HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-27 - Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Corcoran City Council met on August 27, 2009, at City Hall in
Corcoran, Minnesota. Present were Mayor Guenthner, Councilor Thomas,
Councilor Gmach, Councilor Hudok, and Councilor Milbrandt. Also
present were City Administrator Donahue, City Engineer Vander Top, City
Attorney Carson, City Planner Lindahl and Police Chief Gormley. Mayor
Guenthner called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION made by Hudok, seconded by Thomas, to approve the agenda as
modified:
Delete — Jeff Johnson Presentation
Add 11K - Letter received from Eric Paulson
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Gmach, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Carried 5:0)
4. CLAIMS AS PRESENTED
Escrow Claims
MOTION made by Hudok, seconded by Gmach, to approve Escrow Claims
in the amount of $4,335.00.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Gmach, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Carried 5:0)
Building Inspection Claims
MOTION made by Gmach, seconded by Hudok, to approve Building
Inspection Claims in the amount of $2,066.47.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Gmach, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Carried 5:0)
All Other Claims
MOTION made by Thomas, seconded by Gmach, to approve all other
claims in the amount of $55,503.78.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Gmach, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Carried 5:0)
Call to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Approval
Claims as Presented
Page -1-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
5. CONSENT AGENDA
5B. CIP — Police Protection Equipment - Sign
5C. City of Plymouth Comprehensive Plan Amendment
MOTION made by Hudok, seconded by Thomas, to approve Consent
Agenda Items 5B and 5C.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Gmach, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Carried 5:0)
5A. Draft Minutes
There was discussion about the minutes being done in house vs. being sent
out and it was suggested this be discussed further during the budget process.
6. OPEN FORUM
7. PRESENTATIONS
Northern Natural Gas, Elizabeth Babcock
Elizabeth Babcock, Northern Natural Gas Regional Manager, presented
history of Northern Natural Gas. She pointed out the areas of service and
explained the advantages of natural gas. She updated the council on the
future project that will be done in the area. This led to further discussion
about the project affecting the residence of the City.
9. PLANNING BUSINESS
9A. PC09 -006 Lazer Fields Preliminary Plat and Final Plat
Planner Lindahl presented that Jan Griffin is requesting an approval of a
preliminary plat and final plat to create two 47.51 -acre lots to settle her late
father's estate. Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted
unanimously to recommend approval of the preliminary plat. The property
and surrounding properties are zoned rural residential and are guided
rural /ag residential. The property is currently fanned and the applicant
indicates that the parcel will continue to be fanned. The development rights
map shows 4 development rights on this property. 2 building rights would
be assigned to Lot 1 and 2 building rights would be assigned to Lot 2. The
Parks and Trails Plan shows an on -road trail on Cain Road, which could be
accommodated within the dedicated right -of -way. No trail easement is
required. The landowner should be aware that if the Comprehensive Plan is
adopted as proposed, the City will likely require dedication/preservation of
the greenway corridor as part of any future subdivision. At this time the
Consent Agenda:
CIP — Police
Protection Equipment —
Sign
City of Plymouth
Comprehensive Plan
Amendment
Draft Minutes
Open Forum
Presentations
Northern Natural Gas
Planning Business:
PC09 -006 Lazer Fields
Preliminary Plat and
Final Plat
Page -2-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
City should require cash -in -lieu of land for the 2 new parcels. The current
ordinance requires $6,000 per lot.
MOTION made by Milbrandt, seconded by Hudok, to approve Resolution
2009 -37, A Resolution approving a Preliminary Plat for the Lazer property
located west of Cain Road and north of County Road 10.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Gmach, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Carried 5:0)
MOTION made by Thomas, seconded by Milbrandt to approve Resolution
2009 -38, A Resolution approving a Final Plat for the Lazer property located
west of Cain Road and north of County Road 10.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Gmach, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Carried 5:0)
9B. PC09 -001 Lions Park, Preliminary PUD Development Plan and
Final PUD Development Plan
City Planner Lindahl presented that the Corcoran Lions and Corcoran Lions
foundation are requesting approval of a rezoning to PUD, a Preliminary
PUD Development Plan and a Final PUD Development Plan to allow a
greater mix of uses on the 36.12 -acre Lions Park property, including a
continuation of the existing uses and the addition of seasonal motor vehicle
storage. During the August 13 council meeting the Council tabled this
request at the request of the applicant so that the request could be
considered by the full Council. The Council took additional public
testimony on this project during the open forum and there were several
individuals opposed to the request.
