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Kerry Ostergren, 6900 Black Duck Drive - Ms. Ostergren asked to <br /> hear Mr. Smith's opinion regarding the proposed Charter change. <br /> Mr. Smith explained that the Charter worked great in his area and <br /> stopped some proposed improvements. He noted that his business is <br /> located in a neighboring community and that city operates under the <br /> 429 State Statutes. When he approached that city, the process of <br /> getting under construction took less than 90 days. He noted that <br /> some businesses move because their leases have expired and they <br /> need to move fast. This cannot happen in Lino Lakes. <br /> Mr. Smith explained his involvement with City government during the <br /> 19801s. He noted his concern for the 18 or 19 residents that would <br /> be affected by the proposed Charter change. He felt that this <br /> problem will be the focus of the Charter Commission meeting on <br /> Wednesday evening. <br /> Steve McDonald, 336 Carl Street - How long will it take to get <br /> businesses in the Apollo Business Park. Mr. Wessel explained that <br /> not until the end of 1994 . There is a business that is very <br /> serious about the Business Park and it is conceivable that they <br /> could be located there by the end of the year. He noted that in <br /> most cases it will take another four (4) to six (6) months after <br /> the business has selected the site. <br /> Mr. McDonald noted that the City got the Apollo Business Park <br /> without any Charter changes. Mr. Wessel explained that Lino Lakes <br /> is competing with surrounding communities for the business and Lino <br /> Lakes looses when the process takes an additional four (4) months <br /> to a year and one half. <br /> Mr. Gontarek said that there is no disagreement about attracting <br /> quality commercial/industrial business, however the problem is the <br /> length of the process. The Charter change would expedite the <br /> process and the City would be able to compete for quality <br /> development. Mr. Gontarek did express concern for the 18 <br /> homeowners who would be affected. <br /> Lady in the audience - The lady said she understood the difference <br /> and that people would be affected. She asked if under 429, would <br /> the residents have the right to give input. Mr. Peskar explained <br /> that there is no petitioning process under 429. However, the <br /> landowner can go to the court and stop an improvement if the cost <br /> is not spread equally among the benefitted property owners or if <br /> the assessment is larger than the benefit to the property. Mr. <br /> Peskar also noted that the Charter petition process allows all <br /> landowners to petition regardless of how much property they own. <br /> Joe Kaim, 6323 Deerwood Lane - Mr. Kaim asked if the Charter <br /> amendment is adopted, how will that affect my tax base. Mr. Tester <br /> explained that currently Lino Lakes residents pay more taxes on <br /> equally valued property than surrounding communities. If <br /> commercial/industrial development were allowed to happen, the tax <br /> PAGE 7 <br />