Corcoran City Council — Transcript
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Police Officer Swearing-In
Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Reverse Referendum
Maxfield Economic Development Study Review
City Administrator Performance Evaluation Survey
Planning Commission Liaison Ordinance Amendment
2027 Utilities Department Budget Overview
Engine Braking Ordinance Amendment
E-bikes, E-motos, and E-scooters Ordinance Amendment
Votes (11)
Agenda Approval
Dissent: Two council members voted against the motion.
Moved by Council Member Nichols [00:01:46] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated
A council member requested to move council reports (item 12) and the city administrator's draft performance evaluation survey (item 10C) earlier in the agenda, specifically between the consent agenda and the planning topic. This sparked a brief discussion on the reason for the change.
Presentations and Swearing in of Officers
Dissent: None
Moved by Not applicable · Seconded by Not applicable
Three new members joined the Corkran Police Department: Officer Jack Pell, Lieutenant Darren Bolson, and Officer George Myyrie. Their extensive backgrounds, education, and previous service were detailed. Each officer took an oath of office. Council members expressed deep appreciation for the officers' commitment and their families' support.
Open Forum - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Reverse Referendum Petition
Dissent: None, but the forum itself represents significant public concern.
Moved by Not applicable · Seconded by Not applicable
Daniel Buckles, a Corkran resident and Charter Commission member, formally submitted a petition with 1,285 signatures (more than five times the statutory requirement) requesting a reverse referendum on the city's proposed Capital Improvement Plan. He noted widespread resident concerns about the project's size, timing, and cost. Nicole Sanders, another resident, advocated for prioritizing commercial development and other community amenities like a city fire department or community center before a new civic campus, arguing it would strengthen the tax base and quality of life.
Consent Agenda - Item 6B: Payment to BKV Group
Dissent: None, though Mark's motion itself was to hold payment due to concerns.
Moved by Mark [00:39:48] · Seconded by Council Member Lantern [00:41:26]
Council Member Mark requested to pull consent agenda item 6B, a payment of $179,573 to BKV Group for invoices related to the 'Corkran Police and City Hall' project. He argued the invoices lacked itemization required by Minnesota statutes and that the council had not seen the work product, especially for a period when the project was tabled. He moved to hold the payment until itemized invoices and answers to his questions were provided. Staff committed to obtaining more detail from the vendor.
Consent Agenda - Item 6F: Staff Leave Update
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Barhamamp [00:46:09] · Seconded by Council Member Nichols [00:46:12]
Council Member Friedrich inquired about the status of Natalie, a staff member who was taking leave, and expressed appreciation for Dwight stepping in to cover duties. The discussion was brief and supportive, acknowledging staff transitions.
Council Reports - Maxfield Economic Development Study Review
Dissent: Council Member Mark raised significant concerns and proposed action.
Moved by Mark [01:00:09] · Seconded by None
Council Member Mark delivered a detailed report criticizing the Maxfield economic development study. He cited discrepancies between the council-approved proposal and the signed contract, significant delays (295 days late), and incomplete deliverables (17 draft slides instead of a bound report and fiscal analysis). He compared it to a $19,000 Perham study that received a 177-page report in 101 days, contrasting it with Corkran's over $50,000 cost. He proposed directing the city administrator and attorney to recover funds and withhold future payments. The City Administrator explained delays were partly due to staff capacity and data request challenges. The vendor is scheduled to present on November 12th.
City Administrator's Draft Performance Evaluation Survey (10C)
Dissent: Council Member Mark expressed strong opposition and moved for specific revisions to the survey.
Moved by Mark [01:12:12] · Seconded by None
Consultant Kathy Reynolds presented the draft 360-degree performance evaluation survey for the City Administrator, based on ICMA criteria and incorporating feedback from council meetings. Council Member Mark strongly criticized the survey for not using the City Administrator's job description, employment agreement, or 2025 goals as the primary baseline, viewing the ICMA-derived traits as generic and a 'surprise' evaluation standard. He moved to table the item and direct revisions to align with specific Corkran documents and allow for individual council member input. The consultant clarified that specific feedback would be incorporated into the final report, not necessarily the survey itself, and that the council body, not individuals, directs evaluation scope.
Proposed Amendments Chapter 34 of the City Code (Planning Commission Liaison)
Dissent: Council Member Mark voted 'Nay'.
