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Home My WebLink About2015-07 -- SummerPage City of CorcoranCity of Corcoran 8200 Co. Rd. 116 · Corcoran, MN 55340 City Hall Office Hours: 8:00 AM — 4:00 PM Monday—Friday www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-420-2288 SUMMERSUMMER NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER JULY 2015JULY 2015 INSIDE THIS ISSUE City Council Members Mayor—Ken Guenthner Councilors—Pat Hank, Mike Keefe, Tonya LaFave, Ron Thomas If you would like to speak at open forum, please contact City Administrator Brad Martens at 763-400-7030. If you have a question or concern for the council, please email general@ci.corcoran.mn.us. “Let your voice be heard.” Planning and Development 2 Commissions and Organizations 2 Night to Unite 3 Rockford Middle School Named Green Ribbon School 3 Strategic Goal Update 4 City Update 5 Lawn Care Tips 6 CROSS Services 7 Events and Activities 8-11 Utilities & Permits 11 Recycling Schedule 12 Corcoran Among Five Safest Cities in Minnesota 2 New Staff Member 3 Corcoran Welcomes a New Neighborhood The Ravinia neighborhood in southeastern Corcoran is beginning to take shape now that homes are being constructed and sidewalks, trails, and landscaping is installed. As of July 7th, three homes were completed (one of which is a model) and an additional 14 were under construction. New residents are beginning to move in and are now a part of our community. Ravinia will consist of 426 new single family homes which is anticipat- ed to be constructed over approximately nine years. Also included in the de- velopment will be a small neighborhood park and a larger open space park that will be constructed in the later years of the development. Please help welcome our newest residents as you see them around the community. If you have ques- tions about the development don’t hesitate to contact Brad Martens at bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7030. Page 2 Corcoran Among 5 Safest Cities in Minnesota According to ValuePenguin, Corcoran ranks among the 5 safest cities in Minnesota according to a detailed study recently published. The study stated: Calling itself “a hidden gem waiting to be discovered,” Corcoran comes in fourth. Its police department takes an active approach to crime and is comprised of 7 full-time officers who carry the bulk of the load, and 10 part-time officers who provide additional shift coverage when needed. Also of note, Corcoran’s residents’ estimated household income in 2012 was $95,547, 62 percent higher than its average Minnesota peer. A half-hour’s drive northwest of Minneapolis, the city gets its name from Patrick B. Corcoran, an Irish farmer who built its first schools in 1857. The full study can be found at the following link: http:// www.valuepenguin.com/2015/07/2015-safest-places- minnesota Planning and Development Update The following highlight a few of the planning and development projects which have been reviewed by the Planning Commis- sion and City Council. For further information contact City Hall at 763-420-2288. Ravinia: Lennar development Construction of approximately 14 homes is taking place with three homes being completed (including the model) as of July 7th. The City Council approved the 2nd and 3rd addition earlier this year bringing the total number of platted lots to 101. Sawgrass: Peachtree Partners, LLC development on Schendel property A Preliminary PUD Development Plan, Preliminary Plat, and Rezoning to PUD was approved for the Sawgrass development in December 2014. The project proposes 246 homes on 103.3 acres. No application has been received for final plat at this time. Three Rivers Park District Trailhead Three Rivers Park District is constructing a trailhead at the southeast intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 10. The parking lot is open with the restroom facility to be operational later this year. Met Council Interceptor The Met Council continues to work on the Elm Creek Inter- ceptor project which will bring sanitary sewer service to the Corcoran border at its northeast corner. Construction will begin shortly with completion in 2016. (Image to the right) Charter Commission Openings The City of Corcoran is a charter city which requires a charter commission governed by ordinance. The Commis- sion most recently met in October 2014 and voted to increase its size by two members to nine. The Commission meets at least once annually to review any correspondence which could include the initiation of a new ordinance or other items outlined in its duties. If you are interested in learning more about the Charter Commission or would like to apply, please contact Brad Martens at bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7030. Hope Center The Hope Center held its grand opening on Satur- day, May 9th with over 150 people in attendance. The center is owned by the City of Corcoran and operated by Mobile Hope. For more information on activities and programming please visit www.mobilehopemn.org. Page 3 Rockford Middle School Named Green Ribbon School! On April 22, 2015, the