HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08 -- Fall
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City Council Members
Mayor
Ken Guenthner
www.kguenthner@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-478-6699
Councilors
Chuck Grabowski – Chris Hudok - Paul Jacobs – Ron Thomas
City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340
City Hall 763-420-2288 Public Works 763-420-2652
Office Hours 8am to 4 pm
Police Non-Emergency call 911 and dispatch will direct your call
Police Administration 763-420-8966
JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEW
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
We are pleased to welcome Tim Carlson
and Kim Bachmeier to City Hall.
Tim came to us in March from the Wayzata
High School Interim program while
volunteering his services in the police
department. With his strong computer
skills, and quick ability to learn the cities
procedures, rules and regulations, he was
offered the part-time position as the
Administrative Assistant / Front Desk
Receptionist.
Kim joined the staff as Clerk/ Treasurer on
April 28th. She brings to us a variety of
experience. This year will be a challenging
position for her as she trains for the “BIG”
election year along with learning the cities
procedures.
We are looking forward to having their
creative talents to assist in rebuilding files
and updating the cities records keeping
system.
2008 IS A BIG ELECTION YEAR
Through all the media that has taken place, you should be
well aware that in November this year elections will take
place for mayor and two Council members seats, along with
President and other federal, state and county candidates.
The City is looking for election judges to assist with both the
Primary and General elections. Election judges supervise
and help voters at the polls. In order to serve as an election
judge, you must be an eligible voter in Minnesota, and you
must be able to read, write, and speak English. Contact City
Clerk Kim Bachmeier @ 763-420-2288 ext. 15, if interested
in serving as an election judge.
The Election headquarters will be located at City Hall, 8200
Co. Rd 116. (North of the intersection Co Rd 10/ / So of Co Rd 30)
IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER
Aug.11 Absentee voting begins for Primary Election
Aug. 22 Voter pre-registration for Primary Election closes at
5:00 pm
Aug.26 City Council Candidate filings opens
Sept. 11Election Headquarters open for absentee voting until
5:00 pm
Sept. 9 State Primary Election – Polls open from 7:00 am –
8:00 pm
Sept. 9 City Council Candidate filing closes @5:00 pm
Oct. 3 Absentee voting begins for General Election
Oct. 14 Voter pre-registration for the General Election closes
at 5:00 pm
Nov. 4 Election Headquarters open for Absentee voting 10:00
am to 3:00 pm
Nov. 6 Election Headquarters open for absentee voting until
5:00 pm
Nov. 4 General Election – Polls open from 7:00 am – 8:00
pm
(Voting information continued)
IN THIS ISSUE
Voting Information 1
Voting Information 2
Voting Information 3
City Information – Administrator / Comp Plan 3
City Information – Parks & Trails 4
City Events – Corcoran Daze 5
City Events / Activities 6
Police Information 7
Misc. Environment Information 8
SUMMER NEWSLETTER
August 2008
IMPORTANT VOTING IINFORMATION Page 2 of 8
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VOTING INFORMATION
You are eligible to vote if you are:
• At least 18 years old on the day of the election
• A citizen of the United States
• A resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days before the election
• Properly registered
You are not eligible to vote if you have been:
• Placed under court-ordered guardianship of the person without retaining the right to vote
• Found by a court to be legally incompetent
• Convicted of a felony without having your civil rights restored
If you are currently registered to vote, you do not need to register again unless you have:
• Moved to a different address
• Changed your name
• Not voted at least once within the last four years
At least 20 days before Election Day:
• Complete a Voters Registration Application found on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us
• Register in person or mail the application to the City Clerk or Hennepin County Voter Registration Office
To register at the polling place on Election Day, you must have authorized proof of residence:
• Valid Minnesota Driver's License, Learner's Permit or receipt of either with current address located in the precinct
• Valid Minnesota I.D. or receipt with current address located in the precinct
• A registered voter in the precinct who can vouch for you
• Registration in the same precinct indicating a previous address
• Mailed notice from the City Clerk or Hennepin County Registration Office indicating ineffective registration
• Students can show their address in the precinct by using a current fee statement and an I.D. card
• A tribal I.D. with name, address, signature, and picture of the voter
A voter may also register on Election Day using a combination of one approved photo ID (Column 1) and one
approved Utility Bill (Column 2):
Column 1 Column 2
Minnesota driver's license with current name (licenses from out of state
are not acceptable) Electric Bill
Minnesota state I.D. card (I.D.s from other states are not acceptable) Gas Bill
U.S. Military I.D. Water Bill
U.S. Passport Sewer Bill
Minnesota Tribal I.D. Solid Waste Bill
Cable Television Bill
Telephone Bill
Cell Phone Bill
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CITY INFORMATION
Absentee Voting
You can vote by absentee ballot if you are unable to vote in person on Election Day for one of the following reasons:
• Away from home
• Ill or disabled
• An election judge serving in another precinct
• Unable to go the polling place due to a religious holiday or belief
Absentee voting begins 30 days prior to Election Day. You can receive an absentee ballot application by:
Downloading the Absentee Ballot Application on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us
Calling City Clerk Kim Bachmeier at 763-420-2288 ext. 15 and requesting an application be sent to you during an election year
In person at the Corcoran City Hall
You may either fax the completed application to 763-420-6056, or mail it to the City Clerk
Page 3 of 8
COUNCIL IS MOVING
FORWARD WITH THE CITY
ADMINISTRATOR POSITION
On January 10th, 2008, council
voted not to re-appoint the City’s
Administrator, Sue Vergin.
