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Mounds View EDA April 11, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 4 for the Council to take some time to look that over, and not to make a hard and fast decision this 130 evening. He stated that he is opposed to TIF, and in his eight years as mayor, he didn’t do a 131 single TIF. He stated that at one time TIF served a good purpose and was necessary for 132 economic development. He stated that Mounds View’s TIF percentage of commercial industrial 133 is one of the highest in the Twin City area, and that means they are pre-empting tax revenue from 134 not only the city, but other districts as well, and in particular the school district. He stated the 135 Council should get input from the School Board on how TIF affects their operations. He stated 136 that the franchise fee issue is quite a debate at the legislature at this time, and he had read that the 137 applicant is willing to pay the franchise fee. He stated that the label of fees is on its last days. He 138 stated the taxpayers and many of our representatives in the legislature at this time are working 139 very hard to make sure that taxation is not only fair, but it’s up front where everybody can see it, 140 so he wouldn’t count on the franchise fee. He asked the Council to slow down a little bit, and 141 step back and take a harder look. He submitted some written comments to the Commission. 142 143 Economic Development Coordinator stated that the water and sewer would be connected to the 144 city utilities from the south under Highway 10, and there would be a franchise fee generated from 145 that. He stated that currently the whole property is tax exempt right now, and there would be a 146 base that would generate revenues, and that base would be approximately $8 million. 147 148 Kevin Griffin, 8161 Red Oak Court, stated he has been a resident since 1988, and he stated he is 149 in support of the golf course. He stated he owns an underground construction company, and he 150 brings clients to the course and frequents the restaurants in Mounds View. He cautioned the 151 Council to exercise caution on committing any type of tax incentives for this project or any type 152 of project, especially to insure that there are guarantees or security in place that that type of 153 funding will be recovered in the future. He encouraged the Commission to pursue other 154 alternatives to reduce the debt of the golf course. 155 156 Greg Holee, 8192 Groveland Road, stated he is an admirer of Medtronic, but he and his wife are 157 golfers, and he thinks it’s a wonderful amenity. He stated it’s a nationally recognized facility, 158 and awards have been won for the youth development. He stated it would be a huge sense of loss 159 for the community to lose that facility. 160 161 Cindy Carlson, 2215 Kenwood Court, Maplewood, stated she is in favor of the proposed 162 acquisition by Medtronic. She stated she has participated in golfing at the Bridges, but she feels 163 it’s a tremendous opportunity to sell this property to Medtronic. She stated that not only is 164 Medtronic involved in a lot of different philanthropic activities that benefit the state and many of 165 the residents, but they also participate very actively in the community through the Twin Cities 166 North Area Chamber of Commerce in various committees on the Board of Directors and in 167 various fundraisers. 168 169 Dan Hall, 12860 Lever St, Blaine, stated that he has been operating the Mermaid in Mounds 170 View since 1972 and lived in Mounds View for 11 years. He stated the Medtronic has been a 171