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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 21, 2016 2 <br /> i <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that while construction would be <br /> substantially complete by December 31, 2018, the agreement was for a 15-year abatement (or <br /> until the maximum abatement funds are distributed). She stated that 1% inflation was factored in <br /> to the abatement projection and that if actual inflation was greater than 1% of the assessed value, <br /> the abatement would be paid in less than 15 years. Semi-annual payments would begin August 1, <br /> 2020, and conclude no later than February 1, 2035. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the allowable maximum of$650,000 <br /> was being requested from the City due to the expansion increase to 157,000 square feet. This <br /> amount included the 1% inflation adjustment but did not include interest. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that within 2 years of completion of the <br /> project, Land O' Lakes would add 200 jobs that would pay a minimum wage of$18.00 per hour <br /> with a base number of employees of approximately 1,700. She also said that Land O' Lakes was <br /> eligible for state job training assistance up to $400,000 and job creation fund assistance up to $2 <br /> million and that the City had previously approved a resolution of support for the job creation fund. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Land O' Lakes must submit <br /> construction plans to the City for approval per the terms of the abatement agreement. Following <br /> approval, any change in plans that would reduce the building by 15% or result in an assessed <br /> value of less than $100 per square foot would require City approval. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that Land O' Lakes had agreed to <br /> retain its corporate headquarters in Arden Hills for the 15-year term of the abatement. However, <br /> if the company moved out of Arden Hills or if the property was sold and was less than 50% <br /> owned by Land O' Lakes, the City and County could choose to terminate assistance and request <br /> repayment of any assistance already disbursed. She also stated Land O' Lakes must submit annual <br /> reports to the City in compliance with the Business Subsidies Act until the goals are met. <br /> Mayor Grant requested clarification of the timeline for all jurisdictions. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the City will administer final approval <br /> on April 11, 2016, and the County and School District will consider an approval on April 12, <br /> 2016. Assuming the City approves the agreement, DEED requested a signed resolution and <br /> Minnesota Investment Fund application be provided to them on April 12, 2016. <br /> Councilmember Holden requested clarification of the draft agreement minimum wage amount of <br /> $18.00 an hour versus an amount previously referenced of$19.10 per hour. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the information previously distributed <br /> included an error and that $18.00 per hour is accurate but that the actual hourly wage average was <br /> higher than this amount. <br /> Marcia Droege, Director of Facilities & Real Estate at Land O' Lakes, stated that of the 200 new <br /> jobs, 95% will have wages of at least $19.30 per hour. She stated that the figure of$18.00 per <br /> hour was the minimum amount required by the job creation fund. <br />