HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-1993 Charter Minutes MINUTES
LINO LAKES HOME RULE CHARTER COMMISSION
PUBLIC MEETING
September 14, 1993
Rice Lake Elementary School
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Pat Smith at 7: 05 P.M.
Roll Call
Present were Matthew Blaylock, William Bohjanen, Robert Doocy,
William Houle, Rolf Iverson, Raymond Johnson, Sally Kuether,
Beverly Landers, Ina Liljedahl, Alfred Ross, Joyce Scharpen,
Chairman, Patrick Smith, David Storberg and Robert Williams.
Robert Rud was absent.
Economic Development Authority Advisory Board (EDAAB) members
present: Chairman, Brian Wessel, Roger Jensen, Fred Chase, John
Bergeson and Don Gorowsky. Al Robinson and Glenn Rehbein were
absent.
Stan Peskar, General Counsel for the League of Minnesota Cities,
Dave Gontarek, moderator for the public discussion, City
Administrator, Randy Schumacher, City Engineer, Darrell Schneider
and Warren Tester, Director of Business Affairs for Centennial
Schools were also present.
Mr. Gontarek explained the order of business and introduced Pat
Smith, Chairman of the Charter Commission. Mr. Smith thanked
everyone for coming and explained that the purpose of the meeting
was to discuss a proposal from the EDAAB to change the Lino Lakes
City Charter by amending Chapter 8. He explained that the Charter
Commission had voted to take the EDAAB proposal under consideration
and after several meetings on the matter, the Commission voted
unanimously to hold this public meeting to take comments from the
citizens. Mr. Smith also explained the reason for the short notice
of the meeting and apologized for any inconvenience.
Several handouts were available for residents at the door. The
handouts included a 1982 comparison between the Charter form of
government and the state statute form of government that was in
place prior to that time.
Mr. Smith also noted that the Charter Commission operates
independent of the City Council and acts as a "checks and balances"
between the two bodies.
Mr. Smith presented some census figures including the 1982
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population f igure and noted that the population of the City has
more than doubled since 1982 . He also noted that in 1982, there
were very few residents connected to sewer and water and now over
half of the City is connected. Mr. Smith explained that there are
15 Charter Commission members and only one (1) member is actually
connected to the utility system. The terms of seven (7) members
expired in August, 1993 and an Anoka County judge will be making
seven (7) appointments from a list of names submitted by the
Charter Commission.
Mr. Wessel told the audience that he appreciated the opportunity to
bring the EDAAB proposal before them. He gave a brief background
about the EDAAB and noted that EDAAB was well supported by the City
Council. The EDAAB was dedicated to bringing quality economic
development to Lino Lakes.
Mr. Wessel briefly explained that he is a resident of Lino Lakes
and felt his background in business would be helpful to getting an
economic development program for the City going. He noted the
unique environment of the City and expressed a desire to protect
it. Mr. Wessel also briefly gave some background about the EDAAB
and again noted that he felt that he had the full support of the
City Council.
Mr. Wessel explained that the Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the
City Council and provides a basis for establishing
commercial/industrial development. An interchange study was
completed in 1991 involving both intersections of I35W/Lake Drive
and I35E/Main Street. After the study was completed the City
purchased the former Lino Industrial Park and incorporated it into
the Apollo Business Park which now contains about 100 acres. Both
public and private ownership of land is incorporated into the
Business Park.
The City adopted five (5) Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts
prior to 1990. To date the only construction in any of the
districts has been Apollo Drive in the Apollo Business Center. The
life of each TIF district is limited and already three (3) years
have expired in each district. Mr. Wessel noted that TIF creates
an incentive for quality business in Lino Lakes.
Mr. Wessel read the mission statement developed by the EDAAB. He
noted that the underlying objective of the EDAAB is to generate
commercial/industrial taxes to relieve residential taxes.
Mr. Gorowsky used the overhead projector and provided information
regarding how Lino Lakes taxes compare to neighboring communities.
He noted that of the 95 metro communities, Lino Lakes has the 10th
highest tax rate. The purpose of the Charter amendment proposal is
to attract commercial/industrial development to help reduce the tax
base and relieve the tax burden of homeowners. One (1) of the
charts showed that Lino Lakes spends less that the average of 41 of
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the metro cities of similar size and population indicating that
City spending is not out of "whack" on a per person basis. Mr.
Gorowsky noted that the figures used in his presentation come from
Anoka County and the Minnesota Tax Payers Association.
