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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-10 - Council Minutes - Part 1CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 10, 2008 The Corcoran City Council met on April 10, 2008, at city hall in Corcoran, Minnesota. Present were Mayor Guenthner, Councilor Grabowski, Councilor Hudok, Councilor Jacobs, and Councilor Thomas. Others present for the meeting included Interim Administrator Bodem, Planner Gartner, City Engineer Rhein, Police Chief Gormley, and Public Works Director Meister. Mayor Guenthner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION made Grabowski, seconded by Hudok to approve the agenda with the following modification: Move Item 10b to 8a Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) PRESENTATION Chief Mark Lynde and Assistant Chief Rich Engle gave a presentation of the Hanover Fire and Rescue 2007 Year End Report. There were a total of 28 total calls in the city for the year 2007. He also explained that the city received some grant money last year and they were able to purchase things to help them to better serve the community. There was some discussion about boundaries and what areas each fire department services. LOCAL BOARD OF REVIEW & EOUALIZATION Mayor Guenthner called the Local Board of Review to order. He informed those present for the Board of Review that they would be taken in the order that they had signed in, and if anyone had not yet signed in to do so. It was explained that the Council would hear the grievances, would then direct the Assessors to meet with the property owners. Assessor Ann Risch, provided an overview of what took place over the last year with regards to property valuations in the city. Karen Ess, Pioneer Trail wasn't able to attend the board of review but she contacted the county and is challenging their valuation. Ed Kemna, explained that they have 80 acres of land on County Road 50. Taxes are usually around $5,000 and for the year of 2007 it jumped up to $12,000. The value of the property has increased without any changes happening to the property. 26 of the acres are agricultural the remaining is wetland. Ann explained that the purpose of the increase in market value. Mr. Kemmit was advised to speak to the assessor regarding the increase and try and work out an agreement. Corcoran Lions explained that their parcels increased up to 8 — 9% and he explained that they would like the increase to be only up to 3 %. Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Agenda Presentation Hanover Fire and Rescue 2007 Year End Report Local Board of Review & Equalization Page -1- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 10, 2008 Don Finnvik, Country Road, stated that he will be meeting with the assessor to work out an agreement. Greg Ebert, explained that he owns some commercial properties and there is some inconsistency's with the increase of market values between all of the properties. He explained that he will be meeting with the assessor's to try and work out an agreement. Armand Brachman, explained that he has been out of town and is hopeful that he can work with the assessor and get things worked out. Jim Eiynck, explained that he has been a resident for 33 years and believes that his value is a little high. He will be working out an agreement with the county. Tom Cossette, explained that he just signed up for a meeting with the assessor. Mike Cain, explained that he purchased property last year and he thought he had the property homesteaded. Lee Frederickson, expressed his concerns with the market cycle and how it relates the market values. Richard Grinolds, Hunter Lane, explained that he works in financial services and deals with appraisals and they are coming in lower than valuations. His value is the same as last year. Ken Hage, explained that he has two parcels of land and he doesn't understand how the value can increase so much when the market is so low right now. Bob Kosloski, explained that he is contesting his market value increase. He has two appraisals from previous years and there hasn't been much of an increase between the years and doesn't understand how the market value can increase so much within one year. He will meet with the assessor and discuss this further. Jim Chamberlain explained that he is also contesting his market value. Henry Hallgren, explained that he is a newcomer to the area and he has met with the assessor and an agreement has been made. Gwen Segelstrom, explained that she is also contesting the assessed value due to drops in the real estate market. Mayor Guenthner recessed the Board of Review meeting that will reconvene on April 24, 2008 to receive the findings of the contested values. Mayor Guenthner called a five minute recess. Mayor Guenthner called the meeting back to order. CONSENT AGENDA Page -2- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 10, 2008 MOTION made by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas to approve the following Consent Agenda Items: 7c. Resolution 2008 -19 Hamel Rodeo 3.2 license 7d. CIP computer equipment approval 7e. CIP firearm approval 7f. March 27, 2008 Draft Council Minutes 7g. March 20, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes 7h. Joint Council/Planning Meeting Minutes Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) Mayor Guenthner noted that his voting aye doesn't include approval of the March 27, 2008 Council meeting due to his absence during the meeting. 7a. Resolution 2008 -17 Regarding Police Department accessing MN computerized criminal history system A question was asked for clarification on the last sentence of the resolution. Consensus was for it to read the record is accurate based on the date of birth. MOTION made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski to approve the modified Resolution 2008 -17, A Resolution Regarding the Corcoran Police Department Accessing the Minnesota Computerized Criminal History System. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas. (Motion carried 5:0) 7b. Resolution 2008 -18 Authorizing submittal of 2008 grant application for recycling and execution of grant agreement MOTION made by Thomas, seconded Grabowski, to approve Resolution 2008 -18, A Resolution Authorizing Submittal of 2008 Grant Application for Recycling and Execution of Grant Agreement, with the correction of changing the word "wished" to "wishes ". Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) ICM Curt Crotty (Al project overview) Mr. Crotty, owner /construction manager of Innovative Construction Management, LLC presented an overview of the proposed project and a proposed strategy for the Council to consider in regards to TIF assistance on the project. He also explained that there are some concerns regarding how the current ordinance addresses outside storage as it may pertain to AI Outdoor Power. There was some discussion about the county requirements for access to the property. Also there is some discussion about land swap happening between the church and Alto allow a safer access, better traffic flow and accurate parking. City Planner Gartner explained some of the things that he has been looking into and spoke about some of his ideas and recommendations. There was some discussion about the setback requirements and whether or not this Consent Agenda: - Resolution 2008 -19 Hamel Rodeo 3.2 license -CIP computer equipment approval -CIP firearm approval -March 27, 2008 Draft Council Minutes -March 20, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes -Joint Council /Planning Meeting Minutes Resolution 2008 -17 Regarding Police Department accessing MN computerized criminal history system Resolution 2008 -18 Authorizing submittal of 2008 grant application for recycling and execution of grant agreement ICM Curt Crotty (Al project overview) Page -3- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 10, 2008 project would meet all of the set backs. Planner Gartner explained he believes that it all meets the setback requirement. A question was asked on what type of things will be stored in the outside storage. Mr. Crotty explained the type of things that will be store in the storage area. The applicant providing their own well and septic was discussed and concerns were raised regarding if this project is enough to facilitate getting the MUSA line to extend to the area. Each councilmember expressed their encouragement for the applicant to proceed in the application process. UNFINISHED BUSINESS EIm Creek Watershed Management Comm. Adopted amendment City Engineer Rhein explained that December of 2007 the city received notice from the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission that it was proposing a minor amendment to its Second Generation Watershed Management Plan. Bonestroo has reviewed the proposed amendment on behalf of the city and he reported that they have found no objection to the proposed amendment. He explained that an official response letter of no objection was sent to Elm Creek on January 29, 2008. Elm Creek has since proceeded with the remaining steps in the review and approval process and formally adopted the Minor Plan amendment at their meeting on March 12, 2008. NW Chambers office space Unfinished Business: Elm Creek Watershed Management Comm. Adopted Amendment Mayor Guenthner explained that this space should be called the City Hall Annex NW Chambers office Meeting Room instead of the NW Chambers office space. space Interim City Administrator Bodem explained that this was added to the agenda to discuss whether the council wants to rent this space out or use it for City use. After some discussion Council consensus was for staff to clean the space up and try to rent the space out. MOTION made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski, to authorize staff to investigate the possibility of leasing the space out and to report back to council with their proposal of renting it out. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Thomas. Voting Nye: Jacobs (Motion carried 4:1) Street Light Policy /Ordinance Interim City Administrator Bodem presented the street light draft policy for the council's review and comment. City Engineer Rhein reported some information to the council that he received during a meeting he attended regarding urban street lighting. Street Light Policy /Ordinance Page -4- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 10, 2008 There was some discussion about how this became recommended from the County. It was suggested that staff check into a proposed ordinance change on incorporating the county's request and the cost impact of adding more urban lighting. CIerk Treasurer — Job Offer Interim City Administrator Bodem informed the Council that Ms. Pamela Kummer has decided not to accept the City Clerk/Treasurer position. The second choice is to hire Ms. Backmeier. MOTION made by Jacobs, seconded by Grabowski, to approve staff to proceed with the hiring of Kimberly Backmeier as City Clerk/Treasurer. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion Carried 5:0) NEW BUSINESS Annual Bridge Inspection City Engineer Rhein explained that Bonestroo has completed the required bridge safety inspections within the city. The bridges on Shannon Lane, Schutte Road and Caine Road were the bridges that were inspected. He added that there is a fourth bridge in the city on Trail Haven Lane but the inspection of that bridge isn't required until December 2008. There was some discussion about the condition of the Shannon Lane culvert. The culvert is considered structurally deficient and has a sufficiency rating of 37.9 on a scale of 100. It has been Bonestroo's recommendation to replace the culvert. This issue was discussed during 2007, and options of replacement were presented to the council in July of 2007. The city included the replacement of the culvert in its preliminary 2008 budget, but the replacement was removed from the final budget due to financial constraints. Bonestroo continues to recommend that the Shannon Lane culvert be replaced as soon as possible. A question was asked on why Shannon Lane has a sufficiency rating of 37.9 and is being highly recommended to be replaced, but the bridge on Schutte Road has a sufficiency rating of 34.8 and there isn't a recommendation to replace that bridge. City Engineer Rhein explained it is because the different area of failure and is aging a different way. There was some discussion about the timeline and different modes that can cause the bridges to fail and deteriorate. Each council member expressed their concerns about the importance of replacing the Shannon Lane Culvert and the best way to finance the replacement. There was also discussion about the timeline to getting it replaced this year. Council consensus was to wait until the consulting firm is hired to help with the financial reporting and to determine where the funding for this project could be paid from. Crow River News Article Clerk Treasurer — Job Offer New Business: Annual Bridge Inspection Page -5- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 10, 2008 Councilor Jacobs explained at the last meeting there was some discussion from residents on why they never are informed by the Crow River News of what the council's intended future meeting topics are. He reported that he doesn't recall an obvious reporter from the Crow River News being at any recent meetings, but there has been stories printed in the news paper, just not on the important issues. He is concerned that that real "news" on the city is not getting into the City's official publication, which is the Crow River News. This lead into a discussion about the cost the city spent on sending out postcards that reported upcoming meetings and discussion topics. This cost could be saved if the newspaper would have published this information. A reporter from the Crow River News explained that it is staff's responsibility to provide the paper with legal notices that they want published in the paper. It is not the reporter's responsibility to get this information for the paper. There was some discussion about the council giving verbal direction for the city administrator to provide the paper with approved minutes at a previous meeting and therefore there isn't any reason this needs to be discussed again. Dust Control Mayor Guenthner called a Public Hearing, to discuss the assessments for the dust control maintenance program, on May 8, 2008 during the regular council meeting starting at 7:00 pm. Community Growth Option Planning Grant Interim City Administrator Bodem explained that at the last meeting City Planner Gartner presented a grant from 1000 Friends of Minnesota. The 1000 Friends are partnering with the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute and the CURA to solicit applications for planning grants from ten communities with populations between 600 — 12,000 people that will be experiencing growth between now and 2035. The six year grants will be given up to $40,000 in year one $24,000 in year two and the four future years further reduced with a maximum grant of $100,000. Staff was directed to proceed in drafting an outline for the Community Growth Option Planning Grant Application and provide the council with a progress report at the next meeting CLAIMS a. Escrow Claims (Fund #500) $2910.38 MOTION made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok, to approve the escrow claims as presented, totaling $2910.38. There was a question about the difference between E 100 and E 500 and how it ties into the summary report. Staff will separate it out for the next meeting. There was a question regarding the Gartner Engineering, LLC payment and the fact that three months billing was received at once, with the oldest billing being four months old and no staff can attest as to whether the billing is accurate and justified. Crow River News Article Dust Control Community Growth Option Planning Grant Claims Page -6- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 10, 2008 And there was some discussion regarding an email received by Ms. Arends with complications in figuring out the checklists and delays in receiving invoices from contracted vendors. VOTE ON MOTION: Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas. (Motion carried 5:0) b. Building Inspection Claims $1416.38 MOTION made by Hudok, seconded by Thomas, to approve the Building Inspection Claims as presented, totaling $1416.38. Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0) c. All Other Claims $60,088.27 MOTION made by Grabowski, seconded by Jacobs, to approve the all other claims as presented totaling $60088.27. Councilor Thomas noted that he is voting against the approval of the all other claims because he disagrees with the Gartner Engineering Claim. VOTE ON MOTION: Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, and Jacobs Voting Nye: Thomas (Motion carried 4:1) Reports Miscellaneous Correspondence Council received miscellaneous correspondence regarding the comprehensive plan update. Parks & Trail Commission Meeting Liaison Guenthner gave a report on the March 18th Parks and Trails Commission meeting. Adi ournment MOTION made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski to adjourn at 9:17 p.m. Voting Aye: Guent ier Grabowski, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas. Todd Bodem, Interim City Administrator Reports: Miscellaneous Correspondence Parks & Trail Commission Meeting Adjournment