The applicant reviewed the plans and made several revisions to address the
Council concerns:
• Reduced the proposed number of cars from 1252 to 920 vehicles
• Proposed 4 -foot high berm on County Road 101
• Proposed landscaping along County Road 101
• Added a location for the temporary guard house to the plans
• Provided a 75 -foot natural area with no parking on the south
• Eliminated vehicle storage from the rodeo area
The Planning Commission recommends approval of the request without
temporary outside vehicle storage.
The applicant was asked how they carne up with the 920 vehicle amount.
The applicant answered that with addition of the berm it reduced the amount
of available space for parking of the vehicles.
PC 09 -001, Corcoran
Lions Rezoning and
PUD
Page -3-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
The council members and some residents discussed their opinions about the
project.
MOTION made by Gmach, second by Hudok, to approve Resolution 2009 -
34A, A Resolution approving a Preliminary PUD Plan for Corcoran Lions
and Corcoran Lions Foundation for property located west of County Road
101.
This motion is approving the PUD Plan with the current uses and not
approving the use of temporary outside vehicle storage.
There was some further discussion about screening of the parking area.
Voting Aye: Gmach and Hudok
Voting Nay: Guenthner, Milbrandt and Thomas
(Motion defeated 2:3)
MOTION made by Guenthner, seconded by Milbrandt, to approve
Resolution 2009 -34- Option B, A Resolution approving a Preliminary PUD
Plan for Corcoran Lions and Corcoran Lions Foundation for property
located west of County Road 101 and south of County Road 10 with the
condition that the applicant add a 8 -foot berm along the east side of the
property and the vegetation type screening is to be on the south and east
side, that is to be approved by staff.
AMENDED MOTION made by Gmach, seconded by Thomas, to amend
the motion to alter the stated condition to eliminate the southern bank of
cars, as shown in the diagram.
There was discussion about the reason for this amendment, because it would
be impossible to build a berm high enough to screen that area. This led to a
discussion about what would be the best vegetation option and growth
timeline for the screening.
Vote on Amended Motion
Aye: Gmach, Guenthner, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion carried
5:0)
There was some discussion about what the City can do if the applicant has
the vehicles parked after the allowed time. City Attorney Carson added that
the City has enforcement rights if the applicant doesn't follow the
conditions.
There was some discussion about fire lanes and if the fire department is able
to access all areas and vehicles without any problems. It was noted that the
Page -4-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
fire marshal needs to review the plans and to be sure that there are enough
fire lanes and easy access for the fire department.
AMENDED MOTION made by Gmach, seconded by Hudok to amend the
motion that a condition be added that final approval is contingent on
approval from the fire marshal that there is appropriate fire lanes and
adequate access to all vehicles if ever a fire.
Vote on Amended Motion
Aye: Gmach, Guenthner, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion carried
5:0)
AMENDED MOTION made by Hudok, seconded by Thomas, to amend
the motion that a condition be added, that the applicant provide a
management plan, approved by staff, of their plans for maintaining clear
accessible lanes for emergency vehicles, during period of time the vehicles
are parked.
Vote on Amended Motion
Aye: Gmach, Guenthner, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion carried
5:0)
There was some discussion in regards to the screening and how it should be
measured. It was clarified that the measurement of the fence screening
should be measured as referenced in the ordinance.
Vote on Motion as Amended
Aye: Guenthner, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas
Nay: Gmach (Motion carried 4:1)
MOTION made by Milbrandt, seconded by Hudok, to approve Resolution
2009 -35, Option B, A Resolution approving a Final PUD Plan for Corcoran
Lions and Corcoran Lions Foundation for property located west of County
Road 101.
