HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-26 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2017 - 7:00pm
The Corcoran City Council met on October 26, 2017 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Present were Mayor Thomas, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Dejewski, Councilor Keefe, and
Councilor LaFave.
Also present were City Administrator Martens, City Planner Lindahl, City Clerk/Administrative
Services Coordinator Beise, Public Works Director Mattson, Director of Public Safety Gottschalk,
and Code Compliance Official Pritchard.
1. Call to Order/ Roll Call
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Thomas invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by LaFave to approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
4. Open Forum
No persons were present for open forum.
5. Presentations
No presentations were heard.
6. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of October 12, 2017 Council Meeting
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Keefe to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Mayor Thomas noted that clerical errors were provided to staff to amend.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
7. Claims as Presented
a. Escrow Claims (Fund #500)
MOTION: made by LaFave, seconded by Keefe to approve escrow claims as presented.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. All Other Financial Claims
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by LaFave to approve all other claims as presented.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
8. Staff Reports / Memos /Commissions
a. Commissioner Representatives
Mayor Thomas noted Parks and Trails Commissioner Nybo and Planning Commissioner Russell
were in attendance and invited them to speak on items related to their Commissions.
b. Planning Project Update
Council received the report. Council inquired about noting the new projects on the Planning Project
Update and Code Compliance Report.
c. Code Compliance Report; report received.
d. Overview of Code Enforcement Scenarios
Council inquired about towing junk vehicles. Code Compliance Official Pritchard noted the City has
not typically abated cars on private property.
e. Financial Performance Report
City Administrator Martens presented the report outlining the projected surplus and that the
insurance trust dividend is not budgeted as it's not guaranteed. Council discussed budgeting for
revenue sources such as a dividend.
9. Public Hearing — Delinquent Fee
a. Certifying Delinquent Fees to Hennepin County
City Clerk/Administrative Services Coordinator Beise outlined the report noting the current amounts
due and that Council received written comments related to recycling. City Clerk/Administrative
Services Coordinator noted that Council has the authority to waive assessments and staff
recommends not waiving as it could create precedence. Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
No persons were present to speak.
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Bottema to close the public hearing.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
Council discussed opinions on waiving fees; no fees were waived.
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema to adopt Resolutions 2017-65 and 2017-66 and
authorize staff to edit the resolutions to include the levy number which will be provided by Hennepin
County.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
10. Planning Business
a. Public Hearing. Preliminary Plat, Final Plat and Variances for Hales Corner 2nd Addition
located at 6450 and 6470 Pioneer Trail (PID 32-119-23-32-0013 & 32-119-23-32-0012) (City
File 17-025)
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting the easement vacation would vacate current
easement along the property line and a new easement would be required as part of the plat. Mayor
Thomas opened the public hearing. No persons were present to speak.
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Keefe to close the public hearing.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by LaFave to adopt Resolution 2017-67 Approving a
Preliminary Plat and Variance for Properties Located at 6450 and 6470 Pioneer Trail (PID 32 -119-
23 -32 -0013 & 32-119-23-32-0012) (City File 17-025).
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Keefe to adopt Resolution 2017-68 Approving Final Plat
for "Hales Corner 2nd Addition" for property located at 6450 and 6470 Pioneer Trail (PID 32- 119 -23-
32 -0013 & 32-119-23-32-0012) (City File 17-025).
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by LaFave, seconded by Bottema to adopt Resolution 2017-69 Approving Vacation
of Drainage and Utility Easements within the "Hales Corner 2nd Addition" Subdivision (City File 17-
025) .
