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the metro cities of similar size and population indicating that <br /> City spending is not out of "whack" on a per person basis. Mr. <br /> Gorowsky noted that the figures used in his presentation come from <br /> Anoka County and the Minnesota Tax Payers Association. <br /> Mr. Wessel noted that quality education is important to a growing <br /> community and introduced Mr. Tester who outlined how Centennial <br /> School district has grown in enrollment and is projected to enroll <br /> about 6400 plus students by the year 2000. He noted that 20% of <br /> the cost of operating the school district depends directly upon the <br /> property tax base. The balance of the cost is supported by state <br /> aids. Mr. Tester explained that a stronger tax base means that the <br /> homeowner will pay less in taxes. <br /> Mr. Tester noted the legislature is looking at changing the 20%/80% <br /> balance because of recent Supreme Court rulings. The change will <br /> not favor the Centennial School District or the tax payers in that <br /> district. <br /> Mr. Tester also noted that he is in the process of putting together <br /> another facilities study committee to look at additional <br /> facilities. He asked if anyone was interested in serving on this <br /> committee to contact the Superintendent of Schools. <br /> Mr. Wessel showed some slides showing what commercial/industrial <br /> businesses look for in making their decision to locate in a <br /> particular area. He noted that Lino Lakes has over 1000 acres of <br /> land zoned commercial/industrial. Much of the land is wetland. <br /> However, the areas are easily accessible because of the I35E and <br /> I35W interchanges and the improved local roads. <br /> Mr. Wessel outlined the promotional plan of the EDAAB and displayed <br /> the new logo. He noted that an advertising plan is being developed <br /> to secure new businesses and a plan is in place to support the <br /> existing business. <br /> Mr. Wessel noted that the Charter amendment proposal came about <br /> because the EDAAB conscientiously decided to focus on the three (3) <br /> major commercial/industrial areas of the City. The concern is that <br /> the City Charter lessens the ability to respond quickly to provide <br /> utility services and assessments for the utilities. <br /> Mr. Wessel explained that 18 homeowners occupy some of the parcels <br /> in the three (3) areas affected by the proposal. The EDAAB and <br /> Charter Commission are wrestling with the question of what to do <br /> with these homeowners. This problem will be discussed at the <br /> Charter Commission meeting on Wednesday, September 15, 1993 . <br /> Mr. Wessel said Lino Lakes is a unique community and development is <br /> inevitable. Lino Lakes is in the next ring of communities to <br /> develop. The City is projected to have a population in excess of <br /> 30, 000 and there is a need for a well balanced tax base. The <br /> PAGE 3 <br />