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Home My WebLink About2013-07 -- SummerCity of Corcoran 8200 CO RD 116 · Corcoran, MN 55341 763-420-2288 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Office Hours: 8:00 am—4:00 pm, Monday—Friday Your property taxes pay for the costs of local government, and the size of your share of these costs depends on the value of your property. Your assessor’s job is to make sure each home is properly valued—so every- one pays a fair share of these costs. Inside this issue: Development 2 Property Taxes 2 Maple Hills Community 3 Reporting Concerns 3 The Need to Know 4 Support Your Local Businesses 5 Events & Activities 6-7 Recycling 8 On behalf of the City Council, city staff and the community of Corcoran, I want to extend a sincere thank-you and best wishes to Dan Donahue on his retirement, following many years as City Administrator in New Hope and with our city for the past 4 years. Dan came to Corcoran following a period of signif- icant staff turnover and he played a critical role stabilizing our city government and delivery of services to our community. I've appreciated Dan’s calm demeanor and professionalism in addressing the many issues we've faced together. All the best to you, Dan, and enjoy your retirement and family time! And now, please join me in welcoming our new City Administrator, Brad Martens, to the City of Corcoran. The City Council recently completed an extensive search and interview process to fill this important position. Brad emerged as our top pick out of 77 applicants, 13 finalists and 6 interviewees. Brad’s most recent position was City Administrator with the City of Winsted. Prior to that he held a number of positions with the City of New Brighton. He received his undergraduate degree at MSU Mankato and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Hamline University. Brad was raised on a dairy farm near New Ulm and he and his family live in Coon Rapids. Brad’s enthusiasm and drive were apparent from the start and both the Council and city staff are excited to have him on board. I know Brad is looking forward to meeting our community and I urge you to take a minute to stop by City Hall and get to know him. A NOTE FROM THE MAYOR Several projects and proposals continue underway with the City as the new Ad- ministrator steps in and interacts with staff and council. Staff encourages you to attend Council and Commission meetings as decisions are being made for your future in Corcoran. Be educated by the facts and not rumors of the ongoing topics of our future Downtown District, Three Rivers Trailhead, Rockford Schools Sports Grant, Public Works Facility, 2014 City Budget and much more. “LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD” City Council Members Mayor—Ken Guenthner 763-478-6699 Councilors—Tom Cossette, Rich Asleson, Diane Lynch, Ron Thomas If you would like to speak at open forum, please contact City Administrator Brad Martens at 763-400-7030 or email: bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us OUR COUNCIL See page 2 Summer Newsletter July 2013 FREE SPACE AVAILABLE Country Store Market and Crafters wanted for Corcoran Country Daze activities . See page 6 Page 2 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT— CITY PLANNER KENDRA LINDAHL HOW THE CITY ASSESSORS FIT IN “Market value” simply means what you could sell your home for in today’s housing market. The assessors gauge your home’s market value by checking the selling prices of houses similar to yours. Every time a house changes hands, either the buyer or the seller sends in a certificate of value to the county courthouse. By studying the certificates of value, the assessor gets a pretty good idea of what homes are selling for each year. That’s just one step the assessor goes through to find mar- ket value; there’s more: By law, at least one-fourth of all the homes in your area must be individually checked each year. You can expect the assessor to visit your home about once every four years. To make sure your home is valued fairly, the assessor looks at chang- es you’ve made on your property and how your house compares with others in your neighborhood. Two houses with the exact same floor plan, lot size, general condi- tion and age may have different values, depending on the location. The assessors may come out to walk through your home or view your property and make note of any new changes or added structures and take measurements. The assessors must turn in all information they’ve gathered to the county auditor. At the same time, locally elected governments—your school boards, for instance, and your county officers—send the county auditor their budgets. The county auditor then divides the budget total by the assessed value of all the properties. The result is the tax rate (mill rate) that must be charged to meet the budget. So your property value determines what your share of local govern- ment costs will be. But as far as determining what your property tax bill will be, that is up to you through the people you elect to the city council or school board or county board. The budget they set to meet your community’s needs deter- mines what the tax rate on your property will be. This year the City Assessors will be out on site most days working on the south side of the City (sections 31-36). If you have questions or concerns, call the as- sessor’s office at 763-473-3978. Leave your name and number and a brief message and they will get back to you when they return to the office. The City has received 17 land use applications in 2013. Most of these are for minor subdivisions and residential accessory buildings. The two most significant applications this year are: A request from Lennar for PUD (planned unit development) Sketch Plan review and EAW (environmental assessment worksheet) (City File 13-007). The sketch plan is for consideration of 437 homes on 265 acres in the southeast portion of the City. The Parks & Trails Commission, Planning Commission and City Council have all provided advisory comments