Aye: Guenthner, Hudok, Milbrandt
Nay: Thomas, Gmach (Motion carried 3:2)
Mayor Guenthner called a five minute recess at 9:01 pm
9C. PC09 -004 Hall, Interim Use Permit and Variance
Planner Lindahl presented to the council that Sharon Hall has requested
approval of an interim use permit and variances to construct a detached
accessory building with an accessory dwelling unit at 19510 Hackamore
Road. The item was tabled from the August 13 Council Meeting to allow
the applicant time to meet with the City Attorney and staff to discuss the
PC 09 -0004, Hall
Interim Use Permit,
Variance for Accessory
Structure
Page -5-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
specifics related to the Fair Housing Act accommodations requested. On
Monday, August 17 Scott Reimann and his attorney met with City Attorney
Carson, City Administrator Donahue and City Planner Lindahl to discuss
the specifics of the case.
Mr. Reimann confirmed that the applicant and property owner, Sharon Hall
is his mother -in -law. Currently no one lives in the principal structure and it
is his intention to live in the principle structure. It is further Mr. Reimann's
intention in the future to demolish the existing home and build a new home
that is architecturally compatible with the proposed accessory dwelling unit.
Mr. Reimann provided information to indicate that his sister's disability
requires she live in a home that is separated from other living spaces and a
separate living space above the attached garage is not viable with her
disability.
City Attorney Carson explained that he received verification from Amy
Reimann's doctor confirming the nature of her disability and the need for
the accommodation. It was also noted that her current living
accommodation has worked well with her disability and it is the same type
of accommodation they are applying for.
A question was asked on whether or not the Fair Housing Act overrides the
City's IUP requirement. City Attorney Carson answered that it does if the
Council finds the accommodation that is requested is an appropriate
accommodation in this case. This led to discussion about approval of this
application and the Fair Housing Act being able to override the IUP
affecting future requests similar to this one. City Attorney Carson added
that the Fair Housing Act only overrides an IUP if there is a medical
condition and each case is going to have different facts to consider.
There was discussion about the applicant not being able to show a variance
is needed because there are no alternative ways to build the accessory unit
to accommodate his sister. This led to further discussion about what the
ordinances are and how they relate to this application and whether or not the
variance is actually needed or if it is just preferred.
MOTION made by Gmach, seconded by Thomas, to approve Resolution
2009 -36, A Resolution Approving an Interim Use Permit and Variances for
accessory structure with accessory dwelling unit at 19510 Hackamore Road.
City Attorney Carson noted that a Housing Discrimination Complaint has
been filed with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
City Attorney Carson requested the complaint be dismissed if the council
were to approve the application.
Voting Aye: Gmach, Hudok and Thomas
Voting Nay: Guenthner and Milbrandt (Motion Carried 3:2)
Page -6-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
10. NEW BUSINESS
10A. Discussion of Accessory Building Ordinance and Accessory
Dwelling Unit Ordinance
Planner Lindahl explained that there have been some past discussions on the
Accessory Building Ordinance and Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance and
there needs to be some changes made to these ordinances. There should be
some revisions made to the designing and performance standards. Also
there are some technical errors in the ordinance that should be reviewed and
revised.
There was some discussion about the size of the lot requirement and
whether or not there is a need for a change of that requirement. It was noted
that the size of the lot should be big enough to allow enough sewer for all
dwellings and to have enough area for setback requirements from
neighbor's properties. This led to a discussion about the owner not living in
the primary residence and whether or not that should be a requirement.
It was suggested that one of the changes should be, plan square footage size
requirement be contingent on architectural structure of the dwelling.
Planner Lindahl noted that she reviewed past records and there hasn't been
an application for an Accessory Dwelling Unit since 2005, therefore there
isn't urgency for the change in the ordinance. She suggested the council
discuss any changes they would like to make to the ordinance and make it
affective in January when there is a change in the zoning ordinance.
10B. TIF District #1 Analysis, Agreement with Northland Strategies
City Administrator Donahue presented a letter from Northland Strategies
with a proposal for TIF District Management Services.
There was some discussion about the fees and how TIF affects the budget.
