HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-12-19 Council Minutesry.;.
CITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2016 - 7:00pm
The Corcoran City Council met on December 19, 2016 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Present were Mayor Guenthner, Councilor Hank, Councilor Keefe, Councilor LaFave, and Councilor
Thomas.
Also present were City Administrator Martens, City Planner Lindahl, Director of Public Safety
Gottschalk, Public Works Superintendent Meister, and City Clerk /Administrative Services
Coordinator Beise.
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Mayor Guenthner called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Guenthner invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Hank to approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5 :0)
4. Open Forum
Michelle Matthews, Minnesota Solar, addressed the Council regarding the solar garden agenda
item. Per Council consensus, Ms. Matthews was asked to speak during that agenda item.
5. Presentations
No presentations were heard.
6. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of the December 8, 2016 Council Meeting
b. Resolution 2016 -91 — Accepting a Donation from the Northwest Area Jaycees
c. Job Description Updates — Lieutenant and City Clerk- Administrative Services Coordinator
d. Resolution 2016 -102 — Recognizing the Corcoran Police Department Shop with a Cop
Program
Councilor Thomas noted a clerical change in the minutes. City Administrator Martens noted that he
would amend the tax rate definition. Councilor Thomas asked that Items 6b. and 6d. be considered
separately to read them aloud. Councilor Hank asked that Item 6a. be considered separately.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by LaFave to approve the consent agenda consisting of
Item 6c.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Councilor Hank noted he would abstain from voting on the minutes.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by LaFave to approve Item 6a. with the amended tax rate
language.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas Abstain: Hank
(Motion carried 4 :0)
Mayor Guenthner read aloud Resolution 2016 -91 — Accepting a Donation from the Northwest Area
Jaycees.
MOTION: made by Hank, seconded by Keefe to approve Item 6b.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Mayor Guenthner read aloud Resolution 2016-102 — Recognizing the Corcoran Police Department
Shop with a Cop Program.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by LaFave to approve Item 6d.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
7. Claims as Presented
a. Escrow Claims (Fund #500)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Thomas to approve escrow claims as presented.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. All Other Financial Claims
MOTION: made by LaFave, seconded by Thomas to approve all other claims as presented.
Councilor Thomas inquired about the Lametti and Sons coding. City Administrator Martens noted
he would follow up with the Council on the coding.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
8. Staff Reports/ Memos/Commissions
a. Commissioner Representatives
Mayor Guenthner noted Planning Commissioner Russell and Parks and Trails Commissioner Nybo
were in attendance.
b. Planning Project Update; report received.
c. Code Compliance Report; report received.
d. Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Checks; report received.
e. 2016 Year in Review
Council discussed featuring the items in the report in the newsletter.
9. Planning Business
a. Ordinance Amendment for Dynamic Signs in the MP District (City File 16-029)
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting the sign variance and ordinance process and the
planning commission recommendation.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Keefe to adopt Ordinance 2016-343 Amending the Text
of Chapter 84 of the City Code.
Council discussed the standards, setbacks from structures, and previous discussion on this topic.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Keefe, and Thomas Nay: Hank and LaFave
(Motion carried 3:2)
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Keefe to adopt Resolution 2016-92 Approving the
Findings of Fact for the Ordinance Amending the Text of Chapter 84 of the Corcoran City Code.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Keefe, and Thomas Nay: Hank and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Thomas to adopt Ordinance 2016-344 a Summary
Ordinance of Ordinance 2016-343.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Lennar Ravinia 7th Addition PUD Amendment (City File 16-030)
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting there are two different requests, one for a PUD
amendment and one for expanded grading. City Planner Lindahl noted the PUD amendment modify
the size of lots from 75-foot and 65-foot lots to 65-foot lots and 55-foot lots and no additional park
dedication was recommended. City Planner Lindahl noted the expanded grading would be to rough
grade the remainder of the site. Council discussed the grading timeline and grading of the
neighborhood park. City Administrator Martens noted that staff has begun work on the phase one of
the park project and grading plans will be completed by May to coincide with the Lennar grading.