on the PUD sketch plan. Additionally, the City Council took action initiate the completion of the required EAW at the April 25th Council meeting and staff is completing this document. The EAW is a process required by the State of Minnesota. The EAW is tentatively scheduled to be reviewed and ordered for distribution and comment at the July 25th Council meeting. Following completion of the EAW, the applicant could request approval of preliminary plat and PUD preliminary development plan and finally a final plat, PUD final development plan and rezoning to PUD. If approved, this would likely be the first project to develop in Corcoran with municipal sanitary sewer and water and construction could begin in late 2013. A request from Rosslyn Holdings, LLC for sketch plan review for possible development of the 40 acres west of Lions Park as a future mini-storage facility. The request would require a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning to change the properties from residential to industrial. If approved, this development would also be required to connect to municipal sanitary sewer and water. If approved construction would likely not occur until 2014. NEW HOMEOWNERS ARE REMINDED TO COME TO CITY HALL TO APPLY FOR HOMESTEAD CREDIT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Page 3 MAPLE HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRESSES In a City of 6,000, more than 10% of Corcoran residents call Maple Hills Estates their home. This communi‐ ty has been in Corcoran since 1971. As in any community, there have been a lot of developments over the years, along with some challenges. Lately, stories have been circulaƟng about posiƟve developments within the com‐ munity and involve a new non‐proﬁt in town called Mobile Hope. Mobile Hope originally started with a group from Wayzata Free Church in Plymouth coming out to Maple Hills Estates to lead an onsite VacaƟon Bible School (VBS) 20 years ago. Since then, Mobile Hope has expanded to include other local churches, Rockford school teachers, local residents, and owner Barry Hay. Programming has expanded out of a double‐wide mobile home, affecƟonately called “the Hope House,” to include homework help 3 Ɵmes a week, English lessons, teen gather‐ ings, sports clinics, and community potlucks. The annual VBS conƟnues to be a highlight for the children each summer. As the momentum conƟnued to build, the leadership team started to dream about a more permanent locaƟon on site. As we approached the city, then‐City Administrator Dan Donahue enhanced the dream by pursuing a Community Development Block Grant to build a small acƟvity building. The grant was awarded last year to the City of Corcoran and plans have been laid to make this dream a reality. This 3,500 square foot com‐ munity center will be called “The Hope Center.” The grant will cover much of the base cost to get things operaƟonal with a small funding gap of about $30,000 that needs to be raised. The completed goal is to have a large gathering area, computer lab, teen center, kitchen, arts and craŌ room, and a small ﬁt‐ ness area. Volunteers will be needed to complete the building once the base facility is done. Residents of Maple Hills, along with help from local non‐proﬁts, businesses, and churches, are in line to help ﬁnish things off. The Hope Center will be a place where all residents of Corcoran can gather and conƟnue to build their dreams for the future. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with neighbors and the local community to make this all possible. If you would like more informaƟon on this community project, please check out the Mobile Hope website at www.mobilehopemn.org. REPORTING YOUR COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS When calling in to the City’s offices or Police Department and leaving a voice mail to report a complaint or con- cern, please include your name and phone number. The City or Police Department may have questions for you to better understand the situation or may want to follow up with you to inform you of steps that are being taken to re- solve the issue. Information that may be needed includes items such as incident dates, times, and locations. Without your name and phone number and detailed information, complaints may not be addressed appropriately to ensure a positive outcome. Code Enforcement 763-400-7033 Police Clerk 763-400-7002 Non-Emergency Dispatch 763-525-6220 DATA PRIVACY MN State Statute 611A.021 subdivision 17 (f) – Notice of Right to request withhold- ing of certain public data. This state stat- ute allows you to remain anonymous when reporting a complaint or a concern. Data concerning individuals whose iden- tities are protected by this subdivision are private data about those individuals. The City of Corcoran has established pro- cedures to protect the identity of individ- uals described in these clauses. HELP KEEP OUR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN— Stop by City Hall for information or go online to our website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for tips to keep Minnesota waters and the environment a clean place to live. Page 4 THE NEED TO KNOW FUNDS RAISED TO PURCHASE FUNDS RAISED TO PURCHASE FUNDS RAISED TO PURCHASE A NEW ATV VEHICLEA NEW ATV VEHICLEA NEW ATV VEHICLE The Corcoran Police Reserve program over the past few years has worked on a project to replace an aging emergency response utility vehicle. The Reserve Officers use this utility vehicle at many city and community events. The Reserve Officers raised funds, purchased and donated to the City of Corcoran a 2013 Polaris Ranger. Funds were raised from working community events and dona- tions from businesses and local charitable organi- zations. Corcoran Police Reserves also applied for and was awarded a $2,250 Community Partnership grant from CenterPoint Energy. This matching grant will be used to equip the Polaris Ranger with safety and emergency response equipment. Chief Gormley said, “This is wonderful piece of safety equipment available to our community. We