08-17-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission August 3, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 6 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Meehlhause asked if the proposed 4,800 employees would be a multi-shift. Jim Driessen, Medtronic Inc., stated it would be a single-shift operation with 3,000 employees in Phase 1 and a total of 4,800 employees in Phase 2. Commissioner Scotch asked about the hours of operation. She also asked about putting 6,000 vehicles onto Highway 10 when the shift ends noting Highway 10 and 35W are already congested. Mr. Driessen stated hours are approximately 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. He noted it is not shift work; they are flexible in work hours with a start time between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and an end time between 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He added traffic studies have been done. Commissioner Scotch asked if the 8 story buildings would have a similar look to Fridley as far as window appearance. Mr. Driessen stated they have spoken with MNDOT regarding the future expansion of Highway 10, and noted they would hold buildings back for that. He stated the buildings would not mirror Fridley since they are the headquarters, but this project would have many windows and natural light, but a different architecture. Commissioner Scotch asked about the airport in regard to 8 story buildings. Mr. Dixon stated the buildings would not be in the flight patterns; however, they still need to get approval from the FAA regarding height. He noted based on previous discussions with the FAA they would meet the requirements. Commissioner Scotch stated like other residents she has concerns although the site plan itself appears well done. Commissioner Zwirn asked in discussions with the City of Blaine how much of the TIF money is going into developing the City of Blaine property. He also asked if there was an indication the City of Blaine is coming to the table with money to assist in development. Director Ericson stated when all is said and done, possibly no TIF dollars would be spent in Blaine. He noted that there is approximately $25 Million in identified eligible expenses with a reimbursement cap of $14.8 million. The City has expressed its desire to Medtronic that TIF eligible expenses in Mounds View are reimbursed first. He added the City of Blaine is not participating financially. Commissioner Scotch asked about the potential for a park and how much land there would be for it. She noted concerns that the City should hang onto this land. Director Ericson stated approximately 43 acres. In preliminary discussions, plantings and/or something that accentuates property yet has an educational feel was mentioned. Acting Chair Miller asked where is the entrance to the park area. Director Ericson replied maybe north of the structured parking ramp but it has not been discussed in detail. Commissioner Scotch asked, for this amount of vehicles, are there two entrances off of County Road J. Mr. Dixon stated yes. Commissioner Hull asked about the trailways at the Fridley site. Mr. Driessen stated the trail is a multi-use path because it is actually a softscape fire access road.