HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-12 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2019 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran City COuncil met on December 12, 2019 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Present were Mayor Thomas, Councilor Schultz, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Dejewski, and
Councilor Keefe.
Also present were City Administrator Martens, Administrative Services Director Beise, City
Attorney Thames, Public Works Director Mattson, Director of Public Safety Gottschalk, and
Lieutenant Burns.
'I . Call to Order /Roll Call
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Thomas invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
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City Administrator Martens requested agenda item 7f. 2020 Water and Sewer Budgets be
removed from the agenda and be considered at the the December 19, 2019 meeting.
Council discussed the Urban Land Institute Work Session held prior to the December 12
regular Council meeting, and by consensus agreed to discuss the information provided at the
work session at a future Council meeting.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Keefe to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz.
(Motion carried 5:0)
Commission Representatives
Mayor Thomas noted Planning Commissioner Shoulak was in attendance for Commissioner
Wu and Parks and Trails Commissioner Meister had not yet arrived. Commissioner Meister
arrived. Mayor Thomas invited the commissioners to speak on items related to their respective
commissions.
5. Open Forum
De Sicora, 6410 Elm Street, addressed the Council regarding previous reports on City
revenues reported in the media. Ms. Sicora noted concerns within the EAW report for Lennar
Wessel Concept Plan and benefits to nearby properties. Ms. Sicora distributed a chapter copy
from a document titled the Minnesota Mayor's Handbook to the Council, which was placed in
the house agenda packet. Ms. Sicora requested Council review the proposed Lennar
development concept of the future property. Ms. Sicora also stated the environmental sheets,
and the report called out the swans and turtles, but failed to mention Red-tailed hawks, bald
eagles, barn owls, and minks that currently inhabit the proposed area of development and
asked for further investigation. Ms. Sicora requested a copy of a zoning ordinance, with
attachment A, approved by Council on April 25, 2019. Council clarified information stated by
resident in the Open Forum regarding information on permit revenue was reported inaccurately
by some media sources.
6. Presentations/Recognitions
a. Years of Service Recognition — Matt Gottschalk, 5 Years
Council recognized Director of Public Safety Gottschalk for five years of service to the City.
Mayor Thomas presented Director of Public Safety Gottschalk a years of service award.
7. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of November 25, 2019 Council Meeting
b. Financial Claims
c. CSAHNOW & Stieg Road Turn Lane Improvements —Approve Plans and Authorize Bids
d. Stieg Road Realignment — Pay Request #2
e. Recreation Coordinator Job Description and Hiring Process
f. 2020 Water and Sewer Budgets
g . 2020 Fee Schedule
h. CSAH 101 and 100t" Avenue Turn Lane Improvements —Pay Request #2
Council requested review of 7e., and 7g.
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema to approve the consent agenda items 7a., 7b.,
7d., and 7h.
Voting Aye: Thomas,
(Motion carried 5:0
Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz.
Council asked for clarification of item 7e. Recreation Coordinator job description and hiring
process for a current position. City Administrator Martens clarified the existing position name
has not changed however new res
possibilities within the position have changed, and Council
approval is needed for the new job description with the added responsibilities, and the hiring
process is also a requirement within the employee handbook. Council requested review of item
7g. 2020 Fee Schedule, specifically permits pertaining to window, reroofing and residing, and
requested reviewing and possibly restructuring those specific fees. Council referenced an
example of one new home window costing less than the window building permit of $91.00.
Council requested review of fees and costs associated streetlights and currently the City
maintains the electric cost of street lights. Council inquired about deck permits and how permit
cost is calculated. Administrative Services Director Beise explained deck permits are valuation
based and need review by the city inspector consultant before the permit is issued.
Administrative Services Director Beise explained the difference between over-the-counter
permit and permits based on valuations. Council asked for further clarification on fees that have
increased. City Administrator Martens noted permits are each a little different and there is staff
time associated with each permit as well as inspections. City Administrator Martens noted staff
would be bringing forward changes to the fee schedule for Council review in the first quarter of
2020. City Administrator Martens indicated the City has not yet accepted the street lights from
developments and fees are being reviewed.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Keefe to approve the consent agenda items 7e. and
7g.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz.
(Motion carried 5:0)
Planning Business
No planning business was presented.
Unfinished Business
No unfinished business was presented.
New Business
a. Public Hearing — 2020 Proposed Budget and Property Tax Levy
Mayor Thomas opened the Public Hearing — 2020 Proposed Budget and Property Tax Levy
and asked for public comment. No parties came forth with public comment.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded Schultz to close the public hearing.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz.
(Motion carried 5:0)
City Administrator Martens outlined the current budget and levy hearing process. City
Administrator reviewed the current 2020 proposed budget. City Administrator Martens noted
the changes in valuation to properties and cost of City Services on the median value home.
Council commented on the handouts that went out with the County notices, reflecting no
increase in taxes in Corcoran if valuation did not change. Council requested future
presentations include revenues by categories such as residential and commercial if possible.
