Minutes - 2005/08/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 22, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 3 • 5. PUBLIC INPUT Barbara Haake, 3024 County Road I, stated she wanted to address the Festival in the Park that was held yesterday. She stated this Festival has been held for many years and noted the letter from Medtronic that was an invitation from them to come to Festival in the Park. She read a portion of the letter that indicated: "We've arranged to sponsor the fireworks of the grand finale of the Mounds View Festival in the Park on the evening of August 21St and it is our hope that the fireworks will capture our excitement of becoming part of the community. Please consider this your personal invitation to attend." She asked how Medtronic can write a letter to invite residents to a Festival that is already theirs. She stated she is annoyed that Medtronic took over the Festival, had a booth, and put their sign next to the music stage, which may lead one to assume they also, perhaps, sponsored the music as well. She asked if this is what we want to look like and expressed concern that the "M" in Mounds View will stand for Medtronic. Ms. Haake stated that getting free balloons and free f reworks should not win over votes for their project. Ms. Haake stated she, along with many others, has been working on the Medtronic proposal for five months and what is driving her is principal. She wants to get a fair deal for the citizens of Mounds View and that is important for economics of Mounds View. She stated she dealt with principals in the Legislature and may have lost some friends but felt she did her best. She stated she wants this project to be the best it can be. She noted there are many viewpoints that will be expressed in the meeting tonight and maybe concerns will be answered. Councilmember Gunn responded by saying that she takes offense at Ms. Haake's statements. She explained that the Festival committee members talk to each business, asking for money to put on the Festival. She stated that she asked, they gave, just like Bethlehem Baptist who had the whole field. She asked if Ms. Haake had pointed out that there were Bethlehem Baptist blue t- shirts ail over the place. Councilmember Gunn stated Medtronic sponsored the fireworks and Saturn sponsored the music but forgot their sign so she allowed Medtronic to put their sign on the fence. She noted that the sign was taken down when it was time for the fireworks so no one's view would be blocked. Councilmember Gunn stated the Medtronic sign was a good one, and the saying on it was her idea. She stated the Festival received money from Bethlehem Baptist, Saturn, and Medtronic. They are the three main sponsors and it is not a Medtronic festival but a Mounds View Festival and Medtronic donated just like the rest of the people. Mayor Marty noted that the City is currently in contract negotiations with Medtronic and asked if there is a conflict since Councilmember Gunn is the Chairperson of the Festival. Councilmember Gunn asked the audience not to "boo" her. She then excused herself from the Council chambers for a few minutes. Councilmember Thomas clarified that the City is not under contract negotiations. The • negotiations are done, it was voted on, and the City is now in the development process. She cautioned Mayor Marty to be careful of his question and how it is worded.