Currently the City has contracted
with an Interim - Todd Bodem.
Staff was directed to seek
applicants for the vacant position.
As the applications were
processed, copies were passed
on to the Council members.
On the July 10th, 2008 meeting,
Council members moved forward
and named their picks for the
candidates they would like to
interview. This process will take
place in August in front of a board
that consists of Mayor Ken
Guenthner, Council Member Chris
Hudok, Planning Chairman Roz
Milbrandt, and Chief of Police
Sean Gormley.
Your concerns and issues
involving the City is important
information to the community.
Council meetings are the 1st and
3rd Thursday of each month, at
7:00 pm. Your voice can be heard
at “Open Forum”. Should you
have an item you would like to
have placed on the agenda,
please contact staff at City hall to
address your concern.
City of Corcoran 2030
Comprehensive Plan Update
Corcoran Sets Vision for Future
Once every 10 years, Corcoran along with other seven-county Twin Cities
Metropolitan communities, must update their comprehensive plans The City’s
Plan represents a community vision of how it will develop or redevelop,
ensure adequate housing, provide essential public services, protect natural
areas and meet community objectives. State law sets the stage for this
planning requirements by which Corcoran must have an approved update by
end of 2008. One of the purposes of the required update is to extend the plan
view forward from 2020 to 2030, so planning for important regional systems—
like regional sewage collection and treatment—can continue. The update
process allows us to revisit our strategies, but assumes that most of the basic
features of policies in the current plan will remain in place.
The Metropolitan Council reviews a jurisdiction’s plan from the perspective of
the state law and the regional system plans. The review is designed to
determine how our planned actions relate to the interests of the whole region
over the long term. In this way, the comprehensive plan can provide
information and strategies needed to accommodate growth, provide
infrastructure in a cost-effective manner, protect vital natural areas, and
preserve our prized quality of life.
The Metropolitan Council is in the design and feasibility analysis stage of
providing a 36 inch interceptor collection pipe at the Northeastern border of
Corcoran in 2010 Likewise, on the Southeastern boarder, a 24 inch
interceptor collection pipe is slated for design by 2009. What does this mean?
The City can tap into the system and the sewage can be carried away.
In 2008, the City recently set aside three Comprehensive Plan Open meetings
in April to discuss Land Use, in May to discuss Infrastructure and Sewer and
in June to discuss Transportation, Parks, and Natural Resources. All three
public meetings were well attended and the City Council recorded all of the
comments and by consensus took action on them.
The City Council is now seeking residents to volunteer their services to
be a part of the Comprehensive sub-committee, to implement the next
steps. Please contact City Hall Administrator Todd Bodem at 763-420-
2288 ext 13, by August 15th if you are interested in serving on one of the
committees.
Page 4 of 8 CITY INFORMATION CONTINUED
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PARKS AND TRAIL COMMISSION
MOVE FORWARD WITH A
MEMORIAL GARDEN PARK
In the past years, a “Memorial Garden Park”
was a vision of the Parks and Trail
Commission. It is now in the stages of being
carried through to completion. This area will
be a park dedicated to loved ones who have
passed away, located on the City Hall
property.
The park area will host a gazebo with
surrounding gardens, and a walking trail
around the beautiful wetland area. This area
is a naturalist hideaway, with wetlands,
mature trees, and wildlife. A perfect photo
shoot accent for those who rent the civic
center for weddings, anniversaries, or
graduation parties. Alternatively, perhaps you
may want to meet your friend for a picnic
lunch and a viewing of the wildlife. Future
phasing will be the continuing of the walking
trail through the woods, which will someday
connect to the downtown business district.
