HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-23 Council MinutesCITY OF CORCORAN
City Council Meeting Minutes
J u ly 23, 202® = 7: 00 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on JUIy 23, 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 Lother, and Councilor Schultz. Councilor Bottema was excused.
Also present were City Administrator Martens, and Adm
Director Mattson and Director of Public Safety Gottschalk
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. Agenda Approval
City Administrator Martens noted the removal of item 11 a. Closed Session Easement Acquisition for
the Southeast Watermain Project. Council asked to clarify land development right issues related to
questions raised as part of the Kariniemi Addition Plat and by consensus a discussion of building
rights was added as 8c., under Planning Business.
MOTION° made by Anderson, seconded by Lother to approve the agenda as modified.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 4:0)
4. Commission Representatives
Mayor Thomas noted Planning Commissioner Wu and Parks and Trails Commissioner Dugan were
present through telephonic or other electronic means.
5. Open Forum (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor Thomas invited residents to communicate telephonically during the Open Forum discussion
and noted the public comment instructions. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the
instructions 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 Council regarding a meeting between Ravinia
residents and Eagle Brook Church, with items discussed including traffic, size of building, safety, and
future town hall meetings pertaining to the project. Mr. Thomas thanked Councilor Bottema for
assisting with the meeting setup between Ravinia residents and Eagle Brook Church. Mr. Thomas
also requested an update from staff on moratoriums regarding residential zoning and processes
discussed at a previous Council meeting.
6. Presentations/Recognitions
No presentations or recognitions were heard
7. Consent Agenda
a. Draft Minutes of July 9, 2020 Council Meeting
b. Financial Claims
c. Corcoran Crossroads Sign Variance
d. Sign Variance for Property Located at 9350 County Road 19
e. Bellwether 5th Addition
f. Sign Ordinance Update — Campaign Signs
g. August 13, 2020 Work Session Cancellation
inistrative Services Director Beise. Public Works
were present via telephonic or other electronic
h. Sound Waiver 20790 93111 Avenue North
Council requested items 7c. and 7d. be pulled for further review. City Administrator Martens clarified
staff followed up with Council regarding the State Statue moratorium inquiry per a directive by
Council and will further review the results with the Open Forum participant Mr. Thomas.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Lother to approve the consent agenda consisting of Items
7a., 7b., 7e., 7f., 7g., and 7h., as presented.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 4:0)
Council discussed Item 7c., including the sign variance request and if the sign ordinance should be
reviewed as it relates to canopy signs and each side being considered a separate sign when they
are on the same canopy. City Planner Lindahl clarified a free-standing sign has different
requirements under the code. Council requested code be reviewed regarding a display with two
separate ends on a canopy, as the two separate display ends making up the canopy or display are
for traffic coming from opposing directions but are one display or canopy.
MOTION: made by Anderson, seconded by Schultz to adopt Resolution 2020-55 Approval Of
Variances to Exceed Total Wall Sign Area, Allow Two Dynamic Displays and Allow a Reduced
Setback from the Canopy at the Property Located at 7625 Co Rd No 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 (PID
02-119-23-23-0004) (City File 20-01 9).
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 4:0)
Council discussed the placement of Item 7d. under consent agenda items and requested clarification
of how items are placed on the consent agenda. Council and staff reviewed consent agenda
standards and guidelines, how staff incorporates items into the consent agenda.
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Lother to adopt Resolution 2020-56 Approval of a Variance
Allowing Three Freestanding Signs at 9350 County Road 19 (PID07-1 19-23-43-0004) (City File No.
20-020)
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 4:0)
8. Planning Business (Public Comment Opportunity)
Mayor Thomas briefly outlined the Planning Business items and invited residents to comment during
the public comment opportunity. Administrative Services Director Beise explained the process for
residents to participate in the meeting.
Manoj Thomas, 6552 Carriage Way, addressed the Council and inquired about the staff report on
the residential ordinance review related to conditional use. Mr. Thomas requested Council add an
additional public forum before the zoning ordinance draft is created for public comment.
