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Mr. Mesich explained that he is a member of the Planning and Zoning <br /> Board and is still living in Lino Lakes because of the City <br /> Charter. He said the City tried to push sewer and water down his <br /> street and some of his neighbors did move. The Charter protected <br /> the rights of the citizens living on the street. He noted that the <br /> Charter protects those living in Lino Lakes not those who may be <br /> moving in. He noted that the Planning and Zoning Board is doing <br /> all that they can to attract new business and made additional <br /> comments regarding Andy Gibas. <br /> Mark Walmsley, 6978 Black Duck Drive - Mr. Walmsley said he did not <br /> want the Charter to work toward just pleasing the vocal citizens at <br /> this meeting. He asked that the Charter Commission not just listen <br /> to the people who are yelling. <br /> Ms. Storberg noted that several years ago an asphalt company wanted <br /> to relocate in Lino Lakes. The City Council did not approve the <br /> plans at that time however, if the City Council wanted that <br /> business in town, there is no one who could say no. Mr. Fred <br /> Chase, past chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board said that it <br /> is not correct to say that any business can come in regardless of <br /> whether or not there is sewer and water. However, the higher taxed <br /> businesses need sewer. The area of I35E/Main Street cannot get <br /> sewer because of the City Charter and this area will sit vacant. <br /> He noted that a training center will be starting construction in a <br /> few weeks and they are taking up 40 acres. The presence of sewer <br /> and water utilities would generate much more of a tax base. He <br /> also noted that if the City allows the land to be used by lower tax <br /> based businesses because there is no sewer and water, that area may <br /> remain unproductive on a tax basis for 30 or 40 years. Worse yet <br /> it could remain vacant. Mr. Chase also noted that if the City <br /> Council and the Planning and Zoning Board wanted the asphalt plant, <br /> the citizens could not stop it. <br /> A gentleman from the audience said that the Charter Commission has <br /> said that we cannot bring in businesses because we do not have <br /> sewer and assessments are needed to bring in sewer. He said he <br /> thought the whole idea was to assess the businesses that are coming <br /> in and not charge the residents already here. Mr. Chase said that <br /> when a facility is coming, there may be improvements built that <br /> would benefit more properties than the business that is coming. <br /> Therefore, to build the services initially, assessments are needed <br /> and you assess all those who benefit. <br /> Mr. Gontarek wrapped up the audience input section of the meeting <br /> and thank the Charter Commission for presenting the information <br /> this evening. <br /> Mr. Smith thank all persons contributing to the presentation and <br /> also thanked the audience. <br /> The meeting adjourned at 10: 00 P.M. <br /> PAGE 12 <br />