07-26-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Coughlin stated that TIF is merely a tool. He provided an analogy it is "like ahammer-- • you can hammer nails, or you can hammer your thumb, and it depends upon what you utilize it for." He stated that the Council had posted information on the wall of Council Chambers which included some of the items they had discussed at the Council Retreat. He explained that this was, essentially, to set TIF policy, and to set a goal for the funds becoming available in regard to those districts. Mayor Coughlin encouraged Mr. Oman to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m., the following Wednesday, adding that he would also be in attendance. He stated that they are slowly but surely adding trails to the City of Mounds View. He stated that the Council had just authorized an expenditure of funds for a trail to extend from Fridley, along County Road I, to Silver Lake Road. He stated that due to budget priorities, this issue had not been as actively addressed in the past few years. He stated that there was a fair amount of money set aside for the Park and Recreation Commission in park dedication fees, and that some of those funds have come available, and would be utilized in that particular manner. Mayor Coughlin stated that the elected members of the Council utilize the facilitator as a guide, and that the Council can accept or reject the facilitator's advisement, adding that he simply someone who assists them in focusing the discussion. He stated Carl Neu is very well known in facilitating circles, and the reason he has been brought in, is because he has history with the City of Mounds View, with present and prior Councils. He stated Mr. Neu is not a stranger, and he understands the dynamics of the City. • Mayor Coughlin stated that seven and a half months ago, he was seated with the residents and a year and a half from now, he probably would be again, either by his will or someone else's. He stated that the reason time is set aside at the Council Meeting for resident's comments, is to gain public input. He stated that all of the Council Members can be reached via voice-mail, and that his E-mail address is printed in the Mounds View Matters. He stated that residents contact him on a daily basis and provide their input. Jerry Linke, 2310 Knoll Drive, stated that he agreed wholeheartedly regarding the services of Mr. Neu. He stated that he was not only knowledgeable of the City of Mounds View, but many of the communities within the metropolitan area as well, and that he could offer the perspective of the entire area. He stated that utilizing him for that service was one of the best things the Council could do. Mr. Linke stated that two weeks prior, the City of Mounds View held their Festival in the Park, and that he had spent Saturday and Sunday selling bratwursts at the Mounds View Lions booth during that event. He stated that it was very evident to him, and many of the residents, that the Council was not there. He noted there was a parade, dance, and an all day event on Sunday, and the Council was not present. He stated senior staff did not attend either, and added this was the first time in approximately 15 years of his involvement that this had happened. Mayor Coughlin stated that he did not dance. He stated he had grown up in a strict religious background, and dancing was something that was not highly touted. He stated his eight-week old daughter had been having some difficulties, and he had spent a fair amount of time putting 4N:\DATA\USERS\JOANB\SHARE\MINUTESICC\ 1999\07-26-99.MIN