HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-27 - Council Minutes
CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 27, 2007
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Call to Order
The Corcoran City Council met on September 27, 2007, at city hall in Corcoran,
Minnesota. Present were Mayor Guenthner, Councilor Grabowski, Councilor Roll Call
Jacobs, Councilor Hudok and Councilor Thomas. Also present were Administrator
Vergin, Planner Gartner, City Engineer Vander Top, City Attorney Langel and
Police Chief Gormley. 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 Thomas, to approve the agenda with the
following changes:
Add “Hodgin Acres Transportation Charge” under Unscheduled Business
Add “I-94 Technical Advisory Committee Update” under Unscheduled Business
Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried
5:0)
Open Forum &
OPEN FORUM & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements:
Douglas Weber, 10600 Bechtold Road, submitted a letter to the council regarding
the speed limit on the stretch of Bechtold Road between Oakdale and County Road
117. Within this stretch of road there is a hill, curve and an intersection causing
the intersection to be blind from one side. Therefore he is requesting the council to
contact MNDOT to recommend the speed limit be lowered at this stretch of road.
Mayor Guenthner thanked and commended Doug for his letter and directed the
City Engineer to contact Doug and discuss whether or not there is a chance this
could be changed.
Ken Streeter, 6900 Beckland Circle, Brook Park, represents two families’ who own
property adjacent and west of city hall. This family has sought to sell the land and
there have been a lot of interested buyers. But without having city water and sewer
on the property, it makes it hard to sell the land. He is questioning when city water
and sewer will be brought into this area. Mr. Streeter is requesting that the city
focus on when and where the city water and sewer will be brought in.
Planning Business:
PLANNING BUSINESS
Great River Energy CUP Amendment, Resolution No. 2007-70
Great River Energy CUP
Amendment, Resolution
Planner Gartner presented that Great River Energy is proposing to install a 61-foot
No. 2007-70
wood pole with an antenna mounted at the top. This will allow Great River Energy
to remotely monitor and control the Corcoran Breaker Station while increasing
facility security. Great River Energy was granted a Conditional Use Permit in
2002, for the construction of the Corcoran Breaker Station. This application
requires an amendment to that Conditional Use Permit.
MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Jacobs to approve Resolution No. 2007-
70, A Resolution Approving an Amendment to The Conditional Use Permit for
Great River Energy Property Located at 21500 Larkin Road.
There was some discussion about the deadline and if there was an extension on the
application.
VOTE ON MOTION:
VotingAye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Hudok, Jacobs and
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CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 27, 2007
Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
Savoie Fields Preliminary Plat, Resolution No. 2007-71
Planner Gartner presented that Terry and Karen Savoie are proposing a two-lot Savioe Fields
subdivision on 17.16 acres. The existing home site will be 14.41 acres and lot 2 Preliminary Plat,
will be 2.70 acres. The planning commission voted to recommend approval of this Resolution No. 2007-71
subdivision with only a minor request that the Right of Way for Willow Drive be
widened to 40 feet on the preliminary and final plats.
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok to approve Resolution No.
2007-71, A Resolution approving the Preliminary Plat for “Savoie Fields” on
Property Located at 21801 Homestead Trail.
There was discussion about the deadlines on the preliminary and if there was
anything that could be done to prevent the approvals happening after the deadline.
VOTE ON MOTION
: Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and
Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
Corcoran Wildlife Preserve Preliminary Plat, Resolution No. 2007-72
Corcoran Wildlife
Planner Gartner presented that Joseph and Julie Mattson are proposing an 11-lot
Preserve Preliminary
subdivision on 118.26 acres. There currently is one existing home on the property.
Plat, Resolution NO.
County Road 50 borders the northern property line and the southern half of the
2007-72
property encompasses the DNR Wetland 27-420. The Parks and Trails
Commission decide to grant the applicant a credit for the trail easement granted in
the amount of $5,715.63. There has been a change in naming of the public street
that will be used to access the preserve, from Foxmoor Street to Matson Street.
MOTION
made by Jacobs, seconded by Thomas, to approve Resolution 2007-72,
A Resolution Approving the Preliminary Plat for “Corcoran Wildlife Preserve” on
Property Located at 21595 County Road No. 50.
The landscaping plan and woodland preservation was discussed.
