HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-09 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
J u ly 9, 2020 - 1. 00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on July 9, 2020, in Corcoran, Minnesota. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute
Section 13D.021 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.
Present were Mayor Thomas at City Hall and present via telephonic or other electronic means were
Councilor Anderson, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Lother, and Councilor Schultz.
Also present were City Administrator Martens, and Administrative Services Director Beise. Public Works
Director Mattson, Director of Public Safety Gottschalk were present via telephonic or other electronic
means.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Thomas invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Call to Order / Roll Call
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
3. Oath of Office
a. Brian Lother
Administrative Services Director Beise instructed Mr. Lother in reading the Oath of Office. Mr. Lother
read the Oath of Office and Administrative Services Director Beise acknowledged Mr. Lother was
duly sworn in.
4. Agenda Approval
City Administrator Martens noted the addition of three items including an additional bond payment
claim on item 8b.; addition of item 11 d. Resolution Appointing Election Judges; and removing item
12b. 2020 MSA Project. Council requested addition of agenda item 11 e. Allowance of Vehicles on
City Streets.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Anderson to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
5. Commission Representatives
Mayor Thomas noted Planning Commissioner Vehrenkamp was present, and Parks and Trails
Commissioner Strehler was excused.
6_ Open Forum (Public Comment Oaaortunity)
City Administrator Martens noted the Open Forum is available for public comments on items not
presently included in the Council meeting agenda. City Administrator Martens noted specific agenda
items should be addressed within the public comment opportunities throughout the meeting prior to
Planning Business, Unfinished Business, and New Business sections of the meeting. Mayor Thomas
invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Open Forum discussion and noted the
public comment instructions. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the process for
residents to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed instructions for
participation in the meeting through telephone or computer.
Narayan Navnit, 6672 Carriage Way, addressed Council regarding the work on the Eagle Brook
Church, and the dialogue during the meeting. Mr. Navnit noted an inconsistency, in his opinion, in
the C1 zoning requirement and size limit constraints regarding residential neighborhoods and
concerns with large structures, traffic, and large structures located near residential neighborhood
areas. Mr. Navnit requested expanding the current code in terms of size of building for residential
areas, setbacks, parking lots, traffic safety, and protection from the site.
Gretchen Piper, 463 High Croft Road in Wayzata, addressed Council with her introduction as a
candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 33. Ms. Piper gave a brief overview of her experience
and platform.
Jeremy Nichols, 6334 Steeple Chase Lane, addressed Council
regarding concerns in the square
foot limit in the C1 zoning requirement and the oversight in gap. Mr. Nichols discussed Minnesota
State Statute 462.355, subdivision 4, regarding moratorium and restrictions, noting the City may
implement a moratorium in the instance of a preliminary plan with no approvals and referenced
Eagle Brook Church. Mr. Nichols suggested implementation of a temporary ordinance to protect the
integrity of the Comprehensive Plan and residents regarding the proposed Eagle Brook Church
project. Council asked staff to place a review of the statute referenced on a future Council agenda.
Sarah Nichols, 6334 Steeple Chase Lane, addressed Council on the proposed Eagle Brook Church,
and is concerned on the impact to residents located near the project. Ms. Nichols asked for a 60-day
extension on the church decision and approval, allowing time for the church to communicate with
local residents, noting the scope and impact of the project will take more time to share concerns, and
III have an impact on Corcoran.
Donald Bellfield, currently a Minneapolis resident, noted his future home purchase in the Bellwether
development in Corcoran. Mr. Bellfield discussed his experience as a MetroTransit Cop and noted
concerns regarding a recent Star Tribune article referencing a Corcoran police officer. Council
welcomed the Open Forum participant to the community. Council commented on the seriousness of
the accusations in the article and noted the importance of residents reflecting on the article and to
investigate the cases referenced to fully understand the information in the article.
7. Presentations/Recognitions
a. Employee Recognition — Jessica Beise, 5 Years
Council thanked Ms. Beise and expressed appreciation for her commitment and dedication to the
City of Corcoran. City Administrator Martens recognized Ms. Beise for her outstanding performance
and noted her expertise is crucial as a member of the leadership team.
b. Employee Recognition — Pat Meister, 30 Years
Council thanked Mr. Meister and congratulated him for his years of service to the City of Corcoran.
Public Works Director Mattson recognized Mr. Meister's work ethic, years of service, and dedication
to the City of Corcoran. City Administrator Martens thanked Mr. Meister on all the behind the scenes
items he manages to make public works run smoothly.
c. Eagle Scout Project Recognition — Frank Brand
City Administrator Martens recognized Frank Brand and his ability to establish and complete the
bench project, and his effectiveness in raising additional funds as a donation to the City of Corcoran.
Council thanked Mr. Brand for his initial work from the presentation stage to the completion of the
bench project this summer.
d. Resolution Honoring Brian Dejewski
Mayor Thomas read the Resolution 2020-52 honoring outgoing Councilmember Brian Dejewski.
Council recognized and thanked Councilor Dejewski for his service.
MOTION: made by Lother, seconded by Schultz to approve Resolution 2020-52 Honoring Outgoing
Councilmember Brian Dejewski.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
8. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of June 25, 2020 Council Meeting
b. Financial Claims
c. 2018 NE Sewer District Improvements — Pay Request 10 and Final
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to approve consent agenda as presented.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
9. Planning Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
No planning business was presented.