Mr. Wessel noted that quality education is important to a growing
community and introduced Mr. Tester who outlined how Centennial
School district has grown in enrollment and is projected to enroll
about 6400 plus students by the year 2000. He noted that 20% of
the cost of operating the school district depends directly upon the
property tax base. The balance of the cost is supported by state
aids. Mr. Tester explained that a stronger tax base means that the
homeowner will pay less in taxes.
Mr. Tester noted the legislature is looking at changing the 20%/80%
balance because of recent Supreme Court rulings. The change will
not favor the Centennial School District or the tax payers in that
district.
Mr. Tester also noted that he is in the process of putting together
another facilities study committee to look at additional
facilities. He asked if anyone was interested in serving on this
committee to contact the Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Wessel showed some slides showing what commercial/industrial
businesses look for in making their decision to locate in a
particular area. He noted that Lino Lakes has over 1000 acres of
land zoned commercial/industrial. Much of the land is wetland.
However, the areas are easily accessible because of the I35E and
I35W interchanges and the improved local roads.
Mr. Wessel outlined the promotional plan of the EDAAB and displayed
the new logo. He noted that an advertising plan is being developed
to secure new businesses and a plan is in place to support the
existing business.
Mr. Wessel noted that the Charter amendment proposal came about
because the EDAAB conscientiously decided to focus on the three (3)
major commercial/industrial areas of the City. The concern is that
the City Charter lessens the ability to respond quickly to provide
utility services and assessments for the utilities.
Mr. Wessel explained that 18 homeowners occupy some of the parcels
in the three (3) areas affected by the proposal. The EDAAB and
Charter Commission are wrestling with the question of what to do
with these homeowners. This problem will be discussed at the
Charter Commission meeting on Wednesday, September 15, 1993 .
Mr. Wessel said Lino Lakes is a unique community and development is
inevitable. Lino Lakes is in the next ring of communities to
develop. The City is projected to have a population in excess of
30, 000 and there is a need for a well balanced tax base. The
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intent of the EDAAB is to allow quality development to happen
sooner rather than later.
Mr. Peskar presented a brief description of the purpose of the
League of Minnesota Cities. He also briefly explained the purpose
of special assessments. He noted that special assessment can be
used only when there is a demonstrated need. He also noted that
people pay more attention to the improvements when they have to pay
a portion of the costs. Mr. Peskar explained that assessment
provide a flexible source of revenue and allows government to make
improvements without building up a fund ahead of time. The
disadvantages of assessments were also outlined. He also noted
that the courts have built in a system of protection under State
Statute 429 in specifying that the assessment cannot exceed the
value increase in property value and government cannot run wild.
Mr. Peskar used the overhead projector and compared the Lino Lakes
City Charter to Chapter 429.
Mr. Smith again noted that the Charter Commissions proposal is to
change three (3) areas in Lino Lakes.
Mr. Gontarek explained the process for taking public input. He
asked that questions be specific and directed toward the proposed
Charter changes only.
Amy Donlin, 6100 Centerville Road - Mrs. Donlin noted that TIF is
very complicated and noted that it is not being used as much
because it has been abused for personal gain. She said she was
worried that this could happen in Lino Lakes. Mr. Schumacher
explained that TIF has not been abused by businesses but sometimes
communities used TIF where it was not appropriate.
Mr. Gontarek explained that TIF is a different subject and comments
should pertain to the proposed Charter amendment.
Gerald Clausen, 6109 Baldwin Lake Road - Mr. Clausen asked why the
City wants to change the status of the three (3) areas. Mr. Wessel
explained that it would create an opportunity to operate in the
commercial/industrial zoned areas. He noted that it is very
difficult to act quickly with the current Charter restrictions.
The change would allow Lino Lakes to become competitive with
surrounding communities. The change would create an atmosphere of
being responsive to economic development opportunities within the
commercial/industrial districts only. It would help to create a
time line for potential commercial/industrial developers.
Jon Tennesen, 126 Egret Lane - Mr. Tennesen said his property has
been in a TIF district for six (6) years and wanted to know where
this money is going. He noted that none of his taxes go to the
city, county or the school district. He asked, "where is it?" Mr.
Gontarek briefly explained how TIF operates and noted that all the
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money collected in a particular area must go back to that area. If
development does not happen, the money is returned to the tax
payers. The city has an account for each district and must account
for all the receipts from taxes and all the expenses involved with
each district. Mr. Tennesen asked if there would be special
assessments in his area. It was explained that his property has
already been assessed and there are no proposed additional
assessments for any resident outside of the three (3) areas shown
on the map.