This area will allow the Corcoran community
the opportunity to donate money in memory of
a family member or friend by purchasing a
bench, plaque or stepping stone engraved
with a small memory of your loved one. The
community and businesses may donate funds
as well to be a part of this vision.
We, as the Corcoran community, have a
unique opportunity to be a part of a special
place that our children & grandchildren will
visit. Please consider this park in
remembering your loved ones. Several
donations have been received in memory of
Ron Johnson, Pat Puhle, and Mike Milbrandt.
For details on how to be a part of this exciting
memorial project or if you have a special
occasion coming up and want additional
information to rent the Civic Center and use of
the Memorial Garden Park, please call City
Hall at 763-420-2288.
PARKS AND TRAILS REVIEWS CORCORAN’S
ATHLETIC FACILITIES AND THE CITIES FUTURE
NEEDS
On July 22nd the Parks and Trails Commission held an open
house meeting to present recent research preformed on the cities
current athletic fields’ usage and its future needs. The
commission also surveyed residents on their thoughts of the
cities athletic complex location today and in the future and what
residents want to see for athletic activities in the park. To see the
results of the survey or complete it yourself go to the cities
website.
TKDA, the professional firm hired to investigate the current parks
athletic load and how it relates to Corcoran’s current population
compared to other city standards, presented data that shows the
current city owned park (23 acres) is over capacity with today’s
population. When adding the Rockford School district’s (40 acres)
which the city currently contracts with the school district for use of
the fields, the current park is just adequate for today’s Corcoran
population.
The questions and concerns of the commission are where we go
when Corcoran’s population grows. When asked, the parks chair,
Chad Robran stated, “The commission’s goal is to insure that the
city provides athletic space appropriate for the city’s population
size and that the youth and adults that use the park today have a
place to continue their activities in the future. We are researching
current usage and future usage to coincide with city growth,
allowing us to plan appropriately. The main questions the
commission has relates to the location of the park, is the park of
today in the right location or should it be relocated and what
activities do the citizens want to see in their athletic complex. The
biggest concern of the commission is the needs of our athletic
fields are tied to a lease with the school district, which can be
separated with a one-year notice and then what. We would only
have about 20 acres with three fields that would double up for
baseball and softball and within those fields; we would need to
makeshift 12 soccer fields. It just isn’t feasible says the parks
chair.” The chair encourages residents to attend Parks and trails
commission meetings every 3rd Tuesday on the month to learn
more about the planning and to provide their thoughts on the
cities future parks and trails plan.
A survey card has been inserted to help us with your
concerns. We ask if you could please fill this out and return
it back to City Hall by August 30, this would help us move
forward with these issues.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS It is essential that all homeowners have their septic systems pumped and inspected on a regular basis.
We recommend every three years. This increases the life of the system and prevents pollution from entering the water system and
environment.
Hennepin County will be handling the distribution and receipt of all Inspection cards. They will be mailing the cards to your home.
If you are having your system pumped and/or inspected before this happens, PLEASE CONTACT THEM FOR MORE
INFORMATION AT 612-543-5200.
All cards and information should be mailed directly to: Hennepin County Public Health Department
1011 First Street So., Suite 215
Hopkins, MN 55343
Page 5 of 8 CITY EVENTS – Corcoran Daze
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008
Events At Corcoran Ball
Fields
8AM - Softball Tournament
8AM - 12AM - Beer Garden Open
8AM - 1AM -Food Stand Open
10AM - 5PM- "Country Store" Craft Show
10AM - 5PM -Family Day Activities (Moon
Bounce, Face Painting, Build A Birdhouse,
Rock Climbing Wall, Police, Fire and
Rescue Exhibits)
12PM - Rescue Demonstration
1PM (approx): North Air Care Helicopter
4PM - 8PM - Free Live Music with "Switch"
8:30PM -"The Killer Hayseeds"
9:30PM - Veteran's Fireworks Display
12AM - Raffle Drawing
Welcome!
This year's Corcoran Country Daze promises to be the best yet!
Come to the 5th Annual Corcoran Country Daze August 15th & 16th for
food, music, and family fun!
Country Daze is still centered around a softball tournament so come watch
the teams play ball.
Friday night enjoy music by "High Noon" immediately following the
Regional NTPA Tractor Pull at the Corcoran Lion's Park. Saturday is
Family Day. While tournament play continues, there is a Country Store
craft show and many activities for the kids brought to you by Fairview.
Highlights include birdhouse building, North Memorial's North Air Care
helicopter and police, fire and rescue displays. New this year, the NFL's
Punt, Pass & Kick contest! Kid's ages 8-15 compete for a chance to move
on to finals at the Metrodome. Stay for dinner and take in free music with
"Switch!"