Rock- ford Middle School Center for Environmental Studies was named a US Depart- ment of Education Green Ribbon School for 2015. This is tremendous national recognition! Managing Director of the White House Council on En- vironmental Quality Christy Goldfuss joined U.S. Secre- tary of Education Arne Duncan to announce that Rockford Middle School Center for Environmen- tal Studies, in Rockford, Minnesota, is among the 2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Rib- bon Schools award honorees. Additionally, you can watch the Secretary’s announcement video here: https://www.youtube.com/user/usedgov. In total, across the country, only 58 schools and fourteen districts were honored for their exempla- ry efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civ- ics and green career pathways. In addition, nine colleges and universities were honored for the Postsecondary Sustainability Award. Duncan and Goldfuss made the announcement at the U.S. Department of Education, in Washington, DC. The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found at http://www.ed.gov/ programs/green-ribbon-schools/awards August 4, 2015 Join your neighbors across the City of Corcoran on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 in celebrating Night to Unite. Night to Unite is a citywide event designed to strength- en our neighborhood and community relationships. Neighborhood parties may include anything from large cook-outs with games and prizes to small gatherings with root-beer floats. Once your event is registered with the City we can arrange for visits from Police, Fire, City staff and Elected Officials. Night to Unite is sponsored by the City of Corcoran, AAA, and the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association. The City has already started planning our first party with Mobile Hope at the new Hope Center in Maple Hill Estates! Registration forms are available online at http://www.ci.corcoran.mn.us/ under the Organizations and Events tab. For Night to Unite planning guides, tips, and literature visit the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association website at http://www.mncpa.net/ (MNCPA Home> What We Do> Night to Unite> NTU Re- sources). For more information please contact the Corcoran Police Department at (763) 420-8966. Please register by July 27th for this year’s event. We look for- ward to seeing you on August 4th! Welcome Jessica Beise Jessica Beise officially joined the Corcoran team on June 18th as City Clerk/Administrative Services Coordinator. Jessica has previous experience working for the cities of Oak Park Heights, Falcon Heights, North St. Paul, and most recently Victoria. Welcome Jessica! (Left to right: City Administrator Brad Martens, City Clerk/ Administrative Services Coordinator Jessica Beise, Code Compli- ance Official Mike Pritchard, Deputy Clerk Jeanie Heinecke) Page 4 City Council Strategic Goal Update Earlier this year the City Council directed staff to focus on seven strategic goals for the City. Here is an update on how each strategic goal is progressing: Complete Downtown Utility and Street Improvement Project Property owners were surveyed in regards to their support for the project in June, staff found that 73% of those surveyed supported the project. A public hearing will be held on July 23rd for the City Council to consider moving forward with plans and specifications. If approved, construction would take place in 2016. Pave Gravel Collector Roads Staff is internally updating a plan to pave a section of a collector gravel road in 2016. This item is tenta- tively scheduled for discussion at the August 13th City Council meeting. Plan for the Regional Recreation Amenity (Athletic Complex on Roehlke property) Staff is meeting with possible project partners and working with the Parks and Trails Commission to define future needs. Further discussion at the City Council meetings will take place in late 2015 and early 2016. Establish a Business Group As part of the survey of downtown business owners, staff asked about the desire of having a Corcoran business group. Limited support existed and no further action is being taken at this time. Establish Night to Unite Program The Corcoran Police Department will assist with an event at the Hope Center and facilitate participation for interested neighborhoods around the community. Night to Unite is Tuesday, August 4th. Update Sign Ordinance A public hearing was held at the July 7th Planning Commission meeting. The City Council will consider adopting the updated ordinance at the July 23rd City Council meeting. Improve the City Council Chamber Staff will be developing a plan late 2015 in order to make improvements in 2016. Improvements being dis- cussed include technology to record and broadcast meetings as well as safety improvements. CITY OF CORCORAN City Meeting Schedule (subject to change) City Council: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month; 7:00 pm Planning Commission: 1st Thursday of the month; 7:00 pm Parks and Trails Commission: 3rd Tuesday of the month; 7:00 pm Page 5 City Update The City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 7:00 pm at City Hall. 