property • Public right-of-way for City streets If the City finds a campaign sign to have been placed in violatfon of this policy, the sign will be removed immediately and stored at Corcoran City Hall, located at 8200 County Road 116. Signs may be reclaimed during facility hours. Removed signs will be stored for five business days after the electfon, after which they will be disposed of. In an effort to maintain uniformity in enforcement, the City will enforce this policy and remove all campaign signs discovered to have been placed on City property or within 15 feet of the edge of the roadway on all streets within the City. Candidates for Corcoran City Offices The City of Corcoran’s next municipal electfon will be held on Nov 3, 2020. 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 2020 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 • Ron Thomas City Council Four-Year Term — Two Seats Available • Jon Bottema • George B. Gmach • Manoj Mathew Thomas City Council Special Election — One Seat Available • Brian Lother • Jeremy Nichols Elections & 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/ Polling Locations Precinct 1: St. Thomas the Apostle Church 20000 County Road 10 Corcoran, MN Precinct 2: Hope Community Church 19951 Oswald Farm Road Corcoran, MN Precinct 3: Corcoran City Hall, 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN To find your polling location visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. You will need to register if you have never voted or re-register if you have changed your name, moved to a different address, or have not voted in four years. To register to vote, 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. 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 General Information • Page 12 www.corcoranmn.gov Fall/Winter 2020 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 Oct 22, Nov 12 & 23, Dec 10 & 21, Jan 14 & 28 7 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Nov 19, Dec 17 & Jan 21 7 pm Planning Commission Meetings Nov 5, Dec 3 & Jan 7 7 pm 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 Ron Thomas, Mayor rthomas@ci.corcoran.mn.us Jonathan Bottema, Councilor jbottema@ci.corcoran.mn.us Alan Schultz, Councilor aschultz@ci.corcoran.mn.us Tom Anderson, Councilor tanderson@ci.corcoran.mn.us Brian Lother, Councilor blother@corcoranmn.gov City Administrator Brad Martens 763-400-7030 bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us Delinquent Assessments All delinquent utflity bills, including water and sewer, dust control, and property maintenance are subject to certfficatfon to Hennepin County for collectfon as part of the 2021 taxes. Outstanding recycling, dust control, and property management charges not paid will be certffied to Hennepin County for collectfon in 2021, as a property tax assessment. Additfonal late charges and fees will be added to the delinquent amount if not paid. On Thursday, Nov 12, a public hearing will be held on the assessment of delinquent fees and the City will finalize the certfficatfon process of delinquent charges and fees due. 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 through Nov 30 Visit www.mgyardwaste.com or call 763-420-4886 for more information. 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 — Our Community / New Resident Information / Water and Sewer Information 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. Code Enforcement To report a nuisance violatfon, contact the City’s direct Code Enforcement phone line at 763-400-7026 or email at: codeenforcement@ci.corcoran.mn.us 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.