10. Unfinished Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor Thomas invited residents to communicate telephonically prior to Unfinished Business
discussion and noted the public comment instructions. Administrative Services Director Beise
explained the process for residents to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and
reviewed instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone or computer. No residents
participated in the public comment opportunity.
a. City Hall Remodel Bids
City Administrator Martens presented the City Hall Remodeling bids, with the low bid from Weber
Inc. City Administrator Martens noted the biggest difference in the remodel plan would be the
addition of office workspaces in the community room and a staff lunchroom, a new area for City Hall
reception desk, and bathroom updates. City Administrator Martens reviewed the proposed
construction schedule with phase one beginning after the General Election with completion by May
2021. Council inquired about the sound system within the Council Chambers. Council and staff
discussed the initial plan versus the current plan regarding the remodel. City Administrator Martens
noted the current plan is the best option for the City.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to award the remodel bid to Weber, Inc. in the
amount of $396,500.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Assess
or Proposal Review
City Administrator Martens reviewed two proposals received. City Administrator Martens noted
differences between the proposal including gaps existing in the ability to provide services effective
immediately, costs, and ability to keep with current demand as the City grows. Council and staff
discussed the benefits of entering into an agreement with Hennepin County. Council and staff
discussed previous incorrect assessed values on some properties in Corcoran, and how the situation
was rectified. Council discussed Hennepin County being the recipient taxes of assessed properties
in Corcoran and if there is a conflict of interest with Hennepin County being the assessor. Council
inquired how other counties in the State of Minnesota utilize county assessors and staff noted
several counties provide assessing services. Council asked if the City could terminate the contract
early if necessary. City Administrator Martens noted the contract language allows for termination of
the contract if necessary. Council and staff discussed appeals within the assessment process and
how appeals are managed. City Administrator Martens explained how the assessment process and
Open Book meeting for appeals to be made.
MOTION: made by Anderson, seconded by Schultz to authorize staff to enter into an agreement with
Hennepin County for assessing services allowing the city administrator to negotiate final details of
the agreement.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz Nay: Bottema
(Motion carried 4:1)
11. New Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor Thomas invited residents to communicate telephonically prior to New Business discussion
and noted the public comment instructions. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the
process for residents to participate in the meeting via the Zoom video format and reviewed
instructions for participation in the meeting through telephone or computer.
Manoj Thomas, 6552 Carriage Way, addressed the Council stating he would be honored to
participate as a commissioner on the Charter Commission.
a. Resolution Recognizing Eagle Scout Project and Accepting Donation to the City of
Corcoran
Mayor Thomas read Resolution 2020-53 Recognizing Eagle Scout Frank Brand. City Administrator
Martens noted the donation was in the amount of $352.51. Council thanked Mr. Brand for his
community project to Corcoran. Mr. Brand noted he would be available to take a picture of a veteran
sitting on the bench project. Council asked where donated funds would be allocated to.
Administrative Services Director Beise indicated funds would be deposited to the General Fund,
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unless the donor specifies where funds should be allocated to. Mr. Brand requested the funds be
placed in a maintenance fund for the bench. City Administrator Martens noted the Memorial Garden
Fund would be an option for the donated amount. Council indicated the Memorial Garden Fund
would be an appropriate fund for the donation for future repairs and maintenance to the bench.
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to accept Resolution 2020-53 Recognizing Eagle
Scout Project and Accepting a Donation to the City of Corcoran.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
b. Charter Commission Application — Manoj Thomas
Administrative Services Director Beise presented the Charter Commission application process and
fihe Judicial Court approval needed along with Council appointment.
MOTION: made by Lother, seconded by Bottema to appoint Manoj Thomas to the Charter
Commission for a four-year term.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
c. Manufactured home Park Preservation Pilot Equity Grant Project
City Administrator Martens outlined the pass -through pilot equity grant by the Met Council to assist
Maple Hills Estates for costs associated with connecting to a sanitary sewer system, in the amount
Of $2373317.50. City Administrator Martens noted the Grant was awarded in 2017, and all City
obligations have been met.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Lothe
r to
(Motion carried 5:0)
d. Appointment of Election Judges
Administrative Services Director Beise presented the appointment of election judges with an
additional caveat of allowing staff to train additional election judges as necessary, provided all
persons meet all requirements of Minnesota statute and administrative policies.
MOTION: made by Anderson, seconded by Schultz to approve Resolution 2020-54 Appointing
Election Judges for the 2020 Election Cycle.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother and S
(Motion carried 5:0)
e. Allowance of Vehicles on City Streets
Councilor Bottema asked that Council consider the allowance of different types of vehicles such as
side -by -sides, golf carts and ATVs on City streets, and if restrictions should be implemented, what
are the considerations for local traffic and public safety. Per consensus, Council discussed support
for considering an ordinance addressing allowance and/or restrictions of side -by -sides, golf carts and
ATVs on City streets. Council discussed including snowmobile access to trails along roads to get to
a snowmobile trail within the ordinance. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk indicated Chapter 73 of
the City Code to review what is currently in place and is located electronically on the City website.
Councilor Bottema indicated he would provide research to the Council at a future meeting.
12.Staff Reports
a. Pandemic Response Update
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed briefly the current cases in Minnesota have reached
40,000, with younger people now seeing an increase in numbers, no change in finance
expenditures, currently a mandatory mask order is being implemented in some cities and is generally
entertainment related. City Administrator Martens indicated Corcoran may be able to utilize CARES
Act Funding to expand internet services within the City of Corcoran. City Administrator Martens
noted the Public Works building would benefit with further towers for internet services. Council
inquired about schools opening.
13. 2020 City Council Schedule
City Administrator Martens noted upcoming City Council agenda items include Eagle Brook Church
and 2021 Draft Budget. Councilor Bottema noted he may not be available on July 23. Council
inquired about how the closed session meeting will be run at the next meeting and possibly testing
the Zoom meeting feature prior to the closed session.
14. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Bottema, seconded by Schultz to adjourn.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Bottema, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 8:41 pm.
Michelle Friedrich — Deputy Clerk