Agenda Packets - 1999/08/23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Senator Novak stated the Legislature had gone into this year facing a significant deficit, and will come out of the year essentially in balance. He stated they are moving forward, which is a very positive thing. Senator Novak reported he was involved directly in a number of issues that affected the local area, and one of these has statewide significance. He stated it was a rare opportunity to be involved in what he would call a"Mega-Project,"which relates to the significant expansion of Medtronic in the neighboring community of Fridley, which would dominate the north suburban skyline for the next generation. He stated this expansion would lead directly to the doubling of employment in Minnesota by Medtronic of 4-8,000 jobs. He stated the average wages would be $55,000 per job. He stated this was significant hi-tech growth, presented by a local company, which they are all familiar with, that has grown to worldwide stature. He stated Medtronic had options to relocate, however, chose to stay, not only in Minnesota,but also in the northern suburbs. He stated it took several changes in law to put this package together. He stated this involved the extension of the existing TIF Districts in Fridley, as well as special changes in law related to the environment in regard to the impact upon Moore Lake. He stated, additionally, there were changes in law related to the Department of Transportation and freeway exit and entry ramps, and a coordinated effort in conjunction with the Ventura Administration, the Republican House and the Democratic Senate. He stated this represented the best of what can happen with combinations of political philosophies all understanding the importance of making some changes to allow a major project to go forward. He stated that many will benefit from this directly,however,it is clearly a project of the scope of half a dozen projects he could recall in 25 years with the state,in terms of public policy combining with the private sector to go forward. Senator Novak stated they would see some increases in local government aid formulas in terms of the state's relationship to all levels of local governments; cities, counties and schools, and a variety of special factors related to the metropolitan area.He stated this was a significant Legislative Session by any historical standard, and one that all Minnesotans can feel good about. He stated all Minnesotans will benefit from personally, directly, and collectively, in terms of the communities across the state, as well as in regard to state public policy, in terms of continuing a coordinated bi- partisan, now tri-partisan effort to position Minnesota's economy for the 21st Century. Mayor Coughlin Marty stated he had never met Senator Novak, however,would like to express his personal thanks and appreciation to the Senator for his assistance with the airport issue, which is something that is near and dear to the hearts of many of the residents of Mounds View. Senator Novak stated he appreciated Council Member Marty's comment very much. He added that he was going to bring this matter up,if no one else did,and begin by thanking Mayor Coughlin,City staff, and particularly City Administrator Whiting and others he had worked with on this issue for many years. He stated they had applied themselves very constructively to the matter. He stated he had worked with Mayor Coughlin and various delegations of people from Mounds View, as well as Representative Haake from Mounds View on this issue, as he had with previous House members of both political parties. Senator Novak stated this was a bi-partisan issue, and an issue of real interest and concern to the community. He stated it continues to amaze him how difficult it is to "get their arms around this," and come to a final conclusion, because over the years, they have had significant successes that 15 C:\ADMIN\MINUTES\CC\8-9-99.CC