Council inquired about the passive parkland. City Planner Lindahl noted that plans do not show
grading in the area and final plat would require more approval. Council inquired about the impact of
grading on the passive park land. City Planner Lindahl noted that erosion control and tree protection
would be required. Council discussed the grading plan, impact to existing neighbors, and the
process for a final grading plan.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Keefe to adopt Resolution 2016-93 Approving PUD
Amendment for Ravinia 7th Addition for Property North of Gleason Parkway.
Council discussed the consistency of the amendment with the current development.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Guenthner to adopt Resolution 2016-94 Approving
Grading Expansion for Ravinia 7th Addition and Future Phases Planned North of Gleason Parkway.
Per Council request, Paul Tabone, Lennar representative addressed the Council regarding the
timeline. Mr. Tabone noted the grading would take place in spring of 2017 and the final 7th Addition
Plat has not been submitted. Mr. Tabone noted that grading request would be to balance and fill as
needed. Council dicussed flexibility and communications plan with the Hunter Neighborhood and
the Tabor property. Mr. Tabone noted that Lennar had been in contact with the Tabor property
owners to resolve the driveway issue and that the Hunter Neighborhood would be contacted if the
project would reach those properties. Council discussed limiting the scope of grading plan and
limiting soil erosion issues. Staff provided options for limiting the grading plan scope. Council
discussed the timeline for the park and build out, the process should the project cease, and activity
along property lines. Staff noted the timeline was a ten-year build out for the project and that the
Gleason Parkway right of way may need to be platted as part of the 7th Addition.
MOTION: made by LaFave, seconded by Hank to table the item for further consideration until
January 12, 2017.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. IUP for Solar at 23710 Highway 55 (City File 16-032)
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting approval requires a glare study, MNDOT approval,
and additional screening. City Planner Lindahl noted different types of financial guarantees for
decommissioning and the Council should discuss a policy.
MOTION: made by LaFave, seconded by Thomas to adopt Resolution 2016-95 Approving an
Interim Use Permit for Minnesota Solar for a Community Solar Garden at 23710 State Highway 55.
Per Council request, Michelle Matthews, Minnesota Solar representative addressed the council
noting additional screening would take place, decommissioning plan is based on value of the
materials and they are open to options for the financial guarantee. Council discussed performance
bonds, escalators within a performance bond, value of the materials, environmental concerns, and
challenges with escalating letters of credit. Michael Kruse, Minnesota Solar, addressed the Council
on fees from other cities for decommissioning. Mr. Kruse noted fees being between $50,000 and
$125,000 as a performance bond for the delta between the cost of decommissioning and the value
of salvaged materials. Staff noted that cities are learning about these types of requests, the
examples in the packet provide options, and staff recommended a conservative approach. Council
discussed staff recommendation, the financial assumptions provided, and opportunity for the
applicant to provide additional information and request a lower amount.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. Lot Consolidation of 8909 Trail Haven Road and 8920 Foxiine Drive (City Files 16-034)
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting this was the first request of the new process and
dedicated of easements and right of way were required.
MOTION: made by LaFave, seconded by Thomas to adopt Resolution 2016-96 Approving a Lot
Consolidation for Property Located at 8920 FoxIine Drive and 8909 Trail Haven Road.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
10. Unfinished Business
No unfinished business was presented.
11. New Business
a. Consideration of Fee Reduction — Tim Laurent, Motor Cafe
City Administrator Martens presented the report noting the fees and Council was asked to provide
direction. Council discussed wanting to help, wanting flexibility without providing preferential
treatment, and the challenges to waiving fees. Council received the report and took no action.
b. 2017 Labor Agreement — Police Officers
City Administrator Martens presented the report noting the process and that a tentative agreement
has been reached with four areas of changes. City Administrator Martens noted that an amended
wage schedule was at the dais due to a typo. Council discussed wages, pay equity, a
compensation philosophy, negotiation tactics, and health care language change.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Keefe to approve the 2017 Labor Agreement between
the City of Corcoran and Minnesota Teamsters Public Law Enforcement Employee's Union, Local
No. 320.
Councilor Hank noted he would vote for the contract but is disappointed with Short-term Disability.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Mayor Guenthner thanked City Administrator Martens and Director of Public Safety Gottschalk for
their work on the agreement.
c. 2017 Fee Schedule
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by LaFave to adopt Ordinance 2016-345 Adopting 2017 Fee
Schedule.