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D. Fire Subcommittee Recommendations
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk outlined the objectives of the Fire Service Subcommittee,
the monthly process and work completed by the subcommittee to find a solution or answer to
the six objectives, and final recommendations to the Council by the subcommittee. Director of
Public Safety Gottschalk noted the establishment of a vision, mission, and values statement for
fire service to guide the formation of the City 7s plan and performance targets. Council
commended and thanked Director of Pbl uic Safety Gl ottschak d th ane local fire chiefs for their
participation in the fire safety subcommittee. Council reviewed coverage, response times,
medical responses, who responds first, fire house options or other means of supplying
coverage for fire service into the future needs of residents in Corcoran. Director of Public Safety
Gottschalk indicated the report can be viewed from the website within the agenda packet and
encouraged residents to review the tiered future fire service processes. Council inquired about
adopting the Minnesota Building Code Chapter 1306 and placing burdens on new construction.
Rogers Fire Chief Feist answered Minnesota Building Code Chapter 1306 pertains to new
commercial properties which must be sprinklered and noted that Chapter 1306 must be
adopted by local ordinance, which Corcoran has not yet done. Council inquired about a medical
duty crew and how it compares to the current medical received by North Memorial in Corcoran.
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk explained the recommendation regarding a medical duty
crew, noting the City needs to understand the availability of resources for a duty crew and that
an ambulance coverage varies based on availability and current calls for service. Council
discussed the current ambulatory services in Corcoran. Council also commented on the path
Corcoran is taking to become prepared regarding future fire service needs. City Administrator
Martens noted the current resident needs are being addressed, and the report outlines what is
needed as Corcoran continues to move forward with fire service needs.
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Schultz adopting the vision, mission, and values
statement for Corcoran fire service.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Schultz directing staff to develop a work plan
containing the recommendations of the Committee.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. 2020 Full-time, Part-time, and Seasonal Wage Schedule
City Administrator Martens outlined the annual adoption of the wage schedule for City
employees which allows the City Administrator authority to approve step increases for eligible
employee's contingent upon a satisfactory performance evaluation and hiring of seasonal
employees approved in the 2020 budget.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Dejewski adopting Resolution 2019-82 Approving
the 2020 Wage Schedule and Benefit Package for City Employees.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. 2020 General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy
City Administrator Martens outlined the Proposed 2020 Budget of $6,006,521, Levy of
$4,660,559, which includes a savings of $2,731 from the preliminary levy, with a projected tax
rate of 44.922 % .
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Bottema adopting Resolution 2019-83 2020 Budget
and Final 2019 Tax Levy, Collectible in 2020.
Council mentioned the Proposed 2020 Budget and Levy has been reviewed and discussed by
Council at previous Council meetings and work sessions.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
e. Parks and Trails Commission Appointment — Alicia Hoffmann
City Administrator Martens outlined the vacancy on Parks and Trails Commission due to
resignation of Commissioner Debbie Regan in October.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Dejewski appointing Alicia Hoffmann t0 the Parks and
Trails Commission for a term ending February 28, 2022.
Council asked staff to invite Ms. Hoffmann to the December 19 Council meeting.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
11. Staff Reports
No Staff was presented.
12. Closed Session
a. Consider an Offer for fihe Purchase of Real Estate at 8200 County Road 116
Mayor Thomas stated:
"Under the authority of Minn. Stat. 13D.05 Subd. 3(c)(3), the City is permitted to close a
meeting to consider offers and counter offers for the purchase or sale of real or personal
property. The City Council is now going into closed session to consider an offer for the sale of
real estate; the following property is the subject of the closed meeting: 8200 County Road 116."
Mayor Thomas recessed the Council meeting afi 8:04 pm.
Mayor Thomas reconvened the Council meeting at 8:13 pm.
"In closed session, the City Council discussed an offer for real estate; staff will now present a
recommended purchase agreement between the City of Corcoran and St. Therese
Communities."
City Administrator Martens outlined the background of discussions with St. Therese, and added
the City was approached by St. Therese and was not marketing land. City Administrator
Martens further discussed the recommended purchase agreement with St. Therese for
approximately 13 acres of land south of City Hall at $52,432 per acre. The land is raw land and
requires investment in off -site utilities and transportation costs. The purchase agreement
includes $25,000 earnest funds for an initial one-year contingency period, two additional six-
month options, and a City buy-back option if the specific project does not come to fruition. City
Administrator Martens noted the St. Therese project fits with the City's future vision for the
area. City Administrator Martens reviewed the next steps in the process, and if approved by
Council include land use processes, potential for a pre -sale to take place, and a decision from
the Department of Human Services in April 2020. Council action includes considering a motion
to approve the Land Purchase Agreement between the City of Corcoran and St. Therese
Communities, and authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator Martens to draft a letter to the
Department of Human Services in support of the project.
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Dejewski approving land purchase between the City of
Corcoran and St. Therese Communities.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
MOTION: made by Keefe, seconded by Schultz authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator
Martens to draft a letter to the Department of Human Services in support of the project.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
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13. 2019/2020 City Council Schedule
City Administrator Martens outlined the upcoming agenda items for 2019. City Administrator
Martens indicated the December 19 agenda packet is anticipated to be out on Monday,
December 16.
14. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Dejewski to adjourn.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Bottema, Dejewski, Keefe and Schultz.
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Michef e Friedrich — Deputy Clerk
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