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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-22 - Council Minutes CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Call to Order The Corcoran City Council met on March 22, 2007, at city hall in Corcoran, Minnesota. Present were Mayor Guenthner, Councilor Grabowski, Councilor Jacobs, Councilor Hudok, and Councilor Thomas. Also present were Police Chief Roll Call Gormley, City Engineer Vander Top, Planner Lindahl, Interim Attorney Langel, and Administrator Vergin. Mayor Guenthner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA APPROVAL Agenda Approval MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok, to approve the agenda with the additions of item 9.d. Redraft Hedgestone Memo for Public and item 10.b. Release of Minutes and Council Phone Numbers. Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Jacobs, Hudok, and Thomas. (Motion carried 5:0) OPEN FORUM & ANNOUNCEMENTS Open Forum & Announcements: Mayor Guenthner announced that one of Corcoran’s officers was acknowledged in the Star Tribune; Officer Josh Guck has received an Outstanding Service Award from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, for his outstanding service in the enforcement of DWIs. A special presentation on Officer Guck’s achievement will take place during the April 26 council meeting. Ken Kluck, Corcoran Lions, announced that they would be holding their annual Chevy Dinner on April 20 at the Rush Creek Golf Course. Monies raised from the event will help with their scholarship program. If interested in attending contact a Lions member. Kluck also noted that the Lions contribute to many of the city’s events including Clean Up Day and Fire Arms Safety. Planning Commission PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS: Corcoran Business park Corcoran Business Park –Planner Lindahl provided an overview on the Corcoran Business Park project. Previously the City of Corcoran approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning to PUD, Preliminary PUD Development Plan, and the Preliminary Plat on August 24, 2006. On March 15 the Planning Commission reviewed the final PUD development plan, voting 4:1 to approve. The Commission does not review the final plat, only the PUD. The City Council reviews the final plat. The Commission did discuss the architectural changes and recommended that they meet the original requirements of the preliminary plans. There were a number of questions regarding the backage road; however the Planning Commission was informed that matters relating to the backage road outside of the Corcoran Business Park plat would be handled separately by the City Council. The Final PUD is for Phase I, which will consist of three lots, buildings 4, 5, and 6. Future phases will be subject to city review when they develop. Setbacks have been met, and are exceeded in some instances. Parking calculations meet the city’s requirements for the anticipated uses, but staff will need to monitor parking, as tenants are determined with building permits. All screening requirements for the loading docks have been met. Landscaping and retaining walls requirements have been met. Architecture changes have been made, which staff feels are significant. Buildings 4 and 6 are proposed to have decreased glass, where building 5 remains the same. The Final Plat consists of three lots and three outlots, and the dedication of all public right-of-way. Each phase will be required to go through the final PUD and final plat review. Phase II is anticipated to take place in 2008, but is conditioned upon the installation of a traffic signal at Highway 55 and Pioneer Trail. Page -1- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 Resolutions with conditions have been prepared for Council consideration, however due to the workshop being scheduled on March 27 to address the development contract and business subsidy agreement, and the public hearings for the business subsidy and TIF modification most likely to be continued to April 12, staff is recommending that approval of the PUD Development Plan and the Final Plat for Corcoran Business Park be laid over until April 12, 2007. The council addressed procedure and concurred that they would like to delay any action until after the March 27 workshop. Mayor Guenthner stated that he wanted an informal setting for the workshop, that he would not enforce Roberts Rules of Order and will allow discussion and debate to take place. No decisions will be made at the workshop; all decisions would take place on April 12. Some time was taken just to point out some concerns and comments that the Council had relating to the agreements. Staff noted these items and will be prepared to address them at the March 27 workshop. MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas to table action on Resolutions Corcoran Business Park 2007-17 and 2007-18, Final PUD, and Final Plat approvals for Corcoran Business Tabled – 4/12/07 Park until April 12, 2007. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs, and Thomas. (Motion Carried 5:0) PUBLIC HEARING – BUSINESS SUBSIDY Public Hearing – Business Subsidy Mayor Guenthner stated that the purpose of the discussion on this matter tonight would be for the purpose of fact-finding, not debate, looking for ideas and fact comments. This matter will be addressed in more detail by the Council at the March 27 workshop, and will continue the public hearing at the April 12, 2007 Council meeting. Mayor Guenthner then called the hearing to order. Joanne Faust of Municipal Development Group and Martha Ingram of Kennedy and Graven were staff members present to address this matter. Ms. Faust provided an overview. A TIF task force had been created approximately one year ago to review this project to encourage commercial and industrial development within the City. United Properties has submitted an application for financial subsidy of their project. The entire southwest district consists of approximately 440 acres, of which 54 acres is being developed by United Properties, which is equivalent to 12 % of the total area. The TIF committee had recommended that any subsidies that would be granted should be of some benefit to the over all area. Therefore their recommendation is to allow $778,000 in TIF subsidy that will be utilized for the intersection and signal improvements at Highway 55 and Pioneer Trail, which has a regional benefit. The City is not creating a new TIF district; it is utilizing existing funds that are currently available. The United Properties project will create 544,720 square feet of new commercial properties with a market value increase estimated at $32.6 Million. It is estimated that they will generate $75,000 in taxes when Phase I is completed, with an anticipated $1 million in taxes over the six years to complete all three phases. It is estimated that the overall project will provide over 700 jobs, an increase of 50% of the 1,500 jobs that existed in the 2000 census. This project will be a catalyst for future development, assistant with transportation r that will be a regional benefit. Without the assistance of the City this project would not proceed forward. Ms. Ingram addressed the subsidy agreement in more detail. The business subsidy Page -2- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 of $778,000 will be used to help finance the interchange and traffic signal at Highway 55 and Pioneer Trail. The developer will still contribute $500,000 to that transportation improvement. The subsidy agreement requires that they meet certain job and wage goals within two years. Wages must exceed 110% of the Federal Poverty level, which is $22,000/ annually for a family of 4, equaling an hourly wage of $10.58. There are many safeguards within the subsidy. In the event that they do not meet the number of jobs required or maintain the wage level they will be required to payback the subsidy. Mayor Guenthner asked for council questions – there were none. Mayor Guenthner opened the hearing for public comments, noting that time would also be given on April 12 for public comments. Public Comments Kevin Casserly, 21895 County Hills Drive – questioned if the $778,000 are funds Public Comments that are currently available or if tax dollars would be used to cover that. Answer – these are existing tax increment funds that the City has collected. No further public comments were made. MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski, to adjourn the public hearing to April 12, 2007, during the regular council meeting. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Hearing Adjourned to Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs, and Thomas. 4/12/07 Council Comments Councilor Thomas identified areas where he had questions or wanted additional Council Comments information. Section 3. c. Remedies – if they fall short or fail to building what happens. In Section 4.a. and Section 4.c.ii. Redeveloper should be Developer. Section 4.b.E. how is that known that the construction plans do not provide for expenditures in excess of the funds. Section 6.f. should clarify that it is Minnesota State law. Mayor Guenthner indicated that there are still several blanks that need to be filled it, and that Section 4.d.ii. is too vague. PUBLIC HEARING – MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT & TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN – TIF DISTRICT #1 Public Hearing – TIF Mayor Guenthner called the hearing to order. Amendment Ms. Ingram provided an overview of the proposed amendment to the TIF plan. This is a formality that does require a public hearing. The current TIF District was established in 1987, and has been modified now four times. The amendment is to increase the boundaries of the development district to encompass the business park area, so that the city can utilize tax increment monies to fund improvements for the interchange. Mayor Guenthner asked for Council comments – there were none. Mayor Guenthner opened the hearing for public comments, noting that time would also be given on April 12 for public comments. Public Comments Public Comments Richard Denison, 22741 Wagon Wheel, questioned what impact the modification to the TIF boundaries has on residential properties. Page -3- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 Bill Katter, United Properties, commented that they would like to see the job requirements identified in the business subsidy tied to the date of the installation of the traffic signal, as that is what the TIF dollars are being allocated for. MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas to adjourn the TIF public hearing to April 12, 2007. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs, and Thomas. Council Comments Council Comments Grabowski requested that a map of the TIF boundaries be provided at the March 27 workshop. Jacobs would like to address the selling of bonds for this project during the workshop, as he does not feel that the math matches out. Parks & Trails PARKS AND TRAILS COMMISSION BUSINESS Commission Business Woodland Ordinance Woodland Ordinance The Parks & Trails Commission has requested that they be allowed to continue to utilize the services of Sherri Buss with Bonestroo as their consultant to their commission. Ms. Buss is familiar with the Commission and the parks and trails plan. Would like to utilize her for special projects, such as the woodland ordinance and for development reviews. Grabowski indicated that he would like to see what benefits a woodland ordinance can provide to the City, and what impacts it