The “Killer Hayseeds”, brought to you by Westside Tire, take the stage
8:30 pm Saturday, with a $7 cover, and the Fireworks Display honoring our
Veterans is Saturday at dark! Also added this year, both nights feature
mechanical bull riding sponsored by Lil' Jax Korner.
Raffle tickets are for sale at the Stanchion Bar or at the event. Proceeds
from the event go back to the community through the donations,
scholarships and many events the Corcoran Area JC's put on each year.
This is our largest fundraiser of the year. We look forward to seeing you
there!
Ball fields are located at 20200 - CO RD 50 (1-mile west of CO RD 116
and CO RD 10 Intersection) visit the website at www.countrydaze.org
for latest details! Direct inquiries and questions to Chad Robran 612-965-
7539
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2008
At Corcoran Lions Park
6:30PM- Regional NTPA Tractor
Pull
8PM- Mechanical Bull Riding
9:45PM- Live Music with “High
Noon” until 1am
At Corcoran Ball Fields
6PM- Food Stand & Beer Garden
Open
6PM- Softball Tournament Begins
7PM- “Corcoran Star Karaoke
CITY EVENTS CONTINUED Page 6 of 8
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The City receives several phone calls for annual events or activities that take place in Corcoran.
Please keep in mind many of these activities are sponsored by voluntary organizations and NOT
the City. We ask that you contact them for questions or concerns.
There are several organizations in the City of Corcoran welcoming new members. If you are interested in
joining or volunteering your service's please contact them.
Corcoran Jaycees - The Corcoran Jaycees is a group of members that also helps builds communities
through events, donations, and assistance. Some of the events they sponsor are Scholarship Funds, Easter
Bunny and Santa visit and most importantly Corcoran Daze.
If you would like to become a member, you can go to their website for more information.
Corcoran Lions - The Corcoran Lions Club is a service group that helps builds communities through events,
donations, and assistance. They sponsor many events at the Corcoran Lions Park. Some of these events
are Tractor Pull in June, Hamel Rodeo in July, and the Demo Derby in September
Listed below is information and contacts for these events or activities for you to keep tucked away in a
convenient spot should you need to revert back to them.
Corcoran Lions Club Hosted Events
Supercross April and May
Tractor Pull May
Hennepin County Fair June
Hamel Rodeo July
Regional Tractor Pull August 15
Demo Derby September 6
Supercross September 12,19,26
For more information on these events, you can
visit the Lions website at
www.corcoranlions.com
Corcoran Lions Park is located at Co RD 101 & Co RD 10
(Bass Lake Rd)
Softball and Baseball
The Corcoran Athletic Association sponsors the
T-ball, Near-ball, softball, and baseball program.
There are about 250 boys and girls from the ages
of 4 to 16 years old that sign up to play ball.
Registration generally begins in February. The
organization will host an event at this time to help
raise money for the program. As always they
need volunteers to help.
Please call Kevin Dale at 763-923-4154 for
questions and information pertaining to youth ball
teams.
Firearms Safety
This program is hosted by the Corcoran Police
Department. Classes generally begin in March
of each year . Starting February 1st applications
will be accepted. Check the DNR’s website for
other cities hosting this class in the fall. Call the
Police department at 763-420-8966 for more
information.
Corcoran Soccer
This activity is hosted by the Corcoran Soccer
Association/DC Soccer League. The season generally
starts in July and ends in September. Registration
begins in mid - May.
For more information contact
Glen Monzo at 763-420-3914
Or e-mail
glen.monzo@ci.corcoransoccer.org
Page 7 of 8 GENERAL INFORMATION Page 7of 8 POLICE INFORMATION
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Corcoran Police Welcomes New Records Clerk
Police Chief Gormley is excited to announce the new Police Records
Clerk for the City of Corcoran. Paula Steelman starts her new position
on August 4, 2008. Paula’s extensive background as an Administrative
Assistant and Customer Service Representative has helped her to
adapt to our department very well. Paula’s duties include reviewing
reports; filing police reports and court citations; assembling case
documentation for court trials; furnishing the MN Bureau of Criminal
Apprehensions with monthly arrest statistics and other mandated crime
reports; completing background checks as well as providing a friendly
atmosphere for the public, officers and staff.
Paula currently lives in New Hope, MN, but hopes to move to Corcoran
sometime in the near future. Paula is married to Gordy and they have
two sons. Paula’s hobbies include spending time with her children,
biking, scrapbooking, and reading.
Please stop in to welcome Paula to the Corcoran Police Department!
