HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-12 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2020 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran City COuncil met On March 12, 2020, at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Present were Mayor Thomas, Councilor Schultz, Councilor BOttVW; ma, Councilor Dejewski, and
Councilor Anderson.
Also present were City Administrator Martens, Administrative Services Director Beise, Public
Works Director Mattson, Public Works Superintendent Meister, and Lieutenant Burns.
1. Call to Order /Roll Call
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order at 7200 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Thomas invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
City Administrator Martens stated there is an additional claim in item 7b. Financial Claims, removal
of item 10c. Maintenance Worker Job Offer from the Consent Agenda, and an addition of 1 Of.
Organizational Response to COVI D-19, under New Business. City Administrator Martens will give
a brief update to information relating to item 1 Of.
MOTION: made by Anderson, seconded by Dejewski to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Commission Representatives
Mayor Thomas noted Planning Commission Shoulak and Parks and Trails Commissioner Meister
were present. Mayor Thomas invited the Commissioners to speak on items related to their
respective commissions.
Open Forum
Meredith Wu, 4695 Cain Road, addressed Council and commented on item 6a. Planning
Commission Annual Report and 2020 Priorities regarding making room for nature preservation,
tree cover, and stated her opinion that new trees do not have same benefits of established trees,
and do not represent equal replacement. Ms. Wu addressed concern of decline of green cover as
a global issue and asked Council to reflect how the City reviews tree status in new developments.
As. Wu requested additional effort from the Planning Commission, City Council and residents to
preserve Corcoran 3s rural character.
De Sicora, 6410 Elm Street, addressed items discussed from a prior meeting regarding an article
On development moratoriums and stated she would like additional information on the item. Ms.
Sicora digressed to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Lennar Homes regarding additional homes
ithi wn the development. Ms. Sicora stated she would like the developer to leave the aesthetics of
the current neighborhood when construction of new homes begins. Council stated support and
execution of the current comprehensive plan.
Presentations/Recognitions
a. Planning Commission Annual Report and 2020 Priorities
Commissioner Shoulak addressed the Council and highlighted some of the Planning Commission
accomplishments in 2019. Commissioner Shoulak reviewed Planning Commission priorities for
2020 which include adopting ordinance amendments related to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, a
tree preservation policy, and guidelines for fertilizer use by the City. Council questioned if Elm
Creek Watershed District offers guidance or has a policy regarding use of fertilizer treatments.
Public Works Director Mattson indicated Elm Creek Watershed District does not currently have an
adopted policy. Council discussed tree preservation policy challenges and the impact of a tree
preservation policy to landowners and future housing developments. City Administrator Martens
stated the commission annual report is to provide Council with information on the intended
direction and priorities of each commission. Council discussed Planning Commission goals
regarding tree preservation with Planning Commissioner Wu. Council consensus was for the
Planning Commission to proceed with providing information to Council on the submitted priorities.
b. Parks and Trails Commission Annual Report and 2020 Priorities
Parks and Trails Commissioner Meister addressed Council and highlighted accomplishments in
2019. Parks and Trails Commissioner Meister outlined commission priorities for 2020 and included
installation of benches, planting native wildflowers, and tree replacement within the Wildflower Park
boundaries; begin reviewing budget and timelines Of for Phase 1 Of the Corcoran City Park;
evaluation of open space park areas in the Ravinia neighborhood; and determine the City of
Corcoran's and Three Rivers Park District's Diamond Lake Regional Trial Corridor expectations.
Council and Commissioner Meister discussed additional details on the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail Corridor and future growth in Corcoran. Council stated the importance of staying connected
with Three Rivers Park District regarding the new corridor. City Administrator Martens noted Parks
and Trails Work Session discussion at the February 20, 2020 meeting identified important points
and potential routes to present to Council on the Diamond Lake Regional Trail corridor at an
upcoming Council meeting.
Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of the February 27, 2020 Council Meeting
b. Financial Claims
c. Charitable Gambling Resolution 2020-16 — Stanchion
d. NE Trunk Sewer Improvements — Pay Request #9
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
U. Planning Business
9. Unfinished Business
10. New Business
a. 2020-2021 Capital Improvement Plan
City Administrator Martens presented the 2020-2021 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and
discussed the rational of every other year bonding funds process which reduces the bond issuance
cost. City Administrator noted the City works on utilizing cash from the annual levy to reduce the
need to bond. Administrative Services Director Beise presented costs and needs for new
administration accounting software, and how the software supports and integrates with current
software utilized. Council and staff discussed yearly software dues after the initial purchase.
Lieutenant Burns presented costs for public safety software in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and
includes vehicles, squad car cameras, body cameras, and protective equipment. Lieutenant Burns
outlined the interface system relating to outdoor sirens and an emergency citywide access system.
