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intent of the EDAAB is to allow quality development to happen <br /> sooner rather than later. <br /> Mr. Peskar presented a brief description of the purpose of the <br /> League of Minnesota Cities. He also briefly explained the purpose <br /> of special assessments. He noted that special assessment can be <br /> used only when there is a demonstrated need. He also noted that <br /> people pay more attention to the improvements when they have to pay <br /> a portion of the costs. Mr. Peskar explained that assessment <br /> provide a flexible source of revenue and allows government to make <br /> improvements without building up a fund ahead of time. The <br /> disadvantages of assessments were also outlined. He also noted <br /> that the courts have built in a system of protection under State <br /> Statute 429 in specifying that the assessment cannot exceed the <br /> value increase in property value and government cannot run wild. <br /> Mr. Peskar used the overhead projector and compared the Lino Lakes <br /> City Charter to Chapter 429. <br /> Mr. Smith again noted that the Charter Commissions proposal is to <br /> change three (3) areas in Lino Lakes. <br /> Mr. Gontarek explained the process for taking public input. He <br /> asked that questions be specific and directed toward the proposed <br /> Charter changes only. <br /> Amy Donlin, 6100 Centerville Road - Mrs. Donlin noted that TIF is <br /> very complicated and noted that it is not being used as much <br /> because it has been abused for personal gain. She said she was <br /> worried that this could happen in Lino Lakes. Mr. Schumacher <br /> explained that TIF has not been abused by businesses but sometimes <br /> communities used TIF where it was not appropriate. <br /> Mr. Gontarek explained that TIF is a different subject and comments <br /> should pertain to the proposed Charter amendment. <br /> Gerald Clausen, 6109 Baldwin Lake Road - Mr. Clausen asked why the <br /> City wants to change the status of the three (3) areas. Mr. Wessel <br /> explained that it would create an opportunity to operate in the <br /> commercial/industrial zoned areas. He noted that it is very <br /> difficult to act quickly with the current Charter restrictions. <br /> The change would allow Lino Lakes to become competitive with <br /> surrounding communities. The change would create an atmosphere of <br /> being responsive to economic development opportunities within the <br /> commercial/industrial districts only. It would help to create a <br /> time line for potential commercial/industrial developers. <br /> Jon Tennesen, 126 Egret Lane - Mr. Tennesen said his property has <br /> been in a TIF district for six (6) years and wanted to know where <br /> this money is going. He noted that none of his taxes go to the <br /> city, county or the school district. He asked, "where is it?" Mr. <br /> Gontarek briefly explained how TIF operates and noted that all the <br /> PAGE 4 <br />