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Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 <br />Regular Meeting Page 6 <br /> <br />between CKA and KinderCare were further discussed. He believed CKA could serve the <br />community best. He understood that the City could save a small amount of money by having the <br />YMCA provide childcare. However, he urged the Council to consider the long-term value of <br />these children and the valuable services that are being provided by CKA. He stated that he has <br />worked very hard to create the child care center that he has and has paid a lot of money to use <br />and improve that space. He made these investments because he was passionate about serving his <br />families. <br /> <br />Council Member Mueller asked if Mr. Garg was a part of the original Creative Kids child care <br />center. Mr. Garg explained he was not, but stated he acquired the lease with a partner in 2009. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn stated she has considered both sides of this matter. She explained she has <br />tried to view this matter strictly from a business point of view, in addition to an emotional point <br />of view. In the end, she believed the City should honor the contract it has in place with Creative <br />Kids Academy. For that reason, she would not support the resolution. <br /> <br />Council Member Mueller thanked both parties for the information that has been provided to the <br />Council. She discussed the matter from a business perspective and understood that Creative Kids <br />Academy was willing to pay the property taxes. After thoughtfully weighing both sides of the <br />matter, she wanted to see the City honor the current lease. <br /> <br />Council Member Hull explained his opinion has not changed since the work session meeting. He <br />was in favor of keeping the contract with Creative Kids Academy. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause noted he visited Creative Kids Academy last week with City <br />Administrator Ericson and thanked Mr. Garg for the tour. He then read a written statement for <br />the record. He believed this was a very difficult decision for the City Council given the fact the <br />Council was being forced to choose between two outstanding entities within the community. It <br />was his opinion that the community would continue to benefit regardless of the outcome. He <br />appreciated Mr. Garg’s comments and understood the passion he had for his organization. He <br />noted Creative Kids Academy has been an excellent tenant for the City since 2009 with zero <br />issues associated with their monthly rental payment. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause continued his statement by indicating he did not appreciate the <br />comments made by Mr. Garg regarding the YMCA’s hostile takeover of his business and feared <br />these comments detracted from his otherwise positive presentation. He explained the City has <br />had a great partnership with the YMCA for the past 18 years. He appreciated the Y’s dedication <br />to the community by offering successful programming. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause stated after touring the childcare space he agreed with Mr. Garg <br />that it would be difficult to utilize this space after hours. However, there was some open space <br />that could be used by the Boy Scouts or Mounds View Lions. He then discussed the <br />accreditation process that would have to be followed by the YMCA. He believed it was in the <br />best interest of the community to send the notice of termination of lease to Creative Kids <br />Academy. He commented on the savings the City would receive if the lease were terminated.