are very appreciative of our Reserve Officers and CenterPoint Energy for helping to bring this utility vehicle to our community.” Sewer and Water Project Updates The Corcoran City Council continues its decision-making process for a 2014 sewer and water project. At the same time, the Lennar development also will need sewer and water, which will be extended from the Lions’ Park area south to the site along Gleason Road. Public Works Building Construction Continues Construction of the Public Works building is well underway. Activities on site include excavation; delivery of materials, including joists; and preparation for concrete tip-up walls. Wet conditions slowed construction this spring, but substan- tial progress is expected in the next 90 days. CAN YOUR HOME BE IDENTIFIED? Help the police, fire, and ambulance find you fast during an emergency. These services have modern equipment, vehi- cles, red lights, sirens, and radios, but they need your help to find your home or business. Please check your house and driveway, as it is required by State Building Code to have your address posted on your home and mailbox and be visible from the road. Ask these questions: Are your house numbers large enough to see from the street? Are they on a contrasting background so they can be seen even at night with a squad spotlight? Look from the street: Have shrubbery or trees blocked the view of your house numbers? If your mailbox is positioned at your driveway, can the numbers be seen easily from either direction? If your mailbox is at the end of your driveway and gets pushed over by heavy snow buildup, you may want to consider a Swing-away Mail Box Post. These can be purchased at the City for $65.00. For more information contact City Hall at 763-420-2288. CAN YOUR HOME BE IDENTIFIED? Help the police, fire, and ambulance find you fast during an emergency. These services have modern equipment, vehicles, red lights, sirens, and radios, but they need your help to find your home or business. Please check your house and driveway, as it is required by State Building Code to have your address posted on your home and mail- box and be visible from the road. Ask these questions: Are your house numbers large enough to see from the street? Are they on a contrasting background so they can be seen even at night with a squad spotlight? Look from the street: Have shrubbery or trees blocked the view of your house numbers? If your mailbox is positioned at your driveway, can the numbers be seen easily from either direction? If your mailbox is at the end of your driveway and gets pushed over by heavy snow buildup, you may want to consider a Swing-away Mail Box Post. These can be purchased at the City for $65.00. For more information contact City Hall at 763-420-2288. Page 5 Phils Quality Automotive www.philsauto.com Phone (763)420-2059 7590 Commerce Street Corcoran, MN 55340 BRING IN THIS AD AND RECEIVE $5.00 OFF AN OIL CHANGE OR $10.00 OFF ANY OTHER SERVICE OVER $50.00 Certified Automotive Master Technicians Since 1979— Electronic Services · Onboard Computer Diagnostics · Tune-ups & Emissions · Fuel Systems · Air Conditioning · Alignment / Suspen- sions /Steering · Brakes / Exhaust / Shocks · Tires · Transmissions · Extended Warranties Sales & Ser- vices and Towing Available SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES Page 6 ANNUAL SUMMERFEST In the fall of 1966, a few people gathered and started the momentum for an organizaƟon that became the North Hennepin Pioneer Society. The Society’s ﬁrst project was to preserve the PoƩer log cabin, which was located south of Osseo. The Pioneers planned to take it apart and reconstruct it log by log as soon as a suitable site could be purchased. A short Ɵme later, a one‐room school known as Burschville 107 was acquired only days aŌer its last class leŌ on May 31, 1967. This purchase not only gave the Society a ﬁne ex‐ ample of a one‐room school, but it also provided on the same site the needed ground for reconstrucƟon of the PoƩer log cabin. Come join in with food, fun, and acƟviƟes for the children at the Burschville School Summerfest open house, sponsored by the North Hennepin Pioneer Society. The site is located on CO RD 10, 1/4 mile east of CO RD 19. Page 7 S av e Th e DA T E S u n d a y, A u g u s t 1 8 1 2 :0 0 p m - 4 :3 0 p m For a small fee as low as $75.00, you can advertise your business in the Corcoran Newsletter. This newsletter is distributed to more than 1,850 businesses and residences in Corcoran. St. Cloud State University 55+ DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM If you are 55+ this course will be offered at City Hall and surround‐ ing ciƟes to save you 10% on your auto insurance for three years. 4 hour class for refresher repeat students Oct. 14th and Dec. 18th 8 hour class for ﬁrst Ɵme students Sept. 9th &10th Class Ɵmes are from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm For more informaƟon and to register for these classes call 1-888-234-1294 SOFTBALL TEAMS NEEDED Get together your old high school or college buddy’s to form a team for a weekend of fun! There are still opening for Corcoran’s County Daze Softball Tournament August 16th and 17th. Contact Troy Nygaard at 763-458-0765 for more details and information. City of Corcoran 8200 CO RD 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Change Service Requested PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 28 HAMEL, MN Randy’s Sanitation is currently contracted by the City for your recycling pickups. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RECYCLING or to set up or call for a missed pickup, call 763-972-3335. Randy’s has three locations to the public for dropping off items such as appliances, TV’s, electronics, batteries, tires construction material and cleanup debris and other recyclables. GO TO RANDY’S WEBSITE AT www.randyssanitation.com. 2013 Recycling Schedule Denotes holiday—Tuesday pick-up will be delayed until Wednesday. South of CO RD 10 North of CO RD 10 REMINDER- Don’t forget: Your recycling bills are due.