Moved by Mayor McKe [01:48:47] · Seconded by Council Member Lantern [01:49:15]
Staff proposed amending Chapter 34 to remove the mandatory City Council liaison role to the Planning Commission, citing alignment with current practices and volunteer availability challenges. Council Member Friedrich advocated for reinstating the liaison to improve communication, while Council Member Mark supported the removal due to time commitments. The council discussed alternative communication methods, including the Corkran Compass newsletter and exploring Granicus add-ons for more detailed meeting transcripts. The motion to adopt the ordinance amendments passed.
Utilities Department Budget Overview (2027)
Dissent: None
Moved by Not applicable · Seconded by Not applicable
Utility Superintendent Joe Pavey and Kevin provided an overview of the 2027 water and sewer fund budgets. Key discussion points included a $10 million state grant for water infrastructure projects in the southeast district, the capacity of the current water treatment plant, and the decision to conduct rate studies in-house to reduce consultant costs. Concerns were raised about decreasing Trunk Access Charge (TAC) revenue projections due to slower development. The presentation was for informational purposes, with the budget set for adoption in December.
Engine Braking Ordinance Amendment
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Nichols [02:05:07] · Seconded by Council Member Lantern [02:05:10]
Staff presented a proposed amendment to Chapter 70 of the city code to prohibit excessive noise from compression release engine brakes within city limits, except in emergencies. The city attorney clarified that enforcement would rely on officer discretion due to the impracticality of scientific measurement. Council members raised questions about defining 'excessive noise' and enforcement mechanisms. Local truck owner-operators reportedly supported the measure.
Ordinance Amendment Regulating Ebikes, E-motos, and E-scooters
Dissent: No dissent recorded as discussion was ongoing.
Moved by No motion recorded · Seconded by No second recorded
Staff presented a draft ordinance to amend the existing recreational vehicle ordinance to regulate ebikes, e-motos, and e-scooters. The amendment aims to address conduct, modifications, and introduce licensing for e-motos consistent with other road-traversing recreational vehicles. Discussion points included potential helmet requirements, the proposed 15 mph speed limit (which some felt was too low), and concerns from community members about local regulations potentially overreaching existing state guidance. (The transcript ends during this discussion, before any official action.)
Notable Quotes (26)
So, uh I would ask that uh council reports be moved up to between the current seven and eight. So, between the consent agenda uh and the planning uh topic. Okay. And right below that, if we can move 10 C, the city administrators draft performance evaluation survey.
For for what reason? if I may ask.
As you know, we've been attempting to hire police officers for our vacant positions for the better part of the last four years. And tonight, we're fortunate to be joined by three of our new officers and their families um that we've added to the team during the past year.
I'm happy to have the opportunity to work for a department where the residents are excited to see us, and the community is very connected. I look forward to building a long and rewarding career serving the citizens of Corkran with dedication, professionalism, and pride.
Parents, wives, husbands, significant others, kids, thank you so much for letting these folks take good care of our city. It is very, very much appreciated. Thank you on my behalf and I hope I I'm pretty sure everybody up here feels the same way.
Tonight, I'm pleased to report that we collected 1,285 signatures from Corkran residents. That's that's more than five times the number required.
This position petition isn't about opposing progress. It's about giving residents a direct voice in a significant financial decision that will affect our community for years to come.
I believe it would be more financially responsible to focus first on attracting and developing our commercial and retail presence before moving forward with a new city office and police station. Commercial development expands the city's tax base by bringing in additional property and business tax revenue.
Minnesota statute 471.38 says, 'This city council may not allow an itemizable claim until the claimant gives us an itemized list.' Section 412.271 271 says, 'A claimant for services that can be itemized in the ordinary course of business shall prepare the claim in written items.' Architects bill by phase and by the hour. Where's the itemization for these two invoices?
So, I would like to move to hold check 40092 until November 12th pending itemized invoices that meet Minnesota statutes, the authorized fee and cumulative build on project 2747.02 and written answers to my October 16th uh question.
Um I just thank you Dwight for stepping in. Um, and Natalie's status if I could ask that. Tomorrow, tomorrow's that day. Yep. Okay. So, uh, appreciate what you do, Dwight. Natalie, if you're listening, good luck. We want to see pictures.