John Pitzel, 6715 Partridge Place - Mr. Pitzel asked why the EDAAB
is pushing the change. Mr. Smith explained that the proposal was
brought to the Charter Commission and the Commission was almost
evenly split as to whether or not to support the change. The
public meeting was called to gather public input regarding the
proposed change.
Mr. Smith noted that if the Charter is not changed, all of the
plans developed by the EDAAB will be for nothing. The Charter
petition requirements slow the approval process through the
Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council to approximately 180
days. Any business considering locating in Lino Lakes will go on
to the next neighboring city and get its approval and be well into
construction before any approval could be give in Lino Lakes. A
shorter time period is needed to become competitive for businesses
that are looking to relocate and new businesses just starting.
Mark Westling, 947 Lois Lane - Mr. Westling asked if it was
possible to speed up the process without changing the Charter so
that the three (3) areas would not have to come under the Chapter
429 process. This question was not answered.
Gentleman (name inaudible) , Vicky Lane - Is the change for the
specific three (3) areas and once they are 429 can other areas be
changed to 429. Mr. Peskar said no, however it may be easier to
add other areas at a later date.
Mr. Smith explained that the proposal to change the three (3)
specific areas would include the exact legal description of the
areas. If there was a proposal to change another area to be
subject to 429, that proposal would have to come to the Charter
Commission for approval.
Raymond Stadum, 663 Andall Street - Mr. Stadum asked if the opinion
on the Charter Commission is split on this matter, why has someone
not expressed an opposing opinion.
Mike Wells, 7200 Snow Owl Lane - Mr. Wells asked what the
disagreement is?
Ina Liljedahl, 726 Vicky Lane - Ms. Liljedahl said it could be a
problem for everyone if the Charter Commission takes away the right
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to petition from some citizens. She gave a brief background on how
and why the Charter came to be. She explained that the Charter
gives all landowners the right to petition according to the needs
of their property. She said she did not care if the proposal only
involves 18 homeowners. She said she was not against business
development or progress but wanted to be aware of the needs of the
citizens when these changes are made. She expressed the need to
promote within the community not be dictated to. She noted the
question, "could some of the time frames in the Charter be
changed?" She said this could be done, however the only proposal
is to eliminate Chapter 8 in certain sections of the City. She
felt changes could happen without taking away some citizens right.
Mr. Carlson, Hokah Drive - Mr. Carlson said he has heard a lot of
advantages to changing the Charter but felt concerned because the
proposal seems vague. He noted that the speakers implied that
everyone will be helped, however he felt this will never happen.
Mr. Carlson asked what incentives were being made to attract
businesses. Mr. Gontarek explained that he would have to attend
the City Council meetings to get this information.
Mr. Carlson said that the City may be trying to attract new
businesses but has not considered other implications in the short
run.
Tom Mesich, 7065 Rice Lake Lane - Mr. Mesich felt that the City was
requesting the Charter change because they had tried to force
assessments in his area and had been turned down. Mr. Wessel
explained that the City is looking at only changing the three (3)
areas where they are trying to attract new business. He noted that
potential businesses also know the City Charter and they also know
that they can turn down assessments.
Mr. Schneider explained that in the 49/Lake Drive improvement area,
there is only one (1) landowner and the only person who will
benefit and can be assessed. There has been no attempt to assess
this property because the City knows that the owner can turn the
assessments down. Mr. Schneider explained that in the area of the
Apollo Business Park, the improvements are already under
construction and every landowner that petitioned against the
assessments will not be assessed. However, the process to get a
new business into the area is too long and the prospective business
goes to another community because they can be in operation in a
much shorter period.
Eileen Couture, 6973 Lakeview Drive - Ms. Couture said she had
heard that there were many existing farms in the I35E/Main Street
portion of the proposal and felt that they would be forced to sell
their property. Mr. Wessel explained that there are some farms and
it is difficult because the entire area is zoned for
commercial/industrial use. Mr. Gontarek told Ms. Couture to refer
to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
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Kerry Ostergren, 6900 Black Duck Drive - Ms. Ostergren asked to
hear Mr. Smith's opinion regarding the proposed Charter change.
Mr. Smith explained that the Charter worked great in his area and
stopped some proposed improvements. He noted that his business is
located in a neighboring community and that city operates under the
429 State Statutes. When he approached that city, the process of
getting under construction took less than 90 days. He noted that
some businesses move because their leases have expired and they
need to move fast. This cannot happen in Lino Lakes.