There was discussion about Hennepin County recommending the City to require an
overhead street light at the new intersection to enhance nighttime safety. Past
applications have not had this type of recommendation from the county. The city
has control of the cost and type of light to be used.
AMENDED MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Jacobs, to approve
Resolution 2007-72, A Resolution Approving the Preliminary Plat for “Corcoran
Wildlife Preserve” on Property Located at 21595 County Road No. 50 with an
additional condition of adding an overhead street light at the new intersection to
meet city specifications. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and
Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
Heitke Farm Preliminary Plat, Resolution No. 2007-73
Planner Gartner presented that Mr. Clinton Heitke is proposing a 2 lot, 3 outlot
Heitke Farm Preliminary
subdivision on 155.03 acres. There is one existing home/farmstead located on the
Plat, Resolution No.
property and someone other than the developer home will construct one new home
2007-73
in the future. A temporary easement shall be provided for the area currently
covered by Outlot B and granted in favor of the owner of 7000 Rolling Hills Road.
The easement shall allow for the continued use of the property for use of their
septic system, until such time as the system needs to be replaced and relocated on
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 27, 2007
their property. At this point in time the easement will expire and all encroachments
removed. The city engineer is recommending that the right of way for Rolling
Hills Road be widened to 80 feet because it is listed as a neighborhood collector.
The planning Commission discussed this issue and decided that a 40-foot right of
way width on the west half of Rolling Hills Road should be required now. In
exchange for road easements being granted to the city, the Heitke’s were not
assessed for the reconstruction of Rolling Hills Road. Therefore the transportation
fee for one lot is waived. Currently the transportation fee would total $8,000 and is
subject to city council review and approval. Current and future transportation fees
shall be credited towards the assessments, which were waived until such time as
there is a zero balance. At this point in time transportation fees may then be
charged for future lots.
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok, to approve Resolution No.
2007-73, A Resolution Approving the Preliminary Plat for “Heitke Farm” on
Property Located at 7200 Rolling Hills Road.
There was a question on the City Engineer’s concern with the culvert. City
Engineer Vander Top answered that his concern was with removing of the
driveway.
There was discussion about the area transportation charge and whether or not a
letter of credit should be required from the applicant. This lead to discussion about
the deferred assessment on Rolling Hills Road. Administrator Vergin noted that
this is a preliminary plat approval so a letter of credit wouldn’t be needed until the
final plat approval.
AMENDED MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski to approve
Resolution No. 2007-73, A Resolution Approving the Preliminary Plat for “Heitke
Farm” on Property Located at 7200 Rolling Hills Road, with changing condition
No. 3 to read, “Pay a Transportation Fee for one lot. Currently the transportation
Fee would total $8,000 and is subject to City Council review and approval prior to
payment by the Heitke’s.” Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs
and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
Nichols Conditional Home Occupation License, Resolution No. 2007-74
Nichols Conditional
Home Occupation
Planner Gartner presented that about a month ago the council requested staff to
License, Resolution No.
revise the resolutions. Staff has reviewed the ordinance and has drafted a
2007-74
resolution with factual findings concerning the Nicholas business. From the
findings staff has drafted conditions that Nicolas will have to follow.
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok, to approve Resolution No.
2007-74, A Resolution Approving a Conditional Home Occupation License for
6351 County Road 101.
Discussion about the condition regarding if a semi-trailer is left at the site
overnight, it shall not be started prior to 7:00 a.m. and there was an understanding
that the semi trailers were not going to be parked on the property. A suggestion
was made to restrict the number of nights that the semi trailers could be parked on
the property. It was noted that it states in the findings that the semi would be
stored off-site.
Discussion about Condition G regarding the exterior storage and the fence that is to
be installed according to Condition E. It was suggested that the objective of the
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 27, 2007
fence be to shield and to hide the equipment and materials. It was also suggested
that there be no equipment or material stored outside of the fence.
AMENDED MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok to approve
Resolution No. 2007-74, A Resolution Approving a Conditional Home Occupation
License for 6351 County Road 101 with Condition 20a to read: “That if a semi-
trailer is left at the site overnight, it shall not be started prior to 7:00 a.m. in order
to reduce the noise impact on the neighbors. The parking of the semi-trailers is
restricted to only being parked on site three nights a month.” Condition 20f to
read: “Equipment and vehicles noted under findings 7c thru 7g be stored in the
inside storage and all construction inventory and supplies to be stored in a fenced
area, with the objective being to shield and to hide the equipment and materials.”
Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, and Jacobs Voting Nay: Thomas
(Motion carried 4:1)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Unfinished Business:
Site Grading Permit for Corcoran Business Park, United Properties
Site Grading Permit –
Mayor Guenthner presented the agreement for issuance of grading permit with
United Properties
United Land LLC.
There was discussion about the letter of credit requirement.
MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski to authorize the mayor and
staff to accept and execute the agreement with United Land LLC.
There was discussion about the city being at risk if the site is graded and then
septic is to come in but because of the grading the septic can’t be brought in. The
agreement states that the city will consult with United Properties periodically to
update the owner on the status of the agreement with Medina and if agreement isn’t
reached by March 1, 2009 the city will consult with the owner on the feasibility of
an alternate utility plan and that reinforces the risk that United Properties is taken.
VOTE ON MOTION
: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
2008 Benefits Package
2008 Benefits Package
Mayor Guenthner explained that the new package proposes the city to convert to a
cafeteria plan, which would provide $690 per month to employees to purchase
insurance, which will include at a minimum single health insurance. Additional
dollars can be allocated for family coverage, additional life insurance, dental
insurance, or flexible spending account, or a cash out option of $300. This also
includes converting the current sick and vacation time policy to a paid time off
policy, which provides a cost savings to the City, and lessons the administration of
tracking time taken off by employees.
MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski for staff to accept and to
direct the staff to implement Plan No. 2. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner,
Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas. (Motion carried 5:0)
Schedule Budget Workshop, October 15 or October 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Schedule Budget
Mayor Guenthner explained the reasoning for the up coming meetings and what
Workshop
needs to be discussed at these meetings. It was suggested that the October 15
meeting be scheduled only if everything doesn’t get resolved at the October 11
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 27, 2007
meeting. It was also suggested to start the meeting at 6:30 pm
Mayor Guenthner stated that the October 11, 2007 will begin at 6:30 pm with the
principle resolution of 2008 budget and other necessary business.
CRN Article – Medina Levy Increase
CRN Article
Councilor Jacobs presented an article from the South Crow River News regarding
Medina approving a $4,620,305 preliminary budget for 2008, which the tax levy
could go up 34.75%.
Limit Budget Increase
Limit Budget Increase to 3%
Councilor Grabowski suggested staff to limit the 2008 tax levy increase to 3%. He
is recommending the staff to find areas in the budget that can be cutback in order to
only increase the tax levy 3%.
Schedule Joint Meeting with Public Works Long Term Facility Committee
Schedule Joint Meeting
Mayor Guenthner explained the purpose of this meeting and there was discussion
with PW Long Term
of what dates work for other members. It was suggested that this meeting be held
Facility Committee
during a council meeting or during a planning commission meeting.
It was concluded that this meeting will be held during the next scheduled planning
commission meeting, which is tentatively set for November 1, 2007.
NEW BUSINESS
New Business:
Administrative Fine Amendments, Resolution 2007-75 & 2007-76
Administrative Fine
Attorney Langel explained that the amendments are additions to be added to the
Amendments – Resolution
ordinance.
No. 2007-75 & 2007 - 76
MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski to approve Resolution 2007
–75, A Resolution Amending Chapter 70: Traffic Rules. Voting Aye: Grabowski,
Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion Carried 5:0)
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas to approve Resolution 2007-
76, A Resolution Adopting Penalties for Administrative Offenses Within the City
of Corcoran. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas
(Motion Carried 5:0)
Building Inspection Services
Building Inspection
Services
Administrator Vergin explained that Waldron and Associates Ltd. are requesting a
change of the termination of agreement clause to require a 180 days written notice,
instead of a 90 day written notice. This lead to a discussion regarding the
termination clause. And it was concluded that the council would like the
termination of agreement clause remain at 90 days.
There was some discussion on what inspections Waldron and Associates will be
doing compared to the previous inspector. Scott Qualle, Waldron and Associates
explained the additional inspections that they will be doing and why it will be
beneficial for the city to have the inspections done thru them.
i) Contract Approval
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok to accept and execute the
contract with Waldron and Associates, Ltd.