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, and Preliminary PUD for
`Bass Lake Estates'a Mixed-Use Development at 19219 and 19235 County Road 10 (PID
25-119-23-44-0002 & 25-119-23-44-0003) (City File 17-026)
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting the trail connection at the north end of the property
will be constructed to let residents know about future trail connections. City Planner Lindahl noted
the PUD request for more than 20% of the self-storage to be metal which is consistent with the
approvals for other self-storage if providing higher quality materials. City Planner Lindahl noted that
the Homeowners Association Documents must note activities at Lions Park and Shamrock Golf
Course. Greg Hayes, Ebert Construction, addressed the Council noting landscaping will be
adjusted. Council inquired about the building materials. Mr. Hayes provided an overview of the
materials proposed. Planning Commissioner Russell noted the proposed easement expansion was
to accommodate the driveway. City Administrator Martens noted there was some discussion at the
Planning Commission about constructing the trail sooner rather than later. Planning Commissioner
Theis noted the proposed easement expansion was to allow for an on-road trail. City Administrator
Martens noted the Council discussed the easement expansion. City Planner Lindahl noted the
proposed easement expansion would shift the lot lines. Council discussed garages facades and bus
stops. John Rask, M/1 Homes, addressed the Council regarding the proposed housing types and
the goal for variation. Mr. Rask noted the cul-de-sac is designed to accommodate a fire truck.
Council discussed the bus stop concern. Mr. Rask noted the secondary access requested by Public
Safety would be an emergency access off of County Road 10. City Planner Lindahl noted the cul-
de-sac designs allow for emergency vehicles and would likely meet the needs for a school bus.
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted the roads are designed to meet standards to emergency
vehicles and the applicant is not requesting a deviation from standards. Council discussed five-foot
setbacks. City Planner Lindahl noted the sketch plat proposed four-foot setbacks and received input
that five-foot setbacks would be the minimum allowed. Council discussed the elevations of the self-
storage facility. Mr. Hayes noted dense landscaping along three sides and the berm along Lions
Park. Mr. Hayes noted there are ten proposed color variations for the self-storage building
materials. Council discussed Lions Park and plans to work with Lions Park on buffering. Mr. Hayes
noted the fencing along Lions Park will be replaced and grading on both properties would be
completed to meet goals. Council inquired about signage and landscaping. Mr. Hayes noted they
would propose a monument sign and additional landscaping along County Road 10 would be
required and currently there are eight species being proposed. Council inquired about the self-
storage proposed buildings. Mr. Hayes noted the self-storage facility would be a phased
construction. Council inquired about the Homeowners Association Documents. Mr. Rask noted
language would be provided noting the current activities of Lions Park and Shamrock Golf Course.
Council inquired about the impact of golfers and golf ball damage on homes. Mr. Rask noted there
is a distance between the hole, the homes as well as significant trees, and the future trail plan to
host along the lot lines allowed the buffer trees to be maintained. Council discussed their
experience with the current course. Council discussed land use continuity, setbacks, and rural
character.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Keefe to adopt Resolution 2017-70 Approving a
Comprehensive Plan Amendment Property Located at 19219 and 19235 County Road 10 (PID 25-
119 -23 -44 -0002 & 25-119-23-44-0003) (City File 17-026).
Councilor LaFave noted she would vote against the motion due to concerns with the setbacks.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe Nay:LaFave
(Motion carried 4:1)
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Keefe to adopt Ordinance 2017-359 Amending Title X
(Zoning Ordinance) of the City Code to Classify Land Located at 19219 and 19235 County Road 10
(PID 25-119-23-44-0002 & 25-119-23-44-0003) (City File 17-026) .
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe Nay: LaFave
(Motion carried 4:1)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema to adopt Resolution 2017-71 Approving Findings
of Face for Rezoning Property Located at 19219 and 19235 County Road 10 (PID 25- 119- 23 -44-
0002 & 25-119-23-44-0003) (City File 17-026).
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe Nay: LaFave
(Motion carried 4:1)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema to adopt Resolution 2017-72 Approving
Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) Plan for "Bass Lake Estates" for E & R Investments,
LLC on the 38.98 Acre Site at 19219 and 19235 County Road 10 (PI D 25-119-23-44-0002 & 25-
119 -23 -44 -0003) (City File 17-026).