Mr. Smith explained his involvement with City government during the
19801s. He noted his concern for the 18 or 19 residents that would
be affected by the proposed Charter change. He felt that this
problem will be the focus of the Charter Commission meeting on
Wednesday evening.
Steve McDonald, 336 Carl Street - How long will it take to get
businesses in the Apollo Business Park. Mr. Wessel explained that
not until the end of 1994 . There is a business that is very
serious about the Business Park and it is conceivable that they
could be located there by the end of the year. He noted that in
most cases it will take another four (4) to six (6) months after
the business has selected the site.
Mr. McDonald noted that the City got the Apollo Business Park
without any Charter changes. Mr. Wessel explained that Lino Lakes
is competing with surrounding communities for the business and Lino
Lakes looses when the process takes an additional four (4) months
to a year and one half.
Mr. Gontarek said that there is no disagreement about attracting
quality commercial/industrial business, however the problem is the
length of the process. The Charter change would expedite the
process and the City would be able to compete for quality
development. Mr. Gontarek did express concern for the 18
homeowners who would be affected.
Lady in the audience - The lady said she understood the difference
and that people would be affected. She asked if under 429, would
the residents have the right to give input. Mr. Peskar explained
that there is no petitioning process under 429. However, the
landowner can go to the court and stop an improvement if the cost
is not spread equally among the benefitted property owners or if
the assessment is larger than the benefit to the property. Mr.
Peskar also noted that the Charter petition process allows all
landowners to petition regardless of how much property they own.
Joe Kaim, 6323 Deerwood Lane - Mr. Kaim asked if the Charter
amendment is adopted, how will that affect my tax base. Mr. Tester
explained that currently Lino Lakes residents pay more taxes on
equally valued property than surrounding communities. If
commercial/industrial development were allowed to happen, the tax
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base would be shifted. Mr. Tester also explained that the tax
burden has been shifted to the lower value homes by the state
legislature.
Mr. Kaim asked who will see that his taxes go down and that the
City government does not spend more?
Sally Kuether, 7080 Rice Lake Lane - Ms. Kuether said that no one
is promising that taxes will go down but they will stabilize and
not go up.
Mr. Smith said that the intent is to shift the tax burden from the
residential property to the commercial/industrial property. He
also noted that the three (3) areas being discussed are located on
the major highways and commercial traffic will not be coming into
the neighborhoods.
Jerry Hanson, 1178 Main Street - Mr. Hanson said he was confused
and asked if there was a specific change being proposed and what is
the exact language? Mr. Wessel said that the exact language is not
yet drafted but he will have this information for the meeting
tomorrow. The intent of the public meeting was to provide general
information.
Arlene Averbeck, 7855 Lake Drive - Ms. Averbeck asked in regard to
the 49/Lake Drive intersection improvement with the present Charter
provisions he can "opt" out of the assessment. What makes him pay
under Chapter 429? Mr. Schneider explained that one (1) property
owner owns the entire portion of the intersection and can petition
against the assessment under the City Charter provisions. However,
under Chapter 429 he would be assessed his fair share. This is a
$1,800, 000. 00 project. The State has pledged $800, 000. 00, the
County has pledged $500, 000. 00 and the City must pay the balance of
$500, 000.00. The Charter does not allow the City to take this from
general taxes and also allows the property owner to "opt" out of
the assessment. Where is the City going to get the money to pay
its portion of the improvement? A gentleman asked if a bond could
be sold. Mr. Schneider explained that bonds cannot not be sold
without a method to repay them and where is that money going to
come from if it cannot come from general taxes or from assessments?
Mark Rehbein, 7545 Patti Drive - Mr. Rehbein asked what the Mayor's
position on the matter is. Mayor Reinert was not in the audience.
Joe Kaim, 6324 Deerwood Lane - Mr. Kaim asked if the assessment
could be due over a period of time and added to the property taxes?
He also asked if the assessment was limited to the amount of
increase in property value. Mr. Peskar said yes to both questions
and this is essentially the same process as under State Statute
429.
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Mr. Kaim asked a question regarding whether the City could increase
the mill rate and not increase taxes because property values are
also increasing. Mr. Peskar said no, the courts would look at the
private appraisals without improvements and then appraisals with
improvements.
