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Mounds View Planning Commission August 3, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Coordinator Backman stated Medtronic would try to make an attractive location for employees and visitors. He noted the floor plans were originally larger but have been trimmed down. He added Medtronic would like to see a park on the open space land and has not expressed interest in buying this land. Commissioner Scotch asked if the City would be making enough money off this project to add a park. She noted she wants to make sure there is enough dollars going into the fund. Coordinator Backman replied yes. He stated approximately $150,000 out of the $865,000 park dedication fees fund would be allocated towards this park. Commissioner Meehlhause asked where the employees are currently located that would be moving to this development site. Mr. Driessen stated it would be a combination of existing employees throughout the northern suburbs and new employees. Commissioner Scotch asked how many new employees. Mr. Driessen stated the projection is 2,000 new jobs over the next seven years (to 2012). Commissioner Scotch asked if they have been in touch with the water shed district. Mr. Driessen stated yes. Lloyd Bardwell, 2932 County Road J, stated he is not opposed to the project and is already well aware of the flow of traffic. He checked with the bus company, which has 22 stops per day on this road, and they indicated there have been close accidents. He asked where the line is drawn from common sense to ridiculous regarding traffic. He stated he talked with an engineer at MNDOT and requested trucks drive on roads provided for them, i.e. County Road 10, not on County Road J. MNDOT said because of taxes derived from the industry this cannot be done. He added there would be 23,000 vehicles a day on the road and asked that the residents on the street be taken into account. Mr. Backman stated they want a road system that works well for all. There will be an Open House on August 9, 2005 at the Blaine City Hall regarding traffic expansion. He added although traffic will increase, there would be seven signaled intersections and dividers which should slow down traffic. He suggested concerned residents attend the open house. Director Ericson stated the traffic on County Road J is not as high on the residential side of County Road J. He noted 90 percent of the traffic would be getting on 35W and / or Highway 10. Karen Asplund, 8464 Greenwood Drive, stated she is concerned about traffic noise on County Road J because although there is a wall, it is still noisy. Commissioner Scotch asked how the site could be approved when she is not happy with the sale of land regarding the price being paid. Director Ericson stated that while he appreciates concern and reservations, the City Council has approved the development agreement with Medtronic. Sometimes the Council approves something the Planning Commission does not support. He used the example of billboards on the golf course which the Commission unanimously voted no on, but City Council approved. He added Council has authorized the project so the