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Mounds View EDA June 27, 2005 <br />Regular Meeting Page 13 <br /> <br />had factored in the $5 million of surplus the City received and spread that out over the 25-years <br />for the district. He stated that it would also include additional funding for the schools. He <br />agreed that the golf course would maintain existing green space adding that Medtronic is only <br />going to develop a portion of the property and the remainder would be available for use by <br />Mounds View residents as a park facility with trails. He referenced other developers noting that <br />he does not believe that there are more than a handful of developers in the state that could handle <br />a project of this size within this state. He stated that they know what Medtronic brings to the <br />table adding that other developers would be a best guess. He stated that development for <br />residential homes would only be a continuation of the city operating on the backs of <br />homeowners. He referenced industrial development and asked if they really want the possibility <br />of an industry that could cause potential environmental issues, noise pollution or other additional <br />daily traffic because of trucking. He stated that it is his belief that if the golf course property <br />were put out for proposal by other developers he does not believe that Medtronic would be part <br />of that group. He referenced the concerns expressed as to whether they are getting the best value <br />for the land and the best deal for Mounds View stating that he believes that the value is not only <br />based on monetary reasons but we need to also judge it by the type of business, the image, the <br />potential for future growth and the type of people associated to this industry that would come into <br />this project. He stated that over the last year he has talked with neighbors and asked them what <br />their concerns are living in Mounds View. He stated that most responded that their biggest <br />concerns are taxes and increases in the cost of services provided. He stated that he understands <br />that the residents of Mounds View asked him to be their representative and to make the best <br />decisions for all citizens. He assured the community that he has listened to everyone’s concerns <br />and believes that the golf course has been a wonderful asset for the community but he also <br />believes that Mounds View’s future does not lay with the golf course but it does with Medtronic. <br /> <br />Commissioner Thomas clarified that it was her understanding that last week the meeting was <br />designed to hear from the public and their chance to speak would be tonight. She stated that this <br />gave them time to absorb and research to provide answers this week. She stated that she has <br />spent much of the week meeting with many different people and talking with residents who are <br />both for and against and somehow it seems the community can’t get around this issue becoming <br />a personal, emotional issue. She stated that it should be about the numbers adding that it has to <br />be about more than the dollars and cents discussed here. She stated that it does come down to <br />how she feels about this issue and whether the questions and concerns were answered and <br />addressed. She stated that they have been presented with an opportunity and proposal that they <br />can say yes or no to and then deal with the next step. She explained that she has to decide, based <br />on her beliefs and as an individual, what is best for the City of Mounds View. She stated that she <br />understands the limitations this property has adding that any opportunities should be explored. <br />She stated that initially she had significant concerns noting that every one of her concerns has <br />been addressed. She stated that they worked very hard for six months raising questions and <br />looking at all potential options. She referenced the cap on the TIF District stating that she <br />understands what they had to do adding that she does not like the idea of a 25-year TIF district <br />but she can do the math and understands what is being discussed. She stated that it was