Rosemary Storberg, 6978 Lake Drive - Asked if this proposal could
be put on the November ballot so that the citizens could vote on
the matter. She also asked if there is any record indicating that
changing the Charter in this matter would void the entire Charter.
Mr. Smith explained that there are several ways to amend the
Charter and the Charter Commission is proposing to use the method
of recommending a change to the City Council and then they would
pass an ordinance enacting the Charter amendment. There would be
a waiting period prior to the ordinance becoming effective and
during this period of time the citizens could present a petition
requesting a referendum. A second method of amending the Charter
is to directly put the proposal to the voters and bypass the City
Council.
Mr. Peskar answered the question regarding voiding the City
Charter. He noted that under Minnesota law, a home rule charter or
city council can pass any legislation of a local nature that the
legislature can pass. The legislature has the power to classify
property and so does the home rule charter.
Mr. Gontarek noted that this matter should be addressed in the
Charter by-laws.
Bob King, 198 Maryy Street - Mr. King asked how the Council Members
felt about the proposal.
John Bergeson, 6996 West Shadow Lake Drive - Mr. Bergeson explained
that he supported the change. He noted that property taxes are
higher than they should be and to moderate them,
commercial/industrial development must be encouraged. He also
noted the need to be competitive for this development. A
prospective business looks at the process in Lino Lakes and then
looks at the process in adjoining communities. There is no
question that Lino Lakes has a longer more costly process. This
amendment would facilitate attracting business to Lino Lakes.
Ms. Kuether explained that she has not made a decision regarding
the matter, however economic development is needed and she felt the
need to support the EDAAB. Ms. Kuether also expressed the need to
protect the 18 homeowners in the three (3) areas affected by the
proposal.
Mike Welch, 7164 Whippoorwill - Mr. Welch asked what communities
are using Chapter 429? Mr. Peskar explained only one (1) community
in the north metro area uses their Charter, and explained that most
home rule charter communities use Chapter 429.
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Ben Benson, 6666 East Shadow Lake Drive - Noted that he was a
member of the original charter commission and gave a brief
background of that matter. He said concern has been expressed for
the 18 landowners who are directly impacted by the proposal but
asked that the 140+ families represented here tonight be
considered. Mr. Benson noted that the City Council had appointed
an Economic Director to research and bring commercial development
to the City and he should be heard rather than "picked on" . He
said that the citizens should listen and learn and possibly there
is a compromise because apparently the City is not ready to adopt
State Statute 429. Businesses need utilities and not ready to
gamble on whether or not they will be available when they are ready
to move in. They want the City to gamble. Mr. Benson suggested
that if the citizens want specific questions answered regarding the
proposal they should attend the meeting tomorrow evening.
Mike Stanton, 1157 Main Street - Mr. Stanton referred to the west
central trunk improvement of several years ago near and around St.
Joseph Catholic Church. He said the Church held several meetings
on the subject and were forced to sell some of their property. He
also noted that the proposal was to put the sewer through the
cemetery. Mr. Stanton asked if the Charter proposal is adopted
what is going to protect the farmers. Mr. Peskar noted that if the
land is actually farmed, it is protected because it is classified
as "green acres" and cannot be assessed until it is sold or taken
out of "green acres". Mr. Peskar explained that burial grounds are
protected from assessment by state statute.
Beverly Landers, 7181 Sunrise Drive - Ms. Landers said that the
residents were lied to regarding the west central improvement.
Kerry Ostergren, 6900 Black Duck Drive - Ms. Ostergren noted that
over 50% of the citizens in Lino Lakes live in areas where there
are sewer and water improvements. She asked why 14 of the 15
Charter Commission members do not live in these areas. She felt
this was not a fair representation? Ms. Ostergren asked why voters
do not have a voice on who represents them on the Charter
Commission. Mr. Smith explained that the process of appointment is
by an Anoka County judge.
Mr. Clausen said that if a business wants to come to Lino Lakes
they should "put their money up front" and pay for sewer and water
services and not have the citizens pay for them. He noted areas
where farmers were forced to sell their property. Mr. Smith
explained that there are ways for the City Council to help
accommodate the local citizens and noted how this was done in
Vadnais Heights.
Jon Tenneson, 126 Egret - Mr. Tenneson noted that there is only one
(1) landowner in the 49/Lake Drive area and under the City Charter
if he does not want to be assessed he can petition out of the
assessment. Can he be assessed if that area is changed for State
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Statute 429? The answer was yes. Mr. Tenneson asked if this
landowner was holding up the re-alignment of 49/Lake Drive and the
answer was yes.