Council inquired if the resolution provided the setback flexibility. City Planner Lindahl noted the
setbacks and the trail easement recommendation from the Parks and Trails commission are listed
in the resolution.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, and Keefe Nay: Dejewski and LaFave
(Motion carried 3:2)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema to adopt Resolution 2017-73 Approving
Preliminary Plat for "Bass Lake Estates" for E & R Investments, LLC on the 38.98 Acre Site at
19219 and 19235 County Road 10 (PID 25-119-23-44-0002 & 25-119-23-44-0003) (City File 17-
026) .
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe Nay: LaFave
(Motion carried 4:1)
c. Tax Forfeit Properties
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting the history on the properties. Council inquired
about the size of the proposed Acacia Hills parcel. City Planner Lindahl noted the property was 5.39
acres. Council discussed the tax forfeiture process.
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by LaFave to adopt Resolution 2017-74 Requesting Tax
Forfeited Property in the City of Corcoran (PID 13-119-23-23-0015).
Voting Aye: Thomas, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave Nay: Bottema
(Motion carried 4:1)
d. City-initiated Sign Ordinance Update (City File 15-012)
City Planner Lindahl presented the report noting the history of the current sign ordinance. Council
discussed the sign ordinance. Council inquired about staff working with the dynamic sign process.
City Clerk/Administrative Services Coordinator Beise noted staff worked within the current
ordinance observing other cities had varied sizes allowed and a portion of the sign can stay static.
Council discussed challenges including the limited ability to use different fonts based on the current
size allowed and the messaging software does not allow for messaging change every twelve
seconds as currently set as the minimum standard. Council discussed a six second requirement
and allowing dynamic portion up to sixty percent in all districts.
e. Repeal of Solar Moratorium
City Administrator Martens presented the report.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Dejewski to adopt Ordinance 2017-357 Repealing the
Moratorium Prohibiting the Establishment of Community Solar Gardens in all Rural Residential and
Urban Reserve Districts within the City of Corcoran.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema to adopt Ordinance 2017-358 Summary
Ordinance of 2017-358.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
11. Unfinished Business
a. Feasibility Report —Willow Drive and Larkin Road Improvement Project
Gail Waldorf, 20117 Larkin Road, addressed the Council regarding the paving of Willow
Drive/Larkin Road. Ms. Waldorf addressed concerns on the traffic counts, increased traffic, trails,
assessments, bonding, conflict of interests, and tax increases.
Dwight Benson, 20205 Larking Road, address the Council regarding the paving of Willow
Drive/Larkin Road. Mr. Benson addressed concerns on the trail, trail clean up, removal of trees,
increased taxes, and increased speed. Mr. Benson noted he agreed the Council not bonding more
than needed.
Daniel Dixon, 2205 Larkin Road, address the Council regarding the paving of Willow Drive/Larkin
Road. Mr. Dixon addressed concerns on state aid roads, commercial traffic, safety concerns, losing
rural character, and bonding. Mr. Dixon suggest building City roads.
Phillip Bongaarts, 19949 Larkin Road, addressed the Council regarding the paving of Willow
Drive/Larkin Road. Mr. Bongaarts address concerns a delayed overlay, cost of the assessment, and
the loss of value to the property.
Sara Harvey, 8850 Trail Haven Road, addressed the Council regarding the paving gravel roads.
Ms. Harvey has concerns with the costs, property value, trails, road restrictions, increased
commercial traffic, assessments, and financial impact.
Landon Pohl, 20207 Abilene Lane, addressed the Council regarding the paving of gravel roads. Mr.
Pohl addressed concerns about losing the country feel and not what they moved
Council discussed the reimbursement for any takings, residents can attest the value of the
assessment, the history of the Municipal State Aid system in Corcoran, road restrictions, and speed
limits.