will have to development. Thomas stated that if the City is to proceed with a woodland ordinance they should be very public about this, so that everyone is educated and kept informed of the ordinance. Jacobs stated that this would be a duplication of services, as this is a planning function, also noted that there had been a concern with conflict of interest. Interim Planner Gartner would not be a conflict. By splitting these duties you would add cost to the city. Guenthner built on Grabowski and Thomas’s comments, that the city received a DNR grant through the help of Consultant Buss to preserve natural resources. Would be beneficial to receive a presentation from some one that could provide information on what is the merit in preservation of the natural resources, such as plants and wildlife. Once the Council has heard a presentation then can consider whether or not to proceed with such an ordinance. Hudok stated that it would be helpful if the council did their own research as to what other communities are doing. Chad Robran, Chair to the Parks & Trails Commission, stated that they have already received copies of ordinances from some of the surrounding communities. The intent of the Commission would be to come back to the council with a broad overview and then precede based on feedback from the Council. Guenthner stated that he would like the presentation at the front end, and would like to have the public invited to listen. MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas to have a public presentation by Hold a Public Sherri Buss, on a date to be determined, on the benefits and detriments of a Presentation on a woodland ordinance, and an over view of how it fits into Corcoran. Voting Aye: Woodland Ordinance Page -4- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 Grabowski, Guenther Hudok, and Thomas. Voting Nay: Jacobs. (Motion carried 4:1) Long Range Park Plan RFP Draft Long Range Park Plan MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas to authorize the publishing of the RFP RFP. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenther Hudok, and Thomas. Voting Nay: Jacobs. (Motion carried 4:1) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Appointments to Commissions Appointments to The Council addressed the process that they would like followed with regards to Commissions applications for commission memberships. Applications will be submitted to the Council for their review. Staff will not be responsible for if applications are not complete. Chad Robran, Chair of the Parks & Trails Commission, informed the Council that the Commission had appointed Dennis Stieg as their Chair, because he had been appointed by the Council, now Stieg is being turned down by the Council. Mr. Stieg has a long history with the city and has dedicated many hours as a volunteer, would like to see him remain on the Commission. Hudok responded that his application was not complete. Grabowski stated that the information being asked is to determine if there are any potential conflicts, they are making decisions that affect their future, their well being, everyone is being asked these questions. Jacobs stated that we need transparency. There are a fair number of people that know Mr. Stieg, but also many that do not. It is reasonable that if others had to complete the application he should have also. Thomas stated that the Stieg family has been in the city over 100 years, do not understand why the city would treat him this way. MOTION by Hudok, seconded by Grabowski, to remove Dennis Stieg from the Removal of Dennis Stieg Planning Commission and Parks & Trails Commission for failure to complete his from Planning and Park application. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Hudok, and Jacobs. Voting Nay: Guenthner and Trails Commissions and Thomas. (Motion Carried 3:2) Audit Update, Council Jacobs Audit Update – Tabled to The Council received correspondence from the Auditor in response to questions 4/12/07 raised by Councilor Jacobs the night of the meeting. Therefore the council agreed to defer the matter to the April 12, 2007 council meeting allowing the council time to review the correspondence. Schedule Workshop – RFPs Schedule Workshop – RFPs – 4/26/07 Administrator Vergin was asked to prepare a summary of the rates proposed by the responders and the current rates of existing services; also to contact responders that the city will need to extend the deadline. The Council agreed to review planning proposals during the April 26 regular council meeting, if the agenda permits. Redraft Hedgestone Letter for Public Redraft Hedgestone Councilor Jacobs requested that the City Attorney redraft his confidential letter Letter for Public Release regarding the Hedgestone matter so that it can be released to the public. There were Page -5- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 no objections. Attorney Langel shall prepare and submit it to Administrator Vergin. NEW BUSINESS: Rank Priorities and Functions of Commissions/Committees Rank Priorities & The council will prepare in memo format, to be concrete and brief, on what they Functions of feel are the priorities and functions of the Planning Commission, Parks & Trails Commissions – 4/26/07 Commission, and Pavement Management Committee These shall be completed and submitted to Administrator Vergin for the April 26 council meeting. It was added that they might wish to include the Charter Commission. Release of Council Minutes and Council Members Phone Numbers Release of Minutes and Jacobs questioned the delay in receiving the March 8 council meeting minutes, yet Council Phone Numbers the Crow River News, who was not present at the meeting, managed to report on the meeting. Administrator Vergin responded that the Clerk position is still vacant, and