Council discussed the process for reevaluating fees. Staff noted fees are reviewed annually.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. 2017 Full-time, Part-time, and Seasonal Wage Schedule
City Administrator Martens noted that at the dais was the Resolution for adopting the wage
schedule included in the packet. City Administrator Martens presented the report, noting that pay
equity is important in approving wage schedule. Council discussed the effect of labor negotiations
on the pay scale and pay equity.
MOTION: made by Thomas, and Keefe to approve Resolution 2016-97 adopting the 2017 Wage
Schedule for City Employees.
Council discussed reviewing pay scales, insurance benefits, and a comprehensive review.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
e. 2017 General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy
City Administrator Martens presented the report noting the final adjustments resulting in a final levy
is reduced from the preliminary levy by $357443.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by LaFave to adopt Resolution 2016-98 Adopting 2017
Budget and Final 2016 Tax Levy Collectible in 2017.
Council discussed cost of living and staffing cost increases and need for a policy for compensation.
City Administrator Martens noted that the wage schedule has been adopted and per Council
direction staff could look into alternative pay structures. Council discussed the wage increases, pay
structures, explaining the surpluses, reducing the equipment transfer, utilizing the surplus to reduce
the levy, concerns for lowering the levy, and IT costs. City Administrator Martens noted the
increased IT costs were for Cloud based systems. Public Safety Director noted license renewal was
a factor for the switch to Cloud based systems.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
f. Job Description Updates — Public Works Superintendent, Director of Public Safety, and City
Administrator
City Administrator Martens presented the report noting changes for each of the job descriptions and
the updates changed the grade which increased the compensation. Council discussed the
superintendent position update in the grade scale and hourly versus salary wages. Public Works
Superintendent Meister noted he prefers not to be salary. City Administrator Martens noted there is
a test for salary versus hourly. Council discussed looking at other cities with the grade scale for
positions. City Administrator Martens noted the information is proprietary and that the Council can
change the descriptions. Council discussed the recommendations. City Administrator Martens
noted that all job descriptions had been reviewed. Council discussed a third party review of
information. City Administrator Martens noted additional review is at the discretion of the Council.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Keefe to approve job description updates and pay
adjustments as presented effective January 1, 2017.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5 :0)
g. 2017 Water and Sanitary Sewer Budgets
City Administrator Martens presented the report, noting that expenditures in certain years may be
more than revenue but is in line with the financial management plan.
MOTION: made by Hank, seconded by LaFave adopted Resolution 2016 -99 Adopting Final 2017
Water and Sewer Budgets.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
h. Resolution 2016 -100 Honoring Outgoing Councilmember Pat Hank
Mayor Guenthner read aloud Resolution 2016 -100.
MOTION: made by Guenthner, seconded by Thomas to adopt Resolution 2016 -100 Honoring
Outgoing Councilmember Pat Hank.
Mayor Guenthner and the Council thanked Councilmember Hank.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Mayor Guenthner turned the meeting over to Acting Mayor Thomas.
i. Resolution 2016 -101 Honoring Outgoing Mayor Ken Guenthner
Acting Mayor Thomas read aloud Resolution 2016 -101.
MOTION: made by Thomas, seconded by Hank to adopt Resolution 2016 -101 Honoring Outgoing
Mayor Ken Guenthner.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Acting Mayor Thomas provided Mayor Guenthner with a service award. Acting Mayor Thomas
turned over the meeting to Mayor Guenthner.
12. Unscheduled Items
No unscheduled items were presented.
13. 2017 Council Schedule
City Administrator Martens reviewed the upcoming schedule. Mayor Guenthner thanked the City of
Corcoran. Mayor Guenthner noted it was a great learning experience and thanked everyone.
14. Council Liaison Calendar
The Council liaison calendar was not reviewed, but was available in the Council Packet.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Hank, seconded by Keefe to adjourn.
Voting Aye: Guenthner, Hank, Keefe, LaFave, and Thomas
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 9:22pm.
Jessica Beise —City Clerk/Administrative Services Coordinator