City Administrator Martens presented the report noting the financial assumptions changes leaving a
gap of approximately $356,700.00 and that voting for the feasibility study does not lock in the
proposed funding. Council discussed trails and receiving public input.
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema to adopt Resolution 2017-75 Approving the
Feasibility Report for the Willow Drive and Larkin Road Improvement Project and Calling for
Improvement Hearing.
Council discussed the paving of the road, maintenance issues, conflicting sentiments from
residents, and research on paving gravel roads. Councilor LaFave noted she would vote no for her
preference for paving Trail Haven Road and not being in favor of bonding.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, and Keefe Nay: LaFave
(Motion carried 4:1)
12. New Business
a. Maple Hill Estates Water/Sewer Connection Discussion
City Administrator Martens presented the report outlining the request of the applicant and area in
which the City has discretion per the ordinance. Council inquired about the sewer and water rates.
City Administrator Martens noted the costs for sewer are determined by the Metropolitan Council
and the water is determined by the City based on the contracted rates for water with Maple Grove.
Council inquired about what happened if property is sold. City Administrator Martens noted that
additional connection fees may be required if the property is sold and subdivided. Council inquired
about the connection fee. City Administrator Martens noted it is for the infrastructure for the system.
Council discussed the proposed discount for the connection fee. City Administrator Martens noted
the difference between the current process and the proposed options as the current ordinance does
not address mobile home parks. Council discussed whether to allow a different fees, impact on low
income population, and a comparison between multi-tenant units and single-family homes.
MOTION: made by LaFave approve the staff recommendation.
(Motion failed for lack of second)
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Thomas to approve staff recommendation without the
requirement for water connect by 2028 and to reduce the sewer connect fee to a 50% discount on
current connection fees.
MOTION AMENDMENT: made by Thomas, seconded by LaFave to amend the motion to have the
sewer connection fee to a 20% discount on current connection fees.
Council inquired about the amendment.
Motion Amendment Voting Aye: Thomas, Dejewski, and LaFave Nay: Bottema and Keefe
(Motion Amendment carried 3:2)
Council discussed future connections.
Amended Motion Voting Aye: Thomas, Dejewski, and LaFave Nay: Bottema and Keefe
(Motion carried 3:2)
Council discussed the utility as a business.
b. 2018 Budget — Compensation/Benefits
City Administrator Martens presented the report outlining the proposed changes to health insurance
including moving to a new provider.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Dejewski to authorize staff to withdraw from the Training
Resources Solutions Joint Powers Agreement; authorize staff to enter into agreement with a small
group market health insurance provider; authorize staff to terminate the City's current Short-term
and Long-term Disability contracts; authorize staff to enter into a new agreements for Short-term
and Long-term disability contracts.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
City Administrator Martens asked for Council to provide feedback on age banding, increases to
stipends, a change to short-term and long-term disability as an employee paid benefit through a
stipend, employee contribution to the Health Savings Account, and proposed wage adjustment.
Council discussed the term of the contract and pay philosophy.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Keefe to authorize staff to use age banding and
establish average insurance rates for employees; authorize staff to establish two stipends for single
and non-single coverage basing increase of stipend on 70% (employer)/30% (employee) on
increase from 2017 monthly premiums; authorize staff to transfer short-term disability and long-term
disability coverage to employee and offer offsetting stipend; authorize staff to stablish 2018
employer contribution towards the H.S.A at $2,800; authorize staff to continue with all other benefits
as outlined in 2017; establish 2018 pay plan market adjustment at 3%.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
13. 2017 Council Schedule
City Administrator Martens reviewed the upcoming schedule noting the date change to Monday for
the November 20, 2017 meeting.
14. Council Liaison Calendar
The Council liaison calendar was not reviewed, but was available in the Council Packet.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Dejewski to adjourn.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe, and LaFave
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 9:35pm.
dg ssica Beise —City Clerk/Administrative Services Coordinator