Tom McKee for Mayor
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Broadband Expansion
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Tom McKee for Mayor
Home
About Me
Key Issues
Progress
Contact
Donate
Broadband Expansion
City Park Master Plan
Additional Park Plans
Upcoming Events
More
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Progress

Here's a look at some of the progress we've made in the last two years:

Broadband Expansion

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:

  • 30% State Border-to-Border grant (seeking this amount maximizes our chances of a successful grant application)
  • 65% Contribution from Comcast
  • 2.5% Hennepin County match of City contribution  
  • 2.5% City contribution - paid entirely from our American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds


In other words, this project ensure that all Corcoran residents have access to Fiber-based high-speed internet without burdening Corcoran taxpayers.   

Improved Opportunities to Participate

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. 

Bringing Corcoran into the 21st Century

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!  

Eliminating Dust Control Assessments

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.

Updating City Code to Better Suit the Needs of our Residents

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 

  • Code amendment text - Agenda Item 8A


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:

  • Increased setbacks that scale proportionally to the square footage of the building
  • A 50% limit on impervious surface
  • Adding landscaping zones along property lines that abut existing homes
  • Adding parking lot landscaping to screen headlights and require large lots to have internal landscaping, and
  • Requiring the site has access to a road that can appropriately handle the traffic impact 


  • Code amendment text - Agenda Item 8A
  • Additional Council discussion: Agenda Item 9B


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: 

  • Fences and lots with multiple frontages 
  • Creation of a rental ordinance
  • Several amendments to our Planned Unit Development (PUD) Ordinance 
  • Establishing buffer zones 


Stay tuned for more updates on these items in the near future! 


Construction Hours Code Amendment

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.

Bringing Key Positions In-House

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.   

#1 Safest City in Minnesota

#1 Safest City in Minnesota

#1 Safest City in Minnesota

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.  

Lowered Tax Rate

#1 Safest City in Minnesota

#1 Safest City in Minnesota

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.


City Park Planning

#1 Safest City in Minnesota

Other Parks & Trails Projects

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

Other Parks & Trails Projects

Online Utility Billing & Building Permit Applications

Other Parks & Trails Projects

In addition to City Park, there are numerous exciting Park & Trail projects coming to Corcoran. 


 Click here for more information 

Hackamore Road Project

Online Utility Billing & Building Permit Applications

Online Utility Billing & Building Permit Applications

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.

Online Utility Billing & Building Permit Applications

Online Utility Billing & Building Permit Applications

Online Utility Billing & Building Permit Applications

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.

There's a lot of work left to do...

With your input and support we can continue to make Corcoran an even better place to call home

Next Steps

Copyright © 2022 Tom McKee for Mayor - All Rights Reserved.

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