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EDC Minutes <br /> July 15, 2016 <br /> Page 5 of 10 <br /> and then theoretically get its money back, but it is also extra money out of people's <br /> pockets. <br /> Helgemoe asked if the Commissioners had comments in terms of the uses. Is it <br /> something we want to do or not? Personally working with business, these are things that <br /> are important to businesses in terms of projects to attract and retain business, new <br /> development deals, etc. If the city doesn't have the money to do it then we can't get it <br /> done. <br /> Commissioner Freichels agreed that it is a good use of funds to acquire property to get <br /> updated in the City of Mounds View especially with the Rice Creek Commons <br /> development coming on-line. The City will be competing against a blank slate and <br /> Mounds View is an older city so there a several buildings that need some attention, <br /> especially if considering a new development across the freeway. I believe the city is <br /> going to have to do something because there is a lot of land over there for <br /> redevelopment. Mounds View has a good story in the sense that they have a history of <br /> well-established business which may not be competing against high property tax values <br /> in land with this year's building verses buildings built 10-20 years ago. Particularly if the <br /> city has specific sites they have in mind for redevelopment. <br /> Currently, the city doesn't have the funds to negotiate. This takes a lot of time and <br /> money. I would like to see how Crossroad Pointe turns out since the city hasn't done one <br /> of these projects for a while. If the project turns out successful, then this is a great <br /> example of funds being put to good use. I believe it is a good idea, whether the city goes <br /> to the maximum or not. I know how that would affect my business in town but I would <br /> support the levy just because I know the problems we've had over the years dealing with <br /> certain properties and situations where we couldn't do anything because we didn't have <br /> the money. It will be interesting to see how the Crossroad Pointe project turns out. Even <br /> though it would increase the taxes collected on my business property, I would be in <br /> support of it. <br /> Commissioner Rieland, said she believes the key would be to know how much it would <br /> affect tax payers. She supports the levy because in order to have a vibrant city we will <br /> need funds in order to prevent further pockets of decay in the city as it gets older. Also <br /> with the recent Rice Creek development, there is increased competition. This is a great <br /> opportunity especially with the new Bel-Rae and Crossroad Pointe development and the <br /> Rice Creek Commons development. This is a great time to put this on the table to at <br /> least see how people react. <br /> Commissioner Dan Larson and Laurie Shoop agreed. Larson mentioned that as a <br /> resident he is seeing the housing stock deteriorate and we can either let it go or take <br /> steps to improve the situation. Therefore, I am for it. <br /> Commissioner Freichels said that the city is limited on the funds that are available and <br /> with more blight this type of funding could help alleviate this problem. Perhaps more <br /> enforcement could also be part of the solutions depending on how the funds could be <br /> used. <br />