Narayan Navnit, 6672 Carriage Way, addressed Council regarding the zoning ordinance in relation
to commercial buildings. Mr. Navnit referred to a staff memo regarding building sizes in the
residential zone and pointed out the list of cities that were analyzed were very different from
Corcoran and surrounding communities. Mr. Navnit requested the City consider a size limit in low
density and residential zones, and also consider excluding uses in residential zones and hosting a
public hearing.
Robert Dovenberg, 335 Bergamont, Medina, addressed Council regarding the proposed Eagle Brook
Church and concerns of the proposed elevation of the project. Mr. Dovenberg addressed concerns
with zoning and requested the City consider a moratorium.
Peter Hartz, 19169 Galloway Circle, addressed the Council regarding allowed uses in City Code. Mr.
Hartz inquired about rezoning and treating schools and churches as other uses that are excluded.
a. Public Hearing — Bellwether Easement Vacation
City Planner Lindahl reviewed the requirement for a Public Hearing for the request for the easement
vacation over Outlot A, Bellwether 4t" Addition. Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing and asked
for public comment. Administrative Services Director Beise indicated there were no residents wishing
to participate in the Public Hearing.
MOTION: made by Lother, seconded by Schultz to close the Public Hearing.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 4:0)
MOTION: made by Anderson, seconded by Schultz to accept Resolution 2020-59 Approving
Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easements Within the "Bellwether 5th Addition" Subdivision (City File
20-024) .
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 4:0)
b. Consideration of an Ordinance Amendment to Limit Building Size in Residential Zoning
Districts
City Planner Lindahl outlined the report noting non-residential uses in residential districts have been
common historically and is typically managed through setbacks, height limitations, or performance
standards. City Planner Lindahl mentioned managing impact of buildings by building size is unusual,
however there are three areas in Corcoran where this occurs. City Planner Lindahl indicated most
cities will manage by performance metrics. City Planner Lindahl noted the Council directs and
provides clear priorities regarding ordinance updates. Council reviewed different zoning areas in
Corcoran and possible scenarios; and how to manage or change approach to controlling the
rezoning of districts, for example restricting a commercial feedlot in a sewered area of Corcoran.
Council discussed original ordinance and size of churches historically in Corcoran and incorporating
flexibility with where churches are developed. Council discussed size of impervious surface
surrounding the building and limiting impervious surface in a residential area. Council discussed
concern of rezoning occurring within residential zoned districts and noted ordinance determination
needs to stand the test of time over multiple Councils. Council discussed sequence of development
and the impact of additional development. City Administrator Martens clarified discussions with city
attorney regarding the moratorium question presented in a prior meeting. City Administrator Martens
noted the city attorney indicated a significant portion of Statute 462.355 subd., 4d., was omitted from
the previous open forum discussions regarding moratoriums. Council determined more information
from staff is needed and a future work session for further discussion is necessary on all zoning
districts within the City.
c. Building Rights
Council discussed geographical issues regarding land development rights and the recent Karineimi
Addition Plat which allowed the transfer of rights on an adjacent property. Council discussed open
space preservation and wetlands, current ordinances, and development rights. Council discussed
implementing time limits when land splits occur so land splits would not reflect development rights
speculation. Per Council consensus, staff was directed to further review the development rights
program.
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. No residents participated in the
public comment opportunity.
a. Due Diligence Commencement Notice — Well and Treatment Site
Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the purchase agreement approved in February 2020, the
test well results for capacity and flows, the satisfactory results in data received, and the results
indicate a high -quality source of water with no uncommon results detected. Public Works Director
Mattson reviewed purchase agreement requirements with notification to property owner due July 31
in accordance with the due diligence process. Council noted there is a high concentration of iron and
manganese at the site, and as the City moves forward to stay abreast of new technology for removal
of minerals at the well level prior to flow to residents to decrease the amount of softener salt
distributed in the environment. Public Works Director Mattson clarified the feasibility study on the
water treatment site design options is underway and includes specific water treatment processes
available for the future.