WHAT NUMBER DO I CALL FOR POLICE
ISSUES
Call 911 – for ANY police, fire, or ambulance service. TIMES
HAVE CHANGED, 911 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE
BARKING DOG COMPLAINT THRU ANY LIFE-
THREATENING EMERGENCY. The men and women
from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Communication
Division located in Golden Valley are highly trained to obtain
the proper information from you; they have direct access to
the correct resource to help resolve your issue; and they have
the means to get an officer dispatched immediately if
necessary.
If you really desire to remember the 10 digital dispatch number, it is
(763)-525-6220. In addition (763) 420-8966 – is the police direct
number used for administrative questions M-F 8 am – 4 pm or to
leave voice mail for an officer who has been assigned or working
your specific incident.
Foreclosure Prevention
Having trouble paying your mortgage,
think you may be unable to make future
payments,
or know someone worried about his or
her mortgage?
Act now. Waiting limits your options. Help
is available.
Homeowners can access free foreclosure
prevention assistance in the following ways:
1. Foreclosure Prevention Hotline:
Community Action Partnership of Suburban
Hennepin (CAPSH) is offering a new Hotline
to help homeowners who are in danger of
losing their homes: 952-933-1993. CAPSH
provides free information, advocacy, referrals
to additional resources and other assistance
– confidentially – to homeowners who are
having trouble paying their mortgage. The
Foreclosure Prevention Hotline will directly
connect homeowners with professionals who
can help them through the process. You can
also visit CAPSH at www.capsh.org.
2. You can also visit the CAPSH
website and download an information packet
containing the CAPSH foreclosure prevention
application.
3. Foreclosure Information
Workshops: The Minnesota Home
Ownership Center is hosting free workshop,
for more information call the Minnesota
Home Ownership Center at (651) 659-9336
or visit the HOC website. The Center works
with a network of community-based
organizations that offer free, confidential
advice about mortgages and foreclosure. No
appointments needed.
Taking an Active Role in Foreclosures!
Many cities are beginning to see higher crime rates as the economy continues to decline. There have been a number of
houses in Corcoran that are going through a foreclosure process and being taken over by the banks and mortgage
companies. Many of these companies are out of the state; with that being said, the maintenance on these homes has been
neglected.
To help prevent crime in your area you can help by playing an active role to help up keep your neighborhoods
appearance in good standards.
• Discuss the issues with you neighbors and possibly take turns moving the lawn and controlling the weeds and
thistle before they spread.
We ask that you inform the police department if you know of a vacated home or you see suspicious activity in your
neighborhood. Remember we are here to support the residents in keeping a safe and clean community.
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MISC. INFORMATION CONTINUED
Design a Native or Rain Garden in your backyard
Why Have a Blue Thumb?
The Blue Thumb is an educational program that was started by the Rice Creek Watershed District as an outreach
program to meet water quality goals identified in their strategic plan and to help their cities meet their federal Clean
Water Act mandates. Now Blue Thumb reaches beyond the Rice Creek Watershed District boundaries into the Twin
Cities metro area and greater Minnesota. There are currently over 50 Blue Thumb partners including the Elm Creek
Watershed who works closely with the City of Corcoran.
Does your lawn have “squishy” spots? Areas where nothing grows? A native garden may be the solution. Plant a variety
of native plant species or just a few. Then enjoy your beautiful, low-maintenance garden, knowing that you are saving
water, reducing air pollution and providing habitat for birds and butterflies.
What are the benefits of native plants?
• The generally long roots find their own water, decrease soil compaction, filter out pollutants
• Native plants are as maintenance free as plants can be - no mowing, fertilizer nor pesticides
• They cost less in the long run – no fertilizers, pesticides, mowing necessary
• Native plants add beauty, habitat, food & cover - biodiversity
• Native plants reduce air pollution since they do not need to be mowed
• Native plants also reduce water pollution because fertilizers and pesticides are not necessary
What is a rain garden?
Rain gardens are simply gardens with depressions that are designed to catch rainwater runoff in your yard, growing
plants that tolerate getting partially flooded on occasion. They provide beautiful landscaping and wildlife habitat. And, by
soaking up rain where it falls, they slow storm water runoff, help prevent erosion, and remove pollutants in the process.
Visit www.BlueThumb.org for more information.
Page 8 of 8
City of Corcoran
8200 County Road 116
Corcoran, MN 55340
PRSRT STD
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 28
HAMEL, MN
Visit our website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us,
which provides most information requested
by resident - Meetings, Postings, Agendas,
and Minutes, including a variety of maps,
permit information, and downloadable forms.
Or e-mail: General@ci.corcoran.mn.us