Council questioned if Corcoran currently has a Community Service Officer vehicle and discussed
re -purposing of squad vehicles. Council and staff discussed repurposing of squad cards and how
the determination is made regarding vehicle value. Public Works Director Mattson outlined large
equipment needs in 2020 and includes a trailer; a mower, which Corcoran received a partial grant
for; a tandem axle dump truck; a 4,000 gallon water truck; a brush mower; and various trail
maintenance equipment needed for new development parks and trails maintenance. Public Works
Director Mattson outlined equipment needs for 2021 and included two trucks with plows; an
excavator miscellaneous equipment to be sold as part of the 2021 equipment review. Public Works
Superintendent Meister discussed removal of aging equipment from the Schutte storage facility.
Council and staff discussed various options of purchasing used small equipment. City
Administrator Martens clarified the next steps with approval of the two-year 2020-2021 Capital
Improvement Plan and includes authorizing 2020 purchases, bond issuance and timelines, and
allowing the early purchase of the 2021 1.5 ton truck with plow because of time restraints in
ordering. Council questioned with the approval of bonding, does the process leave our bonding
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level debt within an appropriate level of a city of Corcoran's size. City Administrator Martens
indicated it is within a healthy bonding level according to other cities the same size as Corcoran.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Dejewski to approve the 2020-2021 Capital
Improvement Plan as presented and authorize staff to purchase all 2020 equipment items, as well
as the 2021 GMC 1.5 ton pickup truck with plow.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Test Well Authorization
Public Works Director Mattson outlined the test well
progress on the water supply system. Public Works Director Mattson indicated a selected quote
proposal for the test well installation totals $49,720. Public Works Director Mattson noted the
proposal includes a 6-inch test well which will allow for chemical make-up review, water flow, with
eventual conversion into a monitoring well, which is a requirement for the facility, and serves a dual
purpose. Public Works Director Mattson noted the next steps would, include authorizing a
A Notice of Award for the test well installation for the NE Corcoran Water Supply
Improvements, also contingent on the receipt of the Minnesota Department of Health permit
approval, and approve funding through the water utility fund. Council and staff discussed timelines,
design of treatment plant, water tower location site, and difference in quote proposals received for
the test well installation.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Dejewski to authorize a contingent Notice of Award for
the Test Well Installation for the NE Corcoran Water Supply Improvements.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. Job Offer — Maintenance Worker; removed from agenda.
d. Job Description Approval and Authorization to Begin Recruitment -- Planner
City Administrator Martens noted previous discussion regarding fund allocation for the position and
a minor change to the position grading. City Administrator Martens reviewed an interview and hire
timeline process of March 16 through May 14. Council asked how the position will work with
Landform. City Administrator Martens indicated the position would work with Landform on many of
the lower level planning functions currently completed by Landform staff or City staff, and also work
directly with residents on lower level planning questions. City Administrator Martens also noted any
developer driven items would still be managed by Landform.
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Anderson approving the authorization for staff to begin
recruitment for the Planner position.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
e. Draft Liquor Ordinance Updates
Administrative Services Director Beise reviewed a request received by Shamrock Golf Course to
expand liquor licensing requirements to include wine. Administrative Services Director Beise
reviewed the proposed changes and direction of Council from a previous Council meeting. Council
and staff discussed policy decision changes, legal differences in language, and decisions
necessary by Council within the Ordinance. Per Council consensus, staff was directed to proceed
with a liquor license ordinance amendment.
f. Organizational Response to COVID-19
City Administrator Martens updated Council on emergency management processes the City is
adhering to such as following the CDC guidelines, cancelling of all non -essential events and
meetings, and monitoring various closings of local City Halls. City Administrator Martens noted the
emergency management team is identifying critical City services necessary in the event of reduced
services. Council and staff discussed options for Firearm Safety Training and included online
classes as an option through the DNR. Council discussed options for staff working from home.
Council asked about including options for working from home when discussions resume for the
City remodel.
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quotes and briefly recapped a summary of
11. Closed Session
"In closed session, the City Counc
Staff Reports
Reports received.
a. Easement Acquisition — 2020 Southeast Watermain Improvements
Mayor Thomas stated:
The City Council is going into a closed session to consider an offer for real estate. Under the
authority of Minn. Stat. § 13D.05 Subd. 3(c)(3), the City is permitted to close a meeting to consider
offers and counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal property. The City Council is
now going into closed session to consider an offer for real estate to purchase easements for the
I 2020 southeast water main improvements; the following properties are the subject of the
closed meeting: 7400 County Road 1167 19835 Larkin Road, and PID 35-119-23-11-0001all
Mayor Thomas recessed the Council meeting at 8:37 pm.
Mayor Thomas reconvened the Council meeting at 8:49 pm.
it discussed an offer for real estate; staff was provided direction."
2020 Council Schedule
City Administrator Martens reviewed the upcoming meeting agenda items.
Adjournment
MOTION:. made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to adjourn.
Voting Aye: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 8:52 pm.
Miche�te Friedrich —Deputy Clerk
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