HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-23 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2020 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on April 237 20207 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Present were Mayor Thomas at City Hall and present via telephonic or other electronic means were
Councilor Anderson, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Dejewski, and Councilor Schultz.
Also present were City Administrator Martens, and Administrative Services Director Beise. Public Works
Director Mattson and Director of Public Safety Gottschalk were present via telephonic or other electronic
means.
°I. Call to Order/ Roll Call
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section
13D.015 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Council meeting was held remotely through
electronic means using the audio and video conferencing platform, Zoom. Mayor Thomas shared the
options for members of the public to submit comments.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Agenda Approval
City Administrator Martens noted three additional items were added to the agenda including an
additional claim for the annual Tree Giveaway; removal of item 8a. Concept Plan for a Modification
of Approvals for "Sawgrass"; and an added public comment opportunity at the beginning of Planning
Business.
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Schultz to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Commission Representatives — Discontinued Until Further Notice
5. Open Forum (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor Thomas invited residents to communicate telephonically at Open Forum. City Administrator
Martens noted the public comment instructions (press *9 to be recognized to speak) to any persons
wishing to comment. No persons participated in the public comment portion of the meeting.
6. Presentations/Recognitions
a. Three Rivers Park District — Diamond Lake Regional Trial Corridor Update
Marge Beard, Danny McCullough and Stephen Shurson were present from the Three Rivers Park
District. Mr. McCullough outlined for Council the existing and planned search corridors for the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan and included a brief background of the project and the
communities involved within the 21-mile trail corridor. Mr. McCullough referenced the desire for a
cooperative plan in 2021, with a goal of the trail corridor to be a destination that provides the user a
parklike experience with an off -the -roadway trail system. Mr. McCullough indicated Three Rivers
Park District's interest in working with landowners on land purchases or through development
easements for land acquisition for the trail, and reviewed the rest stops, kiosks and different bridge
and tunnel structures that may be utilized in the project to support the types of trails and structures
that would accommodate wetlands in Corcoran. Mr. Shurson reviewed the general proposed process
and timeline, and the preferred route through Corcoran for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail. Council
expressed support for the western route trail plan and the trail through the Town Center however
Council expressed less support for trails on County Road 116. Council inquired about the natural
resource locations in relation to the proposed trail routes, if the trails would be unattractive to future
developments, and if there is flexibility in redesign of trails within future development areas. Council
expressed support of the trail project and the legacy of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail for future
generations. Council reviewed the availability of snowmobile access, and if the trails will be inclusive
of all forms of transportation such as snowmobiling. Council requested review of city authority over
the trails within the city boundaries. Council inquired about year-round trail usage and how the trails
are maintained. Mr. Shurson indicated cities can plow paved trails through a payment program for
non -motorized use. Council questioned regional and snowmobile trails converging and how the trails
could co -exist or be integrated. Council inquired about raw land trail easements and the impact of
landowners in the sale of future development prospects. Mr. Shurson discussed a postponement of
public engagement due to COVID-19, and possible future public engagement dates corresponding
with city events such as Night to Unite, Corcoran Country Daze, engagement through Three Rivers
Park District's website and social media. Council thanked Three Rivers Park District for their
presentation and expressed support of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail.
7. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of April 13, 2020 Council Meeting
b. Financial Claims
c. Resolution 2020-34 Temporary Liquor License —Hamel Rodeo
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Anderson to approve consent agenda presented.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
8. Planning Business
Public Comment Opportunity))
Mayor Thomas invited residents to communicate telephonically prior to Planning Business
discussion. City Administrator Martens noted the public comment instructions (press *9 to be
recognized to speak) to any persons wishing to comment. No persons participated in the public
comment portion of the meeting .
a. Concept Plan for a Modification of Approvals for "Sawgrass" — 20400 County Road 10;
Removed from agenda.
b. Sketch Plan for Eagle Brook Church
City Planner Lindahl presented the Eagle Brook Church sketch plan, location, and background
information pertaining to the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application. City Planner Lindahl noted
general review of the application appears to comply with city standards required within the CUP
application. City Planner Lindahl reviewed connection to existing streets Lupine and Larkspur in the
Ravinia neighborhood, an entrance and exit on Hackamore Road, and a third access on County
Road 101. City Planner Lindahl noted a three-foot high buffer would be necessary to screen the
parking lot in the northwest corner of the project. Council discussed the need for street connections
with Lupine and Goldenrod in the Ravinia neighborhood. City Planner Lindahl indicated Goldenrod is
an emergency vehicle access connection and needs to occur. Council asked about the proposed
street alignment becoming the emergency access connection versus the Goldenrod connection.
Council asked about the height of the building in the sketch plan. Richard Stuerman, BWBR, the
project architecture firm, indicated the building would between 35-36 feet, with the City Code
allowing cross and steeple heights to exceed that limitation. City Planner clarified the building height
is limited to 35 feet; however, steeples are exempt from the building height limitation. Stephanie
Alstead, BWBR, thanked Council for the opportunity to bring forth the CUP application and receive
comments on the sketch plan and north loop alignment. Council addressed concerns of
transportation, impact on neighbors with the site and traffic impact, and parking lot lights. Council
discussed the location as a suitable location for this use. Council requested incorporating the rural
character feel into the aesthetics of the campus and requested "Corcoran" be incorporated into the
campus name. Stephanie Hauber, Eagle Brook Church, answered Council's question regarding the
name of the campus and indicated it will be a topic of discussion. Council noted the proposed site is
the corner entry point to the City of Corcoran. Council referenced support of another hardscape
material in the parking lots and utilizing plantings that reflect the natural wetland landscape.
