07/31/2003 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, July 31, 2003 MEMBERS PRESENT: D.Gorowsky, K. Hansmann, F. Chase, J. Schwartz, H. Juni, H. Karth, T. Vacha, J. Milbauer, MEMBERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine, D. Carlson, C. Dahl, M. Grochala (part) GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes from June 5, 2003 were approved, with one correction. J. Schwartz was not present at that meeting. Mr. Juni expressed the committee’s sadness over the death of Roger Jensen. He provided a great service to the committee since its inception, and his expertise as director of the Anoka County Economic Development Partnership was a great asset to the community. Ms. Carlson mentioned that the city recognizes people for their contributions. EDAC could submit his name so the award could go to the family. Members directed staff to submit his name on their behalf. NORTH METRO HARNESS INITIATIVE Members of Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. presented to EDAC their proposal for a harness racetrack and card club on the Rehbein site on 35E. They explained the state statute that allows one more location for racing and card room. They believe the northeast side of the metro is lagging in sports/entertainment facilities. They are also looking in Columbus Township. Ultimately, they would seek legislation for a casino, but they are committed to the racetrack project even without the casino. The season is 50 days/nights in the summer. There would be a 200-seat restaurant and card room open year round, and simul-cast broadcasting of other races around the country. The grandstand seats 1,400, and parking for 1,000-1,200. The cost is $10 million for construction. The entire cost would be $22-25 million. Attendance is about 7,000/week during the racing season. The project would generate about 300 new jobs and payroll of $7.9 million. About $9 million/year would be spent on goods and services in