Minutes - 2005/08/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 22, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 11 around the world. She asked each Councilmember if any had negotiated a deal of this magnitude. All Councilmembers, Director Ericson, .and Finance Director Beer indicated they had not. Ms. Dofney asked City Administrator Ulrich and City Attorney Riggs if they had negotiated a deal of this magnitude. Both indicated they had not. Ms. Dofney agreed this is a big deal. She stated she knows all care about the City as does she, a 32-year resident. She stated this is a tough situation and asked if Medtronic would be willing to renegotiate because of resident's concern and good questions. Ms. Dofney stated that most believe in the "golden rule" but commented that most know that "those who have the gold rule." She stated she knows Medtronic has a lot of money and asked if the City is getting the best deal. She stated she hates to leave this burden up to the Council and noted there are many educated and knowledgeable people who want to assure we get the best deal and jobs. Mayor Marty stated a Mounds View Medtronic employee is in attendance tonight. John Kopis, 2222 County Highway 10, stated his business has sold carpet to people who bought a home in Mounds View which is beneficial to him. He stated he talked to many businesses in Mounds View and every single person he spoke with is excited that Medtronic is coming to Mounds View. He emphasized that that the business community really supports it. Mr. Kopis stated he does not have a home in Mounds View but does have a building as big as 10 houses, pays a lot of taxes, and works 60-70 hours a week so he can pay his taxes. He stated he wants the Council to know this is a good thing for the City of Mounds View and while nothing is perfect, • and 25 years may be a bit too long, it is a good thing. He stated it is important to have Medtronic in Mounds View and he would be proud to say they are where he has a business. Mr. Kopis stated almost every week or day someone comes in for donations and he has donated money for fireworks. He stated he resents it when you have been asked to make a donation and are then criticized for it. Mayor Marty stated he knows John Kopis works 60-70 hours a week. Jon McKusick, 8465 Eastwood Road, asked if they are paying interest to other TIF districts. Economic Development Coordinator Backman answered in the affirmative. Ms. Haake reviewed the Light Industrial zoning language on that property and indicated that it applies if Medtronic is going to have 50% of the principal building devoted to office or storage or warehousing of merchandise. She referenced the Planning Commission meeting minutes of January 19, 2005 and February 2, 2005 public hearing on this particular public facility. At one time it was zoning to Industrial I-1 and stating that the office designation most likely correlated with the planned office complex development. She stated she goes back to what she said previously and thinks the attorney should look at it again. She stated she thinks a zoning change is needed so it correlates to the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Haake stated the Comprehensive Plan amendment the City did calls for this to be an office space. That means there has to be a zoning class of Office. Ms. Haake stated there has to be a zoning change, which would require an • ordinance. She indicated that will then kick off, all over again, another petition.