Unfinished Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor Thomas invited residents to communicate telephonically prior to Unfinished Business
discussion. City Administrator Martens noted the public comment instructions to any persons wishing
to comment. No persons participated in the public comment portion of the meeting.
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a. Northwest Metro Regional Surface Water Supply Study Update
Public Works Director Mattson updated Council on the report results of surface and ground water
supply, water quality, and water treatment for the cities of Rogers, Ramsey, Dayton and Corcoran.
Public Works Director Mattson noted the report was funded by the Clean Water Legacy Fund
available through the Met Council in order to plan for and support water supply needs of the seven -
county area. Council asked about other city's issues with similar funding obstacles and if Corcoran
has reached out for input from other cities. Council noted this is a thirty- to forty -year plan and the
currently planned test well will work in conjunction with the concept presented. Council questioned
the location of the water treatment plant in Ramsey. Public Works Director Mattson indicated it may
be due to proximity to the source. Council noted the information reported has been very useful
information to determine Corcoran's future water supply and treatment options.
b. City Hall Closure Extension
City Administrator Martens reviewed current dates City Hall has been closed, updates by Governor
Walz to Minnesota's Stay at Home order and extending City Hall closure through May 15, 2020.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Anderson to extend the closure of City Hall through May
15, 2020.
Council and staff discussed options regarding City Hall
extensions
Voting Aye by ROII Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
10. New Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor Thomas invited residents to communicate telephonically prior to New Business discussion.
Administrative Services Director Beise indicated only councilmembers and staff members were
present within the meeting. No persons participated in the public comment portion of the meeting.
a. Ordinance Amendment — Mandatory Utility Connection
City Administrator Martens reviewed the 2016 Utility Connection dates, and extensions approved by
Council to date in 2020. City Administrator Martens shared due to the COVID-19 pandemic, another
request has been made to extend the utility connection due date to August 21, 2021. Council and
staff discussed financial aspects to the City for delayed connection fees, and how many remaining
businesses need to connect to sewer and water services.
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Anderson to adopt Ordinance 2020404 Extending
Mandatory Utility Connection for commercial businesses to connect to City sewer and wafter by
August 21, 2021.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Letters of Support — CSAH 19/CR 117 Spot Mobility and Safety Project
City Administrator Martens outlined Hennepin County's funding request for improvements to
CSAH 19/ CR 117. City Administrator Martens updated Council on the City's draft letter supporting
the County's grant application; the City's request for consideration of improvements to the
CR19/CR30 intersection; and the City's response of no support of financial contributions by the City
Corcoran. City Administrator Martens noted the County does have authority to adopt a finance policy
which could make Corcoran responsible for 50 percent of the cost within Corcoran. Council and staff
discussed and acknowledged support for improvement of County Roads, the importance of the
project and the need for County to address it, however Council consensus indicated no support of
financial contributions by Corcoran for improvement of County Roads.
MOTION: made by Anderson, seconded by Schultz to authorize staff to submit letters in support of
grant applications for improvements to the CSAH 19 and County Road 117/County Road 203
intersection.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. Cropland Rental — 8200 County Road 116
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City Administrator Martens outlined the cropland rental for 8200 County Road 116, and due to the
delayed St. Therese purchase agreement, proposed renting the property wheat farming for the 2020
season. Council and staff discussed the risk and cost associated with the payback clause in renting
the property should the original purchase agreement proceed on schedule.
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Anderson to authorize the City Administrator to enter into
a cropland rental agreement with Peter Leuer.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. Liquor License Renewal
Administrative Services Director Beise presented options to Council regarding delayed liquor license
fees to businesses impacted by COVID-19. Council consensus was in support of option 4 delaying
liquor license fees until October 1, 2020, with review again in August to determine the final impacts
Of the COVID-19 pandemic, and make additional adjustments if necessary.
MOTION: made by Schultz. seconded by Deieski t0 authorize staff t0 delay the li
October 1, 2020.
Voting Aye by Roll Call
(Motion carried 5:0)
11. Staff Reports
quor
IN fee to
Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications
Council inquired if the May 7, 2020 Planning Commission is still on the schedule. Staff indicated the
May 7, 2020 Planning Commission is still scheduled and will happen via telephone or other
electronic means.
b. Pandemic Response Update
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed with Council COVID-19 updates in Minnesota. City
Administrator Martens updated Council on COVID-1
9 expenditures to date, operations, and
City Administrator Martens noted upcoming agenda items for the regular Council meeting on May
147 2020. Council consensus was to cancel the Council Work Session on May 14, 2020.
13. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Dejewski, seconded by Anderson to adjourn.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Dejewski, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Miche`�le Friedrich —Deputy Clerk
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