03/30/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES MARCH 30, 1998 the building of the Village will be market driven. He asked why an offer was not being made to Lifetime Fitness or another such organization. Kim explained that the 20/20 Vision project indicated that residents wanted a family center in the town center area. Mary Alice explained if the City offers just land to the Y, they will go somewhere else. Chris said that he would rather the City tie up an athletic complex site before funding the Y. John commented that this Y will be the same as the Y next to Target Greatland on Lexington Avenue. He also noted that the Y will only come to Lino Lakes if the City gives them some assistance. Kim felt that it did not hurt to go ahead with the informational phase. Andy felt that the Y would only go to the community that offers them the most dollars. Brian said that this was not true, the Y is committed to Lino Lakes. Caroline asked Brian what the land was worth. Brian said that the City is getting the land free as he explained in the Village development plan. It was also noted that the site can only be used for public purposes and cannot be used for commercial development. Brian also noted that at this time the City has not committed to anything other than exploring the possibilities. Kim suggested that Rick and the Park Board sit down with the Council and determine what is more important, an athletic complex or the Y. Brian suggested that the Comp Plan Citizens Forum make this a topic. He said he hated to hear that this is an either/or situation. Kim felt that the Council would have to make a decision on this matter this year and wanted a "good feel" for what the community wanted. Brian felt that the best situation would be to tie up the land for the athletic complex with the idea of funding both the complex and the Y in 1999. Rick noted that the Park Board has voted to postpone the park referendum and will discuss the matter again in 1999. Funding Sources - Randy noted that the State Legislature is considering "tax class compression". He provided a handout for the Council indicating how the legislature proposes to reduce the tax rates (Schedule "I"). This means that although the total valuation of the City will increase, the City will collect less in property taxes. He also noted that if the City Council holds the levy to what it was last year, the City will have less dollars to use. This proposal is supported by the Governor. Randy also explained that levy limits will continue to at least the year 2002. Growth oriented cities may get some flexibility but this has not been worked out. He also noted that bond payments are exempt from levy limits. Randy also said that there has been substantial industrial development in Lino Lakes but with the help of TIF. Some of the TIF districts should be completed in three or four years, however they may continue as long as five or six years because of the compressed tax classes. Randy referred to the Highway 49/Highway 23 Improvement Project assessment appeal by property owner George Reiling. The City assessed the property $565,000.00. Mr. Reiling appealed the assessment. The Court has assigned a special master to place a value on the property. This matter may be resolved in a couple of weeks. The City should be looking at a decision that would allow the assessment to be reduced. If this is the case, the City will have to revisit this matter to determine how the balance will be funded. PAGE 4