The proposal that this council saw at the time that we approved it... that's not the project that wound up in the contract that we signed in the council packet. The fee in the cover letter is xxx.0000 cents. The term was uh that we would have this report within 120 to 150 days... However, the contract that was signed by the administrator had a fee not of xxx but of $50,75 sub subject to change, no cap on it.
The city of Perhan, they got what they paid for and so should we or we should get our money back.
There there's a myriad of reasons... some of the delay a significant portion of it was staff capacity and competing demands uh because we have limited staff and community development and this was a community development initiative.
The uh city administrator evaluation criteria... is taken from the international city managers association. So ICMA um which is our professional association for city managers and they have a credentiing credentiing program through ICMA that managers can go through.
for the past year he has been working to his job description, his employment agreement, and the goals that this council gave him in 2025. He has not had the benefit of knowing that these 14 traits are because no one in this room saw them until this packet. We cannot grade a man or woman against a list he was handed after the year was over. That's not an evaluation, it's a surprise.
He is one council member. He one doesn't direct. It's it's that's a body of five that provides the direction and the guidance and the decision on what gets included and what's not. What was approved and what we're working on is a report that summarizes all of that that does that does provide the feedback as it's been received and not individualized.
I think that it is extremely important that we reinstate having a commission liaison. Um there's just been some gaps I think in communication between council and the commissions.
for now, the corker and compass will satisfy the desire to get the information on the planning and and parks and trails commission meetings. Uh and uh following the election, we'll go forward to explore the alternatives on what's available for using AI in order to improve our minutes.
it's really a a grant from the state of Minnesota. So it's $10 million that we would get to accomplish these four infrastructure projects... they have to be designed and bid by the end of 26 27.
I'd have to thank the council on investing staff to be able to do that because we didn't have a lot of utility resources a couple years ago that we now have. So, I think that kind of turns around back to you and we always try to judgement for highest and best value. That's our philosophy here. We think that we're accomplishing that through our staff.
a lot of this uh TAC was collected actually upfront front. So, we actually got the money early. So, the the number looks deceiving with it, but it is we the building is we're running out of posters to build because they're filling up.
recommended language of 70.06 excessive vehicle noise and engine pressure braking is unlawful for the operator of any truck or other vehicle to use a compression release engine brake on any public highway street parking lot alley within the city which causes any excessive noise from the engine except in an emergency.
any standard you put in here has some subjective element to it unless you unless you put it to a scientific standard like a decal meter or something. But the problem with that is any scientific standard you apply becomes prohibitive of enforcement. So that's why um reasonable lines can usually agree on excessive.
We have an existing recreational vehicle ordinance that's intended to address how those vehicles are used and what the appropriate fashion for using it is. Um, and we added those items into that ordinance and we felt it fit better there because that way um, all of the recreational vehicle conduct be in one place rather than having some here and some over there.
one of the issues faced frequently is modifications of the ebikes and e-ostos and e scooters that um it might have initially had pedals. The pedals are removed and the and the battery is souped up and all of a sudden it changes classification um and classifications are designated statewide.
Ordinances & Resolutions (22)
Requires itemized claims from claimants before city council allowance.
Requires claims for itemizable services to be prepared in written items.
Amends Chapter 34 of the city code regarding the Planning Commission.
Summary ordinance of 2026 570 for publishing.
Findings of facts supporting Ordinance 570.
Proposed amendment to Chapter 70 regarding engine braking noise.
Summary ordinance of 566 for publishing.
Governs the Planning Commission; proposed for amendment to remove liaison requirement.
Governs vehicles and noise; proposed for amendment for engine braking.
Existing ordinance to be amended to regulate e-bikes, e-motos, and e-scooters.
Document under review for the City Administrator's performance evaluation.
City project for a new city office and police station, subject of a reverse referendum petition.
City plan residents are requesting a reverse referendum on.
Consultant report under scrutiny for deliverables, cost, and contract adherence.
Previous evaluation and goals for the City Administrator, discussed as a baseline for the current evaluation.
Document discussed as a potential basis for evaluation criteria.
Document discussed as a potential basis for evaluation criteria.
Professional criteria used by the consultant for the City Administrator evaluation survey.
Source for the rating scale used in the draft City Administrator evaluation survey.
Monthly newsletter proposed as a method for council members to receive summaries of commission meetings.
Budget document presented for the water and sewer funds for the upcoming fiscal year.
Refers to a $10 million state grant received by Corkran for water infrastructure projects.