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 ap- proved City Council minutes on the website. Administration Department Reorganization Approved the reorganization of the Administration Department Ordinance 2015-301 Authorizing Recovery of Costs Approved an ordinance authorizing the City to recover costs charged to the city which are attributed to non- payment from property owners (watershed issues, etc.) Ravinia 2nd Addition Final Plat and Final PUD Plan Approved the final plat and final PUD plan for the 2nd phase of Ravinia which includes 36 lots Sign Ordinance Update Directed staff to move forward with a plan to update the Sign Ordinance Consideration of Ordinance Changes Regarding the Creation of Lots without Development Rights Discussed request to amend ordinance to allow the creation of lots without building rights if additional rights could be obtained in the future. Directed staff to proceed with the update Jeff Johnson – Hennepin County Commissioner Heard an update from Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson. Commissioner Johnson spoke about the 2015 budget as well as a new economic development infrastructure fund. Jacob Coleman – Congressman Erik Paulson’s Office Heard an update from Mr. Coleman on accomplishments of Congressman Paulson. Mr. Coleman encouraged the public to contact his office with any comments or concerns. Pat Meister – Years of Service Recognition Honored Pat Meister for 25 years of service to the City of Corcoran. Park Place Storage Sketch Plan Reviewed a sketch plan from Park Place Storage for a 350,000 square foot expansion of their business near the intersection of County Road 19 and Highway 55. Street Naming Policy Approved the Street Name and Address System Policy as presented. Ravinia Final Plat/Final PUD 3rd Addition Approved the Final Plat and Final PUD Development Plan for Ravinia. This approval was for 27 lots which brings the grand total of platted lots to 101. Commercial Door System – Site Plan, Variance, CUP/IUP Approved items to allow for a 2,700 SF building addition at 7670 Commerce Street. Request to Amend Gambling Ordinance Heard a request to update City Code to include language regulating lawful gambling in the City to require organi- zations to give a portion of their profits back to the City. Council directed staff to move forward with drafting an ordinance. Contract for Recycling Services – Randy’s Environmental Services Approved a three year contract with Randy’s Environmental Services for the City’s recycling needs. CITY OF CORCORAN Page 6 LAWN CARE TIPS TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY Summer’s here and lawn care is going strong. If you don’t like mowing, or if you’re spending more money than you’d like on gasoline, fertilizer and weed killer, here are some tips that will save both time and money. Use your grass clippings. Rather than bagging and disposing of grass clippings, leave them on your lawn. They’ll decompose and return nutrients to the soil – in other words, they’ll add free fertilizer. If you don’t like the look of clippings on your lawn, you can also use them as mulch or add them to a compost pile. Whatever you do, don’t throw them in or near a wetland, stream or other water body. That’s called “green dumping,” and it’s illegal in Cor- coran. Don’t fertilize your driveway. When you’re passing by any paved surface with a fertilizer spreader, stop well short. Fertilizer thrown onto your driveway or street is money down the storm drain and into the nearest water body, where it can harm aquatic life, lead to algae blooms, and perhaps waft an unpleasant stink over your next garden party. Why not sweep up spilled fertilizer and re- apply it? It’s money in the bank – or on your yard, just where you want it. Raise the mower blades. If you’re looking for a way to reduce weeds and improve the overall health of your lawn, this one’s for you. Instead of cutting your grass very short, raise the mower blades to 3-4 inches. Longer grass has deeper roots and can sur- vive better through periods of drought. Longer blades also shade the soil, making it harder for weeds to become established. It might be tempting to mow the grass short to cut off ground-hugging dandelion heads and other weeds, but in the long run, you’re making more work for yourself. Aim for less-than-perfect. This might be hard for some to swallow, but there’s nothing wrong with a few “weeds.” Clover adds nitrogen to the soil, and bees and other pollinators love it. Dandelions aren’t all bad either, dare it be said. Besides, Kentucky bluegrass could be called a weed, too; it’s from Europe, not Kentucky, and it’s aggressive in the right conditions – just like that pesky creeping Charlie. So don’t sweat it out if your lawn isn’t perfect. It could be just right for your back, your budget, and your butterflies. Add native plants. If you’re ready to pursue the gold standard of ecologically-healthy lawns, add native plants to your landscape, either in place of or in addition to lawn grass. Why? Native