Ms. Donlin said she did not see why developers cannot wait and go
through the process instead of changing the regulations we have put
in place to protect ourselves. She was told that they will go some
place else rather than wait.
Tim Lehn, 6781 East Shadow Lake Drive - Mr. Lehn said he did not
own his own business but did understand commerce and what it takes
to bring businesses into an area and knew that they would go
someplace else if they have to wait. He also explained that the
49/Lake Drive intersection must be re-aligned to save lives. In
the process the landowner will have a more valuable piece of
property. He felt the process could be changed to require him to
pay his fair share of the costs. He noted that the landowner
cannot be assessed more than the increase in the value of his
property.
Gentleman in the audience - Under the present Charter system, if a
majority of the landowners vote for the improvement, what happens
to the person who does not want the improvement? Mr. Peskar
explained that he will be assessed his fair share and he has the
same protection as anyone else under State Statute 429. He can
argue that the assessment is not spread fairly or that the amount
exceeds the increase in his market value.
Mr. Stadum noted that Lino Lakes is unique and we are distinguished
from the neighbors in that our neighborhoods are micro settlements.
He asked if the Charter is changed and State Statute 429 is adopted
for the three (3) specific areas, who does this empower? Mr.
Peskar explained that the Charter empowers the citizens more that
the State Statutes. He said the question is what is the result of
that empowerment if you want to use special assessments to finance
improvements? This is a value judgement.
Darrell Phillips, 158 Maryy Street - Mr. Phillips said that the
landowner is not the reason for the delay in the 49/Lake Drive
project. He said it was the City, County and State. Mr.
Schumacher explained that method of funding the re-alignment noting
that the State and County have approved their funding. However,
Lino Lakes must pay its share. The City must sell bonds to fund
the City portion of the improvement and the City cannot use taxes
to repay the bonds.
Mr. Phillips again said that it is the State, County and City
holding up the re-alignment. Mr. Schumacher explained that this is
not true, the design, plans and specifications have all been
completed and approved. Only the Lino Lakes portion of the funding
is not settled.
PAGE 11
Mr. Mesich explained that he is a member of the Planning and Zoning
Board and is still living in Lino Lakes because of the City
Charter. He said the City tried to push sewer and water down his
street and some of his neighbors did move. The Charter protected
the rights of the citizens living on the street. He noted that the
Charter protects those living in Lino Lakes not those who may be
moving in. He noted that the Planning and Zoning Board is doing
all that they can to attract new business and made additional
comments regarding Andy Gibas.
Mark Walmsley, 6978 Black Duck Drive - Mr. Walmsley said he did not
want the Charter to work toward just pleasing the vocal citizens at
this meeting. He asked that the Charter Commission not just listen
to the people who are yelling.
Ms. Storberg noted that several years ago an asphalt company wanted
to relocate in Lino Lakes. The City Council did not approve the
plans at that time however, if the City Council wanted that
business in town, there is no one who could say no. Mr. Fred
Chase, past chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board said that it
is not correct to say that any business can come in regardless of
whether or not there is sewer and water. However, the higher taxed
businesses need sewer. The area of I35E/Main Street cannot get
sewer because of the City Charter and this area will sit vacant.
He noted that a training center will be starting construction in a
few weeks and they are taking up 40 acres. The presence of sewer
and water utilities would generate much more of a tax base. He
also noted that if the City allows the land to be used by lower tax
based businesses because there is no sewer and water, that area may
remain unproductive on a tax basis for 30 or 40 years. Worse yet
it could remain vacant. Mr. Chase also noted that if the City
Council and the Planning and Zoning Board wanted the asphalt plant,
the citizens could not stop it.
A gentleman from the audience said that the Charter Commission has
said that we cannot bring in businesses because we do not have
sewer and assessments are needed to bring in sewer. He said he
thought the whole idea was to assess the businesses that are coming
in and not charge the residents already here. Mr. Chase said that
when a facility is coming, there may be improvements built that
would benefit more properties than the business that is coming.
Therefore, to build the services initially, assessments are needed
and you assess all those who benefit.
Mr. Gontarek wrapped up the audience input section of the meeting
and thank the Charter Commission for presenting the information
this evening.
Mr. Smith thank all persons contributing to the presentation and
also thanked the audience.
The meeting adjourned at 10: 00 P.M.
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Marilyn G. Anderson, Clerk-Treasurer, City of Lino Lakes
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