one of the other office personnel had been called for jury duty, leaving a limited staff to complete work. She had met with the Crow River News reporter, Aaron Brom providing him with a verbal overview of the council meeting. Jacobs requested that the phone numbers of all council members be added to the website. There were no objections, staff will post the numbers to the website. CONSENT AGENDA Consent Agenda MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas, to approve the consent agenda  2/24/07 Minutes items  Call Dust Control b. February 24, 2007 Workshop Minutes c. Public Hearing Call Dust Control Public Hearing, April 26, 2007 f . Road Maintenance Bids, Resolution No. 2007-21  Road Maintenance Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Jacobs, Hudok, and Thomas. (Motion carried Bids 5:0) a. February 22, 2007 Minutes MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski to approve the February 22, 2007 2/2/07 Minutes council minutes as amended with this sentence added to the second paragraph under SW District – Corcoran Business Park, “Jacobs asked why the City’s share of 1.13 Million shown, justifies 3.2 million of borrowing?” Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenther, Hudok, Jacobs, and Thomas. (Motion Carried 5:0) d. Hodgin Development Agreement Amendment, Resolution No. 2007-19 Hodgin Development MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the Hodgin Agreement Amended Development Agreement Amendment with modified language to clarify that the City has 12 months to clarify the transportation area charge, the developer will be responsible for the lesser amount or a refund if the city does not have the matter resolved. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs, and Thomas. (Motion Carried 5:0) e. Resolution of Support, I94 Brockton Interchange, Resolution No. 2007-20 I94 Brockton Interchange It was announced that there would be a meeting on March 24, at the Rogers Fire Page -6- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 Hall at 6:00 p.m., being hosted by Representative Joyce Peppin, to address the Stone’s Throw project in Hassan Township, consisting of 600 acres, which is driving the interchange. The Council concluded that they would not pass the resolution at this time, until more information was available to them. CLAIMS Claims Escrow Claims (Fund #500) $48,479.48 MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas, to approve the Escrow Fund claims as presented, totaling $48,479.48. Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, Jacobs, and Thomas. (Motion carried 5:0) Building Inspection Claims $9,188.70 MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas, to approve Building Inspection claims as presented. Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, and Thomas. Voting Nay: Jacobs. (Motion carried 4:1) All Other Claims $150,593.47 MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok, to approve all other claims as presented. Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Jacobs, Hudok, and Thomas. (Motion carried 5:0) COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS: Council and Staff Reports Planning Commission  Planning Councilor Jacobs, liaison, reported that the Commission has appointed Rosalyn Commission Milbrandt as the Chair, with Pat Hank as Vice Chair. The Schendel Farms concept plan was reviewed, discussed an AUAR. The Planner raised the issue, referring to Section 925 of the Subdivision Ordinance that this may be premature, but not much discussion took place on that matter. Commissioner Hank noted for the record that he works for Kraus Anderson that has done work with this developer. The Planner had noted that there is not infrastructure available. An AUAR may exceed $100,000, which the developer may not want to pursue unless the city is positive in pursuing development in that area. The Commission tabled the sign ordinance. There was discussion about the role of the Building Inspector to the Commission as a special advisor, which was confirmed by the Commission on a 4 to 1 vote. They did not adjourn until 10:52 p.m. They are missing the big picture, one commissioner did pick up that it is a premature extension of utilities, they are reacting to a plan, not looking inside the box, need to at look outside the box, need to have a clear vision. Medina/Corcoran Utility Agreement Subcommittee  Medina / Corcoran Utility Subcommittee Councilor Grabowski informed the council that Medina’s representative Councilor Dan Johnson indicated during the meeting that Medina wishes to retain its rural character and discussed means of extending the infrastructure, but controlling and preventing premature development in Medina. Good discussions, it was a very good first meeting. Parks & Trails Commission  Parks & Trails Commission There was no liaison at their meeting, therefore no report. Representative Joyce Peppin, Town Hall Meeting 3/31/07  Rep. Peppin Town Representative Peppin will be hosing a town meeting here at the Corcoran City Page -7- CITY OF CORCORAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2007 Hall on Saturday, March 31. Hall Meeting Closed Session – Notice of Claim and Demand Attorney Langel stated that this should be deferred. The information has been Closed Session – submitted to the City’s insurance carrier, LMCIT, which has appointed John Baker Deferred to 4/12/07 to review this matter, as he is familiar with the previous cases. Intent that there would be information for the City Council by April 12. ADJOURNMENT Adjournment MOTION by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok to adjourn, 9.18 p.m. Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Jacobs, Hudok, and Thomas. (Motion carried 5:0) ______________________________ Sue Vergin, Acting City Clerk Page -8-