There was discussion about the insurance coverage and whether the city could ever
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CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 27, 2007
be liable.
Mayor Guenthner ad Councilor Thomas made note that they were very impressed
with Waldron and Associates presentation and know they will do a good job for the
city, but they didn’t feel it was necessary to seek a new building inspector firm.
VOTE ON MOTION:
Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok and Jacobs
Voting Nay: Thomas (Motion carried 4:1)
Chapter 40 Ordinance Amendment, Ordinance No. 244
II)
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok to approve Ordinance No.
244, amending Chapter 40 of the Corcoran City Code Entitled Building Code.
Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs, and Thomas. (Motion carried
5:0)
CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Agenda Items
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas, to approve the consent
Approved:
agenda items:
Technology CIP
8b. Technology CIP Purchase, Council Chambers Speaker Upgrade
Purchase
8c. Parks and Trails Commission Funding for Mapping
Parks & Trails
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Jacobs, Hudok and Thomas (Motion carried
Commission Funding
5:0) (Hudok abstained from voting on Item 8c)
8a. September 13, 2007 Council Minutes
9/13/2007 Council
MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski to approve the September
Minutes
13, 2007 council minutes with the addition of a period on page one after the word
meetings in the first paragraph under Parks & Trails Commission Business. Voting
Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Jacobs, Hudok and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
CLAIMS
Approval of Claims
a. Escrow Claims (Fund #500) $ 5,481.38
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Thomas, to approve the escrow
claims as presented, totaling $5481.38. Voting Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner,
Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
b. Building Inspection Claims $ 3,667.55
MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the building
inspection claims as presented, totaling $3667.55. Voting Aye: Grabowski,
Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
c. All Other Claims $ 111,066.99
MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Hudok, to approve the all other
claims as presented, totaling $111,066.99.
Clarification was needed regarding the invoice from Gartner Engineering, llc.
AMENDED MOTION
made by Grabowski, seconded by Jacobs to approve the
all other claims as presented, totaling $111,066.99 with the modification to
Gartner’s invoice to reflect planning services and not engineering services. Voting
Aye: Grabowski, Guenthner, Hudok, Jacobs and Thomas (Motion carried 5:0)
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CITY OF CORCORAN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 27, 2007
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS: Council & Staff Reports
Parks & Trails Commission, Liaison Jacobs
Liaison Jacobs gave a summary of the topics talked about at the last Parks and
Trails Commission meeting.
Miscellaneous Correspondence
i) Planning Commission Meeting/Agenda
Mayor Guenthner spoke about an issue that arose regarding cancellation of the next
planning commission meeting. It was suggested that the Mayor have the authority
to cancel a meeting if needed. Another suggestion is if there is a quorum that feels
a meeting is needed the meeting, after there has been notification that the meeting
has been cancelled, then members can contact the administrator and discuss items
that could be discussed and a meeting can be held.
It was suggested that the existing policy be added to an upcoming council meeting
agenda for further discussion. The Mayor and Council directed staff to provide
them with copies of existing policies for review.
August Police Department Report
Chief Gormley explained that the city took part in a chief challenge for speed
enforcement and the officers sited sixty-two speeders from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
UNSCHEDULED ITEMS
Hodgin Acres Transportation Fee
Administrator Vergin explained that she received a letter from the developer and
currently the transportation charge is set at $8,000 per unit. During the final plat
approval of Hodgin Acres it was based on per acreage and their dedication was at
over $50,000. If the city goes by what the charge is based on the current formula it
would be reduced to $24,000.
It was suggested that nothing be changed until after the council and transportation
committee meet to discuss changing the formula.
I-94 Technical Advisory Update
City Engineer presented an update on the status of the developments on I-94, with
the surrounding communities and developers desire to look at an interchange with
I94 and County 101. He also updated the council with the findings of the
transportation review that was done by a consultant hired by the surrounding
communities and the developer.
Adjournment
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
made by Thomas, seconded by Grabowski, to adjourn at 9:19 p.m.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Grabowski, Jacobs, Hudok and Thomas (Motion carried
5:0)
______________________________
Barb Larson, City Clerk
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