A question was asked on whether or not some of the services could be done
in house. It was suggested that some of the services mentioned in Phase 1
could be done in house, but the City may need some assistance when it
comes time for Phase 2. This led to a discussion about the sewer line
corning into the City and how that would affect the TIF districts. It was
suggested that the City's Financial Consultant be contacted for assistance.
11. STAFF REPORTS /MEMOS
11A. Parks and Trails Reports
Mayor Guenthncr updated the Council on discussions held at the last
New Business:
TIF District #1
Analysis — Agreement
with Northland
Strategies
Staff Reports /Memos:
Parks and Trails
Reports
Page -7-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
meeting.
Administrator Donahue gave an update on the research grant and the status
of finding a student to do the research.
11B. 08 -06 -09 Planning Commission Minutes
Minutes were in the agenda packet for review, no verbal report was given.
11C. City Pandemic Plan /Police Department
The Pandemic Plan was in the packet for review. Chief Gormley explained
that City Hall and public works staff need to put a pandemic plan together.
It was noted that the plan was really well done.
Planning Commission
Minutes
City Pandemic Plan —
Police Department
11D. 2009 Revenue Report /Police Department 2009 Revenue Report —
Police Department
There was some discussion about the Revenue and Expense Report.
Administrator Donahue noted that the spreadsheets reflect year to date thru
July 31, 2009. There was some discussion about what the council would like
to see on the budget spreadsheets.
Mayor Guenthner explained that there is a need for a budget workshop
because the levy needs to be set before September 15, 2009.
Mayor Guenthner called a special workshop for September 8, 2009 starting
at 7:00 pni to discuss the budget performance.
11E. 2009 Expenditure Performance Report/Police Department
This topic was discussed with Item 11D.
11F. Update on Personnel Rules and Regulations
Administrator Donahue explained that he feels there is a need for a change
in the City's current workers compensation policy.
It was suggested that Administrator Donahue put together a draft of the
workers compensation policy that he is recommending and bring back to the
council for review at a future meeting.
11G. Update on Pay Equity Compliance
Councilor Gmach presented a letter from Faith Zwemke, Pay Equity
Coordinator from MN Management and Budget stating that the City is in
compliance with the Local Government Pay Equity Act.
2009 Expenditure
Performance Report —
Police Department
Update on Personnel
Rules and Regulations
Update on Pay Equity
Compliance
Page -8-
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
11H. Update on Recycling and Dust Control
The report was in the packet, no verbal report was given.
11I. Future Fire Protection
Chief Gormley presented that the Medina Police Chief contacted him
regarding his City Council's request to study future fire service within the
City of Medina. The City of Medina has decided to move forward with the
merging of Hamel and Loretto Fire Departments with the goal of the City of
Medina to be the future owner of this newly created department. Corcoran
has created a committee to discuss the future fire services for the City. Past
meetings have reflected good, healthy discussions regarding the future fire
services and it appears several action items were brought forward, but no
action has been taken. The merger of Hamel and Loretto fire departments
has a significant impact on the future fire service of the southeast and
southwest areas of the City. There have been several discussion meetings
but it is recommended that council reestablish a "Future Fire Planning
Committee" to continue these discussions. Mayor Guenthner asked that any
council member willing to be part of this committee speak to Chief
Gormley.
11J. Review of Next Council Agenda
Administrator Donahue reported that the Budget Levy will be on the next
Council Agenda.
A suggestion was made for Public Works to have an Open House and this
should be added to an upcoming agenda for council to discuss.
There was a request for an update of the Shannon Lane Bridge Project to be
given at the next meeting.
11K. Letter from Representative Eric Paulson
Mayor Guenthner presented a letter he received from Representative Eric
Paulson.
12. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS
None
13. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION made by Thomas, seconded by Hudok, to adjourn at 10:38 pm.
Voting Aye: Gmach, Guenthner, Hudok, Milbrandt and Thomas (Motion
Update on Recycling
and Dust Control
Future Fire Protection
Review of Next Council
Agenda
Letter from
Representative Eric
Paulson
Unscheduled Items:
None
Adjournment
Page -9-
Carried 5:0)
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 27, 2009
S..de ter
Dan Donahue,ity Administrator
Page -10-