plants – those that have been here since before Europeans arrived – are adapted to local growing conditions. As long as conditions are right, native plants will grow well without fertilizer, and they’ll need water only when they’re young or during severe drought. No mowing needed. These are also the plants to which many insects – native butter- flies and bees, for example – are adapted. Adding native plants can restore an entire community of species, many of them hard-hit by modern lawn-care practices. For more information, go to http:// www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/nativeplants/index.html. Why not go for the gold? Dump it Up Depositing grass clippings or other yard waste into wetlands, streams, or other waters is like pouring fertilizer into a swimming pool and letting it sit for a while. Imagine diving into the green soup that results. Or trying to live in it, as many aquatic plants and animals do. Or drinking it, if you happen to get water from that source. This practice, called green dumping, is prohibited in Corcoran. Please dispose of yard waste up and away from water. Have you seen . . . . . . our new storm water video? It’s on the City’s website, www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Under Services, click on Environmental and then Storm Water. Page 7 CROSS Growth Addresses Hunger, Housing for All Ages Each month, through onsite and offsite partnerships, CROSS Services assists approximately 7,000 people living in the communities of Maple Grove, Osseo, Rogers, Corcoran, Dayton, and west Champlin. From living on low-wage jobs, life transitions, job losses, to medical circumstances - CROSS works to help support and stabilize families in crisis situations. The services provided at CROSS help alleviate hunger and housing issues through programs such as the food shelf, Peace of Mind Housing financial assistance, Meals on Wheels, and more. In 2015, CROSS has continued to grow – reaching out to more families in the community. The new year started out with the CROSS Meals on Wheels program expanding its capacity to serve more people. Meals on Wheels is open to senior citizens, disabled, and homebound individuals of all ages and income. On average, meals cost approximately $5.50 a piece, some of which are subsidized through different programs. For participants in need of financial assistance, the CROSS Meals on Wheels program began a new sliding scale fee in February to make the home delivered meals accessible to more people in the community, the meal price determined on eligibility to pay and need – which can be as low as $1.50. The summer months at CROSS typically means an increase in the number of families visiting the CROSS Food Shelf when children are out of school. This year, CROSS continued its summer programming by providing extra food for families with children to help during the summer months. In addition, school-aged children receive new backpacks and school supplies to get ready for the upcoming school year. After amazing growth and engagement by the community last year, the KidPack-Weekend Food for Kids program at CROSS is expanding to serve more local schools to address weekend childhood hunger during the 2015-2016 school year. Nearly 2,000 children received weekend food each month during the 2014-2015 school year – a 40 percent increase over 2013. As a result of the growth, several schools currently remain on a waiting list at CROSS in need of a partnering church, business or community group. Individuals and families seeking assistance in CROSS communities are invited to visit CROSS, located at 12915 Weinand Circle in Rogers during regular hours, no appointment necessary. CROSS offers volunteer and partnership opportunities for community members as well. CROSS is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1977 to provide food and clothing to those in need and is supported by community donations. For more information, visit CROSSservices.org, email info@CROSSservices.org or call 763-425-1050. Page 8 Page 9 Celebrate Corcoran’s 121-Year-Old One-Room School House Summerfest Sunday, August 16, 2015 Noon - 4:30 pm Featuring: Entertainment by the Jolly Jammers, Face Painting by Encore Entertainment, Kids games, Door Prizes, “Twins” Tickets Raffled, Flea Market, “Those Pork Chops” and more! Did you know that there were 7 one room school houses in Corcoran? Three are homes, three have been torn down and the last, but not least is the Burschville School. Come join us for our Annual SummerFest and walk through those school doors. Time seems to stand still, your imagination takes over and the memories come flooding back of those long ago days. In 1894 on County Rd 10 west of County Rd 116, a school house was built in Corcoran and Burschville. District 107 served the farming community until May 1967, when the school closed and the furnishings were sold at an auction. The school was sold, by the district, to the North Hennepin Pioneer Society for $1. Later the Society purchased the one- acre piece of land where the school stood from the Weinand family for $1,000. After a