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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – APRIL 11, 2016 7 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated that she would be supporting the proposed tax abatement due to <br />the fact that Land O’Lakes is a Fortune 200 company and an important employer in the City. She <br />did not want the City to lose a major headquarter tenant, given what had happened with Smiths <br />Medical. She wanted the City to appear full and vibrant due to the fact TCAAP will soon be <br />developing. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung did not believe the City would be setting a precedent by approving the <br />tax abatement. He indicated that these matters were reviewed and approved by the Council on a <br />case-by-case basis. Generally, he does not support tax abatement or TIF. In this case, he supports <br />Land O’Lakes remaining in the community given the fact that they have deep roots in this City <br />and have not requested much. He commented on the major investment Land O’Lakes will be <br />making in the community and looked forward to the future job expansion. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated that he would also be supporting the Resolution. He agreed that a precedent <br />would not be set. He believed the abatement made sense when looking at the long-term benefits <br />to both the City and Land O’Lakes. He explained that Land O’Lakes would be a positive <br />economic force that has been a good corporate citizen in Arden Hills. He did not want to see the <br />Land O’Lakes headquarters vacant. He believed that a 15-year tax abatement was reasonable and <br />looked forward to this business continuing to grow in the community. <br /> <br />The motion carried (5-0). <br /> <br />8. NEW BUSINESS <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />10. COUNCIL COMMENTS <br /> <br />Councilmember Wicklund commented that the Ramsey County Conservation District would be <br />conducting a presentation on Urban Pollinators on Thursday, April 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at <br />the Marsden Room at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility. This is a free event open to the <br />public. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung reminded residents that it has been windy and dry. He encouraged <br />Arden Hills’ residents to be cautious with fire. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated that on Sunday, April 24th at the Arden Hills Army Training <br />Center there will be a Scoops for Troops Event from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event includes a <br />5K run and an ice cream social. She encouraged the City’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon liaisons to <br />attend this event. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes noted that the Metro Cities Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, <br />April 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the University Club on Summit Avenue.