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We have all learned just how critical having access to high-speed internet is in todays world. Whether you're working remotely, doing distance learning, having virtual meetings, streaming video or just about anything else - Broadband is a necessity.
With nearly 500 unserved homes (and an incredibly large unserved land area) in Corcoran, finding a way to facilitate Broadband expansion for our residents has been one of my top priorities.
After speaking with other Minnesota mayors, advocating for the legislature to increase funding for Minnesota's Border-to-Border grant program, working with Hennepin County and having discussions with several internet service providers - an opportunity emerged to expand Broadband access throughout Corcoran!
On Thursday July 14, 2022 the City Council approved partnering with Comcast to apply for a State Border-to-Border grant, and move forward with a project that would expand fiber-based internet access throughout the entire city!
The $4,329,000 project to install fiber throughout Corcoran would be funded as follows:
In other words, this project ensure that all Corcoran residents have access to Fiber-based high-speed internet without burdening Corcoran taxpayers.
As mayor I will always make sure that you have the opportunity to make your voice heard. This is why we have continued hybrid (in person and virtual) city meetings, while many other cities have transitioned back solely to in-person meetings.
I believe its important that residents can attending a meeting from their home, while out of town, or even when they're just not feeling up to a late evening at City Hall. I am committed to permanently keep the hybrid meeting format, and hope you find the added flexibility helpful.
Additionally, we are always looking for ways to improve communication and get community feedback. I will continue to prioritize holding project open houses, actively seek resident input through community surveys and make sure you can always reach me with any questions, concerns or feedback.
We have implemented a number of significant technological improvements. Last year we implemented new payroll and accounting software that has made us much more efficient as an organization. Additionally, this software has allowed us to implement online utility billing, payments and building permit applications.
We are currently in the process of digitizing all city documents (Item 7f) through Laserfiche. Once complete, residents will have easy access to City Council minutes, agendas, resolutions, and much more!
With the significant number of unpaved roads in Corcoran, dust control is an important part of annual road maintenance.
Historically, the City has assessed residents who live on/near an unpaved road for a portion of the cost. Starting this year we have ended dust control assessments and have incorporated the cost into the city budget.
I have supported, researched and helped draft a number of updates to our city code to better suit the needs of our residents. These updates include:
An amendment to allow residents more flexibility with outdoor storage.
Last summer, a number of residents started reaching out regarding code enforcement issues. These were mostly related to outdoor storage of recreational vehicles (such as boats, RVs, or snowmobiles), unoccupied trailers, and firewood. Additionally, many residents with unique lots with double frontage had especially limited space to store these items. After researching the issue, speaking to other mayors in our area and sending out a community survey I proposed a solution that gave residents more flexibility to store these items, as well as
An amendment to add performance standards to protect existing residents from disproportionately large non-residential conditional uses in residential zoning districts.
Another issue of concern was the lack of any reasonable limit to the size of assembly uses in residential areas. After significant discussion amongst the City Council and Planning Commission, I drafted language that allowed these uses to remain in residential zoning districts, while adding key performance standards including:
There are a number of other items we are working to address. For reference, here are some of the potential updates we plan to consider. From that list we recently selected 4 items to prioritize, with the hope of implementing by the end of 2022:
Stay tuned for more updates on these items in the near future!
With the significant amount of construction happening in Corcoran, it became clear that we needed to help mitigate the impact of loud construction activities for our existing residents. Which
With the change, construction activities - including the operation or idling of any loud equipment - are permitted from 7AM-7PM Monday through Friday and 8AM-4PM weekends and holidays.
Prior to the change, all construction activity was allowed between the hours of 7AM-10PM Monday through Friday and 9AM-9PM on weekends and holidays.
Importantly, we made sure to add language to allow residents working on their own property to receive extended hours through the building permit process.
Since January 2021 we have made a number of staffing changes, including bringing on an in-house City Planner, a Finance Manager, and administrative support for Public Works, the Police Department and Planning department. Additionally, I have supported several important changes to the organizational structure of the city to help maximize efficiency and better position us for the future.
Corcoran was ranked the #1 Safest City in Minnesota for 2022 by Safewise.com. I am proud to support the amazing officers who keep our community safe and will continue to ensure they have the necessary resources to protect our residents and business community.
Corcoran residents pay enough in taxes.
The recent growth in our community and diversification of our tax base allows us to continue improving and expanding city services while lowering our tax rate.
Accordingly, we reduced our city tax rate for 2022 and I intend to build on this trend going forward.
We are currently working on finalizing Phase 1 of the City Park master plan, and hope to approve the project later this fall. When complete, this City Park will be a wonderful amenity for our residents that's unlike anything we have now
Click here for more information
In addition to City Park, there are numerous exciting Park & Trail projects coming to Corcoran.
Click here for more information
We are currently awaiting 100% design for the Hackamore Road project, which is anticipated to come to the Council for final approval later this fall, go out for bid this winter and break ground in Spring 2023. Recently, we came to a cost sharing agreement with the City of Medina and have taken advantage of additional funding opportunities through the State and County.
One of the many technological improvements we've recently implemented - Residents can now access utility accounts and pay their bills online.
Additionally, Building Permit applications can now be completed online.
With your input and support we can continue to make Corcoran an even better place to call home
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