couple of years of searching, buying and receiving donations, it again resembles the one-room school house you may remember. Summerfest is our annual fund raiser. The festival, tours, membership and donations fund our insurance costs, utilities, maintenance and lawn mowing. The Society is continuously seeking historical documents, photographs and items from the Burschville/Corcoran area, especially items pertaining to the school, District #107. Donations of these items or a loan for the summer would be greatly appreciated. The North Hennepin Pioneer Society will host the event with the help from area businesses. Join us in celebration as we meet and greet friends in the community, while focusing on supporting our last remaining one room school, many have called their own! Page 10 www.myhopecommunity.org/corcoran5k Hope Community Church 19951 Oswald Farm Rd, Corcoran $25.00 Registration Prior to 8/12/15 $35.00 Race Day—Start @ 8:30am Register before 8/1/15 to guarantee you receive a t-shirt. Don’t want to run? You can sƟll join us for the FUN! FREE Brunch at 10am FREE inﬂatables FREE exoƟc peƫng zoo FREE hayrides FREE face painƟng FREE human foosball COUPON: Bring this ad to the concessions stand for $5.00 off your concessions purchase. One coupon per family. No cash value. CELEBRATING THE 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH 19951 Oswald Farm Road, Corcoran www.myhopecommunity.org/ghgt ALL WEEKEND! Hayrides Inﬂatables Human foosball Concessions FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Potluck & Corn Feed at 6pm Dance Under the Big Tent Preschool “U” and Kids Grow Daycare Open House Tuesday, July 28th 5:00 pm ‐ 7:00 pm Hope Community Church 19951 Oswald Farm Road, Corcoran Kidsgrow.net (763)205‐0597 PreschoolU.org (763)420‐4650 SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Corcoran 5K 8:30am FREE Brunch at 10am ExoƟc peƫng zoo Face painƟng Air‐soŌ gun range Page 11 2015 CORCORAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS2015 CORCORAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS The following events are sponsored by the Lions or other organizations and are held at the Corcoran Lions Park located at 7205 CO RD 101 (intersection of CO RD 101 & 10). Regional Tractor Pull Saturday, August 29, - 7:00 pm Demo Derby Saturday, September 12, - 7:00 pm Hamel Lions Haunted House October 16,17, 23, 24, 29,30, 31 See www.hamellions.org for details OTHER CORCORAN EVENTS OTHER CORCORAN EVENTS Corcoran Country Daze Friday and Saturday, August 14, 15 Visit www.countrydaze.org for details and times Corcoran 5K Saturday, August 15 - 8:30 am Visit www.myhopecommunity.org/corcoran5k for details and registration Burschville School Open House Sunday, August 16 UTILITY CHARGES ARE DUE All delinquent utility bills are subject to certification to Hennepin County for collection. Outstanding recycling, dust control, and property management charges not paid will be certified to Hennepin County for collection in 2016. Additional late charges and fees will be added to the delinquent amount if not paid by November 1, 2015. BURNING PERMITS If you choose to burn yard debris, don’t forget to apply for your burning permit; it only takes a couple of minutes to apply in person during the business hours of Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Police Department. Burn permits are required for any fires larger than 3’ diameter by 3’ in height. Anything smaller than a 3’ by 3’ fire must be a recreational fire. Burn permits are not required when the ground is snow-covered, which is ground that has a continuous unbroken cover of snow to a depth of 3 inches or more surrounding the immediate area of the fire. Items approved to burn are vegetative material, such as grass, leaves, brush and untreated lumber. Items not approved to burn are hazardous wastes, demolition debris, motor vehicles, oils, rubber, plastics, chemically-treated materials, sheet rock, paint and garbage. You can find the complete list on the city’s website or on the MN DNR’s website at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire Failure to obtain a burn permit can result in a citation. GRADING & FILLING Prior to performing any grading or filling on your property, please contact the City Hall. Property owners should be aware of the various regulations that protect wetlands, floodplains, and other water ways. Many activities will require a basic permit. Typically, engineering review is required when you exceed 300 cubic yards of material, but there are also times when a permit will not be required. Due to the location of the work or the impact it may cause, such as by altering existing drainage, guidance and inspections from the city engineer or other staff person is required. The intent is not to create a burden on any property owner, but to help protect properties from any negative impacts. Please contact Mike with questions: 763-400-7033 REMINDERS Page 12 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 98 ROGERS, MN City of Corcoran 8200 Co Rd 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Change Service Requested