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MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Anderson to authorize staff to issue buyers due diligence
commencement notice to proceed to an evaluation of the title on the property and conduct a due
diligence evaluation.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, and Schultz
Motion carried 3:0)
10. 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 Directo
Abstaining: Lother
process for residents to participate in the meeting. No resident
opportunity.
a. Draft 2021 Budget
r Beise explained the
s participated in t
he public comment
City Administrator Martens reviewed the 2021 budget process timeline, budget goals and the current
flax rate of 45.013 percent. City Administrator Martens noted the tax rate has trended downward
since 2017. City Administrator Martens presented the 2021 general operations and staffing level
considerations and reviewed the expenditure reduction or revenue increase necessary to maintain
the current tax rate in the 2021 budget. Council discussed maintaining the tax rate, with the
philosophy and goal to not create additional flax for existing citizens. Council discussed maintaining
the tax rate is the best way to manage property tax increases overall. Council noted with new homes
and developments, it may be beneficial to bring inspections in-house rather than utilizing an outside
regarding
esource. Council also noted the historically low interest rates
r
potential bond expenditures.
Council consensus was to maintain the current tax rate. Council discussed investment in training and
support for the public safety department for stress -incurred situations. Council shared consensus the
importance of support for the public safety department.
b. Authorization to Seek Donations —City Park Project
City Administrator Martens outlined the draft master plan, with phases, for the future City Park. City
Administrator Martens noted the importance of Phase 1, as it includes infrastructure such as parking,
sewer, etc. City Administrator Martens further expanded on elements of the City Park project, and
includes an upgraded ice rink, a splash pad, pickle ball courts and updated playground over many
future phases. Council inquired if local business are target audiences for donations. City
Administrator Martens indicated donations would likely come from community organizations such as
the NW Area Jaycees and Corcoran Lions.
MOTION: made by Lother, seconded by Schultz to authorize staff to seek donations for the City Park
project.
Voting Aye by ROII Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and... Schultz
(Motion carried 4:0)
11. Closed Session
a. Easement Acquisition for Southeast Watermain Project. Item was removed from the
agenda.
12. Staff Reports
a. Active Corcoran Planning Applications; report received.
b. Pandemic Response Update
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk updated Council on total COVID cases in Hennepin County, and
the continued increase in cases towards a second peak. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk
outlined the mandated mask order, and maintaining an educational approach by staff to COVID
issues, with enforcement as a last resort. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted the EOC
continued and organized response, and finances related to CARES Act or FEMA reimbursement
eligibility. Director of Public Safety discussed staffing needs in surrounding communities impacted by
employees that have contracted COVID, and as a region Corcoran may need to transition to a
regional staffing model for coverage. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reviewed staffs continued
effort to refine City Hall's reopening plan, and the wide variety of approaches cities are taking from
remaining completely closed to partially open. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk noted staff
continues to review how to provide the highest level of service to the community while considering
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staff and public safety. While the City Hall remains in Phase 3, City Administrator Martens noted a
recommendation for City Hall to open from August 4 through August 10 for absentee voting, and for
the State Primary on August 11. City Administrator Martens outlined how staff is working altered
schedules to accommodate workload and distanc
reviewed
possibly
ing in workspaces. City Administrator Martens
the current process for virtual Council meetings and noted future Council meetings could
include enhancements with use of the CARES funding to accommodate both in person and
virtual meetings. City Administrator Martens updated Council on the city administrator's authorized
power of authority during the pandemic to approve items separate from Council and recent items
included Three River's Park Diamond Lake Trail informational signs placed within the community to
gain community input; and also a request by St. John's Church and School for a 40400t trailer to
store items throughout the school year on St. John's Church property. City Administrator Martens
noted once the pandemic ends, Council will need to approve a resolution allowing the continuation of
the 40-foot trailer storage for St. John's Church through the end of the school year. Council inquired
what needs are driving re -opening of City Hall. Administrative Services Director Beise responded the
election is the main reason for partial opening of City Hall to accommodate abs
and the Primary Election on August 11.
13. 2020 City Council Schedule
City Administrator Martens noted upcoming Council schedule.
14. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Schultz, seconded by Lother to adjourn.
Voting Aye by Roll Call Vote: Thomas, Anderson, Lother, and Schultz
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm.
i
Michelle Friedrich —Deputy Clerk
entee direct balloting
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