Minutes - 2005/08/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 22, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 14 she is finding most favor having Medtronic here and believe it is the best thing to happen to Mounds View. Ms. Werner stated she agrees. She noted that this golf course has existed for ten years, has lost money constantly, and there is now a $4 million debt. The golf course borrows money from the City and is not making any money. She stated Medtronic will allow the City to pay off the debt on the golf course, the City will not have to pay golf course staff salaries, the City is getting some money from the sale that can be used for other purposes, and the school district and park fund are also getting money. Ms. Werner stated she believes the Council has done a tremendous job, Councilmember Gunn did a commendable job on the Festival in the Park, and Ms. Haake owes her an apology. She concluded by saying Mounds View is the City of Trees and home to Medtronic. Stan Meyer, 2812 Sherwood Road, stated people talk about taking sides and that is why they want it on a referendum, so everyone can have a vote and have their say. He stated if the Council is sure of themselves, why not put it up to a vote. In regard to new jobs, he stated he heard Councilmember Thomas say it was not producing any new net jobs for residents of Mounds View. He stated residents of Mounds View are who to jobs are for, not residents of New Brighton or someplace else. Otherwise, it does not help Mounds View. He stated Medtronic. has been throwing around numbers of people to be hired at Medtronic and people will believe what they want but that is disingenuous and putting something out there that does no good. Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated this should not be a decisive issue but has become just that. She applauded that people are encouraged to come and express diverse • opinions. She stated all what is best for the City and she supports this going to a vote of the citizens because then we will know that the City is 100% behind the project. Ms. Amundsen stated this 72 acres is a "jewel" and one of the last treasures of undeveloped land in Mounds View. She stated there is a lot of talk about the Vikings coming into Blaine and asked what will happen with the value of this land if that project happens. Ms. Amundsen stated she believes the value will skyrocket and prospective offers will "come out of the woodwork." She stated she views herself to be part stockholder in that land along with the other 12,500 residents. She stated if someone asked if she wanted to sell her stock in the land fora $2 dividend for all future possibilities the land holds, she would be viewed as crazy. She stated she may support an 8-year TIF District. She views herself as a stakeholder of the City and while Medtronic is a great company, this project should not be built on the backs of the citizens of Mounds View. Bill Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, said Ms. Amundsen said she would agree if it was an 8 year TIF District but he would suggest that it be kept longer than 8 years if it will be worth more. He stated his. question is where will we be if we do or don't do the deal. He stated if the City does not do the deal there will be no money for anything, including streets. If the deal is not done, the golf course still will not make any money even if the billboards do bring in $250,000. Mr. Werner stated this is an opportunity to clear off that mess. Mr. Werner stated his opinion that the $2 million community center was built for $6.2 million and now people who made those past decision are asking, "what should we do now." He stated the Medtronic deal will allow the City to pay off its debts and the Council is now supporting the