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Mounds View EDA June 27, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 13 that the golf course would maintain existing green space adding that Medtronic is only going to 508 develop a portion of the property and the remainder would be available for use by Mounds View 509 residents as a park facility with trails. He referenced other developers noting that he does not 510 believe that there are more than a handful of developers in the state that could handle a project of 511 this size within this state. He stated that they know what Medtronic brings to the table adding 512 that other developers would be a best guess. He stated that development for residential homes 513 would only be a continuation of the city operating on the backs of homeowners. He referenced 514 industrial development and asked if they really want the possibility of an industry that could 515 cause potential environmental issues, noise pollution or other additional daily traffic because of 516 trucking. He stated that it is his belief that if the golf course property were put out for proposal 517 by other developers he does not believe that Medtronic would be part of that group. He 518 referenced the concerns expressed as to whether they are getting the best value for the land and 519 the best deal for Mounds View stating that he believes that the value is not only based on 520 monetary reasons but we need to also judge it by the type of business, the image, the potential for 521 future growth and the type of people associated to this industry that would come into this project. 522 He stated that over the last year he has talked with neighbors and asked them what their concerns 523 are living in Mounds View. He stated that most responded that their biggest concerns are taxes 524 and increases in the cost of services provided. He stated that he understands that the residents of 525 Mounds View asked him to be their representative and to make the best decisions for all citizens. 526 He assured the community that he has listened to everyone’s concerns and believes that the golf 527 course has been a wonderful asset for the community but he also believes that Mounds View’s 528 future does not lay with the golf course but it does with Medtronic. 529 530 Commissioner Thomas clarified that it was her understanding that last week the meeting was 531 designed to hear from the public and their chance to speak would be tonight. She stated that this 532 gave them time to absorb and research to provide answers this week. She stated that she has 533 spent much of the week meeting with many different people and talking with residents who are 534 both for and against and somehow it seems the community can’t get around this issue becoming 535 a personal, emotional issue. She stated that it should be about the numbers adding that it has to 536 be about more than the dollars and cents discussed here. She stated that it does come down to 537 how she feels about this issue and whether the questions and concerns were answered and 538 addressed. She stated that they have been presented with an opportunity and proposal that they 539 can say yes or no to and then deal with the next step. She explained that she has to decide, based 540 on her beliefs and as an individual, what is best for the City of Mounds View. She stated that she 541 understands the limitations this property has adding that any opportunities should be explored. 542 She stated that initially she had significant concerns noting that every one of her concerns has 543 been addressed. She stated that they worked very hard for six months raising questions and 544 looking at all potential options. She referenced the cap on the TIF District stating that she 545 understands what they had to do adding that she does not like the idea of a 25-year TIF district 546 but she can do the math and understands what is being discussed. She stated that it was 547 suggested that if this is the dollar amount needed to be competitive that it should be capped at the 548 district and when it is reached it would end. She stated that this is their shot in getting this to be 549